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Encountering the possibility of what IS to come
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and…
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Victory isn’t through the sword
John 12:20-36 is our Gospel for the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The hour for Jesus’ suffering is upon him. He could ask to be delivered from this hour, but he knows this is why he came. What lies ahead is necessary and when Jesus is finished, the Father is glorified and the kingdoms of this world will fall. Here is…
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Here I am
Genesis 22:1-14 is a frightening passage at face value. Over the years, as I have walked with Abraham and his example in Genesis, I understand the place in life where this happens for Abraham. This was after decades, and probably a century, of Abraham walking with God. He knew the voice of the Lord.
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The clash of cultures
This year Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day were on the same day. The last time that happened was 2018. The juxtaposition of those two events are odd enough, but throw in this: In 2018 there was the mass shooting at Parkland High School in Florida. This year there was a mass shooting at the end of the victory celebration for…
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Ash Wednesday
6 Isn’t this the fast I choose: releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke, setting free the mistreated, and breaking every yoke?
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Lessons in Epiphany
We are in this liminal space from the last Sunday in Epiphany to Ash Wednesday. It is a space of transition. A shift is happening.
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Lent comes to an end… and I must find the way to HIM
John 6 may be my most favorite chapter. From v. 22 on, I find a pull in my spirit every time I read this passage. The words of Jesus draw me deeper every time. He is dealing with a crowd and finds a way to thin them out. Jesus wanted committed followers, not crowds.
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Sin, death, resurrection
Today is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. A reflection from Fleming Rutledge’s book, The Crucifixion:
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The identity I must face
“…participation in Christ means abandoning our pretenses, openly acknowledging our identities as sinners in bondage, and in the same moment realizing with a stab of piercing joy that the victory is already ours in Christ, won by him who died to save us.” Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion (p. 171)
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We keep striving for greatness and power while Jesus constantly calls us to service
I am not a fan of the phrase “servant leaders.” I think it’s a cop out phrase in large part. Just serve. If people notice and follow in that path, then you’ve led in some way. Just not the way that people who throw out the phrase “servant leader” meant to say “lead.”
Tag: Lent
