Psalm 085

Introduction This psalm can be divided into four parts. In the first part, the psalmist recalls a time in the past when God restored the fortunes of his people. In the second part, he asks the Lord to restore their fortunes once again. In the third part, he expresses his confidence in the Lord, who … Continue reading Psalm 085 →

Psalm 084

Introduction In the first part of today's psalm, the psalmist expresses his longing for God's house. In the second part, he writes about the pilgrims who were on their way to God's house. And in the third part, he says that he would rather have one day there than a thousand days somewhere else; and … Continue reading Psalm 084 →

2 Kings 10

Introduction When we studied chapter 9 a couple of weeks ago, I said that it was an unpleasant chapter. It was an unpleasant chapter because, after recording that Jehu was to be king of Israel in place of Joram, the newly anointed king went immediately to Jezreel, where he killed Joram and where he also … Continue reading 2 Kings 10 →

2 Kings 09

Introduction Back in chapter 5 there was the story of the healing of Naaman. Do you remember? He was the commander of the Syrian army. He was a mighty warrior and people admired him. But he had leprosy. However, he heard from his wife's servant that there was a prophet in Israel who could heal … Continue reading 2 Kings 09 →

Psalm 083

Introduction All of the psalms since Psalm 73 have been psalms of Asaph. And today's psalm is his last one. According to 1 Chronicles 6, he was a Levite who, along with others, was appointed by David to provide music for the worship of God in the tabernacle. And not only did he provide music, … Continue reading Psalm 083 →

Luke 03(21)–04(13)

Introduction Last week we spent our time on Luke's account of John the Baptist's ministry in the region around the Jordan River. Crowds came out to him in the desert and he preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of their sins. In other words, he told the people that they needed to turn … Continue reading Luke 03(21)–04(13) →

2 Kings 08(07–29)

Introduction You might recall that all the stories in last week's passage made clear that the Lord is in control. He is the great and mighty God who made all things and who rules over all things and nothing is too hard for him. He rules over small events, like what happens to a lost … Continue reading 2 Kings 08(07–29) →

Psalm 082

Introduction In today's psalm, the Lord rebukes unjust rulers for defending the wicked, instead of defending the cause of the weak and innocent. The psalmist refers to these unjust rulers in verse 1 as gods. And so, the question arises: Who are these gods? A number of commentators believe the psalm is referring to human … Continue reading Psalm 082 →

Psalm 081

Introduction It occurred to me as I was studying this psalm and preparing for this evening that the whole psalm is like a service of worship with four main parts. And so, we're to imagine the Lord's people coming to worship God. And in the first part of the psalm, which is verses 1 to … Continue reading Psalm 081 →

Luke 03(01–20)

Introduction Over the Christmas period we spent our time studying the first two chapters of Luke's gospel and Luke's account of the events surrounding the Saviour's birth. And I said that I might keep going in Luke's gospel after Christmas; and indeed that's what I'm going to do. And so, we come today to the … Continue reading Luke 03(01–20) →