“How blessed are those who keep justice, who practice righteousness at all times.” Psalm 106:3 Blessed – An Old Testament beatitude. Jesus was not the first to use this pattern of speech. He was an Old Testament man, and he taught from the Old Testament Scriptures. Here is a beatitude of David. The word in…
“Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant.” Isaiah 44:21 Servant – Slave! (eved). That’s the primary meaning of this word. But slavery in the Hebrew culture was not like slavery in the Greek culture. Nor was it like our modern version of…
“A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers” Proverbs 6:19 Strife – Joseph and his brothers. That’s where you look to see the full meaning of this word. Go back to Genesis 37. The Hebrew word medaniym means a discord or quarrel that can’t be stopped once it gets going. …
“So she removed the widow’s garments and covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in the gateway of Enaim,” Genesis 38:14 In the gateway of Enaim – Have you ever read the story of Tamar? You will find it in Genesis 38. It is not likely that you have heard many sermons…
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 Consider – This is not a matter of opinion! Paul is not filling out a heavenly survey on attitudes toward suffering. The Greek word, logizomai, really means,…
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls” Matthew 11:29 Rest – In Greek – anapuasis. A combination of two Greek words – ana ( prefix that means again) and pauo (a root word meaning to give rest). …
“Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into Heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down)” Romans 10:6 Ascend – What an odd verse! Taken by itself, it just doesn’t seem to make any sense at all. Paul has a picture in mind that has been lost over the centuries. It’s all about the…
“if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord” Romans 10:9 Confess – When did we begin to imagine that confession only meant speaking? It’s true that the Greek word homologeo literally means, “to say the same thing.” It implies speaking in agreement with someone or something. But “confession” in the first century meant a…
“Permit it at this time, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15 Us – In Greek, hemin. The inclusive word. Did you recognize that Jesus opens his ministry with a statement of community? He did not say that it was appropriate for him to fulfill God’s plan. …
“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” John 3:20 Hates – It was a scream I will never forget. “I hate you!” The emotional wave that swept over me nearly knocked me over. Perhaps you have never been in…
