What happens when pragmatism comes into conflict with principle? As a king facing an armed rebellion, David fled his palace and abandoned the capital city. Propelled by fear, he left in a hurry with only the inner circle of his court to accompany him. The city was getting ready for disaster to sweep down upon it, and the king was heading for the hills.
At this bleak point, David really did not know who he could trust.
Read More fear, commitment, coercion
Wow! Hard words! It was easier when Jesus was telling parables.
If you are reading from the NIV you might want to turn to the CEV for this section. It reads: “You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother” etc. (v 26). This reflects more accurately what Jesus meant. It clearly follows on from yesterday’s reading.
Read More joy, commitment, discipleshipThe last chapter drew two comparisons to the story of King Baasha and his assassin. Jehu seems to follow Zimri’s roadmap from 1 Kings 16: the assassination of an idolatrous king who led the people into sin, dogs licking up royal blood and a warrior ruthlessly exterminating a family.
Read More obedience, commitment, wholehearted devotionAslan, the Christ-figure of CS Lewis’s Narnia tales, is a good lion but not a safe lion. Some Greeks discovered Jesus is likewise good but not safe. They came expecting an intriguing conversation and instead were told to give up their lives and serve him wherever he goes.
Jesus wasn’t interested in meeting people to satisfy their curiosity.
Read More trust, surrender, commitmentWhen Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter tries to stop the mob that has surrounded his master with torches and lanterns and weapons in their fists. He draws his sword – it was not unusual for men to carry swords or knives on their belts in those days – and he strikes, shearing away the right ear of the high priest’s servant.
Read More obedience, commitment, hard places
It couldn’t have been easy. All around him people were living without regard to God and his commands. They had instead given in to the practices of the pagan nations around them and worshipped the pagan gods. Perhaps it was easier. Perhaps it was more fun. Ever since Aaron and the golden calf – which they worshipped while God was giving Moses the ten commandments! – people preferred the pagan rituals.
Read More obedience, commitmentJewish religious authorities worked hard to silence the voices testifying that Jesus is Lord. But it’s tough to fight God when he sends his angel to release his people from prisons and commands them to proclaim the good news about Jesus right in the heart of the Temple! God’s actions caused these religious leaders to pause, but not to change their hostile attitude.
Read More witness, commitment, courage
Read Reflect As far as I’m aware, there’s no other passage in Scripture that begins with the disclaimer that what follows is only the author’s opinion, and is not a word from the Lord. Paul underscores that by also making it clear that what he has to say is specific to “the present crisis” – […]
Read More dévotion, commitment, marriageRead Reflect How willing are you to go where God wants you to go and do what he wants you to do? As the refugees from Judah flee towards Egypt, they plead with God’s prophet, Jeremiah, to pray for them. They are “connecting the dots” and they realize they desperately need God’s help, so they […]
Read More friends, prayer, obedience, commitmentWhen the risen Christ confronted Saul/Paul on the Damascus road, Paul’s whole life was radically changed. He turned from flushing out Christians in Damascus to kill them, to joining with them in worshipping their God whom he now knew. He turned from hate and rage to love and peace.
Read More commitment, transformation, righteousness, life