Numbers 17:1-13 – The Blooming Staff

Read Numbers 17:1-13

The people just didn’t get it, did they? God was leaving no room for doubt about Aaron’s position in the priesthood. It was God’s plan. I love seeing God work in mighty ways. Imagine seeing almonds sprouting on a wood cutting over night! Only God could make such a bold proclamation.

Yet rather than marvel in that and set aside their grievance, the people chose to cling to their fear and anger. Why do people do that, turning away from the peace and mercy of our Lord. What that looks like in our own situation will be different than seeing a broken twig produce fruit. God meant that sign to bring assurance, not fuel their worries. Continue reading “Numbers 17:1-13 – The Blooming Staff”

Ezekiel 4:1-17 – Getting Our Attention

Read Ezekiel 4:1-17

What we’re seeing in the first eight verses is Ezekiel demonstrating a “sign act.” Such sign acts are a prophet’s way of totally immersing themselves in the message. When a prophet is “all in,” there is a greater chance more people will pay attention. In other words, it’s an “attention getter.”

For example, after play-acting the siege on Jerusalem, Ezekiel will be bound by ropes as he continues to put himself into this prophetic word. The meaning or representation of being tied up may suggest the people are in exile, held captive by a powerful force. What does that message mean for the people of God already living this reality? This confirms their predicament of being restrained from living life as they would desire, like they did back “home.” Continue reading “Ezekiel 4:1-17 – Getting Our Attention”

Daniel 5:1-12 – Writing on the Wall

Read Daniel 5:1-12

We’ve all heard the idiom, “the writing is on the wall.” I couldn’t help but think about that when I read this passage. According to Merriam-Webster, the idiom is “used to say that it is clear that something bad will probably happen soon.” I wonder if that’s the underlying message here?

Can you imagine actually watching a human hand appear and start writing a message on your wall? Creepy. Really creepy. It’s not surprising that the king and his noble dinner guests were afraid. Some may have wondered what was in the wine to cause such a hallucination? But it was real. Continue reading “Daniel 5:1-12 – Writing on the Wall”

2 Chronicles 33:1-25 – Bad to Good to Bad

Read 2 Chronicles 33:1-25

Manasseh was a nasty, wicked king. Mostly. After having such a devout father, I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me that the pendulum would swing in the opposite direction. Kids often rebel against their parents, and Manasseh would be a prime example of this. Everything that Hezekiah had established to please God and have a successful life was demolished.

Did this passage shock you, too, or was it just me? Some of the things Manasseh did were unforgiveable. My spirit just hurts for people who have chosen pagan lies over the truth. It happened to Manasseh and it’s happening like an epidemic in today’s world. How do you expect God feels about it? The LORD wants devotion, to be needed, and not abandoned. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 33:1-25 – Bad to Good to Bad”