Daily Devotion
Elijah: Still Small Voice
Do you ever feel tired—worn down, exhausted, perhaps even emotionally drained from doing the right thing? As we study God’s people, we see moments in their lives when many of them were physically and spiritually spent. It happened to Moses as he led the grumbling Israelites through the desert.[1] It happened to David after fleeing from Saul for almost a decade.[2] And it happened to Elijah right after his showdown with the prophets of Baal.
Elijah: Fire from Heaven
On the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1–9), Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. Moses represented the law and Elijah represented the prophets. Jesus often used the phrase “the Law and the Prophets” to refer to the entire Old Testament (Luke 16:16). In our “Ten Signposts of the Bible” (see above) Elijah stands for all the biblical prophets who lived before, during, and after the exiles. We will wrap up our survey of the Old Testament by considering God’s story in the lives of the people who lived during the time of the prophets.
Josiah: Spiritual Revival
After Hezekiah’s death, his son Manasseh became king and reigned for fifty-five years—the longest reign in Judah’s history. His rule was marked by wickedness and deep spiritual corruption, so God prepared judgment against the southern kingdom.
Hezekiah: Living Beyond Our Lifetime
Our study of the kings of Judah has repeatedly highlighted the significance of the legacy we leave behind. This truth is again emphasized in the life of King Hezekiah.
Uzziah: Power and Pride
Today we will consider Uzziah, one of the most capable leaders among all the kings of Judah. His life provides a fascinating study.
Joash: Pleasing God or People
As we study God’s story in God’s people, we are looking at several kings who ruled in Judah. Today, we will examine the life of one who, through God’s protection, came to power at a very young age. His name is Joash. I believe his devotion to the Lord raises questions we should consider in our own lives.