If you hear the word “leprosy” you might think of stories of Jesus healing leprous individuals in the gospels. You would be right, but there are several other interesting stories of leprosy in scripture, including one in Numbers 12. If we read carefully, these fifteen verses are fascinating, humorous, and challenging. Let’s dig in: Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of … [Read more...]
Overcoming the Goat Curse
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...]
Becoming Great by Becoming Small
“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” Who said that? If you’re a Harry Potter fan like many of my children, you probably recognize this quote from a conversation between Sirius Black and Hermione Granger in The Goblet of Fire. Sirius was not the first to originate this idea, as many before him said similar things. … [Read more...]
I Love You, But…
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...]
You Are Invited!
Have you ever planned an elaborate dinner or a special party - just to be stood up by those you invited? Maybe the person didn’t even bother to show up, or called shortly before the event with some lame excuse. Either way, it probably became obvious to you that perhaps your relationship was not as important to them as it was to you. Our scripture this week, Luke 14:15-20, features … [Read more...]