Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Stealing worship?

Stealing worship?
Paul and Barnabas had quite a ministry back in the first century. Paul counted himself among the apostles and had a global “ends of the earth” reach to his ministry. He healed people, started churches and his very presence was so volatile it could ignite riots. He was kind of a big deal, even then.…
Read more

No Stumbling, Please

No Stumbling, Please
You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:14 This seems like such an obvious instruction that I’m embarrassed it had to be said. Who would be so cruel as to trip a blind person? Compassion should come in abundance…
Read more

It’s Your Call

It’s Your Call
So much of the Bible leaves stories and invitations open-ended. The response of the people (or characters) involved is left silent and we are left to wonder. Most prominent is the invitation Jesus offers to all of us. “I stand at the door and knock.” Will we open? He is promising to come in and…
Read more

The Two spies

The Two spies
No, that’s not a typo. I know Moses sent twelve spies to check out this new Promised Land. But only two came back with a good report. Think about that. God rescued them from Egypt – an enslaved peasant population delivered from a mighty army. He provided for them through the desert and led them…
Read more