“Now there was a certain rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, gaily living in splendor every day.” Luke 16:19 Gaily Living – “Reading the Bible in a translation is like kissing your new bride through a veil.”[1] Kenneth Bailey underlines Bialik’s point in this parable.[2] The translation “living gaily” disguises…
“But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion.” Luke 10:33 Felt Compassion – We have often mentioned that Hebrew thought development moves like the lines of a pyramid. The story develops from the foundation up to the pinnacle and then concludes by returning…
and when you seek for me you will find me, when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 Seek/Search – How many times have you heard this verse given as motivation for seeking God? It seems to be a favorite when we need exhortation and encouragement. But how many of us know…
“So also My heavenly Father will do to you unless each of you from your hearts forgive his brother their offenses.” Matthew 18:35 Forgive – Forgiveness is fundamental to faith. It is the action that separates human being from human biology. When I refuse to forgive, I move away from alignment with the Father. In…
“and this is another thing you do; covering the altar of YHWH with tears, with weeping and groaning; because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand.” Malachi 2:13 Weeping and Groaning – Is God without compassion? As Paul would say, “May it never be!” God reveals Himself filled…
I’ve noticed a few things over the last months. Our community seems to have two wonderful strains going at the same time. We have a group of serious biblical exegetes – those who are willing to turn over all the stones to find the truth. This group follows the theological paths that I only hint…
