To gaze on the glory of God in all His grandeur! In our wildest imaginings, this vision hypnotizes our senses and seizes our hearts. Such foolishness! For in our fallen state, we will be devastated. Every fiber of our being will convulse in terror, with our tongues left stammering. The glimpse will burn us in […]
John 14:23-31: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word
June 4, 2017 by
The word “Pentecost” means 50. A festival of the Old Covenant, at first, a celebration which took place every year. Now we understand why so many pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem on the day the potent Wind from eternity graced the people of God. For the Israelites, Pentecost thanked the Creator for the first harvest of […]
Mark 16:14-20: Christ Precedes Us, Not Abandons Us
May 28, 2017 by
The Lord commissions His Apostles before returning to heaven: “Preach the gospel to all creation.” Next, He adds the promise of Baptism. Left out of our Lord’s final words are commands to clothe, shelter, or mend broken marriages. Though noble, helpful, and part of what we should be doing, such work is always secondary. For […]
Numbers 21:4-9: The Snake on the Pole
May 21, 2017 by
Most Christian churches display at least one. This church is no exception. On the crest of our steeple, you’ll find one, our building’s highest point. Another is atop a wooden rod, on display, when we begin the service with a procession. Behind the altar, you’ll spot one, the size of a monument, made by carpenters […]
Isaiah 12:1-6: Drinking From the Wells of Salvation
May 18, 2017 by
With faces still wet from the mist of the Sea, the Israelites sing out, celebrating their deliverance from Egypt. So momentous the event, their tongues cannot stay silent, their melodic praise becoming the first song recorded in Scripture (Exodus 15). The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remained faithful to His pledge, not forgetting His […]
John 16:16-22: The Church as a Woman in Labor
May 18, 2017 by
The saints in the struggle, the Church on earth, is a woman in labor. The saints at rest, the Church in eternal glory, is compared to a mother whose birthing pains are past. No longer in contractions, she now beholds her baby born, her anguish long forgotten. The people of God, described as a pregnant […]
Psalm 23: The Holy Hunter
April 30, 2017 by
A chapter about the Lord and His sheep. Such a poor reputation comes with these wool-covered creatures. For they are gamey to the nose and stupid of mind, too quick to roam and become lost. Such poor eyesight, but they do recognize their shepherd’s voice! For sheep to thrive, they must learn to live by […]
Luke 24:1-8: Remember What Jesus Told You
April 16, 2017 by
The angel asks a strange question. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” The answer is clear. “Where else will Jesus be?” These women awoke early in the morning, not wanting to leave their Lord’s body without a proper burial. With heavy footsteps, laden with grief, they talk. How will they anoint the […]
Good Friday, The Centurion: This Man, Jesus, is the Son of God!
April 14, 2017 by
The day is dark on a Friday so long ago. The life drains from an unusual man as He goes to His gloomy end. Is He not supposed to be the One, prophesied by Scripture? Yes, but we find Him too powerless to save Himself. The injustice of corrupt leaders and what is expedient for […]
Jesus, Our Passover Lamb
April 13, 2017 by
Exodus 6:2-8, Exodus 12:1-14, and Luke 22:14-20 The end is near. The words our Savior speaks are clear, “I wanted much to eat this Passover with you [, my disciples,] before I suffer.” “The Son of Man is going to his death according to God’s plan.” The path of death is now before Him. For […]
