The Certainty of Uncertainty O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Romans 11:33 What does it take to feel confident in or comfortable with our life in this world? If God loves us; indeed, if God is love, why is … Continue reading The Certainty of Uncertainty
Tag: justice
Strain a Gnat, Swallow a Camel
Strain a Gnat, Swallow a Camel Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but … Continue reading Strain a Gnat, Swallow a Camel
Blessed are the Merciful
Blessed are the Merciful Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 As with a number of the other Beatitudes, this one seems almost too trivial for serious discussion: that those who show mercy will receive mercy in return. It is another in a long series of illustrations of the law of … Continue reading Blessed are the Merciful
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:5 I wish to consider three parts of this passage. First, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for something? Second, what is righteousness? Finally, in what way and with what is one filled? … Continue reading Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
A Challenging Peace
A Challenging Peace Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 “For a child has been born for us…and he is named…Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 The season of Christmas is identified as one of peace. Unfortunately, our … Continue reading A Challenging Peace
How Did I Miss That? Part 34: Mercy Trumps Justice
How Did I Miss That? Part 34: Mercy Trumps Justice He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 If a starving person is offered a meal or a job, … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 34: Mercy Trumps Justice
Weightier Matters
Weightier Matters Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Matthew … Continue reading Weightier Matters
A Reverse Mission
A Reverse Mission Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 In his book Here and Now, Henri Nouwen writes, “I have become aware that wherever God’s Spirit is present there is a reverse mission.” He refers to the common realization that those whom we believe need our help – our mission … Continue reading A Reverse Mission
Less Human
Less Human Terrors frighten them on every side, and chase them at their heels. Their strength is consumed by hunger, and calamity is ready for their stumbling. Surely such are the dwellings of the ungodly, such is the place of those who do not know God. Job 18:11-12, 21 Recently, I heard a radio interview … Continue reading Less Human
The Desperation of Poverty, Part 1
The Desperation of Poverty, Part 1 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Luke 6:20-21 As I prepared … Continue reading The Desperation of Poverty, Part 1
Contemplating Grace 