“On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret…” Luke 5:1 It was almost eerie. We were out—which we had been already, but most people were still anxious and respecting space. Not on this night. We were packed in like sardines. The auditorium was …
“Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 Yesterday I showed our confirmation students the animated classic of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. This scene from Disney’s 1940 classic “Fantasia” is cinema gold from some of the earliest days …
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19 I didn’t understand most of the service. I’d taken Spanish in high school and college, but had forgotten most of it. And Spanish 101 …
“But when Simon Peter saw it (the miraculous catch of fish), he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Luke 5:8 Yesterday I drove through part of the Great Smoky Mountains. Two of my girls have been with family for the last couple of weeks and it was time to …
“As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15 Who doesn’t love a good campfire? There’s something about starting a bonfire — not just a manly pursuit, but a primal touchpoint, a visceral return to something older than civilization. …
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 Life is a crucible sometime, isn’t it? Have you been through hard times. Pressed on every side. Pressure building. Frustration and resistance …
