When I was in Scotland, working on this chapter, I saw a BBC program on the tomb of Kha and Meryt in Egypt. In it was found a papyrus which listed 42 sins, which the dead person would swear that he had not committed. There is a picture of his heart being weighed in scales. I was amazed, because the idea of a checklist of sins, which the “accused” either confessed or denied, is so similar to Job’s protestations in this chapter.
Read More sin, Ancient Near East, self-examination
We are made with a love for light. Sunlight streaming through a window on a winter’s day breaks the pattern of storms and early twilight, and promises that our homes and hearts will survive the darkness. It would be a tragedy to shut out this rare wonder by pulling the curtains closed.
Spiritually, every generation has those who respond to the light, and those who prefer not to stir from their dim rooms.
Read More light, self-examination, blindness, darkness
Read Reflect In reading the description of the above people and their actions, what strikes us first of all is the fact that these situations are in no way normal. Yet, they call to mind situations that we may have noticed around us. The slave who becomes a king could possibly be a co-worker, a […]
Read More arrogance, self-examination, ambition, disruption
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about coming to make sure they are being truly faithful to Jesus. He urges them to evaluate themselves before he gets there. He wants them not to sin so that when he comes he does not have to be hard on them. Finally, he prays for their restoration (v 9).
Read More peace, self-examination, faithfulness, readiness