2 Chronicles 28; 2Kings 16-17 King Ahaz was an incredibly misguided leader.  In fact, the Bible describes him and those like him as being stubborn: Nevertheless they would not hear, but stiffened their necks, like the necks of their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God. Stiff-necked Ahaz threw his own children in the fire.  He literally watched them burn to death despite being told over and over by the prophets that God’s people were not to fear other gods but only the One God. As ugly as that sounds, I have to confess that stiff-neckedness is … Continue reading Ahaz: A pain in the neck?

Micah My favorite part of this book of the Bible was Micah’s use of puns.  If not for my study Bible, the meaning would have slipped over my head.  Since a headache that has lasted two days has rendered me unable to think deeply, I will point you to Micah 1:8-16.  The place names that he mentions have meanings that are the opposite of the words he chose.  For example, in verse 11, we see: The inhabitant of Zaanan does not go out. But the word Zaanan literally means, “Town of Going Out.” I’d say Micah had a sense of … Continue reading Puns in the Bible

Amos 1-5 In time of Amos’ prophesies, it seemed that Israel and Judah both had turned their backs on the Lord.  They pretended to be faithful and went through the motions of worship, but the Lord said he hated their sacrifices.  Why?  Because of how they were living out their lives…oppressing the poor, living immoral lives, worshipping other gods. How do I live out my life?  Am I a stench in the Lord’s nostrils, or do I offer a fragrance of thanksgiving? That’s something to think about as I wobble my way through this journey.  How does the Lord view … Continue reading From dawn to darkness to dawn