Author: Norm

Jesus is quoting from the prophecy of Daniel here.Daniel has a vision of a series of four horrible beasts (empires).The probably empires are Assyria, Babylon, Greek and then Roman.These beasts are deviant forms of God’s good creation – monsters.The last one is the worse: “Terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth;…

These are disturbing words to hear, not inspiring.Jesus is using apocalyptic language to describe what is about to happen.If He said these things around AD 30, they came true in AD 70. After a 4 year rebellion in Judea, Rome hit the city hard.It began with a seige, leading many to die of starvation.Then the…

This is our mission in a world that is crashing and collapsing.Now more than ever we need to be witnesses to the good news (gospel).But what exactly does this mean? Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom of God.He both demonstrated and declared God’s Way of restoring God’s world.He lived the Gospel, the Way…

For many years I have lived in relative peace and stability.Big crises were happening around the world, but not where I lived.Some people experience dramatic upheaval and terrible circumstances.Jesus here warns that this is what will happen.“Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2)He describes buildings being…

I used to think this story was about faithful giving.This poor widow was an example of full devotion to God.This summer I heard a message that suggested a different angle.It is always important to pay attention to the context of a story.Just prior to this story, Jesus also speaks about widows.“The teachers of the Law……

The teachers of the Law in Jesus day were what we would call pastors today.Those who step out in front to explain what the bible means.Those who have special titles of respect, or need to dress a certain way.Those who get the better seats, or prime parking spots.Those whose voice speaks louder and longer in…

For the Jews, there was no greater king than David.To call the coming messiah ‘the son of David’ meant he would be like David.Another king like David, who established and expanded the kingdom of Israel. Jesus does not come like David, with armies to establish Israel for God.Jesus seems to do the opposite: He challenges…

The kingdom of God is this world as it was meant and made to be.We first see the kingdom of God in Genesis 1-2. It is an idealistic picture, but it makes one point clear. God’s kingdom is designed to be ruled by God-like human beings. Which is why Jesus restores the kingdom of God; He…