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…
The love covenant!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 31-33 “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” (Jeremiah 31:33) Jeremiah predicts that God will replace the Moses covenant with a new one (31:31). The old covenant was set up as a guardian… until Jesus came (Galatians 3:23-25). Jesus is a mediator of a new arrangement…
What He suffered for us
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:63-65 “They blindfolded him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’” (Luke 22:64) People can be cruel, as this scene with Jesus reveals. Verbal taunting and physical tormenting, mockery and shame. And to think Jesus became human to help us, to save us from our sin. “Christ Jesus – Who, being in very…
That look…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:54-62 “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” (Luke 22:61) There is a moment when you are tempted when all you see is what you’re tempted with. Like Eve, the fruit looks so good, and you imagine all the benefits. If whispers of warning arise, they are buried beneath the burning…
When goodness reigns!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:47-53 “But this is your hour — when darkness reigns.” (Luke 22:53) There are many times through history when it seems darkness reigns. In fact, it makes one wonder what it means to say ‘Jesus reigns’. The way things look in the world, ‘evil’ is still running wild and free. Jesus, representing…
Prayer warfare
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:39-46 “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:46) We all face temptations on a regular basis. Satan is always sneaking up on us, trying to trip us up. We are like soldiers advancing in enemy territory; always on the alert. Or are we… how many…
What path am I committed to?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 101 “I will be careful to lead a blameless life.” (Psalm 101:2) In this psalm David commits himself to living a God-like (godly) life. The key here is his commitment; he is expressing his heart’s desire. Its not that he lived up to this perfectly, but it is what he aims for….
Blessing our towns and cities!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 29-30 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you.” (Jeremiah 29:7) God’s followers have been dispersed throughout the world, mixed among the godless. God’s dream remains to gather and establish His family in His kingdom paradise. But for now, those that humbly love and serve live…
Peaceful revolution?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 26-28 “Serve the king of Babylon, and you will live.” (Jeremiah 27:17) In this time of war and crisis, Jeremiah advocates surrender. It would be the same as ministers in Europe urging surrender to Hitler. By surrender he did not mean willing complicity, being allies. But he was warning against violent rebellion,…
Agents of peace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:31-38 “If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36) Some christians use this verse to support their right to bear arms for self-defense. Maybe by themselves, but not when read in their context. Jesus explains WHY they needed swords in the next verse: “It is written…”…