Learning from Others “Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; but the companion of fools shall smart for it” (Proverbs 13:20, ASV, other texts from RVIC unless otherwise noted). — Jim Parkinson The theme text above reminds us that the people we choose to surround our-selves with play an important role in the growth of our character. From it, we learn that we may become wise by walking with the wise — listening to their counsel and learning from their […]
This Do in Remembrance of Me “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine” (Genesis 14:18, quotes from ASV, unless otherwise specified). — James Parkinson There are hints of the Memorial of our Lord’s sacrificial death early in the Old Testament. This can be seen in the three phases of Joseph’s life after reaching Egypt. (1) Joseph began in Egypt as a slave in the house of Potiphar, Captain of the (Royal) Guard. There, he progressively advanced in authority. This […]
Preparation for Christ’s Kingdom “I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them, saith Jehovah thy God” (Amos 9:15, ASV). — James Parkinson Jewish dispersion (Diaspora) had been enforced by Romans and Thracians for six centuries, and then by Arabs and Ottoman Turks for another twelve centuries. Jews worldwide longed for the return to their country. While no future prophet was predicted to arise from Galilee, two […]
Summer “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe in word, manner of life, love, faith, and purity” (1 Timothy 4:12. Scriptures from ASV unless otherwise noted). — Jim Parkinson The young adult has more skill and experience than the babe, and more physical strength than the grandparent. The challenge is to use it wisely. Abel used his youth to offer an acceptable sacrifice to Yehovah God; Cain did not (Genesis 4). Abraham’s nephew Lot […]
Ancient Judgments “Jehovah said unto Moses … I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven … Jehovah hath sworn: Jehovah will have war with Amalek from generation to generation” (Exodus 17:14‑16, from ASV unless otherwise noted). — Jim Parkinson Amalekites and Philistines Amalek (“dweller in a valley,” Smith’s Bible Dictionary) was a grandson of Esau by a concubine (Genesis 36:10‑12). His descendants raised flocks and herds in the Sinai desert. When the Israelite refugees first fled Egypt, Amalekites […]