Devotions
A Contemporary and Universal Problem (Joel 3)
Joel 3 offers Yahweh’s people wonderful promises of restoration and warns those who oppress his people of severe judgement. Verse 16 perhaps captures these two elements best: “The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth...
As He Is (Joel 2)
Joel 2 contains some of the most beautiful descriptions of divine comfort in the Minor Prophets. Yahweh’s people are assured of the “pity” he felt for them (v. 18) and are promised “grain, wine, and oil” so that they will be “satisfied” (v. 19). Thy are told to “fear...
Teachable Moments (Joel 1)
Some events in life prove to be particularly teachable moments. Many of these come upon us unexpectedly: the unexpected death of a young person; the unanticipated loss of financial security; or the sudden diagnosis of a dread disease. When these arise without warning,...
Choices (Hosea 14)
It has been quite a journey in the book of Hosea. We have considered Israel’s religious whoredom against God and God’s punishment because of it. God has built an indefensible case against his people (chapters 3–12) and has warned them of inescapable judgement (chapter...
He Cares (Hosea 13)
Hosea 13 marks a final shift in the book. After the introductory, narrative section in the opening three chapters, chapters 4–12 contain, in essence, the Lord’s case against Israel. In that middle section, he delivers a series of accusations and pronounces them to be...
The Sinfulness of Deceit (Hosea 11:12–12:14)
The writer to the Hebrews exhorted his readers to be on guard against, and to warn one another about, “the deceitfulness of sin” (3:13). Sin is deceitful. Our focus in these devotions is not on Hebrews, however, but on Hosea. Hosea 12 focuses very heavily on the...