Dave Dishman

Guidance from Overlooked Men and Women of the Bible

Author: Dave Dishman (Page 390 of 475)

The First Man Jesus Died For

January 23, 2021 / / 0 Comments

In a dank cell under the seat of judgement, Barabbas heard the crowd. From where he sat he could only make out shouts, not conversations. In prison for insurrection and murder, Barabbas awaited his punishment. Was today the day?

He heard his name yelled from the crowd, “Barabbas!” Closer, again and again, “Barabbas!” Hope rose. He knew the tradition of releasing a prisoner on this festival day. Were people really pushing for his freedom?

Then, after a quiet pause, Barabbas picked up cries of, “crucify him!” No. Seconds later, the mob roared in unmistakable fury, “CRUCIFY HIM!” Barabbas sank to his knees. Hope fled.

Guards dragged Barabbas from his cell. He slumped before the crowd, expecting the worst. Instead, Pilate unshackled Barabbas and sent him away. No one cared. Rage focused on another man on the platform.

Barabbas lived and Jesus died. A simple trade. I always wonder what happened to Barabbas? Did his eyes meet those of Jesus as he realized his good fortune? Did he follow Jesus through the streets to Golgotha, or did he skip town as fast as possible? What did he think of the resurrection stories soon sweeping through Israel?

And ultimately, did he understand that Jesus saved him – both on that day and for eternity?

Mark 15 in week three of reading the Bible cover to cover.

Forgotten

January 22, 2021 / / 0 Comments

The chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him (Genesis 40:23).

Sometimes I feel forgotten. Sometimes I am forgotten. The world rushes past, others focus on what’s in front of them, and I sit forgotten. We all experience these times.

Joseph did all he could to be remembered. He served the prison warden, he interpreted the cupbearer’s dream, and he asked for his help in return. Please remember me! The ungrateful cupbearer forgot as soon as the doors of the prison shut behind him.

For two more years Joseph sat in prison, waiting, wondering if anyone thought of him. But God, the maestro, brought Joseph back to the mind of the cupbearer, leading eventually to the salvation of Egypt, and Joseph’s family, and the nation of Israel.

God doesn’t forget. God waits, and we wait as a result. Stay ready, because the remembering will come.

Week three of reading the Bible cover to cover.

Genesis is no Parenting Manual

January 21, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Jacob affirmed his favorite child with an extravagant coat, and poured gasoline on the fires of jealousy in the other sons.

Rebekah colluded with one son, Jacob, to fool Issac and steal the father’s blessing from her other son, Esau.

Abraham jump-started a family by taking a slave girl as a surrogate, then later sent mother and son out into the desert to live on their own or die trying.

Loads of parenting principles violated. Don’t buy anyone’s workbook on “Parenting Practices from Genesis.” All this craziness from men and woman God engaged and blessed. Were they the only ones available?

God moved despite their mistakes and missteps. As a terribly imperfect parent myself, I take heart. Lift your heads, my fellow imperfect parents, and my fellow imperfect children. God uses imperfect people.

We’re the only ones available.

Week three of reading the Bible cover to cover.

Words of Poets & Presidents

January 20, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Today in the U.S. is Inauguration Day, our new president and vice-president taking office. Powerful and beautiful words were spoken and sung today. I was particularly moved by the reading from Amanda Gorman, America’s National Youth Poet Laureate. A portion of today’s words will be remembered for years to come, the rest melting quickly under the glaring heat lamp of politics.

However, a few words from today’s ceremony may yet enter the hallowed archives of great American speeches. Time, and history, will tell.

So fascinating then to read about words of the Lord this morning, and realize that of all the words spoken by all the leaders, in all the ceremonies in all of history, few prove flawless.

The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

Psalm 12:6

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