365 Reflections

Isaiah 1:21 (ESV) How the faithful city has become a whore, she who was full of justice! Righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. One thing we are going to see in the prophets is the clear evidence of a godless culture. And here's the thing. Most of us think godliness is boring and keeps us from the fun or enjoyment we want. But it's far more sinister than that. It corrupts not only us, but the people around us and the culture those people (and we) make up.  Isaiah describes the condition of Jerusalem. He calls her a whore. He reminds us of her former days of justice and righteousness but now it's a place of crime (murder) and disregard for humanity.  In a godless culture, the economic system is unfair: Isaiah 1:23 (ESV) Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow’s cause does not come to them. Imagine leaders who make friends with thieves! Imagine the injus...

1 Samuel 2:17–18 (ESV) Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord , for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt. 18 Samuel was ministering before the Lord , a boy clothed with a linen ephod. The first two chapters of Samuel provide a theme for the rest of the narrative. In the midst of corrupt political power, God is raising up His servants to faithfully obey Him and establish His kingdom on the Earth. I can't think of a more important truth for Christian service in any age. Consider Hannah's fervent prayer in chapter one amidst the ignorance, arrogance, and indifference to her struggle from all those around her (her rival wife, arrogant Eli and indifferent Elkanah). Now her son will be placed in a situation much like her own. Samuel will grow up in the Temple. But this Temple is far removed from Aaron's priesthood. The priesthood is corrupt and Eli's family was fragmented. His sons are wicked and will not listen to hi...