A shoot will grow out of Jesse’s root stock, / a bud will sprout from his roots. Isaiah 11:1 NET Much of Isaiah is doom and gloom. God’s people had largely turned away from following Him, becoming little different than the nations around them. And judgment was coming—first Assyria and then Babylon. But there was also hope. The coming judgment would not be the end. A shoot would grow out of Jesse’s stump. Jesse was David’s father. This was a promise that a descendant of David, a coming Messiah, would once again rule over God’s people. A wolf will reside with a lamb, / and a leopard will lie ..read more

Do not speak against one another, brothers and sisters. He who speaks against a fellow believer or judges a fellow believer speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but its judge. James 4:11 NET Sitting in judgment of other people, especially fellow believers, seems to come easily to most of us. I believe my interpretation of Scripture is correct, and my actions align with Scripture. So, when another believer acts or believes differently than I do, it is tempting to view them as wrong and, along with that, to be critical of them—to si ..read more

It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Mark 15:42 NIV When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Mark 16:1 NIV All four gospel accounts agree that the women went to Jesus’ tomb early on Sunday–the first day of the week (Matt. 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1). And, when they arrived, they found the tomb empty–Jesus had risen. Resurrection before dawn on Sunday morning seems undebatable. But what about the day of his crucifixion and burial? Mar ..read more

Before coming to Jerusalem and his date with the cross, Jesus made a third announcement to his disciples concerning his upcoming arrest, execution, and resurrection. He had no sooner finished than the mother of James and John came to him, asking for a favor. He said to her, “What do you want?” She replied, “Permit these two sons of mine to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He told them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit a ..read more

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. Matthew 26:49-50 NIV After sharing a last meal with his disciples, Jesus went to a quiet place to pray and prepare for the cross and the agony that awaited him there. But before the cross came his betrayal. It is easy for us to paint Judas as a villain. And there is no way to soften what he did, betraying Jesus for a monetary gain. But note how Jesus addressed him. He called him friend. They had spent several years ..read more

You must have this tassel so that you may look at it and remember all the commandments of the LORD and obey them and so that you do not follow after your own heart and your own eyes that lead you to unfaithfulness. Numbers 15:39 NET When I am driving, I see numerous signs along the road. Many of these signs remind me of the rules I need to follow as I drive. One of the more common signs is white, rectangular, with a large number on them. These speed limit signs inform and remind me how fast I can safely drive along that stretch of road. Reminders are important. They help to ensure that I am ..read more

By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family. Through faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7 NET What is biblical faith? The eleventh chapter of Hebrews answers that question. First, it provides a dictionary-type definition (Heb. 1:1, 6). Then, it offers a series of examples of faith in action. One of these examples of faith is Noah. Noah was warned of something not yet seen. It was something outside his experience and one hundred years in ..read more

. . . not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV I have been a part of a local church body for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family that was very active in church life. If the doors were open, we were there. I came to faith in Christ shortly before leaving my parent’s home. And life within the body of Christ has been a big part of my life in the 50+ years since then. But I cannot deny that there have been times when I have been tempted to quit. Not abandon my fai ..read more

Come, let’s consider your options,” says the LORD. “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, / you can become white like snow; / though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, / you can become white like wool. If you have a willing attitude and obey, / then you will again eat the good crops of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, / you will be devoured by the sword.” Know for certain that the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-20 NET Isaiah was speaking to Judah in this passage, a nation that had failed to live up to the covenant God had established with them. And God’s messag ..read more

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! Hebrews 13:8 NET When you first read this verse, you might take exception to it. Jesus would seem to be different after he took on human flesh. And again, at his resurrection, when he took on his resurrection body (1 Cor. 15:35-54). But his nature as the second person of the Trinity has not changed. He has always been the Son. He is the Son now. And he will forever be the Son. The context of this verse, though, would indicate that the author is not concerned about eternity past. Instead, he is telling his readers that what Jesus was w ..read more