LUKE 5:12–16 Passengers on a train saw an emotional end to a frightening scene. A 70-year-old woman softly extended her hand to a young man who was frightening other passengers with his threatening remarks. The man collapsed to the train’s floor, tears in his eyes, but was consoled by the lady’s kindness. “Thank you, Grandma,” … [Read more…]
EXODUS 20:3; 2 KINGS 23:12–14, 21–25 As he waited for his baptism in Togo’s Mono River, Kondi stooped to pick up an aged wooden carving. His family has been worshipping this object for generations. They watched as he flung the hideous figure into the fire. Their prized hens would no longer be sacrificed to this god. In … [Read more…]
JOHN 20:1–18 Jim and Jamie Dutcher, renowned filmmakers, describe wolves as happy and playful but mourn a pack member’s death for weeks, causing their tails to droop and their howls to express their anguish as they approach the scene of the pack member’s death. Grief is a powerful emotion, especially after the death of a loved … [Read more…]
PSALM 63:1–11 Dawson Trotman, a mid-twentieth-century Christian leader and founder of The Navigators, emphasised the Bible’s significance in Christian life. He practiced “His Word, the Last Word,” meditating on a memorised Bible verse before sleep and praying about its influence in his life. Psalm 63 encourages us to reflect on how David’s struggles were brought to … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 27:26; HEBREWS 10:19–23 Even though I was twelve years old, because I was small in size, nobody would allow me to drink first from the fountain. One day, my friend Joseph helped clear the way, allowing me to get a drink first and preventing others from pushing me aside. Jesus was aware of what it was … [Read more…]
JOHN 13:34 On Maundy Thursday, British royals traditionally distribute maundy money. Even though they are legal tenders, maundy coins are typically kept as priceless presents by recipients. During the early years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II determined that gifts should be given to locals at different cathedrals or abbeys rather than merely the people of London. … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 26:14-16 Betrayal can set off a cascade of intricate feelings. On Wednesday of the Holy Week, the Church commemorates Judas’ betrayal. Judas Iscariot, who had been chosen by Christ to be a pillar of the church, sold Jesus for the price of a slave. At the Last Supper, Jesus is overwhelmed by the anguish of the … [Read more…]
JOHN 13:36–38; LUKE 22:54–62 Self-confident people are generally more successful. But there are times when we must rely on God. Peter, despite his courage and esteem for Jesus, was confident—or, dare we say, overconfident—of himself. He must experience the insufficiency of his own strength to realise God’s support. Peter believed his love for Jesus was strong enough to … [Read more…]
JOHN 12:1-3 A heart-touching gift can express our feelings in a way that words cannot. Mary wished to express her devotion to her Lord by doing something unique for Him. She applied her costly, pure nard perfume, which is her most valuable possession, to Jesus’ feet. Breaking open the container, she surrendered all to her God … [Read more…]
JOHN 12:12-19 Have you ever been treated badly by those you thought loved you? Jesus enters Jerusalem with great acclaim, despite his previous opposition to public praise. He acknowledges his imminent death and agrees to be hailed as the Messiah. Jesus knows that he will reign from the cross, as the people who now acclaim him … [Read more…]
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