THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 113 “He raises the poor from the dust.” (Psalm 113:7) Where do the world’s underdogs turn to for hope? Political and religious power are usually in the hands of the few. They use their powers for themselves, neglecting or abusing those below. This is natural – darwinian – the way things are…
Author: Norm
Me… a holy temple?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 40-42 “To separate the holy from the common.” (Ezekiel 42:20) I have to admit, I lost interest in the dimensions of this temple. No doubt the Jews loved to imagine its perfect layout and design. The vision was meant to inspire them that one day, things would be restored. But this verse…
Breathing life into me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 37-39 “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live.” (Ezekiel 37:14) The big story of the bible shows us how God restores his messed-up family. From Adam and Eve, to the last person before Jesus’ return, we all need help. From OT Israel through the NT Church, we all…
For or against Jesus?
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 6:66-71 “Yet one of you is a devil (a slanderer)!” (John 6:70) It became clear to Judas that Jesus was not his kind of messiah. Judas wanted to be there when the messiah trounced the Romans. He was looking for a royal position, and royal wealth. Judas was the treasurer of their…
Spirit-filled words of Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 6:60-65 “The words I have spoken to you, they are full of the Spirit and life.” (John 6:63) The words of Jesus are not always easy to understand. Many times for myself I have to ponder them for a while. Sometimes I find their meaning, sometimes I’m not so sure. But every…
My joy and delight?
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 6:52-59 “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.” (John 6:56) These words of Jesus are difficult for many to swallow. According to Jewish tradition, the manna symbolized the Torah. As the people lived on manna, Jews were to live on the ‘word of God’….
Seeking God seeking me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 6:41-51 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” (John 6:44) God is actively seeking everyone (Acts 17:26-27). We do not find God, God finds us; we do not discover life, we receive it. Religion is our attempt to find God; Jesus is God’s finding us. Every…
Pursuing and finding goodness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 112 “Good will come to those who are generous.” (Psalm 112:5) “The longings of the wicked will come to nothing.” (Psalm 112:10) We get what we seek: pursue good, and we find it… pursue bad, and… This song celebrates those who long for goodness, for everyone. They are generous, honest, fair, compassionate, reliable….
Both sheep and shepherd!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 34-36 “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.” (Ezekiel 34:11) Ever since humans ruined God’s ‘very good’ world, God has been at work. Through Abraham God set up nation as a base for restoring creation. But Abraham’s heirs did not cooperate, and they continued to sow badness. Here…
Beyond hearing sermons!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 31-33 “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words. But they do not put them into practice.” (Ezekiel 33:31) Ezekiel preaches against the nations (ch.31-33), but also to his own people (ch.33). Here God warns that they love to listen, but not to…