Bible Prophecy
Throughout the Four Gospels, Jesus is characterized as a prophet (Matt 21:11, 45; Mark 6:1–4, 15; 8:27–28; Luke 7:15; 9:8; 13:35; 24:19; John 4:14). Jesus himself did not object to others’ claims that he is a prophet.[1] Although prophetic office was not common in the time of Jesus, in many instances he was also characterized […]
I, King Ahaz, admit it. It didn’t turn out as I expected. But realistically, what alternative did I have? My administration and my nation were under military assault from all sides, and I needed to forge an alliance with a rising power, one with expansionistic aspirations and that would welcome a pretext for invading my […]
When I walked into the art gallery, it was the painting that simultaneously took my breath away and brought me to tears. It was a lamb, but it was like no other lamb. A slim stream of blood was draining from the lamb’s neck, and the title beside the painting read, ‘Behold the Lamb of […]
Israel walked into the future facing backward. She spoke of ‘what would be’ in terms of ‘what had been.’ She longed for a resurrection and transfiguration of her past in the days of the Messiah. Her hope was in a new genesis, a second Adam, an eschatological exodus. Thus, when Israel’s prophets spoke of the […]
In the Old Testament, three different kinds of people take center stage in the story of God’s salvation of hispeople Israel: prophet, priest, and king. These were real offices filled by real people. Prophets rebuked sin, proclaimed mercy to the crushed, and interpreted events of the past, present, and future. They functioned as mediators proclaiming […]
Are you good at waiting? Is sitting in traffic or standing in line like a hammer to your thumb, making you want to scream? Historically, humans haven't been known for their ability to wait patiently, but our society treats this virtue as an infectious virus—something to be vaccinated against and eradicated. If you have to […]
Every Christian needs to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). The knowledge of Christ includes understanding his person and work in all their multifaceted characteristics. From earliest times the church has characterized the work of Jesus as involving the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. The […]
A Sunday school teacher once asked the class, "What has a bushy tail, scurries around for nuts, and lives in trees?" Puzzled, one of the boys replied with hesitation, "Well, it sounds like a squirrel, but I'm going to say 'Jesus.'" Typology is a treasure trove, but only if we keep our imagination in check. […]
