THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:45-53 “This mob that knows nothing of the law — there is a curse on them.” (John 7:49) Is it possible that we as religious people become blind in our faith? These religious leaders were so sure of themselves. They belittled Jesus’ followers – no one who knew the Law was listening…
Sanctuary!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 114 “Judah became God’s sanctuary” (Psalm 114:2) When you look at someone, what do you see? Do you see JUST their limitations, or their FULL God-potential? Israel was not a strong nation, not impressive or scary. But the Red Sea parted for her… because God was with her. Creation recognizes the children…
River of life inside!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 46-48 “Deep enough to swim in — a river that no one could cross.” (Ezekiel 47:5) Moses receives plans for the tabernacle while in the desert. Ezekiel receives plans for the rebuilt temple while in exile. John receives visions of the new creation while in exile (Revelation 21-22). In each case, streams of…
The hope of glory!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 43-45 “And the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” (Ezekiel 43:5) This vision was meant to inspire the Jews with hope. Israel’s temple was about to be rebuilt, God’s dwelling place. God’s glory was going to return (2 Chronicles 5:14, Ezekiel 10:15-19). So did this happen, did God’s glory return to the temple? The…
Flow river flow!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:37-44 “Rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:39) The Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2) celebrated God’s care in the wilderness. It was also a time for anticipating Ezekiel’s restored temple (Ezekiel 40-42). During the Festival the priest would pour water on the altar. This recalled the river from the altar…
God is like Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:25-36 “You do not know him, but I know him.” (John 7:28-29) Jesus claims to know God better than anyone else. He claims to be from God, and sent by God (v.29). In the centuries after Jesus, believers struggled to explain Who Jesus is. They struggled to find words to affirm both…
To see as Jesus sees!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:14-24 “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24) Some people appear to be better than others… but is this really so? What we see can be misleading, since it is not all that there is to know. Jesus warns the religious leaders to stop measuring people by what…
God’s timing
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:1-13 “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.” (John 7:6) I think of these words when I am ask God to do something. ‘Answer me now, Lord, heal me now, fix my problem now…’ We are not thinking of timing, or even what is best over all….
God of the underdog!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 113 “He raises the poor from the dust.” (Psalm 113:7) Where do the world’s underdogs turn to for hope? Political and religious power are usually in the hands of the few. They use their powers for themselves, neglecting or abusing those below. This is natural – darwinian – the way things are…
Me… a holy temple?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 40-42 “To separate the holy from the common.” (Ezekiel 42:20) I have to admit, I lost interest in the dimensions of this temple. No doubt the Jews loved to imagine its perfect layout and design. The vision was meant to inspire them that one day, things would be restored. But this verse…