Prophetic Overtones “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). — David Rice What is more precious than a mother’s love? A mother carries her child as part of herself for nine months. She thinks of it constantly and then delivers it through stress and pain. She cherishes the new life in a way that is deeply connected to herself and her experience. The child instinctively attaches to its mother, its fond caretaker, and depends […]
An Approaching Concern “Thus saith Jehovah concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it” (Isaiah 37:33). By David Rice This text is God’s assurance, through the prophet Isaiah, that when Sennacherib, king of Assyria, surrounded Jerusalem, God would deliver Hezekiah and the Israelites so remarkably, that without a counter offensive by Israel, the enemy would be defeated. “For I will defend […]
The Challenges of Spiritual Maturity “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). By Robert Brand The title […]
Two Wrongs Did Not Make it Right “Rehoboam … forsook the advice of the elders” (1 Kings 12:12‑13, texts from NASB). By Brad Sweeney Great as King Solomon was at the beginning of his reign, his rule degraded in time when he failed to put God first in his personal life and in governing policies. Although no rebellion took place during his reign, dissatisfaction was felt. His compromises to God’s laws would be a catalyst in the spiritual decline and division of […]
Anointed for a Mission “Look out there Jehu … Then take the vial of oil, and pour it out on his head, and say, Thus saith Jehovah, I have anointed thee king over Israel” (2 Kings 9:2-3 ASV). By Austin Williams This is the story about King Jehu in 2 Kings 9 and 10. He is not talked about much in spite of the important role he played in Old Testament history, during Israel’s recurring worship of false idols. Jehu, who started […]