Psalm 45; Isaiah 53:1-12; John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-41. We come to the end of our brief skip through the Old Testament and focus on the One to whom it all points. Promises of a king to sit on David’s throne are found alongside images of a Suffering Servant. There are also specific prophecies which give […]
Ezra 1:1-7; Psalm 126; Luke 24:13-35; Acts 1:1-11. The old hymn says: ‘God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform’ – like working through a pagan emperor to bring the Jewish exiles home and restore Jerusalem. (The books of Ezra & Nehemiah tell the story, which is also behind several prophetic books.) As wonderful […]
1 Samuel 16:1 – 1 Kings 2:11; Psalm 23; Mt. 22:41-46; Acts 13:16-39; . David is Israel’s most famous and celebrated king, who gives his name to the promised Messiah (Son of David). However, the Bible doesn’t try to make out that he was perfect and his many failings are set out alongside his famous […]
Joshua 1; Psalm 114; Luke 20:9-19; Romans 4. Exciting tales of battle etc. may thrill some but raise questions for others! However we feel about the conquest of Canaan, these accounts help us understand the Bible and also the troubled Middle East today. God’s purpose for His people is that they live in a way […]
Genesis 37:1-50:26; Psalm 25; John 13:1-15; Romans 5:1-8 Surely one of the most popular and best-known stories in the Bible – and not just because of that musical! From the naivety and impudence of youth, Joseph becomes a man of wisdom, faith and hope. Yet the work God does in his life is through painful […]
Psalm 105:1-9; Gen. 12; 15-16; 21-22; 24; Rom. 4:13-25; John 3:16. The call of Abram and covenant with him, marks a new beginning in the unfolding story of God’s grace. The Lord’s purpose in blessing him is to bless all peoples on earth. There are many twists and turns as the patriarch keeps taking matters […]
Psalm 148; Genesis 6-9; Hebrews 11:7; Luke 6:46-49 Today we celebrate the birth of a child, the love of family and God’s goodness in Creation. As we share bread and wine, we give thanks again for Christ’s redeeming work. The story of ‘Noah’s Ark’ is often told to children but perhaps in ways which overlook […]
Luke 24: 13 to 35. We can try to imagine how disconsolate and bewildered Cleopas and friend were feeling as they trudged wearily to Emmaus. Jesus gently draws alongside and helps them to understand the ‘things that have happened’ (v.18). As they walk and talk the fire of hope is rekindled within them. When Jesus […]
Luke 24:1 – 12. We open our hearts and minds once again to the life-transforming message that “He is not here; he has risen!” Wonderful news! Jesus is alive and death, the ‘last enemy’ (1 Cor. 15:26), has been conquered. This hope is born out of suffering, loss and despair – which is a message […]
Luke 19:28 – 20:8. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of a tumultuous week! The Romans are nervous, Pharisees prickly and after Jesus upsets things in the temple enemies among the religious leaders determine to have Him killed. It’s all a question of authority – hence the discussion about John the Baptist. As the […]