This week, we begin a 9-week study of some of the key judges in the Book of Judges. The period of the judges is a low point in the history of God’s people. Israel has entered the land of Canaan. But instead of faithfully serving the Lord in their new homeland, the Israelites repeatedly turn from Him to serve the pagan gods of their neighbors. God hands Israel over to its enemies again and again. Each time, Israel cries out to God, and God sends a deliverer to rescue them from their foes. The story of the first judge, Othniel, which is told in Judges 3:7-11, exemplifies this pattern. His story, like the stories of all the judges, demonstrates that no matter how faithless God’s people are, God is always faithful, and he never leaves or forsakes the people whom he has called to Himself.
The theme of Daniel is not “be brave like Daniel.” It’s not end-time prophecy. The theme of Daniel is God. The original hearers were Jewish exiles whose world had ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Was God still in control? A. W. Tozer once wrote: “what comes into our minds when we think of God is the most important thing about us.” That’s what this magnificent OT book is about.
Rev. 22:6-21 serves as the epilogue to the Book of Revelation.  John concludes this great book by reminding his readers of the authoritative nature of this book.  He tells us that its words are “trustworthy and true” and that the one who obeys its teaching shall be eternally blessed.  He also reminds us of the imminent return of Jesus Christ.  Three times in this passage, Jesus says, “I am coming soon” (v. 7, 12, 20).  For this reason, John says that those who are anxiously awaiting his return should remain steadfast in their pursuit of righteousness and holiness.  Jesus promises to richly reward all those who faithfully persevere to the end.  By the grace of God, all of the elect will attain entrance into the NewJerusalem where they will have free access to the Tree of Life for all eternity.  Therefore, the church of every age joyously proclaims, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
In Rev. 22:1-5, John completes his description of the New Jerusalem. This passage identifies three basic things necessary for life: water, food, and health. John tells us that in the New Jerusalem there will be an abundance of each of these three commodities. We will drink from the River of Life; we will eat from the Tree of Life; and we will be enjoy health and prosperity simply by touching the leaves of the Tree of Life. In the New Jerusalem, God will fully satisfy all the needs of his people.
These verses bring Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians to a close. They include a benediction, probably the most well-known benediction other than Aaron’s, found in Numbers 6. What is a benediction? It’s noteworthy that these final verses are dripping with optimism and joy. How could Paul write such things to a church that was so dysfunctional and had hurt him so deeply?