THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:1-5 “Judas was seized with remorse, ‘I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood.’” (Matthew 27:3-4) My experience is that this is how one feels after doing something sinful. Someone once said the Devil speaks in two voices: he entices with sweetness and accuses with shame. During temptation he plants thoughts…
Author: Norm
Seeking the God life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 37 “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” (Psalm 37:3) This Psalm lays out the contrast between a God-like person, and a God-less person. Even though for a time selfish, greedy or cruel people may succeed, their doom is certain. Don’t envy them, hang…
From emptiness to fullness
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ruth 3-4 “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.” (Ruth 4:15) Naomi returned to Israel bitter because she had been emptied of life and hope (Ruth 1:20-21). Her husband and sons dead, she was essentially homeless and destitute. Life for widows and orphans in that day was terrible, they…
God’s response to immigrants!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ruth 1-2 “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me — a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10) The story of Ruth is a teaching story, to impress a great truth on God’s people. Ruth stands out as a model believer, even though she is not a Jew. Her example of…
Hope through the tears
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:69-75 “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken…” (Matthew 26:74) Boastful Peter – who claimed he would never deny Jesus – curses himself if he is lying. Ouch, can you imagine if God held him to his words, and actually cursed him for his lie? Can you imagine if God actually…
Jesus Messiah
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:63-68 “‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.” (Matthew 26:64) This is the most important question in the history of mankind. When Adam and Eve sinned, God promised a messiah to crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15). He would reverse the curse and restore Adam’s position as…
A time to speak, a time to be silent!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:57-63 “’Are you not going to answer?’ But Jesus remained silent.” (Matthew 26:62-63) It is not that Jesus refuses to say anything at all (see Matthew 26:64f). But He does not defend Himself, demand justice or challenge His lying accusers. He refuses to play their game; His silence only makes them look worse….
Seeing the purpose in my life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:55-56 “But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” (Matthew 26:56) Jesus sees His life as a part of God’s big story, of what God is doing in and for the world. He has a sense of destiny and purpose, so that even bad things…
Shine in and through me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 36 “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9) Most people have a tough time seeing themselves realistically, in a proper light. In the end, my view of myself – whether positive or negative – is not what counts. What matters is how I…
Our world without Jesus!?!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Judges 17-21 “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” (Judges 21:25) Four times in this section we are told that Israel had no king (17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25). These stories are meant to show human nature at its worse, and our need for a messiah. Though we…