Apocalyptic language such as this tends to divide the Christian community. It need not do so. Written in times when it was dangerous to be a follower of Christ, such symbolic...

So many things are changing and impermanent in our world that we look for something that is certain and unchanging. Perhaps that is why we like to speak of God as...

Note the cries for protection from the enemy in this psalm: “Deliver me . . . . rescue me . . . . save me.” We might add, “Save me from...

Self-preservation is both a natural human instinct and a grave spiritual danger. If we never move beyond measuring every action and relationship by how much is in it for us, this...

A friend of mine once said, “You can pray or you can worry, but you cannot do both at the same time.” We might likewise say, “You can have faith or...

The psalmist refers to God as Shepherd but also acknowledges God’s majesty and power on the throne. As in our reading from Isaiah, Israel is likened to a flourishing vine that...

The writer of Hebrews now focuses on the men and women of the fledgling church and tells them, “You can also live faithfully!” I suspect they listened, nodding wisely, as the...

The magnificent words by faith ring down through the ages. That was all it took. By faith in God the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land. Who took the...

With his disciples, Jesus has addressed the issues of preparation and readiness and has made it clear that there is no peace without conflict. He wishes the fire that both destroys...

Luke’s Gospel begins with a glorious account of Jesus’ birth. The angels bring a message of peace on earth. So Jesus’ question comes as a shock: “Do you think I have...