September 07, 2010
Scripture for September 12 2010
Luke 14:25-33. What does it take to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? This passage talks about hating fathers, mothers, sons and daughters and even your own life. It tells us to take up our cross. Sure doesn't sound like a bed of roses! To be a disciple is to serve rather than be served. The cost is not cheap. Jesus inquires of us: would we not stop and calculate the cost of materials and labor before starting a building project? Would the leader of a nation not take time to consider if he/she has the chance to win before going to war? Entering into the discipleship of Jesus Christ requires just as much if not more of our consideration. Too often we find ourselves taking on a commitment too lightly without counting the cost of our time, talents, money, and yes, even our comfort and security. Then when the going gets tough, we want to back out and quit. Faithful disicpleship is not something that we take on and off whenever we feel like it or when it suits us. It requires a commitment to follow Christ no matter where it takes us and what is asked of us.
August 30, 2010
Commending shrewd business practices?
In Jesus' parable about the dishonest manager, the manager was commended by his master for his business deals. What is Jesus saying to the disciples (and us)? This parable is the fourth in a series, the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son. What is its connection to these parables about things that are lost?
August 20, 2010
August 15, 2010
Jeremiah's context
The Northern kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrians. The Assyrian kingdom had collapsed and was replaced by 2 other superpowers: the Persians and the Babylonians. Josiah was the king of Judah, the Southern kingdom of David that survived the Assyrians expansion. The fragile kingdom of Judah came under the power of Babylon and was forced to pay taxes to Babylon. At times Judah would align itself with Egypt and resist paying taxes to Babylon. Eventually Babylon grew tired of this and invaded Judah, deporting the leadership and others that might be a threat of rebellion to Babylon. Only the poorest people were left in Judah.
August 08, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)