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…
Preaching the WHOLE gospel!
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…