Jon Bivol – The Herald

Letting God Direct Our Steps

Advice from Proverbs “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). — John Bivol This issue concludes with the powerful thought that while we may plan our way, it is God who has the final say in our lives. Few scriptures so gently, and yet so firmly, capture the balance of the Christian life as Proverbs 16:9. In a single verse, Solomon brings together two realities that shape our Christian walk: hu-man agency and divine sovereignty. […]

Parables by the Sea

July 1, 2023

Narratives with Meaning “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). — John Bivol Not only the apostles and disciples saw the spirit of God in our Lord, but even temple officers remarked, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46 ESV). It is difficult to understand why anyone would not follow such a man if invited. The time his disciples spent with him was their greatest experience in life. However, they still […]

Commandment 6

September 1, 2022

Respecting Life “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). By John Bivol As we meditate on this commandment, our thoughts turn in sympathy toward millions of people that have been intentionally killed over the centuries. In the 20th century more than 110 million people have been killed in wars alone. Despite attempts to enforce policies against evil, we have recently witnessed unspeakable atrocities in Ukraine, the killing of innocent adults and children. The world has achieved a level of economic and technical development […]

The Great Deliverance

March 1, 2020

Passover and Memorial “And this day shall be a remembrance for you, and you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD through your generations, an everlasting statute you shall celebrate it” (Exodus 12:14, Robert Alter Translation). by Jon Bivol The time had come. The cry of God’s children reached His ears and it was time for a change. It was time for the nation of Israel to be delivered from Egypt’sbondage, slavery, and oppression. This became a reality when God […]