When we look at all the luxuries this world can offer, what do we see? Revelation 18 has us look all the way to the bottom of the packing list before we decide which way to throw our allegiance.
Devotional - Dec 8, 2020
Music Today: Josh Garrels, 'Zion and Babylon'.I've brought this song forward before, but it's simply one of the finest Christian songs written in the last 20 years. Garrels begins with a view of life from Babylon (rebellion against God) and then Zion (life under God). Beautiful, convicting, and ultimately uplifting, with one remarkable lyric after another.
Child. Lamb. Citizen. Friend. All of these are true and important images describing our relationship with God. But in the end, there's one relationship descriptor more important than them all, and John resorts to shocking imagery to make sure we get it. Join me for a few minutes 'in the wilderness' of Revelation 17.
Devotional - Dec 2, 2020
Music Today: 'She' by Laura MvulaMvula has a gorgeous voice, and this tender song simply sketches the hopelessness the world's abuse can heap on women - and yet also the voice of our divine Redeemer. 'This is what the Lord says - he who created and formed you, Jacob; 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.' (Isa. 43:1)
'Hosea's Wife' by Brooke FraserThe Lord likens his love for us to a jilted spouse so much so that he called this Old Testament prophet to marry a woman he knew would be unfaithful to him. Chapters 2-3, 11 are some of the most poignant in all the Bible. Fraser does a beautiful job describing the painful price we pay when we lose our way with intimacy, and the hope God provides in a way out.
