response ⁽¹⁴⁹⁾

Matthew 15:10–20, Luke 6:39–42, Ephesians 6:12–18 In our current political and cultural climate, there are plenty of sharp barbs being thrown out. If we wanted to, we could say flaming arrows, which is metaphorically accurate. It’s pretty nuts, and certainly unloving, unpeaceful, impatient (i.e, doesn’t…

1 Samuel 24:1–19, Revelation 6:12–17 The tug-of-war between King Saul and King-to-be David lasted a number of years. The man who could have been Saul’s Number One and led Saul to victory over the enemies of Israel was instead hunted by Saul. In many respects,…

Psalm 20, Isaiah 50:7–11, John 3:16–21 “May he give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose.” Psalm 20:4 What does your heart desire? What is your WHOLE purpose? Those are two questions that humanity has wrestled with since the eyes/hearts/minds of Adam…

Jeremiah 28:1–9, Luke 12:49–56, John 14:27–31 There is something quite jarring in Jeremiah’s response to Hananiah. Did you catch it? Only when peace actually comes true will a prophet who prophesied peace be considered a true prophet. If you prophesy war, famine, pestilence, death, it’s…

Jeremiah 9:13–21, Job 6:14–30, Matthew 5:4 Yesterday, when we were talking about misery loving company, we were ultimately talking about people without grace and generosity in their hearts. Today’s misery is very different. For today, misery needs company. We as a nation and as a…