What to think about what is happening in Israel right now…

By Elizabeth Prata We ALWAYS live with an expectation that in the leading up to that blessed moment of Jesus’ return, sin will heighten and grow worse- for all humans but especially for Israel. What is going on in Israel right now is an expression of the always present, but not always seen, hatred satan… Continue reading What to think about what is happening in Israel right now…

Jehu, King of Israel – Part 1

Jehu King of Israel Paying Tribute to King Shalmaneser III of Assyria,The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser IIIfrom Nimrud (circa 827 BCE) Today, I begin a study of Jehu, king of Israel. This study will be divided into two parts. Part one will study the political and religious crises that prompted the prophetic community of the… Continue reading Jehu, King of Israel – Part 1

Israel in Babylon (Isaiah 52:4)

Judean Captives by King Sennacheric of Assyria A few days ago, a reader asked me to explain Isaiah 52:4 in relation to Exodus 1:8. The issue in question is the oppression of Israel by both Egypt and Assyria. The reader writes that after reading commentaries on Isaiah 52:4, “I am really still not satisfied with the explanations I am… Continue reading Israel in Babylon (Isaiah 52:4)

Moses Interceded For Israel With Great Results

What do we mean when we say that Moses interceded for Israel? Spiritual intercession means intervening on behalf of another person to the Lord through prayer. Here in Exodus, God showed us what it looks like when one intercedes for someone else. When Moses interceded for Israel, he found himself literally standing between them and… Continue reading Moses Interceded For Israel With Great Results

David, King of Israel

Kind David in Prayerby Pieter de Grebber (1635)Wikimedia Commons David was the second and the greatest king of Israel. David was the youngest son of Jesse, a man who lived in Bethlehem. The name of David’s mother is never mentioned in the Old Testament. According to the genealogy in the book of Ruth, David was… Continue reading David, King of Israel

Israel in Exile

The Exile of Israel to Babylonby James Tissot (1896) The devastation of Judah caused by the Babylonian invasion and the anger and despair of the people is expressed in the book of Lamentations. When one considers the devastation caused by the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, and the deportation of the… Continue reading Israel in Exile

Summary of the Prayers of Ruth — with example prayers ‣ Praying Through the Bible

The story itself, as we have seen, is a story of loss and grief, finding and joy. By the end of the story, we find that it is not just an interesting and moving story; it is the story of the great-grandparents of King David—the greatest king in the history of Israel. This may not… Continue reading Summary of the Prayers of Ruth — with example prayers ‣ Praying Through the Bible

Do prayers change anything in this unjust world? – Bravester

What is your reaction when you see #thoughtsandprayers–often on social media hence the hashtag–posted about something terribly unjust? That hashtag has become emotionally loaded. At that moment of tragedy we don’t want just thoughts and prayers, we want action. We want to feel safe again. We hate that our fears our triggered. We want justice.… Continue reading Do prayers change anything in this unjust world? – Bravester

Why is there suffering in the world if God is good?

Man looking outside by the window. (Photo by Andrik Langfield from Unsplash) Have you ever paused in the midst of life’s chaos and pondered, “If God is good, why is there so much suffering in the world?” This is a question that has echoed through the ages, crossing generations and cultures alike. Indeed, it is… Continue reading Why is there suffering in the world if God is good?