Welcome to part 2 of the polytheism context clue. In the previous post, I made the claim that developing a clear understanding of Biblical and historical polytheism will help us to peel back some of the troublesome layers of ancient Israel’s history and literature. So what do I mean by that? Well, depending on your …
Tag Archives: God
Context Clues – Polytheism Pt 1
Sometimes I find myself reading a passage of Scripture and wondering, “What was that about?” If I’m not careful, I can be tempted to scratch my head and walk away with a resigned shrug. Maybe you can relate? This certainly happens when I’m reading in the New Testament, but if I’m being honest, it happens …
He’s Already in the Next Storm
The boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea… Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You upon the water.” And He …
Here I Am, Lord
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named …
Wisdom and Mysteries
“I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.” (Matt. 11:25b) Have you ever looked at one of those “Magic Eye” illustrations? There’s a complex, often repetitive pattern and it’s (quite frankly) hard to look at. At first …
When a Thrill of Hope becomes Hope Deferred
As this season of Advent draws to a close and Christmas approaches, I find myself looking back once more to the story of Israel and their hope for the coming Messiah. Many prophecies going all the way back to Genesis 3 spoke about God’s restoration project for the world (and indeed for all of reality), …
Continue reading “When a Thrill of Hope becomes Hope Deferred”
Finishing Well
As we find ourselves in December with only a few weeks remaining in the year, I can’t help but think about the changing of seasons. Not only the changing of the physical seasons (summer, fall, winter, spring), but also the changing of seasons in our lives. Just as fall gives way to winter, so also …
Daniel and the Lions
Daniel 6 tells a compelling story of incorruptibility, integrity of conviction, and the faithfulness of God in response to the faithfulness of his servant, Daniel. We don’t know a lot about Darius the Mede, as corroborating historical records have yet to be discovered about the man. Some think he might actually by Cyrus the Persian, …
Laying Down our Offenses
I was thinking about a quote from Jackie Pullinger recently. She was being interviewed for the Alpha course some number of years back, and she made a comment that I’ve long-since misremembered. The original quote is that “God wants us to have soft hearts and hard feet.” And this is a good quote. A thought-provoking …
Reversing the Spiral
Shortly before Jesus’ ascension, we read his powerful words to the disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in both Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) This immediately conjures up images of …
Just for a Closer Walk 