Posts from 2024 (Page 2)
Lord, have mercy.
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” said the father, who had fallen on his knees before Jesus.1 “Lord, have mercy…” said the mother. And two blind men. And the lepers. And two more blind men. There are five instances in the gospels where people realized their staggering, insurmountable need—their utter helplessness—and in sheer desperation they cried out to Jesus for…
Lord, he whom You love is sick.* These words were the first conscious thought I had this morning. I think the Holy Spirit brought them to mind. I sensed He was inviting me to use these words in prayer for a friend of mine who is sick. But I hesitated. Was praying that prayer for my friend a legitimate use of Scripture? Did Lazarus’ situation apply? I wondered…
Our Speech
The little girl asked, “Mommy, do all fairy tales begin with, ‘Once upon a time…’?” “No,” her mother replied. “There are tons of fairy tales that begin with, ‘If elected, I promise to…’” If you aren’t already sick of the candidates’ empty promises, I’m sure you will be soon. November 5th is still a good ways off! Jesus had a lot to say about what we say. By your…
Unfruitfulness
Several years ago I planted two clementine trees in my yard. I was so looking forward to the delight of their sweet nectar. To date, however, the only crop they’ve produced is disappointment. Whatever the reasons, this much is clear: both trees are unfruitful. Once Jesus told about seed that was unfruitful. It was rendered so on account of choking thorns. The story was an…
The Words of My Mouth
“Sorry, I just needed to vent,” said someone. “Oh I didn’t really mean that; my tiredness got the better of me,” said someone else. “Excuse my French, haha, I was just making a point,” said yet another. And so we brush off the things we’ve said… and try to move on. But our words are much more enduring than we might think. Jesus said, “On the day of judgment people will…
Who’s Your King?
Was your soul vexed last night as you watched two of the most powerful men of our land swagger and strut and applaud themselves? Were you provoked within as each disparaged and taunted and scorned the other? I mean, really! Golf scores? How striking, then, is their antithesis, the King whom Matthew has been exhibiting. Consider some of what He said…