In the next two weeks I turn to the Old Testament where examples of people asking for God’s help abound.
In this imaging of Ruth 1, I focus on Ruth’s boldness. Naomi thought having sons would bring her happiness. See what God had in mind instead.
By my count,…..
An imagining based on Luke 7:1-10
I’ve known Quintus for several years now, ever since he replaced the centurion originally stationed here in Capernaum. Though called in an official capacity to monitor the construction of our synagogue, he had struck up conversations with some of the other elders and me, impressing us with his efforts…..
In last week’s post I talked about how Jesus tended to heal people who actually asked for help. In the coming weeks I’d like to imagine the circumstances behind some of those New Testament narratives. I begin with my imagining of the story told in Mark 5:21-34.
Once upon…..
I heard a marriage counselor speak once about how easily we romanticize marriage by expecting our beloved to read our minds. He mused that perhaps during our courtship we could “finish each other’s sentences,” but most of the time, we need to learn to articulate what we want from…..
I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the person trapped on a rooftop in a flood who proceeds to reject aid from rescue workers because, “I’m counting on God to save me.” It’s a good example of confidence in the Lord gone wrong.
Dependence on God is a different brand of reliance.
The…..
At some point in my early teen years I had a teacher who explained growing up as a series of stages. We begin as children dependent on our parents and other adults to care for us and teach us. Then, in our adolescence we work towards independence so that by the time we…..
In memory of summer now past, a poem
There is something breathtaking in the sea,
In the contemplation of its complete constancy:
It is always there, sleepless –
Which is not to say changeless
Because it has its moods:
At times a gamester,
Calling us out,…..
Recently, I read Philip Yancey’s Vanishing Grace in which he notes how often society at large perceives Christians as judgmental and self-righteous, noisily condemning anyone who doesn’t share their views. Even though that’s not my general experience with Christians I know, I do recognize that as the…..
In this era of political correctness, I keep hearing the words “safe” and “comfortable” as goals set for the emotional climate on college campuses. The argument runs that college ought to be an insult-free zone, where, shielded from all offensive material, students are free to learn undamaged by the harshness of the larger outside…..
This past week I read an article* updating the ongoing drama plaguing many older universities over the issue of renaming college buildings. Those advocating for change argue that commemorating men like John Calhoun at Yale, who supported slavery in his era, amounts to endorsing the practice.
I disagree. We need…..