Does Easter make a difference? Did the flurry and frenzy of Holy Week activity become an expression of the power that raises the dead? Or was it more like a Memorial Day weekend? Was it only that we recalled the One who made the supreme sacrifice for which we will always be thankful, but which …
Category Archives: The Good News
Caiaphas, Caesar, Christ
Can we live in the way of Caiaphas or Caesar in the name of Christ? Are there multiple ways Messiah can wage the battle, achieve the victory and save the world and us? Does the supreme value of Kingdom-come justify whatever means are necessary to get there? When Jesus told them what being Messiah …
Kingdom, Lent, and Blessing
The Kingdom that begins with Lent also begins with blessing. There is the call to turn—repent!—which is Lent. There then comes a pronouncement: “Blessed!” Consider how stunning this is. When Jesus begins to teach about the Kingdom of God, the first word is “Blessed!” This is not what we expected, not from God almighty in …
Jesus’ Kingdom Begins with Lent!?
What kind of a kingdom begins with Lent? Well, a good and godly one. In fact, the gospel story begins with Jesus announcing the presence of God’s kingdom, and then proposing our proper response in “Lenten terms.” “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The kingdom of God is near! Repent …
I DON’T SEE JESUS!
“But I don’t see Jesus!” That is what little Ari, our granddaughter, said at bed time when we asked her whether she wanted to pray. She hesitated or declined to say the prayers because she couldn’t “see” Jesus. She had spent Christmas Day with us, along with siblings and parents, and then had stayed over …