Category: Bible (Page 378 of 425)

On Saturday after the crucifixion the followers of Jesus gathered, despondent. Jesus was dead and in the ground. His last words rang in their ears, My God, my God, why have your forsaken me? They felt forsaken as well.

Perhaps these disciples remembered Jesus’s story about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16), where Lazarus wasn’t allowed to bring even a drop of water to the rich man as he suffered torment in hell. A great chasm separated the two, impossible to cross.

Such a chasm never felt deeper or wider. No hope flared in the disciple’s hearts – grief and pain doused any flickers.

Suffering. Lost. Hopeless. These original followers of Jesus despaired.

But only a few hours of agony remained. A bridge now arched over that chasm of separation. Hope would fire again in their hearts, changing everything about their lives and futures.

Because Sunday was coming…

Week thirteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Holy Saturday by Eugene Burnand, 1907-8

Today is Good Friday, a day to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at on a cross.

King David reminds us of of why we need a good Friday:

The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Psalm 14:2&3

It seems to me that another name for this day could be: “We corrupt and lost people desperately need Jesus” Friday.

Regardless of the name, the brave and selfless act we commemorate today endures for me and you.

Week thirteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Featured painting: The Three Crosses by Rembrandt, 1653

As Easter approaches I often need a reminder of why it’s so important. Perhaps you do as well.

My gracious friend Miriam Wei Wei Lo, an Australian poet and professor, helps me remember…

Easter, Margaret River

Saturday, 2 a.m. Someone is skateboarding

outside our bedroom window. Tick-tacking

up and down the kerb. Next door, the party

pounds on. Car doors open and slam.

Kids sit on the verge, passing joints,

and everywhere that tired old language of rebellion

rocks on. I swear I grow sick of this place.

These people flattening beer cans

outside my window. Jesus Christ!

This world you came to die for.

Miriam Wei Wei Lo in Inscribe journal

Photo by Harry Cunningham

I’m fascinated every time I read about Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army, who happened to be an angel with bared sword and no sense of humor.

Joshua nervously asked, are you for us, or for our adversaries? Neither, the angel shot back. I wonder what ran through Joshua’s mind?

I know what runs through my mind. Shock. Didn’t the angel automatically side with Joshua and his people? Apparently not. It appears the Lord stayed above the fray. The commander took orders from the Lord, and expected Joshua to do the same.

I assume the Lord takes sides – my side, in particular.

The Lord apparently doesn’t think like me, nor does the Lord allow me to manipulate him to undergird my causes.

On the contrary, the Lord finds holiness more valuable than the side I support. His side is the side I need to line up on.

Joshua 5:13-15 in week thirteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

The Captain of the Lord’s Army Appears to Joshua (Ferdinand Bol, 1662)