ON THE WRONG SIDE?

PHILIPPIANS 1:12–18 The bridge leading to a pastor’s church was washed out, leaving residents on the other side stranded. The church suffered because many members lived on the wrong side of the river. Despite the crisis, the church used the opportunity to expand its children’s home and provide housing for more orphans. Paul, facing the wrong … [Read more…]

SILLY SHEEP, GOOD SHEPHERD

EZEKIEL 34 A shepherd once said that sheep are incredibly lazy; only eating what is in front of them, even after consuming all the grass, they will not seek fresh patches – they will start consuming dirt. The Bible frequently likens people to sheep. The prophet Ezekiel likened God’s people to sheep under the care of … [Read more…]

WHO IS DRIVING?

GALATIANS 5:25 It is easy to identify who is driving my neighbour’s car once it enters our estate. While he is gentle, his wife comes into the estate with a faster speed. The speed of their car is determined by who is driving. In every aspect of life, the issue of “Who is driving?” arises. Do we … [Read more…]

GOD’S PRESENCE

EXODUS 3:7–12; EXODUS 33:14 An anxious father and his teenage son visited a native doctor, who gave the son a talisman to protect him during his long-distance journey to a big city. The talisman and native doctor failed because the son went to the city and decided to put his faith in Jesus, ensuring God’s presence in … [Read more…]

THE LOVE OF A MOTHER

PSALM 91:1-15 A girl’s parents divorced, leading to a custody dispute and her placement in a children’s home. She felt lonely and abandoned, with her mother visiting only once a month. Years later, her mother revealed she watched her playing in the garden daily. Her story gives a glimpse of God’s love and comfort in times … [Read more…]

THE SPOTLIGHT

ROMANS 5:1-11 Some special occasions may clash with Easter. My birthday (April 20th) comes up during the Easter season occasionally. In 1993, Bernhard Langer won the Masters golf tournament on Easter Sunday. A reporter praised his victory as the greatest day of his life, but Langer emphasised that it meant more to him to celebrate and dedicate … [Read more…]

INSTRUMENTS OF PEACE

ISAIAH 2:1–4 After a nine-year-old boy died in his hometown of New Orleans, a man decided to work with authorities to provide trumpets and music lessons for youths. The objective was to reduce gun violence and foster peace in the city by offering young people safe, productive activities. Like that nine-year-old, Jesus came and died to … [Read more…]

THE PSALM OF THE CROSS

PSALM 22 The Psalm of the Cross refers to Psalm 22. Although it is based on David’s own experience, Psalm 22 has wider ramifications since it points to Jesus’ eventual sacrifice and provides insight into the human experience of sorrow, faith, and hope. It is arguably the most remarkable psalm. The crucifixion is precisely what it foretells … [Read more…]

A NEW COMMANDMENT

JOHN 13:1-17 Maundy Thursday derives its name from the Anglo-French word “mandatum”, which means commandment. A 92-year-old knitter created over 8,000 hats for homeless people in a space of 15 years. Even though he was bedridden, he prioritised others’ needs and felt good about his work until his death in February 2018, inspiring people worldwide. As believers, … [Read more…]

THE AGONY OF BETRAYAL

MATTHEW 27:1-10 The Wednesday before Easter is known as Spy Wednesday – a day we remember Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. How did Judas feel as he received thirty pieces of silver, betraying Jesus for money? Did he remember how Jesus’ loving hands touched his life? The silver became a reminder of what Judas had done to Jesus … [Read more…]