Psalm 131 consists of a mere fifty-nine words parceled out over three verses (NIV). Because of this, there is the temptation to treat it like a headline—grab the central thought and move on. We’d be poorer for doing so though because the psalms aren’t spiritual fast food. They are not meant to be gulped downContinue reading “State of the Heart”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
Morning Always Comes!
When the psalmist writes in 130:1, “out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;” he is speaking as someone who is utterly overwhelmed by life—and acutely aware of it. He is despondent, despairing, and desperate. He is “where death prevails instead of life as prospect and power” (Mays). He doesn’t need to get inContinue reading “Morning Always Comes!”
Meeting God in the Depths
God is deeper than the deepest depth in man. He is holier than our deepest sin is deep. There is no depth as deep to us as when God reveals His holiness in dealing with our sin . . . think more of the depth of God than the depth of your cry. The worstContinue reading “Meeting God in the Depths”
The power of silence
Pilate is clearly a conflicted man when Jesus is brought to him. He understands that the Jewish leaders have an agenda in wanting to see Jesus crucified (see Matthew 27:18). On the other hand, he has a responsibility to maintain the Pax Romana (Roman peace) established by Augustus and maintained by his successor Tiberius. WhateverContinue reading “The power of silence”
A Relationship with Jesus
That’s an expression used commonly to answer the question, “What does it means to be a disciple of Jesus?” It’s a phrase that’s been around for quite a while so people use it assuming everyone understands it. That can be a dangerous assumption because over time, even the most clearly defined words or phrases tendContinue reading “A Relationship with Jesus”
Jesus, John and Mary
“Here is your son” (v. 26), Jesus said to His mother. In contrast to Pilate’s abdication of his responsibility to Jesus and justice (“Here is the man” – v. 5, “Here is your king” – v. 14), Christ took control regarding His mother’s care. It’s an interesting situation we don’t know as much about asContinue reading “Jesus, John and Mary”
Perseverance (2)
It would be difficult to overstate the value of perseverance—but not impossible. More to the point, it’s easy to look at perseverance the way we see an iceberg and notice only the part that is above the waterline and miss the more significant portion below. Perseverance is a glorious thing but like everything else, it’sContinue reading “Perseverance (2)”
Perseverance (1)
Psalm 129 reminds us that despite the hardships they encountered, the righteous in Israel hadn’t gone anywhere. Their oppressors gave them their best shot and when the smoke, dust, and ashes had cleared away—the righteous hadn’t cut and run, they were still standing. Don’t you love that? That was Israel’s story. Whether they were onContinue reading “Perseverance (1)”
They Have Not Gained Victory
Psalm 129 begins with the nation of Israel rehearsing its history as a person would speak of their life. From its youth, it had been “greatly oppressed” (repeated for emphasis – v. 1-2). This could be an illusion to Egypt and the travails the fledgling nation experienced there or perhaps it is a reference toContinue reading “They Have Not Gained Victory”
Seeing Beneath the Surface
There are many people who are building a life without God—and it seems to be working just fine. They live in nice houses, have good jobs, and enjoy excellent health. God isn’t a blip on their radar and yet they are blessed in this manner, in some cases, above and beyond many followers of Jesus. Does thatContinue reading “Seeing Beneath the Surface”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 