SCRIPTURE: Acts 16:1-15 OBSERVATION: Does Paul break his own rules here by having Timothy circumcised (Galatians 2:3-5)? One possible reason is that he did it to keep that issue from getting in the way of his missionary work, not to please people but to serve the cause of the gospel. Was it to protect Timothy as a…
Category: daily meditations
Jan 26 — Titus 3:1-15
SCRIPTURE: Titus 3:1-15 OBSERVATION: Paul is writing instructions to Titus on how to lead the believers at Crete, what to stress in his teaching (v.8). He describes what the Christian life looks like (vv.1-2) and why we should live this way (vv.3-7). Describes the ‘before’ and ‘after’: foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of…
Jan 23, 2007 — Mark 1:14-20
SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:14-20 OBSERVATION: Starts with the high cost of serving Jesus – John the Baptist is thrown in prison, and ultimately dies (Matthew 14:1-12) – this shows that Jesus’ message of good news is not easy news, it comes with high cost. The call to follow Jesus leads Peter, James and John to leave: their work,…
Jan 25, 2007 — Galatians 1:11-2:10
SCRIPTURE: Galatians 1:11-2:10 OBSERVATION: Paul defends his message as ‘straight from God’, and he retells his story to make that clear. His conversion (1:13-16, 22-24) would be like Henry Morgentaler becoming pro-life, or Stephen Harper becoming NDP – a radical change of direction. Paul describes his specific purpose as being a missionary to the Gentiles (non-Jews)….
Jan 24, 2007 — Psalm 62:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 62:1-12 OBSERVATION: Starts with statement of faith, then applies it to his own personal situation. As he faces instability, he speaks to himself, reminds himself that he can trust God, not in the world powers. He may be facing betrayal, problems within his family/community (words that bless, hearts that curse)? This is self-talk in…
Jan 22, 2007 — Jonah 4:1-11
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 4:1-11 OBSERVATION: This passage shows the real reason for Jonah running away – he didn’t want his enemies forgiven. We see the shocking extent of mercy – goes farther than even we want it to go. God would forgive Hitler, if he genuinely repented. Reveals how people still measure themselves and others as more…
Jan 21, 2007 — Jonah 3:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 3:1-10 OBSERVATION: God gives Jonah a 2nd chance. Jonah is a nobody from nowhere, in contrast to this big city – why would anyone listen to him? The whole city responds (amazing), God anoints his message, their hearts were prepared. This is a story of repentance and mercy, even for cruel, wicked oppressors –…
Jan 20, 2007 — Jonah 2:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 2:1-10 OBSERVATION: Seems hard to believe, how did he breathe, let alone pray? This is is his post-Ninevah reflection, how he looked back on the experience. If we presume that (a) there is a God (b) God can and does intervene in miraculous ways, then this story is possible. Makes a vow to God…
Jan 19, 2007 — Jonah 1:1-17
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 1:1-17 OBSERVATION: The word of the Lord (v.1) is God’s communication, in whatever form it took (angel, dream, vision, other prophet, etc.). God’s message to Jonah is to ”go and preach” (compare Matthew 28:18-20). He was being called to preach to his nations oppressors, the capital city of Assyria. Jonah rejects God’s call – too…
Jan 18, 2007 — 1 Peter 5:1-14
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:1-14 OBSERVATION: Peter seems to be addressing adice to certain groups in particular, the leaders, young men and those who are suffering for their faith. Peter identifies himself as a fellow elder, not as the chief apostle, one of Jesus’ inner circle, nor as God’s representative on earth. Were church leaders already then turning…