Creative Space for Wanderers
Read: My friend, mentor, and wise sage, Greg Wiens, is consistently reading and learning from shrewd people in the world, something he encourages us to do as well. The parable of the shrewd manager invites us to learn from the world for the Kingdom’s cause. The story is intriguing. The conclusion is a test. The …
One of the hazards of any profession is the inability to take significant breaks. This is especially true in ministry. Many churches offer an extended sabbatical for staff after serving seven years–an absolutely wonderful concept! This notion comes from the Old Testament concept of a sabbatical year, but that’s a whole different story for another …
Read: Of all the stories Luke has to choose from, and I’m sure there were literally hundreds, he selected a scene were two sisters appeared in conflict. In an age where women were minimalized overtly, we are asked to consider who is doing the most important thing. Martha takes charge while Mary doesn’t say a …
Read: Luke’s masterful writing and arrangement of the text gives us a narrative that’s quite compelling. I love how the first two words of this chapter sets up the significant story: After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was …
Read: Luke is already beginning to point to Jesus’ resurrection, though it’s a bit early in the narrative, as His ministry spreads. It’s interesting that Jesus doesn’t hesitate to not only go through Samaria, but made plans to stay in the area much despised by the Jewish leadership. The messengers sent to prepare a place …
Read: Last week we kicked off the Lenten season for 2018, February 14 through April 1st. Mardi Gras (Feb 13th) is probably celebrated with more enthusiasm than Ash Wednesday, but the timing of this season with reading Luke 9 and following is interesting. As we approach Easter, the pivotal event that ultimately defines Christianity, I …
Continue reading “Luke: Tough Lessons Through Healing and Prophecy”
Read: I really have a hard time appreciating the gravity of this assertion: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. In our modern society we don’t require criminals to bear the instrument of death upon which they will be publicly humiliated, tortured, and ultimately …
Continue reading “Luke: Are You Sure You Want to be a Disciple?”
Read: Jesus’ ministry is in full motion now. Initially, He went and preached with a few, then appointed the Twelve, now they have just finished their first real world experience in preaching the incredible news: the kingdom of God is available to all! The lesson is as provocative today as it was years ago. The …
Read: If you read the title to this post and just keep going, perhaps you’ve been in the Christian bubble too long, but don’t be upset with yourself, you’re in good company! Our Daily Bread devotion this morning prompts us to read where Thomas admits he doesn’t understand and Philip is terribly confused. These two …
Continue reading “Luke: Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman”
Read: Just a short segue between stories, Luke adds some interesting detail about the preaching and teaching tour of Jesus. Back in the old days, even before my time, the idea of circuit-riders or itinerant preachers modeled their ministry based on this idea: Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the …