Category: Bible (Page 394 of 420)

God chose Abram in Genesis 12, blessing him and his offspring forever. Shortly thereafter, a famine forced Abram and his family to immigrate to Egypt.

Afraid of Pharaoh, Abram lied about Sarai. Not my wife, he fibbed, but my sister. Due to his deception and the good will of Pharaoh, Abram grew rich. God, however, punished Pharaoh for taking a man’s wife. Pharaoh discovered the ruse and booted Abram and his clan out of Egypt.

Abram, blessed by God, in this first true test of faith, lied and deceived instead of praying and trusting the Lord.

Why type of person does God use? Fearful, self-centered, far from perfect people – like you and me.

Week One of Reading the Bible Cover to Cover

We’ve all gotten a call from a person we don’t recognize. After a few seconds we ask, “who is this?” When they tell us, we start to understand. Knowledge of our past history with that person settles our mind. Context clears up our questions.

At the end of Mark 4, the disciples struggle to keep their small boat from sinking in the midst of a storm. Jesus sleeps in the stern – sleeps – while they fight for their lives. Panicking, they shake Jesus until he stirs. Jesus stands, rebukes the wind and waves, and dead calm prevails.

The disciples ask each other, “who is this?” Mark, writing for Peter, a member of the boat’s crew, describes the disciples’ response as terrified. Not awed, not relieved, not grateful. First response = Terror.

As I attempt to get closer to Jesus, as I read more, think more, and pray more, I actually find my mind less settled, less sure of my notions about Jesus. I find myself asking, who is this?

Week One of Reading the Bible Cover to Cover

There’s still time to join me and many others as we read the Bible cover to cover in 2021. According to the reading plan we are just beginning week one. Join us!

Jesus looked around at them in anger…

The story is found in Mark 3. Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. Early in his ministry, Jesus’s reputation blossomed, along with the jealousy of other teachers.

On this day, a man with a crippled hand sat near Jesus. Jesus healed him and made the point that the laws of the Sabbath, laws handed to Moses from the Lord, were given for good, for human flourishing, for life. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.

I’m struck by the anger shown by Jesus. Distressed by their stubborn hearts, Jesus’s eyes flashed anger – not compassion nor patience. Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, left the building.

I don’t think of an angry Jesus very often. Perhaps I should.

Week One of Reading the Bible Cover to Cover

I’m amazed how fast the perfect world of Adam and Eve collapsed. One minute they’re enjoying the finest, fantastical fruits ever tasted, the next bending under a curse while their children kill each other.

Super depressing, but so life goes. The way of the world ultimately leads down the path of a curse, a roadway laid at the dawn of humanity. Any reading of histories reveals the curse repeating, over and over and over.

But, oh so wonderfully, Jesus cut a new, upward path. A winding lane leading to a narrow gate, opening to the garden of gardens. Once we enter, the world of the curse fades to nothing. The path to choose in 2021.

Week One of Reading the Bible Cover to Cover