With today’s Bible reading* we read the first half of the book of Hosea. God commands this prophet to marry a prostitute. And to no surprise, his wife, Gomer, acts just like a prostitute, leaving her husband to follow other lovers. Hosea learns that his life is an object lesson to demonstrate God’s relationship with…
Amos completes his prophecy in today’s Bible reading*. He declares a lot of doom and gloom for God’s people. Of all of the bad things Amos predicts, I think the worst is revealed in Amos 8:11-12. Look, the days are coming— this is the declaration of the Lord God— when I will send a famine…
In today’s Bible reading* God begins to speak through Amos the shepherd. He condemns people in the Eighth Century BC for oppressing the poor and promises that God will not relent in the punishment and exile of His people. While God condemns surrounding nations, He specifically calls out His people, Israel and Judah. He says,…
In today’s Bible reading* we read through the book of Jonah. For many of us, it’s a familiar story. God tells Jonah to preach against Nineveh. Jonah runs away in the opposite direction and catches a boat sailing for Tarshish. A great storm tosses the boat, and the sailors toss Jonah from the boat. God…
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…
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…
