THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 26-28 “Serve the king of Babylon, and you will live.” (Jeremiah 27:17) In this time of war and crisis, Jeremiah advocates surrender. It would be the same as ministers in Europe urging surrender to Hitler. By surrender he did not mean willing complicity, being allies. But he was warning against violent rebellion,…
Author: Norm
Agents of peace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:31-38 “If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36) Some christians use this verse to support their right to bear arms for self-defense. Maybe by themselves, but not when read in their context. Jesus explains WHY they needed swords in the next verse: “It is written…”…
The right to rule like Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:24-30 “I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me.” (Luke 22:29) As Creator, God is the ultimate King over all creation. This has never been in dispute, God has never not been King. But God designed His kingdom to be ruled in specific way (Genesis 1:26-28). He…
Is God calling me?
(Something to read if you’ve been nominated to serve) What does it mean to be called to ministry. When I was in high school, I felt called into the ministry. What that meant for me – and for most people I know – was that I was called to be an ‘ordained minister’ in the…
A new and better arrangement!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:14-23 “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) A covenant is an agreement, a contract or an arrangement between two parties. God made different covenants in the past: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Israel, David. Each arrangement was unique, designed for different purposes. But…
Just like us, just like Him!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:7-13 “He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished.” (Luke 22:12) Did Jesus possess superhuman knowledge, to know about this room? Was Jesus using His God-power of omniscience – knowing everything? We need to remember that Jesus, while on earth, was limited as a human. Yes, I know that He…
Shout!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 100 “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.” (Psalm 100:1) Whenever we focus on God, joy and praise and thanksgiving should burst out. Going to temple (for Jews) was a time to magnify the sound of praise. They reflected on Who He is (He is God that made and rules…
The difference lies in the heart!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 24-25 “One basket had very good figs… the other basket had very bad figs…” (Jeremiah 24:2) The bible often contrasts the righteous and the wicked, but is it that simple? If we are all sinners, can anyone be righteous? Another analogy is the humble and the proud, and this is what it…
To know God like Jesus did!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 21-23 “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well.” (Jeremiah 22:16) In this section Jeremiah repeats God’s desire for justice and mercy for the people. “Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no…
Looking for a way in…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:1-6 “Then Satan entered Judas…” (Luke 22:1-6) Judas was not an innocent victim that Satan took over and destroyed. Judas was wavering in his response to Jesus, was questioning his commitment. As Jesus’ treasurer (John 12:6), he was more tempted by the money. Jesus was not the messiah he hoped for, not his…