John 11:45-57 As a little girl in Sunday School, this particular story always rubbed me the wrong way because the gospel writer went out of the way to state that some of those who watched the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead ran to the Pharisees and tattled. Children learn early that tattling... Continue Reading →
Isaiah 43:8-15 "I announced, I saved, I proclaimed, not some stranger among you."Isaiah 43:12a It's a story as old as time: Humanity finds itself in a jam and starts looking for someone who can lead the way out. When Moses went up the mountain to commune with God, the people turned to Aaron who, in... Continue Reading →
2 Kings 4:1-7 "Tell me what you still have left in your house?" Elisha asks a poor widow. Her husband has died. She has sold everything, but still his debts remain. One of his creditors assumes that all she has of any value is her children and he vows to take them. But Elisha thinks... Continue Reading →
Revelation 19:9-10 When I began seminary, one of my professors said that we should be a "prophetic people" and that one of our goals should be to "preach prophetically" with every sermon. I won't lie to you, that terrified me. Maybe it's because I was born and raised in Appalachia. When people speak of prophets... Continue Reading →
Romans 2:12-16 When I was a teenager, my home church threw a Christmas party for area children. The youth group spent the year raising funds and preparing for the event. It was a major event in our year and in our spiritual development. Helen, an elderly member of the congregation who had worked many years... Continue Reading →
Psalm 39 At the beginning of Lent, we mark our foreheads with a cross of ashes and we remember that we are mortal beings, burdened by sin. Meditating on our mortality is an important element of the season. The Psalmist captures the tone poetically when he says: Human life is but a puff of air.... Continue Reading →
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