Category: Bible (Page 39 of 356)

My wife and I spent time recently with our not quite two year old granddaughter. She likes ice cream, and when she spots the ice cream shop on their street she wants some. Her wise parents often say “no,” or “maybe later,” giving good reasons for waiting and not caving to her immediate desires.

At some point, however, she will learn to look her grandfather in the face and ask for ice cream. Then we’ll turn directly into the shop, because grandpas make for good “yes men.”

When writing to the church members in Corinth, Paul clarified that in Jesus there exists no equivocation, no wavering back and forth.

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.

You might say Jesus is the ultimate “yes man.” God fulfills all his promises in him. Every good thing assured to those who follow the Lord come to fruition through Jesus. Saying “yes” to Jesus opens up a world of “yes” for you and me. As a result God grants his followers a most favored status:

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

God secures me if I trust him. Anointed, sealed, freely given the Holy Spirit, all as a guarantee of his faithfulness. I’ve been branded, and bear the mark of a disciple of Jesus. Saying “yes” to Jesus, following him as a dedicated disciple, opens me up to “yes” after “yes” from the hand of God.

This reality stands opposite to what I hear all around me, that following Jesus is restrictive, close-minded, and anti-intellectual. At first glance this appears to be the case. Jesus himself said, Do not think I have come to bring peace to this earth; I did come to bring peace, but a sword.

But the sword of Jesus cuts away the dross, the entanglements, the drags on my soul. The way to God’s favor and gifts in my life—His “yes”— is through saying “yes” again and again to Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Yulia Matvienko

I’ve walked the Mall in Washington D.C. a couple of times. My favorite memorial is dedicated to those who fought in the Korean War. Stainless-steel statues depict a squad on patrol, the battle clad troops scanning for the enemy. One of my visits occurred during a foggy evening. I was strolling along when the figures emerged silently from the mist, startling me. I stood there for a long time, quietly reflecting.

Paul exhorted members of the church in Corinth, new followers of Jesus, to remain ever vigilant in their faith: Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

Corinth was a wild city, a place of international trade, loads of money and the worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. Workers from Aphrodite’s temple flooded the streets, offering sex for contributions. Not exactly Mayberry RFD.

Among the Corinthians Paul underscored the need for vigilance, courage and strength. A successful Christian life in such a society required sober reflection and a stiff backbone. A soft heart was also essential. Do everything in love reveals the secret needed for pagan neighbors to turn away from hollow pursuits toward hope found only in Jesus.

Today’s society tempts with promises of sex, money, pleasures and promotions only a click away. My physical and virtual neighbors need to understand the love of Jesus, even as I display vigilance, courage and strength, as depicted by the creators of the Korean War memorial.

Tough-skinned and soft-hearted. That’s the way of the disciple of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Rafik Wahba

Barbarians roam the pages of scripture, murdering, raping and carrying women off into slavery. Others sacrificed children to demonic gods. Brutality emerges as a theme in the Bible.

Even when David served as king, he faced palace intrigues and scorn from his enemies: They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

Not that we’re any better. Those of a barbarian nature reside with us today. A thug launched a brutal war in Ukraine, and savage men regularly kidnap young women to violate in Central Africa.

But what of those in more enlightened realms? Angry folk roam the internet, turning civil discourse into vicious diatribes. More subtly, greedy traders overwhelm the gates with promises of pleasure or fulfillment found by purchasing the latest style, or changing yourself to fit a new mold.

At our core we all carry seeds of the barbarian.

Thankfully, an escape route exists. David prayed, As for me, afflicted and in pain—may your salvation, God, protect me. We can form David’s words into an especially pertinent prayer today:

Lord, barbarians surround us, attack us and sadly motivate us. May your salvation protect our souls in this world filled with affliction and pain.

Psalm 69 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Hasan Almasi

I find in the Scriptures touching reminders of my position in this world. Promises like these give me hope: I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth…covered you with the shadow of my hand.

God is speaking to his people, pointing to joyful days ahead. He tells them not to fear mortal enemies who dry up like grass, but remember their Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth.

It’s an astounding proposition. The Creator of all we see—tiny creatures swimming under microscopes and galaxies dancing through telescopes—actually pays attention to you and me. Both fabulous and unnerving, the Bible assures us this is true.

My problems, while still challenging and worthy of attention, look different when I evaluate them from under the shadow of our good Lord’s hand.

Isaiah 51 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by eberhard 🖐 grossgasteiger