Identity is an obsession with western people and has been for much of the past century. Everything – from the existential philosophers, Bourne’s many passports and Lady Gaga’s multiple costumes to the perennial “identity crisis” of forty-somethings – speak of this underlying confusion: Who am I really?
There is a solid foundation for our identity.
Read More identity
At times Jesus buries truth in a familiar metaphor or situation, relying on the Holy Spirit to interpret for those who have ears to hear. Bread is a handy metaphor with an audience thoroughly familiar with the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:17), the tabernacle showbread (Exodus 25:30) and manna in the desert. Here Jesus appropriates the symbol of manna by claiming to be “the bread that had come down from heaven.”
Read More identity, food, clothesA narrative analysis of John’s gospel shows that chapter 12 is a climactic high point. It records the conclusion of Jesus’ ministry and his thoughts about the people’s reaction to him. Today’s reading is especially important because it is also the literary ‘bookend’ to the book’s prologue (John 1:1-18).
In the prologue, light is a metaphor for Jesus.
Read More identity, light. FatherOn what size screen would you see a vision from God? IMAX? Would it be in 3D? This one is not pre-recorded, but it’s not live either. Amos sees what hasn’t happened yet. He is not just in the seats, he is in the scene, he is part of the story. He speaks. The Director stops, “CUT.” Amos pleads: too much fire, too many locusts, too much blood. The Director orders: “Rewind. Edit.”
Read More humility, identity, famine
We read in Chapter 23 of the coming demise of the great city of Tyre. The people of Tyre have become wealthy through shipping and trading. That’s about to end though as the Lord’s judgment falls upon them.
One thing stands out to me more than the pronouncement of Tyre’s financial collapse.
Read More security, identity, being forgotten
While many proverbs give instruction about what kind of person you should be, this passage has more of a focus on the kind of person you should avoid. It seems like easy enough advice to follow, and has convincing incentives too. Why would you carry an incredibly heavy and exhausting load if you didn’t have to, or willingly put yourself into a dangerous situation?
Read More identity, company, friendshipsWhat happens when the bottom falls out of your world? Where do you start when everything that gave you your meaning and identity is taken from you and the past is brought to a crashing full stop? The fall of Jerusalem, the sacking of the Temple and exile create the setting for this remarkable book.
Read More compromise, God’s faithfulness, identity
As a teacher of English to speakers of other languages, part of my job is to help prepare people for the British citizenship test. The students have come from different parts of the world, mainly through marriage or work, and wish to settle in the UK. The test signals to those seeking a British passport …
Read More identity, loyalty, citizens, standing firmKing Xerxes regrets his hot-headed dismissal of Queen Vashti and, on advice of counsel, authorizes a search for beautiful young women throughout his provinces. They are culled from their families and communities and placed in the royal harem in Susa. Far from home and family, they undergo a year-long regimen of beauty treatments.
Read More obedience, identity