Understanding the Book of Ruth Ruth is a dramatic love story that ultimately points to God’s overwhelming love, which eventually shows itself in the coming of Jesus Christ. Only two books of the Bible are named after women: Ruth and Esther. Esther was a queen, whereas Ruth was a lowly peasant girl. Esther was a Jewish woman who married …
The Upside Down Kingdom of God in Daniel
The Book of Daniel, among many other things, gives us a clear picture of the upside-down (from our perspective) reality of the Kingdom of God–Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matt. 23:12). For in Daniel we see the most powerful ruler humbled, made to be like a beast, and the kingdom and glory given to …
Jesus and the Fiery Furnace
Growing up with the Sunday School felt board Bible stories we’ve all heard of the three faithful Hebrews in the book of Daniel–Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego–who trusted in the Lord and refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s statute. As a result, the king had them thrown into the fiery furnace. Far from being an isolated story, this account …
Home For Christmas
I love the holiday season for many reasons, maybe most of all because it reminds me of home. It brings back memories of decorating the house with the family and Amy Grant playing in the background, of driving around at night to look at the city’s lights, of joyful anticipation of Christmas morning. In short, the holidays remind me …