God Wins (Daniel 12:1-13)

The book of Daniel is a book that has many ups and downs in terms of the prophet's mission. He advances almost to the top while exiled in Babylon. However, he also has some setbacks. At the end of the book we might wonder what to make of all this? What is the purpose to press forward I Christ? We learn in this final chapter that God's providence and care for this creation are not haphazard. The Lord is moving this creation to his goal while working within the confines of a fallen world. The ultimately spoiler of history is that God wins so it is better to bow one's knee before Christ rather than at the end of the age.

The Mysterious Warrior (Joshua 5:13-16)

There is a warrior to stands in front of Joshua. Why does this warrior simply say “no” to Joshua when Joshua asks this warrior whose side he is on? What does this tell us about this warrior and his authority?

Children of Peace or Problems: The Shepherds (Luke 2:1-20)

Isaiah predicts and raises children that are not necessarily encouraging for Ahaz.  In fact, these children upset the status quo that Ahaz desires to maintain.  This is not just a problem for Ahaz, but we find that the same thing is happing under the watch of Caesar Augustus who is credited with establishing world peace.   Christ’s entrance into history that does not seem to be that well received.  Is this really the Emmanuel child?  Can the Lord really establish His kingdom through such humble beginnings? 

History’s Reminder (Jude 1:5-7)

Jude warns the people of God that the Lord is serious about judgment.  This is not a very happy topic, and so why does Jude mention this?  Is Jesus really one who would judge his own people?  Did Jesus judge people in the Old Testament?