Indiana Jones was played by Harrison Ford. There’s a scene in one of the movies where he had to get across a huge gorge, but couldn’t jump that far. His map indicated that he could walk across, but he couldn’t see a bridge. He was in a hurry because people were chasing him and he … Continue reading Putting some sand on the bridge
resurrection
Trading crosses for crowns
The resurrection of Christ was about one man, but it was about more than one man. It is the inauguration of God’s renewed world. I’m thankful to historian and scholar Tom Wright for highlighting the following points in his research. First, God began the work of creation on a Sunday. Well, the work of God’s … Continue reading Trading crosses for crowns
The nails failed
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said’” (Matthew 28:5-6). I hope you are en-joy-ing Easter Monday. The resurrection of Jesus was about… Jesus. But it wasn’t only about Jesus. … Continue reading The nails failed
The king has one more move
Bobby Fischer was a world chess champion. There’s a story about a time when he went to see a film, called The Seventh Seal. A medieval knight plays a game of chess with death, the evil one. As the film progresses, they make moves back and forth. Finally, the evil one makes a move and … Continue reading The king has one more move
When witnesses are silent
Truth is silenced when witnesses are silent. This statement presupposes that truth actually matters and that witnesses have a vital role to play in sharing that truth for the benefit of others. If you’ve ever been an actual witness on a witness stand, or even if you’ve watched crime shows on TV, you’ll know that … Continue reading When witnesses are silent
Walking in the presence of God, then and now
Consider this scene between the risen Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked … Continue reading Walking in the presence of God, then and now
There is hope for you too
After looking in the tomb where Jesus’ body had been (and not finding it), Luke 24:12 tells us that Peter “went away, wondering to himself what had happened.” The word for “wondering” could also be translated as “marveling.” He was marveling at the events. At this point in the story I get the sense that … Continue reading There is hope for you too
Fighting forgetfulness: God’s power then and now
A friend of mine was clearly upset. We were classmates. He was no stranger to life’s troubles, and was also very insightful. It was as if he could perceive the meaning of things on multiple levels at the same time. He was sitting in a study carol in the library reading his Bible. I came … Continue reading Fighting forgetfulness: God’s power then and now
Celebrating resurrection! (when you don’t feel like it)
Last week my wife, Laura, was talking to a man in the grocery story about Easter. At the end of their conversation she said, “Happy Easter!” He replied, “I doubt it.”
Imperfect
After his resurrection, Jesus gave his followers the great commission: to make disciples of all people (see Matthew 28:18-20). But just before he did that, we’re told something very telling: “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). Some worshiped Jesus—but some doubted! But he tells the group to make disciples … Continue reading Imperfect
