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
Hit the shepherd
Jesus has his death on his mind because it’s so close now. But he’s also concerned for his disciples. They need to understand that he will be hit hard, like the shepherd of Zechariah 13. When that happens they will
Big men, little woman
Jesus has silenced his opponents. But he will not be silent. Instead, he asks questions about the legal experts. Why do they struggle to see the most important commands? It’s not because they lack in intellect or knowledge. Their problem
Two riddles
Jesus has faced down the bullying leaders of Jerusalem. But he won’t just let them walk away. Instead, he tells one of his parables. The meaning may not be plain to some, but his opponents get it. Jesus is exposing
The Psalms – Number 2 Verses 7-12
This post is number 4 in a series of short pieces about the Psalms. Photo by Alabaster Co on Unsplash King of kings Click here to read: Psalm 2 Psalm 2 tells us a really important idea we need to
The Psalms – Number 2 Verses 1-6
This post is number 3 in a series of short pieces about the Psalms. Photo by Alabaster Co on Unsplash King of the hill Click here to read: Psalm 2 The Psalms were put together into five collections and then
The Psalms – Number 1
This post is number 2 in a series of short pieces about the Psalms. Photo by Alabaster Co on Unsplash No to the bad gang; yes to the Lord Click here to read: Psalm 1 Have you been to a
The Psalms – Introduction
This post is number 1 in a series of short pieces about the Psalms. Photo by Alabaster Co on Unsplash Long, long ago God decided to have a kingdom, which he would rule as a wise and good king. His
Sailing in the shadow of death
There are times when we feel we are walking in a valley under the shadow of death; our verses have that taste to them. But Paul shines with calm faith in the midst of this deadly trial and he is