"[T]here was more than merely hope that lay in an animal trough in a small town called Bethlehem that night the angels appeared to startled shepherds and announced the birth of a Savior, their Messiah and Lord. Something capable of instilling a fear deeper and wider than hell itself lay swaddled on top of the straw too."
I've already told you the bad news. In fact, I've told you the worst news there is. You are a sinner.... If you've really grasped the truth that you're a sinner, now, and perhaps only now, you're ready for the best news you will ever hear.
[A]t the very same time that we continue to ask our Father in heaven to "lead us not into temptation," nevertheless we continue to rejoice when we find ourselves in that very place. Even there God is with us. Even there God is sovereign over every last detail of the situation. And even there God has a good end in mind for his beloved children.
I don't think it's hyperbole to say that "All torturing questions find / Answer beneath those old grey olive trees." The answers that linger there with Jesus in Gethsemane may not be exactly what you would have hoped for, but they are the answers you need.
"God may utter his words at a given time, but his words are unlike our words that slowly get dispersed as they reverberate through the air and eventually cease. When God speaks his words, they continue to resound into eternity future. Just as God exist in the eternal present, so do his words."
She had a story to tell. It was the story of a God who raised both dead bodies and dead hope.
"Jairus wanted to push the woman aside, take Jesus by the hand, and continue their trek back to his house. Jesus held her hand and her gaze as if she were the only person there."
I followed them, the restless, jeering lot, Down dusty, well-worn paths outside our town. Not even clamoring taunts and wails could drown The anguished cries of whip-flailed flesh now shot Clean through with nails. Him? Him whom I had sought For so long, pining for his peace? His crown Did not resemble one due him, … Continue reading Into Death Like His
Bombs burst, exploding, guns unloading,Whole cities, families crack, implodingWhile life and hope corrode. We gropeIn darkness, begging for a ropeWe might cling to. Send us a wingTo lift us, something, anything,Upon which we might sail. We’re frail,And thick and heavy is the veilThat overlies our cries. Our eyesWeep bitterly and agonizeOver the one who’d turn … Continue reading Wait
Last Christmas angels parted golden skies With festal shouts of hope, goodwill, and peace. Night shepherds’ little lambs with whitest fleece Pressed in around my son to soothe his cries. Then men from ancient lands who analyze The stars appeared to us to our increase, For gold and fragrances that would release Us from our … Continue reading Last Christmas