Author Archives: joekmac

2 Chronicles begins with King Solomon and his prayer to God. He sought wisdom, so that he could govern the people well. In response, the Almighty answers Solomon’s prayer and blesses him with riches never before seen, nor will ever … Continue reading →

Continuing in 1 Chronicles, the message of intentionality moves from worship to the entire structure of the community.  Each person serves a function in society.  The Levites functioned as temple workers among the protectors of the gate.  In many ways, … Continue reading →

The reading today (1 Chron. 14-16) celebrates the ark of the covenant as it is finally placed in Jerusalem.  King David leads the charge to move the symbol of Divine presence into the Holy City.  The celebration is well planned, … Continue reading →

The readings from 1 Chronicles could not get any drier if they tried.  This person’s lineage and that person’s lineage interrupt the narrative completely to account for every person associated with Noah, to Abraham, to David, to the fall of … Continue reading →

Today’s reading proved sad, as the focus of the text (2 Kings 16-18) saw the continued resistance of God’s sovereignty in the Northern Kingdom known as Israel.  Ultimately, we saw the defeat and ultimate exile of the Hebrew people by … Continue reading →

Elisha the prophet was a very busy man.  God’s miraculous powers shown through him and we catch a glimpse of healings that rival any of the accounts in the New Testament.  A woman prayed for a child and received a … Continue reading →

Elijah’s world did not sound much different than ours.  Leadership suffered under foolish choices and turned away from the God of the people.  The nation suffered under civil and political unrest due to “unholy” alliances with foreign powers.  Israel was … Continue reading →

“Judah and Israel were as numerous as sand grains on the seashore; they ate, drank and enjoyed themselves” (1 Kings 4:20). While the grains of sand are not quite stars, we still catch a reminder that God maintained his part of … Continue reading →

Today’s reading (2 Sam. 16-19) addressed the civil war between King David and opposing forces within the tribes of Israel.  Leading one of the rebellions was King David’s son, Absalom.  In spite of the outright defiance of his very own … Continue reading →

“‘Dance then wherever you may be.  I am the Lord of the dance,’ said He. ‘And I will leave you all wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance,’ said He” (Sydney Carter). “Then David danced … Continue reading →