For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NASB Sympathize – “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that?” “Wow, how you have suffered. My heart goes out to you.” “What a terrible thing. I wish I…
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18 NASB Suffered – Is suffering ever good? If you were a Greek in the first century, you might answer the question, “No!” In fact, even if you were a…
Some of the most moving facts of visiting churches in Italy are these: The artistic talent of the men who did this work no longer exists. The time it took to create these pieces of art is beyond our contemporary patience. The devotion to their beliefs about God, even if not accurate, is a spectacle…
O my God, in You I trust, do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me. Psalm 25:2 NASB Ashamed – We have encountered this word, bôš, many times in the past. We’re familiar with the fact that the Hebrew idea of shame is public disgrace, not the inner attitude we ascribe to…
You wouldn’t have much trouble finding me at the Western Wall.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Psalm 25:16 NASB Turn to me – The Hebrew word for “face” is the plural word pānîm. In a culture that views relationship as the fundamental element of existence, perhaps this plural word recognizes that we are always more than a single…
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Psalm 25:16 NASB Be gracious – Do you deserve God’s help? Most of us will answer, “No.” We know our failings only too well. If God rewards those who are obedient, we strike out. In fact, according to Paul, everyone does. There’s…
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Psalm 25:16 NASB Afflicted – Context, context, context. That’s the way you would determine the meaning of this Hebrew term, ʿānâ. It’s important because the consonants of this word are the same for two other meanings. These are designated ʿānâ I, II…
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; Genesis 1:26a NASB Image/likeness – Michelangelo’s ceiling artistry is arguably the most famous painting in the world about the creation of Man. It’s magnificent, isn’t it? But have you ever thought about what it communicates? Let’s consider the meaning behind the media. First,…
