There’s an uncomfortable question I’ve been wrestling with. Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. Exodus 3.1 He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is on the Euphrates, in the land of Amaw, to summon him, saying, ‘A people has come out of Egypt; they have spread over the face of the earth, and they... Read more
There are times when all we can do is wait. Some of these texts aren’t about the wait. They may be about occupying your time or about developing attitudes in the interim. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 NIV A chilling indictment… “They worshipped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves.” 2 Kings 17.15.b Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste... Read more
God has a way of helping us rejoice, even in our tears. But then I recall all you have done, O Lord;… Psalm 77.11.a This verse is the hinge on which Psalm 77 swings. This Psalmist is contemplating terrible things. Then he begins to recall what the Lord has done. This changes the nature of the rest of the song. I wasn’t planning to write about my son, neither last week nor this week. However, it seems proper to do... Read more
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances… 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18 I’ve been waiting for a block of time to sit down and write. Perhaps that block of time won’t come this week. I may have to rely on moments. I really want to write a praise, maybe even something in an ancient poetic genre. However, with the lack of time, my higher levels of creativity are not really in effect. I have been on vacation with my... Read more
Time is probably my most precious commodity. I think I have my mind wrapped around the concept of lifespan, and so does the Psalmist. My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Psalm 31.15 “My times are in your hand…” My son is visiting me right now for a set time. I’m enjoying every moment. However, the clock is ticking. As a Father I understand the swiftness of time and know the... Read more
Intuitively we are thinking things. Not only are we thinking things, we are right beings. What I mean is we want to be right, to live right. Right or wrong, we all have our definitions of right and wrong. Of course we all want to live in the right, even if we have to justify our version of right, even if our version of right is simply a lighter shade of a dark wrong. We know right and wrong quite... Read more
What are some differences between Eastern and Western Theology? In all my years of ministry since 1993 I’ve never heard this question from a parishioner who has come to the altar for prayer. Would you explain to me some of the differences in the way we think about Theology between the Eastern and the Western churches? I have however heard this question more than once in seminary settings. How is it that Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic are both within... Read more
Times of uncertainty surely come. I just faced a time recently. It turns out my fears of the uncertainty were alleviated completely. However, in my alone time leading up to it, I must admit I faced some angst. Thankfully, when we approach a moment appointed by God, in humility and the fear of the Lord, He shows up like the cloud of His Presence at the Temple (1 Kings 8). He certainly overwhelmed me with His graciousness. Texts Through Uncertainty... Read more
…it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13.5, NIV My first line of commentators for years now have been the Early Church Fathers (EC). However, with the sources at my fingertips, the EC is silent on this particular phrase. If the EC points me in a direction, I usually let it guide my hermeneutics. However, since the EC is silent, I will tentatively proceed with hermeneutics. What is “it”? Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,... Read more
We often think of women at the crucifixion, and at the empty tomb. However, women traveled with Jesus and the Disciples throughout His ministry. Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons;... Read more
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