"Even the Wise Men of the Earth Must Follow Divine Direction," by J. Leo Fairbanks Both Matthew and Luke emphasize the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ by talking about people who worshipped Him as a small child. A group of shepherds visited him as He lay in the manger (Luke 2:8-20). Two devout... Continue Reading →

"Blessed Art Thou among Women," by Walter Rane As the birth of Jesus Christ approached, angelic messengers visited several people, including Zacharias, Mary, and Joseph. In all three cases, the message included the words, "Fear not." (See Luke 1:13, Luke 1:30, Matthew 1:20.) Zacharias's wife Elizabeth, who was Mary's cousin, also received a confirmation by... Continue Reading →

As we prepare to study the New Testament in 2023, this week we're reviewing how to acquire spiritual knowledge. Jesus expected His disciples to take ownership of their own learning process. "Whom do men say that I am?" He asked on one occasion. After hearing their answers, He asked the more searching question, "But whom... Continue Reading →

"Flight into Egypt" from the video "The Wise Men Seek Jesus" As we've studied the Old Testament this year, I've learned some things which will enhance my celebration of Christmas this week. Here are some of those new insights, with links to the original blog posts: 1. Bethlehem is a small but fruitful place. I... Continue Reading →

"Elijah Appearing in the Kirtland Temple" (fragment), by Dan Lewis The name Malachi (מַלְאָכִי) means "my messenger." Here are some of the messages Malachi delivered to the post-exilic inhabitants of Jerusalem: God loves you (Malachi 1:1-5). You have despised and profaned His name by offering corrupt sacrifices to Him (Malachi 1:6-14). The priests will be... Continue Reading →

The Second Jewish Temple. Model in the Israel Museum. After decades in captivity, the Jews were finally authorized to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their city and the temple. As recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the work moved slowly at first, but "through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the... Continue Reading →

Stained glass window depicting Isaiah, Zechariah, and Habakkuk. This window is on the south aisle of St John the Evangelist, Knotty Ash, a church in Liverpool, England. About 50 years after the death of Isaiah, the prophets Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah preached in Jerusalem. All three were likely familiar with Isaiah's prophecies; all three of... Continue Reading →

"Jonah on the Beach at Nineveh" (detail), by Daniel A. Lewis Jonah How would you respond if God asked you to do something impossible? Running away might not be the wisest course of action, but the instinct might be understandable. "Arise," the Lord commanded Jonah, "go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up... Continue Reading →

Bread of Life by Chris Young Prophets Although he was from Tekoa, a village about 12 miles south of Jerusalem and about 6 miles from Bethlehem, Amos prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel. When the priest Amaziah told him to go home and stop saying unpleasant things about the king of Israel, Amos replied... Continue Reading →

"The Prophet Hosea," by Duccio di Buoninsegna (c. 1310) Hosea lived in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of its fourteenth king, Jeroboam II, just a few decades before the Assyrian Conquest. His name (הוֹשֵׁעַ) means "salvation," and his book is about God's willingness to save Israel, even though they have turned away from... Continue Reading →