The Second of Four Major Prophets “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, scriptures from NIV unless otherwise noted). Tom Ruggirello The prophet Jeremiah lived before and during Judah’s Babylonian exile. Chosen by God even before his birth, he initially responded to his call with hesitation and a sense of inadequacy. “I cannot speak: for I am a child” […]
Turning Away Wrath “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Proverbs 15:1, 2). — Tom Ruggirello We often underestimate the power of words. They express feelings of love, hate, and a range of emotions in between. Words can start wars or encourage peace (James 3:5). Through them, we express our beliefs, desires, and intentions. “Death and life are in the power […]
Psalm 22 “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent” (Psalm 22:1, 2). “About the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). — Tom […]
Memorial of Deliverance “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). — Tom Ruggirello Just as God delivered Israel from physical slavery in Egypt, a cornerstone event remembered in the Passover, He offers an even greater spiritual liberation to all humanity through Jesus Christ. The timeless principles of God will culminate in the ultimate freedom from sin and death, revealing the profound and joyful reality of being made “free indeed” by the Son. Israel’s annual […]
Rich Symbolism “Then said I, ‘Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God’” (Hebrews 10:7). — Tom Ruggirello The scriptures contain various rich symbols of our Lord. This suggests his depth of character and multifaceted roles in God’s plan. A careful study of the Old Testament reveals profound types and shadows pointing to Christ. Jesus himself described how the prophets spoke of him. “Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, […]