“Are you jealous?” –Numbers 11:29 People who have been given a new life in Jesus and are filled with the Spirit seem especially tempted to spiritual jealousy. They’re jealous of Eldad and Medad prophesying (Nm 11:29), of Moses leading (Nm 12:1), of a stranger expelling demons (Mk 9:38), or of John and James trying to get a “spiritual” promotion (Mt 20:24). The Lord does not tolerate spiritual jealousy. Miriam became a snow-white leper after her outbreak of jealousy against Moses (Nm 12:10). Jesus said that being drowned or maimed is preferable to falling into the sin of spiritual jealousy (Mk...

“I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, says the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst.” –Zechariah 2:9 Zechariah prophesied that God’s people would live “as though in open country” (Zec 2:8). In other words, they would not need a wall, army, or other means of protection. The Lord Himself would be “an encircling wall of fire” to protect them (Zec 2:9). This prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is our Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer (Ps 18:3). We need no longer defend or insure ourselves. Jesus is all the firepower, all the...

“[Herod] was very curious to see [Jesus].” –Luke 9:9 Many try to see famous people, such as athletes, celebrities, stars, entertainers, etc. Often this is thrill-seeking, or autograph hounding, or simply to gain bragging rights. Herod likewise kept trying to see Jesus (Lk 9:9), and was very curious to see Him. Curiosity can be helpful, but in Herod’s case, he apparently was not concerned with seeking the Lord and the truth. Herod finally did see Jesus, but the encounter did not benefit Herod (Lk 23:8ff). In fact, Herod changed for the worse, for after meeting Jesus, he became an ally...

“My God, I am too ashamed and confounded to raise my face to You, O my God, for our wicked deeds are heaped up above our heads and our guilt reaches up to heaven.” –Ezra 9:6 When Ezra heard “this thing,” he tore his cloak and mantle, plucked hair from his “head and beard, and sat there stupefied” (Ezra 9:3). Ezra fell on his knees and stretched out his hands to the Lord. Why was Ezra traumatized? It was because both Israelite laymen and priests married non-Israelite wives. Ezra knew they were doomed by entering into “mixed marriages.” If Ezra...