This profound passage is found only in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus Christ, in Luke 2:22-35. The Latin phrase ‘Nunc Dimittis’ implies departure or permission to depart now, the grateful request embodied in Simeon’s song and prayer. That prayer was brief, but exhibited profound insight and encouragement. Simeon praises God for keeping a […]
In time, the promised birth of a son to childless Zechariah and Elizabeth came about — John was born. His father’s song, the “Benedictus,” named after the first words of the song, is found in Luke 1:67-79, and it starts, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption […]
Daniel 7 and 8 have shown us an incredible picture — of a God who is massively holy, powerful, and in control. No matter how many monsters and threats come against us, nothing is going to stop Him from telling His story and rescuing His people. Even when we see that, however, some days all […]
Daniel 8 continues the picture of God’s prophecies — which are both frightening and exciting for us as His people. Be clear: This text shows days of great evil, great suffering, and the enemies of God even winning…for a time. But be glad: Our God is greater, He rules with certain purpose and care for […]
It’s not just children who are afraid of the dark — and of the monsters that threaten us. We all have fears, fears of things that threaten to harm us or even destroy us. Sometimes these monsters are so scary, it seems we can’t look away and see anything else. We said last week that […]
As we start Daniel 7, we are coming to the second half of the book — the prophetic section. As with the Book of Revelation, there is much here that at first glance can seem so confusing, and even frightening. And that is a shame. God does not give prophecies like this in Daniel (or […]
We like to think that, at the key and crucial times, we will be the ones to stand up and have courage and do what’s right. But will we? Do we? What does it take, this call to live well in the middle of a world that doesn’t understand us and opposes us? Where do […]
Most of us can stand strong in bad times….for a day. For a week. For a month. But what about when the hardship, the pain, the suffering keeps on coming, like one wave after another? What does it take to endure — and rejoice — for the long haul? When we are tired and weary […]
Daniel 5 deals with the judgment that comes on Babylon after the king takes what was meant for the temple, what was meant to be holy, and uses it for profane, sinful uses. Obviously, we aren’t Babylonians — but we are God’s temple! What does our sin mean before God? How does He deliver us […]