The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.” —Psalm 58:10-11 Imprecatory psalms are difficult to understand. Here are two comments that help us: … More Joy in God’s justice and glory
What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But … More Piper: Do not jump to the conclusion that the battle is a charade
John Piper, in the last sermon in a series on Ruth, “Ruth: The Best is Yet to Come” What one main thing does the author want us to take away from reading this story? Here’s what I would suggest as the main lesson: The life of the godly is not a straight line to glory, but … More Frequent signs: “The best is yet to come.”
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. Psalm 93:1-4 C. H. Spurgeon on Psalm 93 (Treasury of David): Whatever opposition may … More All things are ordered according to his eternal purposes
Kim Riddlebarger concludes a sermon on the life of Samson, from Judges 15-16 As for application for us today, there is much to learn from the life of Samson. No question, his allegiance is to YHWH. No question, his sin–especially his dalliances with Philistine women–was his undoing. Like Israel during the time of the Judges, … More God uses us, his sinful people, for his purposes.
Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers. And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. —Judges 9:56-57 Pastor Kim Riddlebarger comments on Judges 9: The … More When we look at the life of a man like Abimelech we see not Christ, but his opposite
God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah —Psalm 82:1-2 ESV C.H. Spurgeon comment on this passage: A higher authority will criticise the decision of petty … More Even the judgments of our most impartial judges will be revised by the High Court of heaven
In Joshua 18-19 we read that Joshua called together the people of Israel to divide up the land, the land that “lay subdued before them.” What method did Joshua use? He cast lots. Rolled the dice. Really? Yes. “Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord. And there Joshua apportioned the land to … More God is sovereign over the lots
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. —John 6:16-18 ESV J. C. Ryle comments on this passage at Grace … More Storm: Christ knew it, and Christ appointed it, and it was working for their good.
You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. —Song of Solomon 4:7 In today’s reading, Solomon summarizes his impression of his bride by declaring that there is no flaw in her. Is love blind? Perhaps when we look through the eyes of love, we gain such a perspective. If we look at this passage from a spiritual … More Is love blind?
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 