Failed Kings and Future Hope: Advent Lesson from Isaiah 11

What makes this section of Isaiah profound is that Ahaz’s example as the worst possible king is followed by 5 chapters of God promising the best possible king and kingdom--it is here we find our particular passage. When the nation of Israel (and all its promises) are felled like a great tree due to its own sins and the sins of its king, God promises resurrection for the broken and burnt stump through a shoot of new growth. An impossible reality, but one God intended to ultimately bring about through the life and ministry of Jesus.

Interpreting Revelation: The Main Message

When reading the book of Revelation, the modern reader is bombarded with visual images that at first may seem surprising or even terrifying. Beasts emerge from the sea, locusts swarm with the tails of scorpions, the moon turns to blood, and four horsemen are unleashed over all of creation. IS THIS THE APOCALYPSE?!?!!

RevelationStephen RayApril 21, 2023Bible Study, Interpreting the Bible, Revelation

Interpreting Revelation: Understanding Genre

One of the reasons many people struggle to understand the book of Revelation is simply a lack of understanding about how to approach the genre of the book. God has inspired his holy word to work within the human genres of literature Into which it was written. This means that we must read Revelation not on our terms, but on the terms of the genres of literature utilized. What makes Revelation unique is a combination of three genres of literature.

Why the Psalms are Important

The poetry of this book speaks from the reality of our world, not as it is hoped to be, but as it truly is. There is joy mixed with sorrow, praise held alongside pain, and despair mingled with hope. Collected within Psalms are prayers of orientation, disorientation, and new orientation.

“Did not our hearts burn within us”

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