Is the Bible for or Against Slavery?

Today’s Bible reading* includes a clear case for the Bible being against slavery. It has bothered me for a long time that the Bible accepts the reality of slavery in its historical context and doesn’t seem to condemn slavery or advocate for abolition. And then I read today’s readings. Deuteronomy 22:1-3 commands returning to a…

The Biblical Context for Sanctuary Cities

You may have heard of “sanctuary cities”. Some American cities have designated themselves as “sanctuary cities” and even states have designated themselves as “sanctuary states” where people who enter our country illegally can go and not risk being sent back to their home country by Federal Authorities, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and…

Spectacular and Terrifying Visions Lead to Confession

In today’s Bible reading* Daniel has some spectacular visions that terrify him. Chapters Seven through Nine coincide with the stories in Daniel Chapters Five and Six. In other words, Chapters Seven through Nine are flashbacks. Daniel investigates Jeremiah’s prophecy and timetable and learns that God’s punishment on His people would last for seventy years. This…

The Paradox of Leaders

In today’s Bible reading* we see a familiar theme: A king comes to power and “does what is right in the eyes of the Lord”. However, the king isn’t wholly committed to walking with God; he allows idolatry in the land. It’s a paradox of leaders of God’s people. As I mentioned earlier and in…

Calling All Men of Issachar

Yesterday, I talked about the need for more valiant warriors. Today’s Bible reading* is similar in its application call for more men of Issachar. These men of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do. When 1 Chronicles 12:32 says that the men of Issachar understood, it uses two Hebrew words together: knowledge…