Several times in today’s Bible reading* we read that the people “feared the Lord, but …” (2 Kings 17:32-33, 41) The people appointed their own priests, worshiped their own gods, and served their own idols. How is it possible to say that someone “feared the Lord” and follow that statement with “, but”? Wouldn’t that…
In today’s Bible reading* we hear God’s disappointment and frustration. God uses donkeys and oxes to express His feelings about His children. “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s feeding trough,but Israel does not know; my people do not understand.”(Isaiah…
In today’s Bible reading* we read about King Uzziah, among other kings, some of whom did what pleased God while others didn’t. King Uzziah was one of the good kings. Until he wasn’t. 2 Chronicles attests to King Uzziah’s dedication to God. And God rewarded Uzziah and strengthened him. Unfortunately, as he grew strong, he…
Today’s Bible reading* is one of my favorite stories in the Bible: the showdown between Elijah and the Prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The story is a familiar one for those of us who have been around church for very long. In it, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal (the fertility god) to accept…
In today’s Bible reading* we read about two men who didn’t have staying power. One was a prophet who delivered a hard word to Jeroboam. The other was King Rehoboam, a wavering king. After delivering the hard word to Jeroboam, the prophet obeyed God and went back home, not stopping to eat or drink, according…