Matthew 24(01–28)

Introduction At the beginning of today's passage we read that the Lord was walking away from the temple, when his disciples called his attention to its buildings. That is, to all the buildings which made up the temple complex. In Mark's version of this passage, the disciples marvelled at the size of the temple. And … Continue reading Matthew 24(01–28) →

Matthew 23(13–39)

Introduction In the passage we studied last week the Lord exposed how the Pharisees and teachers of the law were hypocrites who did not practise what they preached; and they were lacking in sympathy and compassion; and they loved to be praised. They were hypocrites because, though they told everyone to keep the law, they … Continue reading Matthew 23(13–39) →

1 Kings 12(01–24)

Introduction We saw last week that things did not end well for Solomon. Though he was the wisest man in the world and the whole world sought audience with him to hear his wisdom, he very foolishly married foreign women, who did not worship the true God and who worshipped idols instead. And as Solomon … Continue reading 1 Kings 12(01–24) →

Matthew 23(01–12)

Introduction Right at the end of chapter 22 the Lord silenced his enemies who had been trying to trap him in his words. Remember? The Pharisees sent their disciples to ask him about paying taxes. Then the Sadducees came and asked him about the resurrection. And then one of the Pharisees, who was an expert … Continue reading Matthew 23(01–12) →

Matthew 22(41–46)

Introduction Today's passage concludes a brief section of Matthew's gospel which has been all about the Pharisees and the Sadducees and their efforts to trap the Lord in his words. The Pharisees first sent their disciples to ask the Lord a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Then the Sadducees came to ask him a … Continue reading Matthew 22(41–46) →

1 Kings 11

Introduction For ten chapters we've been reading about Solomon's reign. In chapter 1 we read of how David gave instructions for Solomon to be crowned king in his place. And in chapter 2 we had David's charge to Solomon and we read how David instructed the new king to be strong and to walk in … Continue reading 1 Kings 11 →

Psalm 060

Introduction You may have noticed that Psalms 54 to 60 are similar in that each of them are lamentations in which David called on the Lord for help because of his enemies. In Psalm 54, he complained that strangers were attacking him, ruthless men who sought his life. In Psalm 55, he cried to the … Continue reading Psalm 060 →

Psalm 059

Introduction If you take a look at the title for today's psalm, you'll see that it was inspired by the events recorded for us in 1 Samuel 19 which we were studying last Sunday morning. According to the title, this psalm was written in connection with the time when Saul sent men to watch David's … Continue reading Psalm 059 →

Psalm 058

Introduction Do you ever feel that life is unfair and that wicked people are able to do wicked things and get away with it? That those who try to live uprightly are downtrodden and disregarded, whereas the wicked proper and succeed? Well, if you feel that life is unfair -- that life is unjust -- … Continue reading Psalm 058 →

Psalm 057

Introduction I began last week by saying that last week's psalm was yet another psalm of lament. Well, today's psalm is yet another psalm of lament, when the psalmist calls on the Lord for help because of the trouble he's in. And like last week's psalm, Psalm 57 ends with a vow to praise the … Continue reading Psalm 057 →