Today is February 29, added to the calendar once every four years in order to compensate for the precise orbit of the earth around the sun. Though I’m no scientist, I continue to be amazed at the very small tolerances on which our planet and the solar system operate. Were we any closer or further [...]
Archive for February, 2012
The Glue — Colossians 1:15-23 — February 29
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The gift — Philippians 2:1-11 — February 28
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All during Lent, at its weekend worship services, my church will be looking at just one verse of the Bible, perhaps the most famous one of all: God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Aside [...]
a proper beginning — John 1:1-18 — February 27
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As we begin this twenty week study of The Essential Jesus, 100 key passages from the Bible which point us to Him, it’s worth noting that I wouldn’t have begun with today’s passage. Though many people are advised to begin looking at Jesus by reading the gospel of John — and, in fact, so was I [...]
my joy — John 17:9-19 — February 24
Posted in Uncategorized on February 24, 2012 | 5 Comments »
As Jesus anticipates His suffering and death, we would not expect to hear Him talking about joy. We would more expect to hear Him described as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). And yet, the writer to the Hebrews reminds us Jesus, for the sake of the joy that was set before Him, [...]
The Lord’s Prayer — John 17:1-8 — February 23
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Most followers of Jesus know the Lord’s Prayer, and even non-followers know that it exists. And although fewer of us have been brought up to learn it, nonetheless we seem to know the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Perhaps it’s called ‘The Lord’s Prayer” because, in Luke’s version, Jesus outlines the prayer just after He Himself [...]
better prayer — Luke 18:9-14 — February 22
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Lent, for a large swath of Christianity, is the one time of the year when we “get religion”, when we normally step it up in terms of some of the religious disciplines, whether it be prayer, fasting, or self-denial. As we do so, it’s critical that we do it for the right reasons. As the [...]
what is truth? — John 18:28-38 — February 21
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It’s the height of irony. In a kangaroo-court setting, Pontius Pilate, corrupt Roman governor, is talking about the truth with Jesus of Nazareth, impeccable Savior of the world. Jesus declares the purpose of His coming into the world: For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the [...]
other sheep – John 10:1-18 — February 15
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Apparently it’s true-to-life. Jesus, speaking as he was to people who knew all about agriculture and animal husbandry, was describing the natural tendencies of sheep, in order to describe the supernatural tendencies of His followers. And so, apparently, sheep do know their shepherd’s voice, whom they will follow (as much as wayward sheep are prone [...]
hilarious — John 9:18-41 — February 14
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Generally speaking, most people don’t think the Bible is funny. They think it’s serious stuff, if not difficult and dour. Others think it unattractive, boring, even toxic. Too bad for them. Today’s passage is funny and fun, and I believe that John, the writer, is milking every last word for its humor. Here we have the opponents [...]
who sinned? — John 9:1-17 — February 13
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I recognize the question. For I hear it often in my own head, asked by me of myself in secret about the person I’m looking at. Whether I’m looking at someone disabled, or addicted, seriously ill, or just troubled, I don’t necessarily immediately feel the heart of Jesus reaching out in compassion. I also hear [...]
