Jehosheba is a hero of the Bible who saves a toddler from the evil schemes of a power-hungry authority.  Consider how Moses was saved under Pharaoh’s reign, or Jesus during the time of King Herod.  Even with this heroic act, we know little about Jehosheba.  She was the daughter of King Jehoram and married the priest Jehoiada.  These are two historical figures most people know little about.  Her husband led a rebellion to instill the rightful heir of David to the throne in Jerusalem.  Her father was so evil the Bible says that when he died it was to no one’s regret (2 Chron. 21:20).

Apparently John never took a preaching class in Bible college or seminary. Calling out listeners as a “brood of vipers” hardly endears an audience. After all, those listening have taken the important step of listening, as opposed to those who didn’t show up at all. It’s like berating the Resurrection Sunday crowd for only showing up once a year.

God provides sustenance for all people, the earth yields its produce. It does so because God designed it that way, so may the nations recognize that Yahweh created life and sustains it through his order.

The real food, however, was not the manna but the Provider; words echoed by Jesus in His wilderness temptation: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4.

In 1 Chronicles 19, we see King David extend kindness to his potential foes, only for it to be repaid with treachery and opposition.

Playing “loose with the truth” is ever a concern. Those who have long been taught biblical truth, but who flirt with popular teachings and trends, are especially in grave danger. James 4:17 applies: "to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Enlightenment carries a certain responsibility along with privilege.

God’s desire is for our hearts to be turned towards him. He asks for thanksgiving and for us to call on him when we’re in trouble, to remember that we depend on him so that He can help us.

It is significant that Bartimaeus throws off his cloak as Jesus beckons to him to approach. As a poor blind beggar, this cloak was almost all that he possessed, yet he was willing to set it aside that he might approach Jesus. By contrast the rich young man, with all his many possessions, was unwilling to do so.

In 2 Samuel 8, we hear about some of David’s great victories in battle- he’s at the top of his game- a picture of power and achievement.

As the cross was where the physical life of Christ was wiped out, so it is to us. Christ’s cross bids us come to die; to be emptied of anything we dare think we can offer to God in exchange for entrance into the coming kingdom.