The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, “Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side. Mark 8:11-13 NASB Sighing deeply…
“and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” Mark 7:34 NASB Ephphatha – Yeshua heals a deaf boy. He does it in a very unusual way (you can read the whole story if you wish). We recognize this miracle and praise God. There is, of course, a second miracle…
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…
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…
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,…
And Job died, an old man and full of days. Job 42:17 NASB Full of days – What is the result of a life devoted to God? In Hebrew thought, it isn’t getting to heaven. It’s living out the full purposes of God’s design here on earth. In other words, it’s experiencing a life “full…
