THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 3:10-20 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.” (Luke 3:10) John is speaking to those he baptized, challenging them to change. Two questions come up: how do we change, and how can we change. To the first question John speaks into their lives personally. What does it mean for the wealthy,…
Life beyond baptism!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 3:1-9 “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Luke 3:8) Did John say this to them before they were baptized, or after? I always assumed it was before, but what if it was after? In my experience, we say this to people before they’re baptized. But baptism symbolizes God’s grace BEFORE we produce…
Any time now, Lord!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 70 “I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God.” (Psalm 70:5) Though I am not going through the same issue, I can relate. As a deeply relfective person, I am painfully aware of my weaknesses. And Satan loves to magnify these, to ruin me with them. I feel what…
Take heart, and hang on!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Job 13-14 “I will wait for my renewal to come.” (Job 14:14) Job sees everything that happens as directed by God (14:5). Ultimately Job expects that God will renew him (14:14-17). But in the meantime, our days are few and full of trouble (14:1). Will we still trust God, in light of this?…
Easy for me to say!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Job 11-12 “Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune.” Zophar put Job in his place; he suffered because he sinned… period. Sad to say, I was once like Zophar, a voice of heartless ‘truth’. But as Job states, I was “at ease”, preaching from my ivory tower. Too many of…
What motivates me?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 2:41-52 “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) Somehow as a boy, Jesus had a clear sense of God’s calling for His life. His motivating drive was to serve His Father. This is what guided His decisions and actions all through life. What do I wake…
Piercing goodness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 2:33-40 “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:35) Jesus birth was not all sweetness and joy for Joseph and Mary. The goodness of Jesus would be difficult to live with. His goodness stands out in contrast to our own sin. Hearts will be challenged; open hearts will humbled….
Can you see Him?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 2:25-32 “For my eyes have seen your salvation…” (Luke 2:30) Unlike Simeon, I cannot see my salvation with my physical eyes. But I have been “moved by the Spirit” to see it by faith. How do I explain it: I sense it, I feel it, I know it deep inside. Whenever I…
No more cleansing rituals!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 2:21-24 “The purification rites required by the Law of Moses.” (Luke 2:22) So how do we feel forgiven, how do we become certain of God’s love? When you feel dirty, do you perform certain cleansing acts? In those times, do you feel God’s love, or do you feel condemnation? The rituals in…
Renew my passion!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 69 “For zeal for your house consumes me.” (Psalm 69:9) David’s heart was on fire for God, even if it meant suffering. His zeal was for building, maintaining and protecting God’s temple. The temple represented God living with, at home with, His people. In its time, it served as a reminder of…