DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 4 2026: PROMISED GIFTS
Come Follow Me: Introduction to the Old Testament
With the new year we are ready to embark on studying the Old Testament, or the Hebrew Bible called Tanakh (תַּנַ״ךְ) in Judaism, an acronym for its three parts: Torah (Teachings), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). We’ll delve more into that in later posts.
We often make the mistake of looking at the Old Testament as a history of the world from its beginning until the meridian of time; but while there is certainly history contained therein, the Bible is something very different. As a history it leaves a lot out as the world expands from the center of the fertile crescent, and even in the people of Israel that it is a record of. What it does contain, when you are prepared to pay attention, is a testament of the coming Messiah, or Jesus Christ.
In the following songs, where can you find Jesus Christ? As is common in my posts, the songs are a very eclectic selection that you may or may not care for. And yet, they all bear testimony. Can you hear it?
How does the daily gift of manna from heaven testify of Jesus Christ? Our daily bread?
Manna From Heaven - Gaither Vocal Band
Perhaps it is more common for us to see Jesus as we think of the Sacrificial Lamb slain at the alters of ancient temples adhering to the law of Moses.
The Sacrifice Lamb - Joel Chernoff
When the children of Israel were plagued in the wilderness by poisonous serpents they were tasked to create a bronze serpent, and post it high on a rod for all to see. Those who would look at the bronze serpent were healed by Yahweh from the poison of their bites. So what kept some from being willing to look at the bronze serpent? Did they consider it as representing something evil, as we might today? Yet, what did that bronze serpent represent?
“Look forward, no distractions, peace is near. Put your hands back on the wheel you need to steer. Keep your eyes on the target and don’t fear.” The rock-out loudness of this song might be distracting for some, and just the right volume for others, but listen.
Bronze Serpent - Our Last Night
Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the holiest day in Judaism, focusing on atonement (Kapparah) and repentance (Teshuvah). We’ll get into that in later posts. But let’s take a moment to consider how the story of Jonah reflects not just repentance, but also as a type of Christ’s three days in the tomb, followed by His resurrection and gift of atonement.
Yom Kippur: A Book of Jonah song for kids - Josh Nelson Project “Overboard”
I’m excited for what’s to come this year in studying the Hebrew Bible, the Old Testament. I’m excited for what we might learn together through song.