Nov 30, 2020
ESTHER 7-8:
In Esther 5 Haman planned to impale Mordecai on a pole in the NLT,
or just hanged in the GNT. (Given the period of time, I think that
the impaling method is more likely to be right.) But on the same
night that Haman planned for that murder, God caused the king to
have a sleepless night and read in the annals of the kingdom about
Mordecai. Haman came before the king at just the right time to get
assigned the task of honoring Mordecai.
ISAIAH 42:
In Isaiah 41 we again heard God predict the future, and challenge
Israel’s idols to prophesy or do anything at all.
2THESSALONIANS 3:
The Thessalonians must have wondered how they would hear of Jesus’
return— given that Jesus would touch down so far from them at
Jerusalem. We will be able to anticipate Jesus’ return by whether
the ‘man of lawlessness’ has appeared, has drawn away many people
by working powerful miracles, and has usurped God’s position in the
temple. Note that God has not given us the order or timing of these
events in relation to what was foretold in 1st Thessalonians.
GNT Translation notes:
2Thes. 3:8 We did not accept [food from anyone//anyone's support]
without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept
working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you.
9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to [receive
such//demand our] support; we did it to be an example for you to
follow.
10 While we were [still] with you, we used to tell you, “Whoever
refuses to work is not allowed to eat.”
15 But do not treat them as enemies; instead, warn them as [beloved
fellow] believers.