THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 1-3 “This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 1:28) What Ezekiel sees is not actually God, but God’s way of showing Himself. How do we describe God, what image or vision could capture His awesomeness. The various symbols in this vision of God have a…
Come, and you will see!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 1:35-42 “‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’” (John 1:39) One thing I notice about Jesus is that He doesn’t make it easy. He doesn’t smother these eager potential disciples. He doesn’t win them over with charm and wisdom. He invites them to keep checking Him out, to keep following. Andrew spent…
Once for all!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 1:29-34 “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) For Jews, the sacrificed lamb was a very important symbol for their faith. It reminded them of God’s grace, how He released them from their sin and guilt. But the repeated sacrifices never succeeded in ending…
I am not the messiah!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 1:19-28 “He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” (John 1:20) John knew who he was, and who he was not. As helpers of Jesus, we need to remember who we are, and who we’re not. I am God’s child, I am Christ’s brother, I am…
Moving into my heart!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 1:6-18 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) Can you think of a ‘bad’ neighborhood near you? A less than desirable area where you’d prefer not to live? Jesus moved into a less than desirable neighborhood. He moved in with us. Humanity has turned God’s paradise into…
His love endures forever!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 106 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1) His love endures forever, that is, He never stops loving us! Even when we mess up, even when we go astray, even when we hurt Him. The psalmist reflects on their story as a nation… its…
‘Restore them too, Lord!’
THE STORY OF JESUS: Lamentations 4-5 “Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return.” (Lamentations 5:21) Personally I have not experienced this kind of horrible suffering. But this kind of suffering is happening all over the world, all the time. We should not just feel bad when we suffer, we should feel bad for all misery….
Compassion = ‘to suffer with’
THE STORY OF JESUS: Lamentations 1-3 “For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” (Lamentations 3:33) It is not pleasant to imagine the horrible things described here. What makes it harder is that God is viewed as the cause (not blame) for it. “The Lord is like an enemy; he has swallowed up Israel.”…
The mystery and wonder of Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 1:1-5 “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) John starts his story on the life of Jesus in a very unique way. He has been thinking long and hard about Who Jesus is. Jesus was no ordinary prophet or teacher, He was … unique! He was fully…
Living with His blessing!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 24:50-53 “While he was blessing them, he left them.” (Luke 24:51) Jesus leaves them, but He leaves them with His blessing. Imprinted on their hearts and minds is this picture of Jesus. Hands raised in blessing, smiling and strengthening them. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face…