THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 8:18-22 “I will follow you wherever you go.” (Matthew 8:19) I recall saying things like this many a time in the past. But apart from emotional times of commitment, have I really followed through? I often face times when an immediate situation requires of me a difficult choice. In those moments, the first…
Author: Norm
Healing presence!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 8:14-17 “‘He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.’”(Matthew 8:17, Isaiah 53:4) Our world is soul-sick, we are infected to the very core of our being. This soul sickness has many symptoms: mental, social, physical, emotional, etc. Billions and billions of dollars are spent to try to find cures… but we’re still sick….
This is surprising grace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 8:5-13 “But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside…” (Matthew 8:12) We need to let the shock of these words sink in. Imagine if Jesus said many members of the church would be thrown outside. The ones we expect to be in are not, and the ones we expect to…
Its not about miracles!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 8:1-4 “See that you don’t tell anyone.” (Matthew 8:4) Why does Jesus try to keep His healing activity undercover? I wonder if it’s because healing is NOT the reason for His mission. Sure it will be a result of His mission, but it is not what He came to do. Jesus does…
Good news for the oppressed!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 9 “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9) In our world, the rich keep getting richer and the poor poorer. The ‘little people’ bear the brunt of suffering, hardship, abuse, injustice. But the God Israel believes in is the God of the underdog,…
He deserves to be King!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 47:13-50:26 “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” (Genesis 49:10) From early on the Jewish people have anticipated someone coming. This goes all the way back to…
Saving lives through my life!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 45:1-47:12 “It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (Genesis 45:5) Is this a way to look at all circumstances in our lives? Or as Paul says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according…
Rock solid!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 7:24-29 “Like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” (Matthew 7:26) The things Jesus says sound foolish, illogical and difficult. Blessed are the persecuted, love your enemies, turn the other cheek?!? But all of these examples fit within the broader appeal for radical, gracious love. And herein is the deeper…
To know and to show the love of Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 7:15-23 “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name…” (Matthew 7:22) These people claim to speak for Jesus, drive out demons and perform miracles!? Is there any fruit better than these dramatic signs and wonders? Yes there is… the will of God as seen in the fruit of the Spirit. The…
The better way!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 7:12-14 “Enter through the narrow gate.” (Matthew 7:13) Jesus summarizes His teaching, and the Jewish Bible with the ‘golden rule’. Love others how you would want them to love you. Treat others with the respect, patience, fairness or compassion you want. This is not the easy path, it does not come naturally…