Author Archives: A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green

There Is One God!

Knowing the idolatrous environment that existed in where they had been (Egypt), and in where they were going (Canaan), it’s hard to read Genesis 1 and not see it (at least at one level), as an emphatic rebuke of polytheism and its “god for everything” approach.  Israel is told in no uncertain terms that the God who madeContinue reading “There Is One God!”

Starry, Starry Night

Northern California is the location of the giant sequoia trees.  According to information from The Sequoia National Park website, the tallest of them tops out at somewhere around 300 feet with a base circumference of 40 feet.  Their branches can be up to 8 feet in diameter and their bark is three feet thick. They weigh up to 2.7 millionContinue reading “Starry, Starry Night”

Ritual And Community

The Passover was a meal to be observed in community.  Although it was originally taken as a household, everyone did it at the same time and in the same time (Exodus 12:46-47,6,8).  Later when Israel had settled in the land, everyone journeyed to Jerusalem in order to celebrate it as a nation (Deuteronomy 16:1-7). It was aContinue reading “Ritual And Community”

Losing Our Religion

Morning Edition recently did a series called Losing Our Religion. Predictably, it focused on the demise of organized religion. The segment I listened to quoted the Pew Research Center’s findings that one-third of people under 30 have opted out of any religious affiliation. They are known as the nones. (To me, the more compelling storyline would have beenContinue reading “Losing Our Religion”

Limping Into The Sunrise (1)

Whatever conclusions you draw about Jacob’s character (or the lack of it), you have to grant that he had some help getting there. His grandfather and father struggled with telling the truth at times (Genesis 12:11ff, 20:1ff, 26:7ff), while his mother, Rebekah, instigated and served as his accomplice in the deception of his father, Isaac (27:5ff).Continue reading “Limping Into The Sunrise (1)”

Limping Into The Sunrise (2)

We’ve rehearsed the account of Jacob wrestling with the angel before his reconciliation with Esau and his return to Canaan. As with all communication though, the question isn’t simply knowing what was said—we have to continue down the road by determining what was meant. Why did Moses tell us this story? What is its purpose?Continue reading “Limping Into The Sunrise (2)”

Lighting Or Cursing

Times were dark for Israel and there was a reason for it.  We’re told by the writer of Judges that, “another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel,” (2:10).  Their problem wasn’t a lack of information; it was a lack of appreciation.  The nation had been given all kinds of tools toContinue reading “Lighting Or Cursing”

Joseph’s Brothers

It shouldn’t be that difficult for us to understand why Joseph’s brothers have a problem believing that he has forgiven them.  After all, they were used to treating others in a manner that was much less than what they deserved (see Genesis 34 & 37), so they can’t relate to someone treating them better than they deserve.  I don’t think they’reContinue reading “Joseph’s Brothers”