As I mentioned in yesterday’s devotional, I’ve been thinking a lot about what Jesus’ life would have been like while here on earth. He spoke Aramaic, a language closely related to Hebrew. His family would have called him Yeshua. He was raised in a small village named Nazareth, perhaps with between 100-400 people. His home … Continue reading Jesus knows what it’s like
incarnation
The reason he endured it all
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman…” (Galatians 4:4) Lately I’ve been thinking about what Jesus’ life was like while on earth. [Full link below.] Life was difficult and dangerous. Consider a few of the details: He was born under Roman oppression under the tyrannical rule … Continue reading The reason he endured it all
The God of personal contact
In Waiting for God, Simone Weil describes when God became personal to her. She writes: “In 1938… I was suffering from splitting headaches; each sound hurt me like a blow… I discovered the poem… called “Love” [by George Herbert] which I learnt by heart. Often, at the culminating point of a violent headache, I made … Continue reading The God of personal contact
The Word became flesh—here
As we draw closer to December 25th I want to share a reminder that we are remembering and celebrating actual historical events. These aren’t just old stories; they are eternal stories. The Gospels are historical records which have been carefully preserved. Luke’s Gospel tells us about the census, the shepherds, the Inn and the manger. … Continue reading The Word became flesh—here
Truth-less “grace,” or grace-less “truth”?
In John 1:14 (and elsewhere) we learn that Jesus is God come to us in human form. In that same verse we also read: “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Notice how Jesus is full of grace and … Continue reading Truth-less “grace,” or grace-less “truth”?
He cries just like us!
Stephen Seamands recalls a story about a missionary in a faraway land. He went to share and show the good news of Jesus. But he wasn’t making any headway with the locals. It was as if they were closed to who he was and what he had to say because he was simply “not one … Continue reading He cries just like us!
Larry King’s one question
“…before they came together, [Mary] was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18) T.V. Host Larry King was once asked, if he could interview one person from history who would it be? “Jesus Christ,” he replied. The interviewer went on to ask, “If you could only ask him one question, what would … Continue reading Larry King’s one question
“Is your face turned toward me?”
Dallas Willard tells a touching story about a young boy who needed some assurance. At night, unable to sleep, he went into his daddy’s room and crawled into his bed. But because it was dark he couldn’t tell if his dad was facing him or not. “Is your face turned toward me, Father?” he asked. … Continue reading “Is your face turned toward me?”
Neil Armstrong… and Jesus
I read a story about an elementary school class who was learning about the moon. They wondered, ‘What does zero-gravity feel like?’ and ‘What did it really look like out there?’ As a surprise, the teacher had arranged for none other than Neil Armstrong to make a special appearance! In the middle of their discussion, … Continue reading Neil Armstrong… and Jesus
It’s easy to throw in the towel (but don’t)
Have you noticed? The world is troubled. There are political tensions, there is a lot of anxiety, and depression is increasing. Plus, many people suffer from a ‘crisis of purpose’ and whether or not there is any greater meaning to their lives. Because of all that it’s easy to just throw in the towel—to just … Continue reading It’s easy to throw in the towel (but don’t)
The Up Devotional 