Imagine being the wife of the prophet Isaiah. The wife of the man who tradition suggests was sawed in two by King Manasseh. What might you have said to him when he came home after a long day at work? “Isaiah - the people and leaders - they’re not happy, Isaiah. Hold back, Isaiah. Don’t speak so strongly, Isaiah. Say something easier to hear, Isaiah. You’re a father and husband. I need … [Read more...]
Jesus’ Perspective on the Temple: A Reconsideration in Light of his Jewish Context
April 10, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Introduction Broadly considering Jesus within his first-century context, a picture arises of him as an apocalyptic prophet heralding the Kingdom of God, Jesus maintained a positive view of the Temple while concurrently participating in the Temple cult, critiquing its corrupted practices, and reconstituting its central role and exclusive stance toward others. Jesus challenged the Temple … [Read more...]
Do Not Neglect Your Gift
November 10, 2016 By 1 Comment
In a tender exchange between father and son, I witnessed the passing of a baton from one generation to the next - an exchange filled with great hope, anticipation, and sincere prayers for a God-filled future. So intimate was the moment, I felt like I was trespassing; and yet I had been welcomed into the moment, so I sat, watched and learned. So too is our scripture passage from 1 … [Read more...]
From the First to the Last….He is the Alpha & Omega
June 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment
It was a favorite movie when I was growing up – a classic my family faithfully watched every Thanksgiving. And without fail, I teared up at the poignant parts. One such scene of “The Sound of Music” was at the music festival when Max announces at the conclusion of the Salzburg Music Festival, “This will be the last opportunity the von Trapps will have of singing together for a long, long … [Read more...]
Guns….According to Jesus
February 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
I live in Montana so as you might imagine, guns are just a natural part of living. It's almost as if one's first breath of Montana air – either as a transplant or native-born – triggers an automatic gun-toting, gun-loving mentality. Not quite, but almost. My friends from other states – states lacking equivalent gun-allurement – endlessly joke, and curiously question whether I, a … [Read more...]
