“Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning and when they did not find his body there; they came back and told us they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.” (NRSV Luke 24:22-23) The gospel writer Luke shares …
Please read John 7:1-13 in your prefered translation before reading my reflections below! This not well-known passage gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ family as He continued His ministry on earth. The Biblical witness gives very little information about Jesus’ family. Remember the story of changing water into wine? His mother asked Him to do …
The Lord weighs the righteous and the wicked and his soul hates the lover of violence. (NRSV Pslm 11: 5) The Lord trieth the righteous, but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. (KJV Ps 11:5) He tests the good and bad alike; if anyone cheats, God’s outraged. (THE MESSAGE PS 11:5) …
“And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was consenting to his death.” (NRSV Acts 7:59) The 7th Chapter of Acts …
Dec 26, 2022 Acts 7: 59 Christmas and St. Stephen Read More »
“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. (KJV John 6: 43)“Jesus said, “Don’t bicker among yourselves over me.” (MESSAGE John 6:43)“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. (NIV John 6:43)“Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves.” (NRSV John 6:43) I have not blogged in a couple of months mostly because …
“Thou shall not kill.” (KJV Exodus 20:13)“You shall not murder.” (NRSV Exodus 20:13)“No murder.” (The Message Exodus 20:13) I was coloring a picture of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square when Russian forces invaded Urkaine. This scene was the next page in my adult coloring book and I call that “God’s timing.” I bought …
“Thou shall not kill.” (KJV Exodus 20:13)“You shall not murder.” (NRSV Exodus 20:13)“No murder.” (The Message Exodus 20:13) While the context for policy about the death penalty is logically in community and by extension in the policies and laws set forth by the people who are the government, the context about abortion rights is in …
“Thou shall not kill.” (KJV Exodus 20:13)“You shall not murder.” (NRSV Exodus 20:13)“No murder.” (The Message Exodus 20:13) In interim pastoral ministry I had the privilege and challenge of teaching confirmation to middle school youth. In confirmation most Lutherans begin to intellectually wrestle with how our faith impacts life issues. Luther honored this commandment as …
“Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing. And Miriam sang to them: Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.” (NRSV EX 15:20-21) This is a …
“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts as well as our hands to God in heaven.” (NRSV Lam 3:40 – 41) I am not fond of the season of Lent. Since I first began singing in the Junior Choir, I became aware of all …