Sunday’s Coming
Monday lectionary email, archived here on Friday
Jesus makes it hard to be a Christian (Luke 14:25-33)
The problem many preachers face when trying to preach without fear or favor is Jesus himself.
Understanding idolatry (Jeremiah 2:4-13)
Jeremiah’s message for Judah cuts deeper than our petty loyalties.
The hand of the wicked (Psalm 71:1-6)
Enemies are quite common in the Psalms, sometimes with deadly intent.
Isaiah’s challenge (Isaiah 5:1-7)
God’s indictment of ancient Israel raises hard questions for Christian readers today.
Things unseen (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16)
There is much more to Hebrews 11 than a definition of faith and a litany of Bible stories.
Practicing gratitude in hard times (Psalm 107)
Sometimes celebratory texts like Psalm 107 are as difficult as the binding of Isaac.
Truth meets mercy (Psalm 85)
These days it is hard to discern what is true and what is false.
Does Jesus understand sisters? (Luke 10:38-42)
Does he really need to add the part about Mary’s choice being better?
Hearing critical words (Amos 7:7-17)
We can and must test prophetic messages we receive.
Just go (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)
The people of Jesus show up empty-handed and vulnerable.
The prayer in the pause (Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20)
Sometimes I find myself stuck in the Selah.
Hostile territory (Luke 8:26-39)
Jesus disrupts the narrative in multiple ways.
The responsibility of care (Psalm 8)
Made in the image of God, we stand in as God’s representatives in creation.
Separation of powers (Genesis 11:1-9)
In a mainline church, the pastor tends to have limited unilateral power.
Liberated and vulnerable (Acts 16:16-34)
Like the characters in Acts 16, we are imprisoned to power structures.
He isn’t here, he’s everywhere (Acts 1:1-11)
The disciples’ wonder and confusion at Jesus’ ascension is a comfort to us.