In verse 4 of this chapter, the prophet Isaiah says that God has given him ‘the tongue of a teacher’ – but notice that he also tells us how he listens to God ‘as those who are taught’. The two activities are linked: first he listens and lea...

The story of the calling of the first disciples is so well known that we don't always see how remarkable it is. Jesus is walking along the lake shore and sees Peter and Andrew fishing; 'Come with me,' he says, 'and I will teach yo...

Dave Cox is living testament to the benefits of community gardening. ‘Working here, close to nature, amongst caring people, in a peaceful environment, is good for both my mental and physical health,’ he says.

The great theme of this opening chapter of 1 Peter is the new beginning that God has brought to those who trust in Jesus. 'Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death,' the author says (verse 3).

The author of this letter isn't identified, but was assumed by the early Church Fathers to be the author of John's Gospel. It's a beautifully simple but profound meditation on the nature of Christian love in the light of Christ.

The church in Sardis had ‘the reputation of being alive,’ but Christ pronounced it dead (verse 1). The church in Laodicea brimmed with confidence, saying ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,’ but Christ says they’re deluded –...

One of the great Welsh hymns that's fed the souls of Christians down the years is 'Guide me, O thou great Redeemer'. It takes the image of God leading the believer through the wilderness, a 'pilgrim through this barren land'....

Some parts of Deuteronomy can be hard going, if we're honest. Others, like these verses, are inspirational. What does God require of us? That we worship and obey him, and love and serve him with all our hearts (verses 12–13).

In this chapter the prophet rejoices in the assurance of God's salvation. There are descriptions of the way he empowers and nourishes his people, in vivid poetical language. He will make them like a 'threshing board' (verse 15) – stu...

Isaiah 42 contains one of the book's four 'servant songs', which speak of the 'servant of the Lord'. In Isaiah's mind, the 'servant' was Israel, chosen by God to fulfil his purposes in the world as they lived f...

In this chapter we read moving expressions of God's care for his people. 'Do not be afraid – I will save you,' he says; 'I have called you by name — you are mine' (verse 1). In vivid images, the prophet brings God's ...

After a beautiful picture of Spirit-filled believers joyfully committing themselves to the service of God – 'One by one, people will say, "I am the LORD's"' (verse 5) – Isaiah 44 moves into a devastating and very funny at...

King Cyrus, the Persian ruler whose vast empire included the Holy Land and who was to allow the exiled Jews to return home from Babylon, was not a believer in the God of Israel. However, God believed in him: 'I have given you great honour, altho...

Isaiah's prophecies are treasure troves for preachers. In this chapter, he compares the gods of Babylon to the LORD; they cannot save, he says, but God does. But it's his vivid illustration of their helplessness that brings his thought to l...

Israel is to return home from Babylon thanks to God's action through the conquering King Cyrus. But the slate isn't wiped clean. Even as an instrument of God's judgement on Israel, Babylon has behaved cruelly: 'I was angry with my...

‘Hear … See … Listen to me … Draw near to me, hear this!’ Isaiah 48 is a heartbreaking cry of frustration from a God who has spoken openly to his people, yet they act as if they are deaf and blind to all the clear signs of his devotion to t...

In Isaiah 49, God’s compassion for his suffering people is so total and overflowing that there is no hint of further judgement. It is a chapter about a complete reversal of fortunes. The nation has hit rock bottom – desolate, devastated and swall...

This prophecy is addressed to a people who have been struck down and laid waste by their oppressors and by devastating circumstances that are beyond their control. One of the key themes in the chapter is ‘comfort’, especially in verses 12–16.

Isaiah 52 is a call to rise up from the lethargy of despair. When people lose hope, they may shut down emotionally to guard themselves against further pain. But the prophet now tells them to wake up, shake off the dust and watch out for their long-aw...

This amazing messianic prophecy grows out of the hopeful and joyful message in chapter 52 that God does rescue and restore his people even from the depths of despair. It would be hard to find any New Testament passage that explains the exchange of ou...