How do you find words to describe a miracle?

Morning: Psalms 148, 149, 150; Amos 6.1–14; 2 Thessalonians 1.5–12

Evening: Psalms 114, 115; Luke 1.57–68

The story goes: the angel tells Zechariah his wife Elizabeth will have a son and that they should call the child John.  Zechariah is rendered speechless by the encounter – Is it the consequence of his doubt or just plain shock and awe that ties his tongue?  When the child is born, Zechariah confirms the boy should be named ‘John’.  Then, Zechariah can speak again.  Sometimes an idea is so astounding, so unbelievable that you’re dumbfounded, you don’t know what to say, maybe you’re afraid to speak? … until – even more astounding – it happens!!  Then you want to tell everyone.

Trying to discredit others shows you doubt yourself

Morning: Psalms 20, 21; Amos 5.18–27   Jude 17–25

Evening: Psalms 110, 116, 117; Matthew 22.15–22

One unappealing aspect of politics is leaders maligning their political opponents … I cannot respect that.  Public discourse has degenerated into rampant disrespect, with social media as a vehicle for slandering those with whom you disagree.  If leaders trust their own convictions, they need not expend energy propagating stories that demean their opponents.  Trying to discredit others shows you doubt yourself. Jesus’ enemies could not lure him into this trap, because he was clear that leaders are accountable to a higher authority than their own.  Trust God and you won’t worry about your image.

For peace … the violence in us all must cease

Morning: Psalms 16, 17; Amos 5.1–17; Jude 1–16

Evening: Psalm 22; Matthew 22.1–14

Jesus describes two kinds of people who miss the point.  All people are invited to help shape a truly human community of peace and justice.  Some have no time for that – they even violently oppose it and mistreat its messengers. Their violence will consume them.  All who expect peace without justice will be frustrated.  30 years ago today, 14 women were murdered in Montreal.  Peace will come when all are safe from violence that dehumanizes others for reasons of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability … whatever!  For all to enjoy peace, the violence in us all must cease!

The power of Love

Morning: Psalm 18:1-20; Amos 4.6–13; 2 Peter 3.11–18

Evening: Psalm 18:21-50; Matthew 21.33–46

There is relentless certainty in Jesus’ statement: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’, the most important stone of the building. For the world, what Jesus represents – the power of Love – is the rejected stone. But do not stand in the way of this ‘stone’, or it will ‘crush’ you. It sounds contradictory that Love crushes anyone or anything. But perhaps it helps to think of it like this … Jesus knows that, ultimately, the power of Love overwhelms and crushes the power of evil and death.  Take care not to oppose the way of Love.

The prayer of faith

Morning: Psalms 5, 6; Amos 3.1–11; 2 Peter 1.12–21

Evening: Psalms 10, 11; Matthew 21.12–22

‘Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive,’ says Jesus.  For some, that means prayer is asking God to satisfy your priorities, and, if you really believe, God will deliver. Sadly, that sounds like if you don’t believe strongly enough, God won’t deliver. But God is true; you cannot twist his arm! … Well, how can you know what God wants?  You may get closer to that by getting to know God … Prayer is mostly seeking the will of God. Then you will know what to ask.  God’s will be done – not yours – is Jesus’ prayer.

Why don’t we take Jesus seriously? Is it not time?

Morning: Psalms 1, 2, 3; Amos 2.6–16; 2 Peter 1.1–11

Evening: Psalms 4, 7; Matthew 21.1–11

The symbolic messages of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem directly challenge our culture.  Our queen and governors (and we ourselves at times), whatever our public claims about allegiance to the way of Jesus, ride limousines not donkeys. Authority’s trappings are pomp and circumstance not humility, sumptuousness not simplicity.  Do we approve of this?  Is there one thing in Jesus the King’s teaching and example about how to live that we take seriously and follow?  Is it time for us to finally consider his way as a serious call rather than as a quaint, lofty ideal for which we have no appetite?

Of temples and things … the priorities of Love

Morning: Psalms 146, 147; Amos 1.1–5, 13—2.8; 1 Thessalonians 5.1–11

Evening: Psalms 111, 112, 113; Luke 21.5–9

When they said how magnificent the Temple was, Jesus said the days would come when it would be thrown down … not one stone would be left.  He was concerned to teach them to have clear priorities. Their admiring a beautiful building led him to point out how temporary it was.  Why did he do that?  I believe he wanted them not to be deceived into thinking that Love lives in temples made by human hands, but rather in and through people and communities who are devoted to the purposes of Love.  We are the temple.