THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 24:44-49 “Forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.” (Luke 24:47) The root word for ‘forgiveness’ means being released or delivered. In my experience, most christians think about being forgiven of our guilt. What about the idea that we have been set free from Satan, sin and death….
The joy of seeing Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 24:36-43 “They still did not believe it because of joy and amazement.” (Luke 24:41) The disciples were not stupid, they knew dead humans did not come back to life. They were not expecting Jesus to rise, and they couldn’t believe it when He did. Some people suggest the disciples made this all…
Lord of history and my story!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 105 “Remember the wonders he has done!” (Psalm 105:5) In this song the psalmist praises God for His role in their history. We ought to see our own story in light of the world’s story, and God’s! This calls for some historical perspective, which many of us lack. As I recall the…
Words of encouragement!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 50-52 “When you get to Babylon, see that you read all these words aloud.” (Jeremiah 51:61) Jeremiah gives them words to read while they are in exile. They will read these words of judgment against Babylon, while it is still strong. They will remind themselves that God is still God, even if…
A witness to the nations!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 47-49 “And what shepherd can stand against me?” (Jeremiah 49:19) Jeremiah is a prophet within Israel, yet he has something to say to everyone. The nations mentioned here were at that time sinful, violent oppressors. Even though God warned His people about sin, He wasn’t forgetting the others. All people, nations and…
Your own Emmaus moments!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 24:28-35 “Were not our hearts burning within us while he opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32) This is what I hope for, and look for, when I read the bible. As I read, I pay attention to the thoughts that warm or stir my heart or mind. If a line jumps…
Jesus in the story!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 24:13-27 “He explained what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27) When I read the Old Testament (first 2/3 of the bible), I do not usually see Jesus. There are hints of Jesus scattered throughout, but buried in the midst of other stuff. Some people avoid the OT because they…
Eternal life begins now!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 24:1-12 “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:1-12) Death has been such a fixture in life we assume that it is natural. When death appears, we assume that hope is gone – because life is gone. We were made for life, yet we live as if we…
Actively, eagerly waiting!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:50-56 “He himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 23:51) What does it mean to ‘wait for the kingdom of God’. If I wait for the bus, I sit at the bus stop and anticipate that it is coming. If I wait for the light to turn green, I am…
All creation sings!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 104 “Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.” (Psalm 104:1) This song is an ode to the greatness and goodness of God. The psalmist is reflecting on the greatness of what he sees and knows. He looks into the sky, and sees the heavens, the…