“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us.” Those words begin a small book which is one of the most widely read books of history. We call it the “Gospel of
The robe of humility
Something remarkable occurs after David’s victory over Goliath. Jonathan, whose place as prince regent has been lost by his father’s disobedience, gives loving loyalty to David, the man who has displaced him. In a stunning demonstration of humility, Jonathan places
Handing over
Saul has passed his probationary test and now Samuel can hand leadership across to him. Not that Samuel is retiring, but his role is changing. As he leaves office, he makes a fine and powerful speech. His words show how
A test of leadership
The Israelites have proclaimed Saul as they king they want but is he right for the job? During a probationary period, he needs to be tested and the Lord provides that through a foreign king named “Serpent”. This arrogant usurper
Good things can be dangerous
Israel wants a king. That’s good. They want a king like other nations. Not so good. Samuel has warned them of this fault in their desire and their failure to trust the Lord. But they aren’t listening. Well, the Lord
Is Saul also among the prophets?
People can change. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes for the worse. But if you want genuine change then it has to be by the power of the Lord. Only He can take away sin, transform the heart and cause you
A revolutionary poem
Hannah has had her prayers heard by the Lord. Now she responds with thanksgiving and sacrifice. Her response becomes a memorable Psalm of Israel, but also a subversive one because it speaks of how God reverses situations to overturn the
Mary, Mary and Salome
Jesus has died like no other man for in his final hours he has borne the full brunt of God’s curse in death and overcome it. Now he has breathed out his last breath and is gently removed, covered and
Future worries
In stress-filled times our minds can be disturbed making our responses unreliable. Jesus knows that the four disciples who ask him about the future face just this danger. They have heard him predict the fall of Jerusalem’s temple, which means
You ask too much!
Though his disciples know Jesus is God’s anointed king, they do not understand the implications. God’s kingdom is built by God’s power, not human strength. So Jesus must die, trusting his father to raise him. The disciples, however, cannot see