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…
Keep looking up!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 21:20-28 “Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28) Do these verses describe the end times, or the destruction of Jerusalem? The answer is both, they speak to all times of crisis before Jesus’ return. Every time terror and misery reign, “stand up and lift…
One God for all!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 99 “The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble… let the earth shake.” (Psalm 99:1) This psalm celebrates the greatness of God, as Israel knows Him. A mighty God, a just God, a God of equity (v.4). A God that hears, a God that knows, a God that cares. This in contrast to…
Burning up inside!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 19-20 “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.” (Jeremiah 20:9) Jeremiah is struggling with being God’s messenger. The message itself is dark, and people are attacking him for it. His job is to warn people about impending doom – not a pleasant job….
Undermining our inheritance!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 16-18 “Through your own fault you will lose the inheritance I gave you.” (Jeremiah 17:4) Imagine a christian leader with a effective ministry and a loving family. He gives in to an inappropriate relationship, and is found out. Now he is out of work, his family is devastated, and he is terribly…
This is my story (whether you agree or not)!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 21:10-19 “And so you will bear testimony to me.” (Luke 21:13) Jesus does not expect us to convert or change anyone. We are not to be His enforcers, making people believe. We are called to be witnesses, to testify to what we know about Jesus. And a witness can only testify to…
The church that impresses God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 21:5-9 “The time will come when not one stone will be left on another.” (Luke 21:6) This reading makes me think of Shania Twain’s song, ‘That don’t impress me much!’ The disciples are impressed by the beautiful temple structures. I attended a mega church and someone said, ‘wouldn’t you like a church…