Jesus’ disciples did not fast, while at the same time John the Baptist’s disciples fasted. When asked about this, Jesus explains why his disciples eat and also does not denounce John’s disciples actions. Nor does John denounce Jesus’ disciples behavior. (Mark 2:18-22) The lesson is quite simple: some are called to fast while at the […]
Tag: Jesus
On Needing One Another
Jesus appointed twelve apostles. Did he really need to? As the Son of God, he surely could have just gone about his mission on his own, right? In today’s culture we tend to idolize those who are strong solitary characters that appear to not need anyone else. People who take on the evils of the […]
On Satan
While writing my last blog post, I realized that it was the first time on here I discussed Satan and I struggled with the concept of writing about our Adversary. (I even wondered if I should capitalize the word Satan or not. Was he worthy of such font treatment?) Of course, as is natural for […]
On Being in the Wilderness
The Lenten journey takes us into the wilderness. This means different things for different people. For some it is a place they are already at and for others it is a foreign place. For all of us, we will find the same two forces at work in the wilderness: Jesus and Satan. The writings of […]
On Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day
Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day were the same day this year. It’s a fairly rare occasion and apparently happening only one more time this century (2029). And this almanac synergy is occurring at a time in human history where division is great and conflicts between peoples are growing more abundant every day. For those who […]
On Rebuke and Affirmation
Naturally I’m a slow reader, often going at a mental cadence akin to a pony ride. When I read the Bible this is usually the case as well. Sometimes, though, I listen to an audio recording of Scripture and that experience is as if I am suddenly galloping on a horse and experiencing a familiar […]
On Choice of Words
When we look at both faith and politics, we find a lot of rhetoric. Lots of words. Some may be just filler, but all are chosen—to persuade, reassure, distract, disarm, deflect, encourage, motivate, etc. (As is often the case, I find myself questioning the writing of this reflection at all, knowing that I am writing […]
On Our Saviors
Alongside examining what is sacred in our society and social circles, we must also reflect on who we elevate as our saviors—or, as we often soften the reality: our heroes, role-models, stars, icons, idols. These saviors we turn to come in all forms: respected historical figures, talented pop artists, savvy politicians, fair arbiters of justice, […]
On What is Sacred
At the intersection of faith and politics are frequent claims that this or that should be considered sacred. Those with a devoted faith must examine these claims critically, and for those that desire to follow Christ this means reconciling these claims with the call of our Savior and Lord.
On Faith and Politics
Many of us have been told there are two topics that are simply too personal to discuss publicly: faith and politics. Between now and Reformation Day 2020 (October 31), I am writing a series of reflections on this topic. Why? Simply, because I believe that what many of us have been told is unbiblical and […]
Relevant Reformation 