As we wrestle with a rather uncomfortable story in 1 Kings 13, we discover an allegory intended to convey personal responsibility. While we try hard to point a finger and shift the blame, we must accept the fact that we are selfish and sinful. Amazingly, though, Scripture reveals that although we may be sinners, Jesus…more
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Our readings this week take us to 1 Kings where we see God raise Solomon to greatness. Solomon, however, fails to remain faithful, and his dedication to the Lord fades away. Taking our cue from his mistake, we anchor ourselves to the cross, and we refuse to fade. Podcast: Play in new window | Download…more
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Our readings this week remind us that God has always been interested the heart. Whereas Saul looked like a king; David had the heart of a king. Later, throughout his ministry, Jesus pointed his followers past the outward to the inward teaching us that rather than wasting time polishing the paint, disciples develop a heart…more
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In the opening chapters of 1 Samuel, there seems to be an assumption that whoever has the ark has the power, as if God can be contained and controlled by his holy box. While the people’s foolishness is quickly exposed, it raises another question, namely whether or not we will surrender to his control. Podcast:…more
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The book of Judges ends with horrific scenes of a nation gone astray, a people who are living as if there is no king. They have forgotten God and are following their own whims. The Israelites, though, are not the only ones to live outside the reign of God. In every age, God’s people must…more
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Gideon seems like such an unlikely hero. He questions God. He’s afraid; he struggles to lead. Yet God uses Gideon for his glory. God has a habit of accomplishing his purposes through the most unlikely of people, even you and me. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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While Joshua led the Israelites into the land of Canaan, the writer of Hebrews contends that God’s rest is still available to all who believe. Furthermore, this rest is not so much a place but rather is rooted in God’s purposes fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Podcast: Play in new window | Download…more
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In spite of God’s mighty acts of deliverance in Egypt, the Israelites still doubted his care for them in the desert and, as a result, wandered forty years in the wilderness. Their failure to finish serves as a warning for future generations to remain faithful till the end. Podcast: Play in new window | Download…more
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After God delivers his people from Egypt, he leads them to Mt. Sinai where he gives them the law. Rather than being an act of domination, the law is actually a demonstration of his commitment to care and provide for them. Ultimately, the law is a gift, an expression of his love. Podcast: Play in…more
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As we continue the story of Scripture, our readings bring us to God’s mighty acts in Egypt. When the Israelites cry out to God, he hears, and he delivers. Thus, he is forever known as the God who saves. From our perspective, we certainly recognize Jesus as the ultimate expression of that salvation, and furthermore,…more
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