Creative Space for Wanderers
Read: The narrative of Jesus’ early life is brief, sometimes too brief. We wonder what He was like as a child, did He play? did He say incredibly funny things as He learned to talk? Are these thoughts irreverent? I have Rich Mullins moments at times–this is one of those times: Boy Like Me/Man Like …
Read: Without a doubt, this passage is one of my all time favorites. I can still close my eyes and see myself as a pre-teen reading this in front of Church of The Way Presbyterian in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (a very long time ago). Luke’s masterful writing of Jesus’ birth is a wonderful work of …
Read: As I continue to ponder what Zechariah did during his 9+ months of silence as Elizabeth managed her high-risk pregnancy, I read this incredible section in the NIVAC (NIV Application Commentary). I hope you’ll read this and consider your leadership role in the church. Whether you’re on staff or occasionally attend a gathering of …
Continue reading “Temptation to be Relevant, Popular, and Powerful”
Read: I’ve been using the NIVAC (NIV Application Commentary) to unpack each section of scripture, to learn from scholars who’ve invested their lives in understanding Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and complex histories about the life and time of those who walked with Jesus. Today’s passage is wonderful. I’m excited to add some thoughts on Luke’s words …
Continue reading “Luke: The Birth of John the Baptist and Zechariah’s Song”
Read A remarkable meeting of Mary and Elizabeth followed by Mary’s Song, The Magnificat. The two women play such a significant part of the male dominated history of our ancestors. It seems fitting that Luke would take time and space to honor them by recording an exciting moment when they meet during pregnancy: Mary with …
Continue reading “Luke: Mary Visits Elizabeth; The Magnificat”
Read: Another visitation to fulfill the prophesy of old, the One who would come into the world and redeem its people. I’m in awe of this young woman as I read through this passage over and over again. It seems the best I could hope for is one percent of the faith of Mary. Perfect …
Read: Luke takes some time to introduce Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist, as they are blessed by a visit from the angel Gabriel. This is a story of devotion to service that is rewarded far beyond expectation. Zechariah’s immediate reaction results in losing his ability to speak while Elizabeth quickly figures out …
Continue reading “Luke: The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold”
Today we begin to read through Luke’s gospel account of the life of Jesus. Here’s an overview of where we will venture over the next several weeks: The Preface (1:1–4) The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus (1:5–2:52) The Preparation of Jesus for His Public Ministry (3:1–4:13) His Ministry in Galilee (4:14–9:9) His Withdrawal …
Read: In this remarkable conclusion to John Mark’s gospel, we read about the impossible, improbable, incomprehensible resurrection of Jesus! He has risen! Once again, the women take the initiative to do that which was uncomfortable at the very least: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices …
Read: As a rule, I don’t get real excited about New Year’s celebrations, but I am hopeful that 2018 will be a year of change, redirection, refocus, and rebuilding for the ministry that Jesus has in mind for me. That’s probably not very unique, but in the last 4 or 5 years, significant changes have …
Continue reading “Mark: Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of Jesus”