Life to the full!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 31-33 “Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode that will not be moved.” (Isaiah 33:20) What would this world look like, if it were paradise? Imagine if there were no violence, hatred, abuse, illness, loneliness, sin. This is the dream that God holds out to Israel through Isaiah. But He holds…
Strength through stillness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 28-30 “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. But you would have none of it.” (Isaiah 30:15) God created us to enjoy His ‘very good’ creation rest. Not ‘rest’ as in doing nothing, but a sense of peace in what we do. A quiet confidence…
A love that goes beyond the law!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 14:1-6 “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” (Luke 14:3) When I read a law in the bible, I want to explore WHY that law is there. Some laws are harder than others, and some I cannot figure out. But as I reflect on most of the laws, I…
Prone to wander…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 13:31-35 “As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Luke 13:34) Jesus knew he was going to suffer and die, and He knew He had no choice. He also knew WHY He had to suffer and die, because of our unwillingness. Unwilling to come to our…
Integrity… when no one is watching!
In the end, we find what we seek!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 13:28-30 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth…” (Luke 13:28) Jesus is still speaking about those who thought they were ‘saved’. He describes a scene where people from all times and places gather. It will be a huge feast and celebration, and Jesus will welcome each one. But there will…
Does He recognize me?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 13:22-27 “I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me you evildoers!” (Luke 13:27) Jesus is asked about how many or few will be saved. He shifts the focus to the man who asks: ‘you make sure you are saved!’ Apparently many think they’re saved, but Jesus does not…
Where are You God?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 89 “Lord, where is your former great love?” (Psalm 89:49) This psalm starts by repeating God’s promises to guard His people forever. But then it faces how God’s people are crushed and defeated. Ethan (the Psalmist) cries out to God, ‘where are You???’ ‘Why are you withholding Your love from us?’ Many…
Bringers of salvation???
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 24-27 “We have not brought salvation to the earth.” (Isaiah 26:18) We live in a sin-messed world: “a curse consumes the earth!” (24:6) God hates the violence, abuse, injustice, misery, immorality. He established Israel to be a light in a dark world, but that light faded. Called to be a blessing, they…