Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Jehovah Shalom: God is Peace

Jehovah Shalom: God is Peace
The people of Israel were at war. The Midianites had been oppressing them for years and they were weary of the fight. When they cry out to God, He answers by sending a Messenger to appoint Gideon to deliver them. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man…
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Up from the Ash Heap

Up from the Ash Heap
Dust and ashes are paired throughout scripture and are used together still today. Dust reminds us of our mortality – that we are but dust and will return there. And ashes are associated with mourning, grief and even isolation. There is no community in an ash heap. We are fortunate not to experience physically sitting…
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Breaking the Law

Breaking the Law
It’s not always easy to follow God’s law. In fact, sometimes it’s impossible. I'm not just talking about my willful flesh, but there are times when God’s commandments conflict. Do you lie to save a life? The religious folk of Jesus’ day were consumed with this. They wanted to be obedient but recognized the inevitability…
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The Suffering of Temptation

The Suffering of Temptation
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.  Hebrews 2:18 Being tempted is hard, but it’s not a sin. Jesus was tempted. When the temptation involves matters of sin or obedience to God, the stakes are high. And the cost may be, too.   Jesus…
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