In the Life of Christ “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” —Mark 5:19 I can understand why this man wanted to get into the boat with Jesus. Earlier in Mark 5, his life had been marked byContinue reading “Go Home and Tell Them”
Category Archives: Jesus Christ
His Hands Are Still Raised in Blessing
In the Life of Christ “He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.” —Luke 24:50–51, ESV The last gesture we remember from someone we love can remain with us for years. A handContinue reading “His Hands Are Still Raised in Blessing”
When the Owner Knocks at His Own Door
In the Life of Christ “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” — John 1:11 There is something heartbreaking about arriving where you belong and finding yourself unwelcome. A stranger might expect hesitation at an unfamiliar door. But someone returning home hopes for recognition, affection, and an open entrance.Continue reading “When the Owner Knocks at His Own Door”
When Mercy Becomes Our Way of Life
In the Life of Christ “Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” — Luke 11:4 When I pray these words Jesus taught His disciples, I find that they bring particular faces to mind. I remember someone whose words wounded me, a disappointment I still revisit, or a conversationContinue reading “When Mercy Becomes Our Way of Life”
Wake Up to the Life You Were Given
In the Life of Christ “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” —Romans 13:11, ESV I can be awake to my responsibilities and strangely inattentive to my soul. I can answer messages, finish tasks, and keep appointments while allowing resentment,Continue reading “Wake Up to the Life You Were Given”
The God Who Came Close
The Bible in a Year “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth … from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” —John 1:14, 16, ESV There are moments when we need someoneContinue reading “The God Who Came Close”
Wake Up to the Life You Were Given
In the Life of Christ “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” —Romans 13:11, ESV I can be awake to my responsibilities and strangely inattentive to my soul. I can answer messages, finish tasks, and keep appointments while allowing resentment,Continue reading “Wake Up to the Life You Were Given”
The Freedom Jesus Paid For
In the Life of Christ “Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Mark 10:45 There is a particular relief in knowing that a debt has been settled. The obligation that followed us through the week no longer waits forContinue reading “The Freedom Jesus Paid For”
When God Interrupts the Cover-Up
In the Life of Christ Some of the most exhausting work we do is keeping other people from seeing what we already know about ourselves. We manage the explanation, soften the language, and hope enough time will make the matter disappear. David’s story brings me face to face with that temptation. After taking Bathsheba andContinue reading “When God Interrupts the Cover-Up”
Trusting the Promise Before You See the Answer
In the Life of Christ “[God] brought [Abraham] outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:5–6, ESV Waiting has a wayContinue reading “Trusting the Promise Before You See the Answer”