Numbers 21:1-20 – The Bronze Snake

Read Numbers 21:1-20

News must be getting out that the Israelites are on the move. If there was any doubt whether God was with them, what happened to the people of Arad should speak volumes. The Israelites were attacked, they asked God to deliver them, and God gave them victory. That type of pattern seems to follow God’s people throughout Scripture.

Then we have the story of the deadly snakes and yet another account of how the Israelites grumbled against God and their leader, Moses. It’s easy for us to point fingers at them, wondering why they seem to never be satisfied with life. Have you ever blamed God for something less than desirable that happened to you? This time, God sent their rescue as a lesson in the form of poisonous snakes. Continue reading “Numbers 21:1-20 – The Bronze Snake”

Ezekiel 47:1-12 – What a Miracle!

Read Ezekiel 47:1-12

Remember the east gate contains the presence of God. That means the water Ezekiel sees is flowing from God himself. As such, that is some pretty holy water that becomes a rushing river. What a miracle!

This water begins as a shallow stream becoming deeper every 1000 cubits (1,750 feet). The significance of what was being revealed to Ezekiel about this deepening is unclear to me. Perhaps the meaning was hidden to Ezekiel as well. Then the man asked Ezekiel, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Suddenly, Ezekiel notices the trees growing alongside this waterway. Continue reading “Ezekiel 47:1-12 – What a Miracle!”

Ezekiel 32:17-32 – The Pit of Hell

Read Ezekiel 32:17-32

In case you weren’t counting, this is the seventh prophecy set aside for Egypt. It’s that important to God to get this message out. In this final reading, we’re taken into the depths. “For I will send them down to the world below in company with those who descend to the pit.” We get a glimpse at the pit of hell.

How did it make you feel to read about the place of the dead you never want to see in person? Did it surprise you to see a reference like this in the Bible? What are some of the themes revealed? Do you think this is where Jesus went between his crucifixion and resurrection? Continue reading “Ezekiel 32:17-32 – The Pit of Hell”

Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 – Being Without Jesus

Read Ecclesiastes 2:12-17

We all die. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Does that give us the okay to live our lives in foolish ways? Solomon seemed to think so, not realizing that God watches how we live our lives. All the choices we make in life help shape the people we become.

Fools do walk in the dark. Or should I say those that walk in the dark are fools? What does it even mean to walk in the dark? We are in the dark when we don’t have the truth in our lives. If we’re groping around in the dark, how do we find the light switch? To find the light, we need to find Jesus who is the light.

Continue reading “Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 – Being Without Jesus”

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 – What Brings You Pleasure?

Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

In his own words, Solomon said he “had everything a man could desire!” I must admit, the list of things Solomon chased in life while seeking pleasure was quite complete. Most of us will never attain such wealth or the extent of possessions he describes. Why didn’t anything bring him happiness?

It’s easy for us to say, “because you can’t buy happiness.” If we know that to be true, then why do we also seek pleasure in the same way? I don’t think we should be condemned from being happy for having new “toys,” but we need to realize that happiness from those such things will not last forever.

Continue reading “Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 – What Brings You Pleasure?”
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