Category: Bible (Page 54 of 395)

The evening grew raucous, a sultry woman danced to the crowd’s delight, and John the Baptist lost his head. Of the many despicable stories in the Bible, this one stands out. The girl boldly requested her reward and King Herod, afraid of losing face, immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter.

Not that this death didn’t serve Herod. John constantly prodded Herod about his unlawful marriage to his brother’s sister. In one act Herod silenced John and his carping wife at the same time. Plus, in his brutality Herod instilled fear in those who witnessed this crime and others who heard about it later. Cross this king at your own risk.

The callous murder of an innocent man served Herod. Just as heartless acts benefit those who commit them today. Be it launching wars, cheating at work, or joining social media mobs, callousness serves for a time. But it’s not the way to an enduring life.

John the Baptist’s cousin taught two critical commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

It’s difficult to remain cold-hearted when musing on how I might treat the person in my crosshairs like I want to be treated. The way of Jesus pushes me away from selfish inclinations, but my heart ricochets back. My way is the best way, and in my mind I’m willing to lop off a few heads to get what I want.

In contrast, Jesus directs me to attempt an anti-callous lifestyle. And perhaps, with his strength, I might just do so.

Mark 6:14-29; 12:29-30

Photo by Paul Macallan

As dark clouds bloomed, my brother-in-law turned our small boat toward the dock. An afternoon of water skiing turned into a race for shelter, which we soon lost. Caught in cold, pounding rain, with visibility down to a few feet, the boat inched along. We endured a miserable and frightening journey before the shore finally appeared.

The disciples of Jesus experienced a far worse storm on a much bigger lake. While sailing overnight across the Sea of Galilee, a violent deluge arose and threatened to swamp their boat. Frightened, they sought out Jesus who somehow lay asleep in the stern. They shook him awake saying, Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?

Which is a question I’m prone to ask as well. Where is Jesus when life falls apart? God seems absent during times of stress and confusion. Visibility suffers in gusting wind and driving rain.

But Jesus stays present with us. Not asleep, but waiting for us to call out. These followers of the Way, many of whom fished for a living and knew how to handle a boat, grew desperate when their expertise proved futile. Frantic, they turned to the only person who might save their lives.

Jesus rebuked the storm with Peace! Be still! Then he turned to the disciples and asked, Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?

Like the disciples, I often carry a raft of fear but very little faith. Despite how I feel Jesus remains in the boat, waiting for me to turn around and wake him up. Not for his sake, but for my own.

Mark 4: 35-41

Photo by Frans Ruiter

One may approach the Bible with skepticism, desperation or hope. But regardless of the motivation, benefits flow to those who lay open the book and spend time within its pages.

One of my first Bible readings of this new year pointed to this verse:

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7).

As I walk in our world I constantly need energy for my soul. Where else might this possibly be found? Not through my ubiquitous screens. But an enlivening hope emerges when I open my Bible.

On the teeter-totter of simple and wise, I’m stuck on the ground. The penetrating insights of God’s Word lift me skyward. There’s hope for forming me into a better man.

As you and I start a new year, let’s embrace a hopeful perspective. Spend time in the Good Book. Enjoy the refreshment found within, and grow in the wisdom freely offered by our amazing God.

Photo by Mitchell Leach

I have friends who have kept notes in their Bibles for years. They pour through the pages, jotting down thoughts, underlining and highlighting as they mark up the text. Their copies of the Scriptures bloom as they generate wisdom and faith.

I prefer an unmarked Bible. I hope the Holy Spirit reveals fresh insights, and I don’t want to be overly influenced by past writings. That said, I do highlight passages that penetrate my soul and move me toward the Lord. I also keep a journal handy to record thoughts, insights, and questions to investigate later.

Whatever method your choose, make a habit of opening your Bible on a daily basis. Every single day. Wear the book out. Few possessions passed down from generation to generation are more prized than a well-used Bible. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence, but many nieces and nephews, children and grandchildren remember with appreciation and fondness the lives of those who wore out their Bibles.

Every bit of time invested in these pages devoted to our amazing God pays back. As the Scriptures tell us, the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). The printed words in this physical book opens our hearts to divine realities.

Make this a year to put some wear and tear on your Bible. Your soul, and eventually those around you, will thank you.

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out