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!”
Category Archives: Genesis
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”
Oscar And Joseph
As much as I love movies, I haven’t been able to watch the Academy Awards for years. Actors and actresses preening on the red carpet; wearing the best clothes money can rent, with the best bodies surgery can produce, sporting some of the most decadent lifestyles and troubled relationships you could imagine — and all competingContinue reading “Oscar And Joseph”
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)”
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”
When God Shows His Colors
The story of Noah begins the second cycle of the Genesis narrative (Brueggemann). In the first cycle, we see the creation of the world followed by rebellion—first through Adam and Eve, then by Cain, and finally Lamech (4:19ff). In the second cycle, we see rebellion (6:5ff) followed by re-creation, as God destroys the world inContinue reading “When God Shows His Colors”
What Happened in the Garden?
It’s easy to look at Adam and Eve eating the fruit from the tree and think, “What’s the big deal? Their curiosity got the best of them and they messed up. That’s no reason to bring down the universe, is it? Who did they hurt? What was it about eating some fruit that justified theContinue reading “What Happened in the Garden?”
We Are Not The Answer (Tomorrowland)
Have you ever wondered what would happen, if all of the geniuses, the artists, the scientists, the smartest, most creative people in the world decided to actually change it? Where. where could they even Continue reading “We Are Not The Answer (Tomorrowland)”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 