If you ask me, it is one of the most disturbing stories Jesus ever told. (You find it in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 16:19-31.) It tells of a rich man who, during his earthly life, was greedy and unhelpful to a poor man named Lazarus who simply wanted a few crumbs from the rich… Continue reading The Great Gulf
Month: March 2019
You Cannot Serve God and Money
There are times when we might hope Jesus wasn’t quite as clear as he is. After telling a rather strange parable about an unjust steward, Jesus comes right to the point. “You cannot serve God and money.” Period. What – no qualifications? No conditions? No legal loopholes? Nope. You have to choose. You can be… Continue reading You Cannot Serve God and Money
Coming Home
It is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. It’s about a young man, demanding his inheritance, squandering it, then, with tail tucked between his legs, making his way home – not as a son – but as a servant. Humiliating. But the loving Father would have none of it. Even though the… Continue reading Coming Home
More Than Money
As I wrote yesterday, we are exploring Luke’s account of how Jesus told stories with one main point – how God values the lost. Today’s passage speaks of a woman searching diligently for a lost coin – sweeping and sweeping until that precious money turns up. Of course, the point is really not just about… Continue reading More Than Money
Tell Me the Old, Old Story
It is interesting to note that at this point in Dr. Luke’s narrative we come to a series of stories that must have fascinated some listeners and confounded others: The Parable of the Lost Sheep The Parable of the Lost Coin The Parable of the Lost Son The Parable of the Shrewd Manager All the… Continue reading Tell Me the Old, Old Story
Counting the Cost
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound….” Those are, of course, the opening words of that beautiful and classic hymn “Amazing Grace.” They speak of how full, and compassionate, and wonderful – not to mention, amazing – God’s grace is for all of us. I don’t know how many times I have sung that hymn as… Continue reading Counting the Cost
Supper Talk and Supper Miracles
What a meal it must have been. The learned Pharisee and the lowly carpenter’s son. Jesus – in the eyes of that Pharisee, that carpenter’s boy – first did something quite extraordinary. He healed a man. Then, when challenged by those who ignored the miracle and pressed him on doing wrong by healing on the… Continue reading Supper Talk and Supper Miracles
Out of Order
It doesn’t make sense…not at first. It is the opposite of what the world would have us believe. “The last shall be first, and the first shall be last.” It’s all – seemingly – out of order. Our world would have us believe that only the tough, the powerful, the rich, the confident, the well-connected… Continue reading Out of Order
Set Free
With just about three weeks to Palm Sunday, we will be turning to Luke’s account of what has been called the Perean ministry of Jesus, referring to the area in which he ministered during the time prior to his heading to Jerusalem. Today’s passage of interest is Luke 13:10-17. It tells of how Jesus compassionately… Continue reading Set Free
Suffering with Others
Tonight I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful – albeit somewhat disturbing – lecture. The lecturer spoke with great knowledge and sensitivity about those whom she helps. They are individuals who are deeply suffering as a result of various traumas and life experiences. In particular, those who have had their orientation in life shaken… Continue reading Suffering with Others
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 