THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Samuel 1-3 “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind.” (1 Samuel 2:35) This story offers a summary of the story of creation, and our need for Jesus. God created us to be His priests, His representatives on earth. But like…
I am response-able!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:20-26 “‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’” (Matthew 27:24) Who is responsible for what happened to Jesus? In one sense Pilate and the Jewish leaders are responsible, but more importantly we all are. Each one of us faces the death penalty because we are responsible…
The Spirit is already at work!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:11-19 “That innocent man… for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” (Matthew 27:19) I find something very encouraging in this story about Pilate’s wife. She is a Gentile, she has no interest in a Jewish messiah, and yet God speaks to her in a dream….
A desire for integrity!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:6-10 “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” (Matthew 27:6) It is ironic to hear the religious leaders talk about ‘against the law’. This blood money was the money they paid to have Jesus betrayed. Their hands are already stained, this act of…
Seized by mercy, not despair
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:1-5 “Judas was seized with remorse, ‘I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood.’” (Matthew 27:3-4) My experience is that this is how one feels after doing something sinful. Someone once said the Devil speaks in two voices: he entices with sweetness and accuses with shame. During temptation he plants thoughts…
Seeking the God life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 37 “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” (Psalm 37:3) This Psalm lays out the contrast between a God-like person, and a God-less person. Even though for a time selfish, greedy or cruel people may succeed, their doom is certain. Don’t envy them, hang…
From emptiness to fullness
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ruth 3-4 “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.” (Ruth 4:15) Naomi returned to Israel bitter because she had been emptied of life and hope (Ruth 1:20-21). Her husband and sons dead, she was essentially homeless and destitute. Life for widows and orphans in that day was terrible, they…
God’s response to immigrants!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ruth 1-2 “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me — a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10) The story of Ruth is a teaching story, to impress a great truth on God’s people. Ruth stands out as a model believer, even though she is not a Jew. Her example of…
Hope through the tears
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:69-75 “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken…” (Matthew 26:74) Boastful Peter – who claimed he would never deny Jesus – curses himself if he is lying. Ouch, can you imagine if God held him to his words, and actually cursed him for his lie? Can you imagine if God actually…
Jesus Messiah
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:63-68 “‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.” (Matthew 26:64) This is the most important question in the history of mankind. When Adam and Eve sinned, God promised a messiah to crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15). He would reverse the curse and restore Adam’s position as…