faith – Page 15

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

Lamentations INTRODUCTIONFive somber “dirge” or “funeral” poems express grief over the loss of the Jewish homeland and the destruction of Jerusalem. These poems, meditating on the tragedy and its causes, reflect a long literary tradition in the Middle East. They were clearly written by an eyewitness to Jerusalem’s fall. Tradition identifies Jeremiah as the author.TheContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

A MEANINGLESS LIFEEcclesiastes 5–8 “For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow?” (Ecc. 6:12) As we sense the despair that grips the Teacher’s heart in his role as secular man, we realize afresh how great God’s salvation is. Making theContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

Ecclesiastes INTRODUCTIONThis book reports the efforts of “the Teacher,” long believed to be Solomon, to find meaning in life apart from a personal relationship with God. His pessimistic conclusion: such a life is “meaningless,” and will lead to despair. Only those who “fear God and keep His commandments” can live in hope. MEANINGLESS LIFEEcclesiastes 1–4Continue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

THE GOOD FIGHT2 Timothy 3–4 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). How good to look back at the end of life and be satisfied with the way you lived. OverviewPaul warned of growing godlessness (3:1–9) and of persecution awaiting those who liveContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

2 Timothy INTRODUCTIONThis last letter of Paul was written during a second imprisonment in Rome, about A.D. 67 or 68. Paul was fully aware he was soon to be executed, and he both encouraged Timothy, who would carry on his work, and warned against the growing corruption of true Christian teaching. The letter throbs withContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”