Initiative is generally considered a good characteristic. We hear the encouragement, “take the initiative”, or the admonition, “use your initiative”. But Jesus seems to have thought about it differently. John records several places where Jesus used the word emautou (literally, “of myself”) in the sense of taking the initiative. The pattern is interesting. In most […]
I often experience a deep weariness at doing things that seem fruitless or mundane. I fear new paths will turn into impassable rabbit trails. There seems no point in getting exhausted if there will be no return on my investment. Simon and his partners felt something like that one morning after catching nothing all night. […]
Another Chance It happens with every natural disaster. Someone suggests that God ordained it as a consequence or punishment of a certain sinful behavior. It has been going on for millennia. Once, Jesus got involved in the debate. There were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with […]
Once in a while someone jumps to a conclusion about who we are before they really know us. It creates all kinds of awkwardness. Based on their impression of us they develop expectations. We feel under pressure; they feel frustrated when we don’t deliver. It happened to Jesus. Here’s an example. Someone in the crowd […]
Blast off in a rocket must be one of the most exhilarating experiences. The astronauts can look from their tiny cockpit window and see the launch pad receding from view in a haze of scorching rocket exhaust. As the rocket jettisons each stage, the coastline becomes smaller and the launch pad is no longer visible. […]
Jesus’ behavior at His betrayal in Gethsemane shows us the power of peace. His responses defused the tension and He miraculously healed an ear. Peter, on the other hand, panicked and fled with the other disciples. Jesus’ peace came from knowing that the Father was in control and things were going according to His plan. […]
“If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38) Where do we go to satisfy our thirst? To be honest, I find that I have several favorite watering holes. The company […]
Elderberries and exercise are just two of the many recommendations made to stay healthy. Along with vitamin C they help strengthen the immune system. But what should we do to maintain our spiritual health? One of the prayers Jesus told His followers to pray points us beyond taking wise precautions to avoid sickness. Be on […]
Like every other tree in the garden it looked nice and was good for food. Just the replenishment a person needs before and after a day tending plants and naming animals. How convenient too; right there in the middle of everything (Gen 2:9; 3:3). One thing was different though. God had told Adam and Eve […]
Now, before you misunderstand me, let me make it absolutely clear that angel chasing is a bad idea. Angels do not want our worship. They are spiritual beings who glorify God; they point us to Him. So let’s keep our focus on Him. But there are two incidents worth considering. In the Gospels, angels proclaim […]