Firsts

“Firsts” are memorable. I remember the first day at my first job, my first kiss with the beautiful lady who would become my wife, and seeing each of our children for the first time.

Pentecost is about firsts. Pentecost (Pentēkostē – “the fiftieth day”) is the Greek name for the Feast of First Fruits (also Feast of Weeks/Harvest, compare Leviticus 23:9-22) which occurred 50 days after the first grain offering from the harvest. It is also the commemoration of the first coming of God’s Holy Spirit on each of the disciples which occurred 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Between the Kingdom and Judgment

John the Baptist was both the fulfillment of prophecy (v 3) and a prophet himself (v 11). His attire, diet and lifestyle link him to Elijah (2 Kings 1:8) and his words to the Pharisees and Sadducees, – “You bunch of Snakes!,”” – link him to Jesus (Matthew 23:33).

John’s call to repentance was heard and heeded by many.

Read More Holy Spirit, repentance, baptism

A Patch Won’t Do

In today’s reading, the followers of John were concerned that he taught them a life of self-denial, including going without eating as an act of self-discipline, while Jesus didn’t demand this of his disciples.

Jesus’ answer included three metaphors. The first was taken from their wedding traditions.

From the Heart

The problem with the Law was that it was so easily limited to behaviour modification. God’s constant lament against Israel was that they looked religious on the outside while mistreating the weak, the poor and the immigrant among them.

Jesus isn’t concerned with what foods you eat and whether you wash your hands before you touch it.

Read More Holy Spirit, forgiveness, heart, root

The Faith of Two Women

Luke’s narrative here is remarkably focussed. (I wonder what Mary’s parents thought? No mention. Did she travel the 100 kilometers to Elizabeth’s home on her own? No mention.) Other things are surprisingly emphasized (Mary’s greeting of Elizabeth). This is a clue as to what we need to pay attention to here.

No wonder Mary “hurried” (v 39). She had just received what must be the most stunning news in all history!

Read More Holy Spirit, believe, promises

Simeon

Luke’s story of how Jesus was born ends with two more anecdotes which connect the present (Mary and Joseph’s present) with the past. Mary and Joseph were God-fearing Jews, who took Jesus to be circumcised when he was a week old, and returned to the Temple when it came time for Mary to be purified.

God Uses a Crisis to Reveal His Chosen Leader

Interviewers love to ask leaders, “How did this happen? How did you get started?”

For Saul, the answer has two parts. First, he was publicly anointed as king by the prophet Samuel as described in chapters 8-10. But then like everyone else he returned to his home. Not only was Saul a humble and perhaps even a timid man; the idea of having a king or being a king was so new that nobody knew exactly what to do.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…

A person’s true character is often most evident when under great pressure.

The looming Philistine battle sent King Saul into great distress. A king who is supposed to be confident, heroic in nature, superior in stature and domineering, is now falling apart and full of fear.

In disobedience to what the Old Testament teaches, Saul seeks out a medium for guidance about his future instead of waiting on the Lord for answers.

The Need to Listen and Obey

It was a bright sunny day when a wind surfing instructor stood teaching eight young and enthusiastic 25-year old students. They listened, but after ten minutes of instruction seven left for the lake. They were confident they had heard enough, though the instructor was not yet finished.

I was watching this and noticed the only one left listening was my young husband.

Persecution

In this passage, Jesus breaks the news to us. We will be persecuted.

It broke news recently that the City of Toronto banned Christian events featuring songs that praise Jesus in public venues. Why? Because it is proselytizing. I’m stunned. Hundreds of groups shout their philosophies from public venues every year in Toronto, in parades, concerts, marathons, and fundraisers.

Read More Holy Spirit, helper, persecution