I just read through Ecclesiastes, and I was confused! As I ponder the proverbs and epigrams of The Preacher I find myself wondering what Jesus made of these aphorisms? Or how did Daniel interpret and apply these adages and axioms? Or how did Edmond Dantés puzzle over these teachings in Ecclesiastes? Here are a few […]
Every week I write sermon reflection questions. But do I wrestle with them? I suppose I do while projecting the content throughout the week, and preaching the sermon on Sunday; but this week I have decided to wrestle through the questions a bit more thoroughly by blogging about them…
My friend Mark is always harping on how God uses non-Christians to speak truth. And I must say, I agree. There are so many instances in Scripture where God employs a pagan king to pull off something true, good, or beautiful. And there are even instances where God explicitly shames the covenant community by comparing […]
So this morning’s meeting was pretty spicy! The meeting started with some decorous fellows accusing The Boss of being satanic. The Boss was having one of it! The Boss said, “I’m not satanic, you polished, courtly, well-bred fellows are satanic! I’m here to harass Satan! Which means, I’m here to harass you guys, because you’re […]
In my morning meeting with The Boss – He told me a couple of stories. The first story was about how some elders came to Jesus pleading with Him to visit a powerful and popular guy in their community. The elders said, “This guy is WORTHY of a personal visit, because he loves our nation, […]
crux | krəks, kro͝oks | noun | ˈkro͞osēz | ) (the crux) the decisive or most important point at issue. In my morning meeting with The Boss we talked about THE CRUX of God’s mission. Here’s how The Boss explained it: a paralyzed person was brought to The Boss, and The Boss said, “Your sins are forgiven.” Many of The Boss’s disciples said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen […]
You are a single mother living in destitution. A homeless clairvoyant shows up at your front door. The man says that God told him that you were supposed to feed him. You inform the homeless man that you have no food. All you have is a ½ cup of flour, and maybe 3 ounces of […]
We have received many inquiries about the letters, and we understand why people are upset. We agree that much of the language in the letters feels harsh, and the content is inescapably painful. Many people have observed the glaring and gross lack of propriety and civility in the author’s use of words like “mutilate” and […]
I will offer one caveat (though God very often offers no caveats). Admittedly, I offer this caveat because I am insecure (but God is not insecure, and therefore He offers far fewer caveats). I offer this caveat because I am afraid to make you uncomfortable (God is not afraid to make you uncomfortable, hence He […]
Read 2 Kings 2:23-25. Then imagine asking Jesus of Nazareth, “What’s your interpretation and application of this anecdote?” (Luke 2:46-47; 24:27). ::: Elisha was traveling to the house of God He encountered a jeering small boy squad 42 they numbered Then the She-bears lumbered And upon the small boys they gnawed A limerick based on […]