May 28, 2013
The Christophany–the appearance of Jesus to John–sets the tone for the letters to the churches (Revelation 2 & 3) and provides the ground for patient endurance through the dramatic conflict that the Apocalypse will unfold in the second and third visions (Revelation 4-16 and Revelation 17-21). It is, therefore, important to pay close attention to […]
2 Comments | Biblical Texts | Tagged: Apocalypse, Christology, Christophany, Death, Judgment, Resurrection, Revelation 1:9-20, Seven Churches, Theophany | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
March 4, 2013
This is the second of Amos’s three prophetic speeches against Israel. They each begin with “Hear this word” (3:1; 4:1; 5:1). The first announced God’s coming visit in judgment against Israel while the third will voice lament. The second highlights divine patience and persistence in seeking to turn Israel from its sins. While this second […]
4 Comments | Theology | Tagged: Amos, Amos 4:1-13, Bible-Amos, Disasters, Israel, Judgment, Natural Evil, Oppression, Poor, Prophets, Repentance, Wealth | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
February 6, 2013
As the last in the list of nations and the major focus of Amos’s ministry, Israel receives the most attention. In Amos 2:6-8 the prophet identified the reasons why Israel (the northern kingdom) will go into exile. They will suffer for their sins. They abused the innocent and poor, pursued sexual immorality, and approached God […]
1 Comment | Biblical Texts | Tagged: Amos, Amos 2:9-16, Conquest, Exodus, Judgment, Nazirite, Prophets, Wilderness | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
August 30, 2012
Though Malachi characterizes Judah’s words against Yahweh as “harsh,” we might find ourselves rather sympathetic with them. It does appear that evil often wins and that abusers go unpunished. We might wonder whether, in fact, evildoers are “blessed.” Or that God is indifferent, or that faith is worth the journey. Malachi, however, is quick to […]
No Comments » | Biblical Texts | Tagged: Christology, Elijah, Eschatology, Judgment, Malachi 4:1-6 | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
April 2, 2012
King Jesus, riding on a donkey, triumphantly entered Jerusalem hailed as the one who would usher in the kingdom of David. Surrounded by an expectant crowd, he entered the temple, looked at everything, and went home for the evening. What did Jesus see? The next morning, Monday of Passion Week, Jesus tells us. The King […]
No Comments » | Biblical Texts | Tagged: Bible-Mark, Cleansing of the Temple, Fig Tree, Gospel of Mark, Judgment, justice, Kingdom of God, Mark, Mark 11:12-26, Peace | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
September 23, 2011
It is not a complete cycle. Eliphaz’s speech is shorter than his previous two (Job 22), Bildad’s speech is the shortest in the whole dialogue (Job 25), and Zophar does not even speak. The friends are clearly exasperated and Job, too, is done with them. One might say they are no longer “friends.” The Friends […]
3 Comments | Theology | Tagged: Bible-Job, Humanity, Job, Job 22-27, Judgment, Lament, Transcendence, Wicked | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
July 28, 2009
The “Son of Man” is Jesus’ own self-description—he uses the title twelve times in the Gospel of John (1:51; 3:13, 14; 5:27; 6:27, 53, 62; 8:28; 9:35; 12:23; 13:31; in 12:34 his language is quoted back to him). It ranks second behind “Son” (in the sense of Son of God) as Jesus’ favorite self-description in […]
23 Comments | Biblical Texts, Theology | Tagged: Ascension, Bible-John, Christology, Communion, Cross, Eschatology, Eucharist, Fellowship, Gospel of John, Intimacy, Judgment, Lord's Supper, Resurrection, Son of Man | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks