Paul’s admonition that “each one should carry their own load” (Galatians 6:5) occurs in a strong relational context. Since 5:1 he’s been developing a picture of what it means to live as people who have been liberated by Christ. The freest people in the world are not those who do whatever they want to—that’s theContinue reading “Bone Setting and Perspective”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
Paul and his Critics
It doesn’t take any talent to be critical, does it? The world is full of flawed human beings so for those who are of the mindset, it’s always open season. And as one person noted about such people—“They can find fault like there’s a reward for it.” But not all critics fall into this category.Continue reading “Paul and his Critics”
“You have not rescued Your people at all!”
When God appears to Moses at the burning bush, He tells him that He is going to rescue Israel from their oppression and deliver them into a land of milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). I’m not sure how Moses receives this news. It’s been forty years since he has had contact with his people and hisContinue reading ““You have not rescued Your people at all!””
Why did Moses leave Egypt?
27 “But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28 Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. (Stephen in Acts 7:27-29) 14 The man said, “WhoContinue reading “Why did Moses leave Egypt?”
Where They Should Be
There’s something special about the manner in which the book of Exodus concludes. If you think about it, the Exodus narrative is filled with ups and downs. It begins with Israel down—down in Egypt, oppressed and enslaved by the pharaohs, their burdens increasing and their babies being put to death. Then God raises up a man who has himselfContinue reading “Where They Should Be”
“What is Your Name?”
Terence Fretheim is spot on when he says, “Exodus 3:14 is one of the most puzzling verses in the OT.” But since fools go where angels fear to tread, I’ll proceed. It seems to me the place to start is with Moses’ question, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of yourContinue reading ““What is Your Name?””
A Golden Calf and “Love”
The people of Israel come to Aaron requesting that he “make us a God who will go before us” (Exodus 32:1 – see the marginal reading). It’s been less than two months since they were sprinkled with blood as part of a ceremony where they promised their obedience to Yahweh and His laws (24:1-8). ForContinue reading “A Golden Calf and “Love””
The Birth of Moses and the Power of God
When the midwives refused to be part of Pharaoh’s genocide (Exodus 1:15ff), the wickedness escalated. A new policy was instituted requiring all male babies born to be thrown into the Nile. Where surviving birth had meant life, it now meant death. We can only imagine the sadness and despair that fell upon the Hebrew community. It had toContinue reading “The Birth of Moses and the Power of God”
Silent Night
If you live in the South you know this, but if you grew up in the South, you understand it’s a way of life. You take it for granted that with spring comes azaleas, dogwoods, pollen and bad weather. Fierce thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes dot our existence. Every so often, they result in the tragicContinue reading “Silent Night”
Seeing the Glory of God
“Show me Your glory,” Moses asks of Yahweh (Exodus 33:18). He’s not looking for a fireworks display (Rodeheaver). After all, he’s had a part in, and been witness to some of the most spectacular miracles in history. No, he’s wants something more. His desire is to see God as He is—no pillar of cloud orContinue reading “Seeing the Glory of God”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 