THE STORY OF JESUS: John 8:21-30 “If you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” (John 8:24) When Adam and Eve turned from God, humanity came under the curse of death. Death is the new normal, and the life we were made for is beyond us. God promised a child…
Author: Norm
Living in the light!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 8:12-20 “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Jesus is using figurative, spiritual language again. Do you know what it feels like to be ‘walking in the dark’? To be confused, or to have dark, depressive thoughts or feelings. How about times…
The Jesus we love to obey!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 8:1-11 “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) Unfortunately, this story is not for sure a true story. The earliest and the best Greek manuscripts do not include it. I say unfortunately because it captures beautifully the spirit of Jesus. He is gracious with…
The blindness of certainty!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:45-53 “This mob that knows nothing of the law — there is a curse on them.” (John 7:49) Is it possible that we as religious people become blind in our faith? These religious leaders were so sure of themselves. They belittled Jesus’ followers – no one who knew the Law was listening…
Sanctuary!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 114 “Judah became God’s sanctuary” (Psalm 114:2) When you look at someone, what do you see? Do you see JUST their limitations, or their FULL God-potential? Israel was not a strong nation, not impressive or scary. But the Red Sea parted for her… because God was with her. Creation recognizes the children…
River of life inside!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 46-48 “Deep enough to swim in — a river that no one could cross.” (Ezekiel 47:5) Moses receives plans for the tabernacle while in the desert. Ezekiel receives plans for the rebuilt temple while in exile. John receives visions of the new creation while in exile (Revelation 21-22). In each case, streams of…
The hope of glory!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 43-45 “And the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” (Ezekiel 43:5) This vision was meant to inspire the Jews with hope. Israel’s temple was about to be rebuilt, God’s dwelling place. God’s glory was going to return (2 Chronicles 5:14, Ezekiel 10:15-19). So did this happen, did God’s glory return to the temple? The…
Flow river flow!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:37-44 “Rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:39) The Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2) celebrated God’s care in the wilderness. It was also a time for anticipating Ezekiel’s restored temple (Ezekiel 40-42). During the Festival the priest would pour water on the altar. This recalled the river from the altar…
God is like Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:25-36 “You do not know him, but I know him.” (John 7:28-29) Jesus claims to know God better than anyone else. He claims to be from God, and sent by God (v.29). In the centuries after Jesus, believers struggled to explain Who Jesus is. They struggled to find words to affirm both…
To see as Jesus sees!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:14-24 “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24) Some people appear to be better than others… but is this really so? What we see can be misleading, since it is not all that there is to know. Jesus warns the religious leaders to stop measuring people by what…