a series of reflections based on this online stations of the cross experience. What does it mean that Jesus takes up his cross, and then invites us to do the same? Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their… Continue reading
The first of a series of reflections based on this online stations of the cross experience. “Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But (Jesus) gave them no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly… Continue reading
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps. 118:24) I honestly can’t tell if this is good news today or not. How do we rejoice when social distancing is taking its toll? How do we make sense of God making… Continue reading
The circumference of the city shall be eighteen thousand cubits. and the name of the city from that time on shall be The Lord is There. (Ezekiel 48:33) The verses and chapters preceding this verse are full of all sorts of specific measurements and requirements for the life of the… Continue reading
Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst. (Lev. 15:31) Six chapters of rules about what to do with different kinds of uncleanness. Six chapters. Of rules. That’s… Continue reading
Reading Exodus 30-32 is interesting. Specifically the contrast between Ex. 30-31 and Ex. 32 is intriguing. Ex. 30-31 (and maybe the chapter/s before) are all about setting apart STUFF and PEOPLE as holy and consecrated. The stuff the priests wore was consecrated and holy. The oil used for anointing was… Continue reading
“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the… Continue reading
A few weeks ago I listened to a Robcast about the “lie of redemptive violence.” In this podcast, Rob Bell explains how this idea of redemptive violence–that violence in retaliation for wrong-doing can be justified–is deep in our society…and even in our theology. But it’s really a myth, and he goes… Continue reading
I was in the States for 8th grade, and near the end of the year was getting ready to go on a summer mission trip to Mexico with a friend’s youth group. One day as we were getting ready for P.E. and reflecting on the orientation meeting we’d been to… Continue reading
I recently began reading the book “When Helping Hurts,” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. I’ve heard about this book in the context of reflecting on attitudes and methods used in “Christian Outreach” that are…less than helpful. I’m reading it to increase my capacity to engage a conversation about the… Continue reading