THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 33-36 “They will be places of refuge from the avenger…” (Numbers 35:12) The cities of refuge were where the accused could seek protection and mercy. Justice was the law of the land, and blood vengeance was permissible. But within that death-cursed context, God provides places of mercy, of hope. Much of Moses’…
Grace and truth through Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 30-32 “Save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man.” (Numbers 31:18) There are parts of the bible that make me cringe. Like how the father/husband can nullify the woman’s vows. Or how the soldiers could keep young virgins for plunder. “This is the word of the Lord?” and…
Joining Jesus at Starbucks!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 18:11-14 “Will he not leave the ninety-nine to look for the one that wandered off?” (18:12) I recently renewed my commitment to serve Jesus with my life. This means that His purpose becomes mine, and where He sends me, I go. The Lord does not usually spell out specifically where and…
God hates abuse of any kind!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 18:1-9 “If anyone causes one of these little ones — those who believe in me — to stumble…” (Matthew 18:6) I recently watched a YouTube channel that exposed adults luring young teens for sex. It was disturbing to watch, and also to see their shame when caught. There was no mercy, the…
Being political like Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 17:24-27 “But so that we may not cause offense…” (Matthew 17:27) This must have been tough for Jesus – paying taxes to Caesar, and to the corrupt religious leaders. The temple tax was not used for ‘a house of prayer’, but for ‘a den of robbers’ (Matthew 21:13). Yet Jesus submits to the…
Mustard seeds like me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 17:14-21 “Because you have so little faith.” (Matthew 17:20) I have a confession to make… my faith is not very strong. If all we need to move mountains is a mustard seed faith, then my faith is a quark (look it up). This is not something I am proud of, but I…
The sad truth!
I need your loving discipline!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 23 “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) I could spend time on every part of this psalm, there’s so much here. And yet my heart gets caught on the rod and staff. Used for prodding, pulling, or gently punishing if needed. Yet there is comfort every time the…
Here I am, Lord, use me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 26-29 “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him.” (Numbers 27:18) Buried in this boring reading on a census and regulations for offerings, I find this gem. Joshua is a man in whom is the spirit of leadership. Not just…
Your enemy is on the prowl
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 21-25 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, but the text is from 1 Peter 5. What struck me was the subtle ways the Enemy uses to derail God’s plan….