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Where Greatness Dwells
Mark 12 gives a contrast in true greatness. There is the greatness we aspire to (even if we may not admit it at times). For the Jews in that day there was an admiration for the religious leaders. They had places of position. They had esteem. They looked smart. But all that glitters is not gold. 38 As he was teaching, he…
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Who is this King?
7 Mighty gates: lift up your heads! Ancient doors: rise up high! So the glorious king can enter! 8 Who is this glorious king? The LORD—strong and powerful! The LORD—powerful in battle! 9 Mighty gates: lift up your heads! Ancient doors: rise up high! So the glorious king can enter! 10 Who is this glorious king? The LORD of heavenly forces— he is the…
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“Affordable Healthcare Act”
I make a feeble attempt to jump into the fray about healthcare. The Supreme Court heard arguments this week on the “Affordable Healthcare Act.” My current thought is this: It’s like saying “Holy Roman Empire.” It’s a misnomer. The Holy Roman Empire wasn’t Roman, not really “holy”, and not much of an empire either. The operative word that is deceptive…
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Expectation
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. The journey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was one of high expectation. Everyone had their view of what Jesus’ coming meant. That entry had implications for everyone… yet not in a way any of them expected. 8 Many people spread out their clothes on the road while others spread branches cut from the fields. 9 Those in front of…
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Ambiguity
I was in a meeting yesterday with a church leader who has led an interesting life in ministry. Someone observed he had tackled some really tough things. He had started up missions organizations and pastored struggling churches. He said, “My ministry has been starting up or picking up.” Then, he made an incredible statement about ministering in the hard assignments.…
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Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
15 They came into Jerusalem. After entering the temple, he threw out those who were selling and buying there. He pushed over the tables used for currency exchange and the chairs of those who sold doves. 16 He didn’t allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 He taught them, “Hasn’t it been written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But…
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I am Being Erased
I was reflecting on some parts of growing up today. It’s part of my famous memoirs that will soon be published. (Just kidding.) But as I thought about my growing up years I began to reflect on my schooling and my church. Then… the realization hit me. My old elementary schools (Third Avenue, which became Ben Day School, and Nettie…
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He’s Coming… and you may not like that thought
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday. We celebrate the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem. It is remembering his triumphal entry, then entering a week of reflection as we head toward the Cross. The expectation when Jesus entered Jerusalem was probably enormous. There was a lot of talk and a lot of hope. But when Jesus comes, it may not be…
