THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:24-30 “I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me.” (Luke 22:29) As Creator, God is the ultimate King over all creation. This has never been in dispute, God has never not been King. But God designed His kingdom to be ruled in specific way (Genesis 1:26-28). He…
Is God calling me?
(Something to read if you’ve been nominated to serve) What does it mean to be called to ministry. When I was in high school, I felt called into the ministry. What that meant for me – and for most people I know – was that I was called to be an ‘ordained minister’ in the…
A new and better arrangement!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:14-23 “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) A covenant is an agreement, a contract or an arrangement between two parties. God made different covenants in the past: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Israel, David. Each arrangement was unique, designed for different purposes. But…
Just like us, just like Him!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:7-13 “He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished.” (Luke 22:12) Did Jesus possess superhuman knowledge, to know about this room? Was Jesus using His God-power of omniscience – knowing everything? We need to remember that Jesus, while on earth, was limited as a human. Yes, I know that He…
Shout!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 100 “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.” (Psalm 100:1) Whenever we focus on God, joy and praise and thanksgiving should burst out. Going to temple (for Jews) was a time to magnify the sound of praise. They reflected on Who He is (He is God that made and rules…
The difference lies in the heart!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 24-25 “One basket had very good figs… the other basket had very bad figs…” (Jeremiah 24:2) The bible often contrasts the righteous and the wicked, but is it that simple? If we are all sinners, can anyone be righteous? Another analogy is the humble and the proud, and this is what it…
To know God like Jesus did!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 21-23 “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well.” (Jeremiah 22:16) In this section Jeremiah repeats God’s desire for justice and mercy for the people. “Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no…
Looking for a way in…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:1-6 “Then Satan entered Judas…” (Luke 22:1-6) Judas was not an innocent victim that Satan took over and destroyed. Judas was wavering in his response to Jesus, was questioning his commitment. As Jesus’ treasurer (John 12:6), he was more tempted by the money. Jesus was not the messiah he hoped for, not his…
What’s weighing me down?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 21:34-38 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down.” (Luke 21:34) There seems to be a relationship between the things that Jesus warns about. He mentions carousing/drunkenness, and then anxieties. These are representative for many kinds of things that can weigh us down. In my experience, the one feeds into the…
The signs of (kingdom) summer!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 21:29-33 “When you see these things, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31) I always enjoy seeing the leaves budding on the trees. A sure sign that spring has come, and summer is on the way. (In Canada, spring and summer is what I look forward too). Jesus…