What if Jesus Cleaned the Temple Again?

This Monday of Holy Week 2019, we read of Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem on the Monday of that week (see Matt. 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48).  As we continue to follow Jesus on his way to garden, cross, and tomb,  I have wondered: What would happen if Jesus, son of God, did …

Jesus’ Kingdom Begins with Lent!?

What kind of a kingdom begins with Lent?  Well, a good and godly one.  In fact, the gospel story begins with Jesus announcing the presence of God’s kingdom, and then proposing our proper response in “Lenten terms.”  “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced.  “The kingdom of God is near!  Repent …

THE DREAM LIVES ON

On this day marking the life, leadership and martyrdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we should pause to give thanks that indeed black lives matter!  I am grateful that the life of Dr. King, a man of color, mattered so profoundly, though cut so tragically short.  It would do us all good to read again his now …

WHEN ISIS KILLS

Last evening we were moved to read of the plight of followers of Jesus who suffer and die at the hands of ISIS.  This particular report came from a church official in country who plead for Christians everywhere to help them.  As we have often read over the last year, people who bear the name …