READ: Esther 1-3, Psalm 147, Luke 14, 2 John THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST The Bible holds a very high view of women. Second John is addressed to an individual woman, a lady the apostle evidently held in high esteem. For every arrogant Vashti there is a submitted but soul-steeled Esther. John reminds the elect lady […]
Region: Arab World
Abiding in Jesus: May 26
READ: Nehemiah 12-13, Psalm 146, Luke 13, 1 John 5 LIFESTYLE REPENTANCE Pilate evidently had a nasty side. In Luke 13:1-5 we are told that he slaughtered some worshipers at the temple and mixed their blood with the sacrifices they had brought to offer. Nasty. Jesus references this tragic event alongside the misfortune of the […]
Abiding in Jesus: May 25
READ: Nehemiah 10-11, Psalm 145, Luke 12, 1 John 4 THE BLESSING OF CURSE “Everyone who had knowledge and understanding–these joined with the brethren their notables, and entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s law…to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our God.” (Nehemiah 10:28-29) Scripture has this awe-inspiring holism […]
Abiding in Jesus: May 24
READ: Nehemiah 7-9, Psalm 144, Luke 11, 1 John 3 THE SORROW AND JOY OF THE SCRIPTURE When we contextualize prayer it is imperative that we have biblical precedent to back up our forms. When Ezra stood up to read the Scripture all the people stood, then lifted their hands, then bowed their heads and worshipped […]
Abiding in Jesus: May 23
READ: Nehemiah 4-6, Psalm 143, Luke 7, 1 John 2 UNDER AUTHORITY To place ourselves under authority is to exhibit great faith. In Luke 7 a soldier demonstrates what it means to trust: “Say the word, and my servant will be healed” (v. 7). Jesus is impressed by the one who does not whine, does […]
Abiding in Jesus: May 22
READ: Nehemiah 1-3, Psalm 142, Luke 10, 1 John 1 BEING AND DOING We often hear the pithy phrase: “Be, not do!” This thinking is also summarized by a similar statement: “What we do flows out of who we are” or “who we are is more important than what we do.” This type of thinking is wrongheaded–not because doing is […]
Abiding in Jesus: May 21
READ: Ezra 7-10, Psalm 141, Luke 9, 2 Peter 3 UNHOLY MATRIMONY Six times in two chapters Ezra comments on the hand of the Lord that is upon him. God miraculously provides for temple reconstruction and furnishing (from pagan donors!) and ensures the safe delivery of resources through hostile lands. Ezra arrives in Jerusalem exhilarated […]
Abiding in Jesus: May 20
READ: Ezra 4-6, Psalm 140, Luke 8, 2 Peter 2 THE LONG VIEW Tattletales often have golden tongues. The “adversaries of the children of captivity” offered to help build the temple (Ezra 4:1). Zerubbabel sees through the ruse and refuses their help. The rascals then write to Artaxerxes “because we receive support from the palace, it […]
Abiding in Jesus: May 19
READ: Ezra 1-3, Psalm 139, Luke 6, 2 Peter 1 HEDGED IN Social media reveals both too much and too little. On the one hand every banality is self-disclosed to a voyeuristic world; on the other who we really are is buried below layers of self-absorption. Psalm 139 unveils the joys of being fully known. […]
Abiding in Jesus: May 18
READ: 2 Chronicles 34-36, Psalm 138, Luke 5, 1 Peter 5 THE END IS NEAR Josiah reigns in Judah and ushers in radical reforms. He attacks idolatry with fury: breaks, cuts down, makes into dust, scatters, burns, breaks down, beats into powder, cuts down, with swords, all relics, people, and rituals associated with pagan worship (2 Chron. […]
