THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:26-31 “If people do this when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:31) Jesus knows that things can only go from bad to worse in our world. If innocent people are crucified by religious leaders, things do not look good. If living trees are cut down…
Telling yourself to focus on God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 103 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:2) When I am discouraged, overwhelmed, scared, or troubled, what should I do? In moments like these, tell yourself to focus on God. In this Psalm David is engaging in ‘self-talk’, telling his soul to praise God. He recalls…
Serving a questionable leader?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 39-40 “Serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.” (Jeremiah 40:9) I am trying to figure out how this message fits for Jesus followers. Through history there have been ungodly rulers in charge of our world. What does it mean to “serve the king”, when that kings is…
A firm word spoken in love!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 36-38 “This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.” (Jeremiah 38:4) Jeremiah is being accused of discouraging the people with his words. His message is negative, it points out the failures and sins of the people. The question is, was his negative message helpful, or hurtful? It…
Releasing Jesus into the world!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:13-25 “He has done nothing to deserve death.” (Luke 23:25) Forget the church, and christians, and religion, and church history for a moment. Just focus on Jesus and ask yourself, ‘what can we say against Him?’ Pilate concluded that Jesus had done nothing to deserve death (v.15). I would make that even…
Quiet, humble proof!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:8-12 “Jesus gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:9) Jesus just stood there quietly, looking like a fool. Herod wanted a sign, Jesus gave him nothing. In the end Herod only saw a buffoon, a meek helpless mute. Jesus does not come across like a worldly leader or celebrity. He does not draw…
Turning things right-side up!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:1-7 “We have found this man subverting our nation.” (Luke 23:2) The Latin root for the English word ‘subvert’ means to turn from beneath. The original Greek word in this text means to turn thoroughly. Jesus is being accused of turning things around – like a revolution. But was Jesus really a…
Confident… from now on!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:66-71 “From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God.” (Luke 22:69) For Jews, the ‘Son of God’ was a sinless, God-pleasing human, like Adam (Luke 3:38). And the “Son of Man” was the promised messiah (see Daniel 7:13-14). This Son of Man would stand with God…
OK to be honest!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 102 “For you have taken me up and thrown me aside.” (Psalm 102: 10) This is not one of those verses that people memorize. You won’t find it on inspirational cards or gift mugs. The psalmist is being brutally honest – this is how he feels. God inspires him to record his honest…
The freedom of God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 34-35 “So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the Lord… ‘Freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine.” (Jeremiah 34:17) There comes a point when God allows us our freedom to choose folly. He “gives us over” to the desires of our heart (see Romans 1:21-32). This is not God being…