God’s finger — Luke 11:14-23 — May 30

There’s that remarkable fresco by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.  Among its many images, none is perhaps as famous as the meeting of the fingers, depicting God, relaxing on His side, conveying life to Adam by means of God’s finger.  To me it conveys the concept that even creation itself [...]

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hospitality — Luke 10:38-42 — May 29

There’s a difference between hospitality and entertaining.  I learned this from a wonderful little book (now out of print) called Open Heart, Open Home, by Karen Mains.  As Karen described the beauty and power of inviting others into our lives and our homes, particularly those not following Jesus actively, she indicated that we need to [...]

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How do you read? — Luke 10:25-37 — May 28

Next month, I’ll be doing a public reading of a book that I’ll be recording as an audio-book.  A museum will be hosting me and the author, and the expectation is that some people will attend to “get a read” on this new title.  At that time, I suppose the audience will be silently asking [...]

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joy — Luke 10:17-24 — May 27

Joy.  It’s a quality of life which many seek, but few seem to find.  Literally billions are spent on leisure activities, alcohol and drugs, and other “mood enhancers” in search of that joy which seems so elusive.  A vast majority of violent crime is dedicated to obtaining substances which promise joy, though falsely.
And yet, a [...]

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bowling alone — Luke 10:1-17 — May 26

A few years ago, Robert Putnam published a book titled Bowling Alone.  It details how, over the past decades, North American culture has become increasingly individualized, and how we have lost what he calls “social capital”, that which holds a society together.  He notes the trends in the decline in clubs, group activities, such as [...]

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betrayal — Luke 9:37-50 — May 23

At first glance, this seems like a hodgepodge of stories, the kind of slice of life that one might see on reality television.  It’s as if we should be asking the publisher to get a better editor for Luke, the one who, as you might remember, promised to write an orderly account for you, most [...]

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ascension! — Matthew 28:16-20 — May 21

Classic teaching here from the risen Christ, His last recorded words to His disciples.  The disciples are told to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them.  From what they’ve already seen Jesus do (like die and rise from the dead) who wouldn’t want to tell this amazing story?  Don’t you agree, and [...]

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don’t worry — Luke 12:22-31 — May 20

“Don’t worry” says the Mom to a frightened child.  “Don’t worry, be happy” says the Caribbean ballad.  “Don’t worry” say the financial advisers.  Well and good.  But are such admonishments not to worry ever successful in eradicating worry from us?  Not often.
And so here’s Jesus in Luke 12:22, telling His disciples not to worry about [...]

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friendly prayer — Luke 11:1-13 — May 19

Imagine what it would be like to hear Jesus praying to His heavenly Father.  Such was the privilege of these first disciples.  The quality of Jesus’ prayer astonished them, such that they asked Him to teach them how to pray, a custom observed by other rabbis and leaders, such as John the Baptist (Luke 11:1).  [...]

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the letter — Luke 6:1-11 — May 4

In one sense, Jesus was a literalist, one who sought to keep the letter of the law.  To his opponents who thought He was watering down God’s Word, He once said, Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.  For [...]

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