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...]
Overcoming the Goat Curse
April 10, 2017 By Leave a Comment
I’ve always been a fan of the underdog. Radically so. Even to the point of sometimes switching allegiances because “my team” was playing against the underdog team. Whether it’s because they’re the underdogs, or simply a best-loved team, or some other reason, the Cubs seemed to become America’s sweetheart team in last fall's World Series. Before the World Series of 2016, I hadn’t … [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...]
I Love You, But…
November 24, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Who among us hasn’t uttered the words, “I love you, but I don’t like your actions?” Parenting seems to bring that statement out a lot. You adore the child God has entrusted to you, yet sometimes cringe at their choices, decisions and actions. It’s easy to turn the gaze inward, and question yourself, thinking, “What did I do wrong? Where did I lead them astray?” And yet we know that … [Read more...]
How Long, O Lord?
November 17, 2016 By Leave a Comment
You may have heard me share that my two favorite books in the Bible are Leviticus and Lamentations (followed closely by James). Lamentations presents this beautiful dichotomy between the terror and heartache of daily life, and the mercy and love of God. In the midst of describing untold despair, the writer of Lamentations pauses, looks heavenward, and proclaims, “Yet this I call to mind … [Read more...]
