“After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’” Genesis 22:1 Last Monday, I spoke about the payoff of Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers in the Wizard of Oz. It was planted early in the movie before becoming the secret ticket back to Kansas. The audience had all it needed before the final scene. …
If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 Earlier this week, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Save us. This is what Hosanna means. Deliver us. Rescue us. God’s story from the beginning has always been a rescue mission. We are sinking, and Jesus reaches out to grab you by the hand …
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing…” Genesis 12:2 Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and destroyed the city of Pompeii. Today it is a remarkable trip back in time. Buried under 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash, pumice, and …
“In the Beginning…” Genesis 1:1 In yesterday’s gospel reading, Jesus tells the crowd that he has come to fulfill the fullness of the law. He references every iota and every dot (other translations speak of every jot and tittle). We understand this better today as every t that is crossed and every i dotted. In short, Jesus didn’t come to …
“And the Lord came down…” Genesis 11:5 A fundamental Gospel truth is simply this: Jesus comes to you. You don’t go to Him. The Lord comes to you. He chases after you. Always. In the midst of despair. When you are at your wits end. When hope is lost. Jesus comes to you. He runs to you. And he does …
“And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” Genesis 22:7-8 Since the 4th century, maybe earlier, it has been …
