thoughts on life and faith
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." (Rev. 21:5) There is a beauty to a great thrift store. To many, these are filled with junk - with throwaway objects no longer deemed necessary. Yet at the right time, it is purchased for a new purpose. … Continue reading New
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Rev. 21:4) Every morning I have a routine. Wake, breakfast, shower, and drive. The drive is always accompanied with NPR as I … Continue reading NPR Commute
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Revelation 21:3) Continuing in Revelation 21, we see that eventually Christ will walk among … Continue reading Where is He?
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1) Revelation is a tough read. It seems like all the training in the world inevitably leads to the deep and popular theological musing echoed through time; "huh?" In this struggle, however, is some of the richest and most encouraging passages in the whole … Continue reading The Politics of Revelation
3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill" (John 11:3) What motivates you today? I typically have a melancholy demeanor if I'm not careful and that can easily make me feel very. . . Ecclesiastic ("All is meaningless"). On these days, I attempt to ask what my motivation … Continue reading Love and the Dead Guy
"The Kingdom of Christ is characterized in Scripture as a kingdom of rescued children." - Russell Moore I remember a few years ago, I jumped off a pier which was suspect, and into a murky but invigorating lake of children and expert swimmers. It was awesome. The only problem was, at 27 I had yet … Continue reading Rescued
This week we live in a sort of post-Easter fog. Candy and baskets are marked down today while much of the Western Reserve staff is coming down from a great - but busy - holy week. As a bruised follower of Christ, I have a complicated relationship with days like Easter. They of course are … Continue reading The Candy is Cheaper
Washing my hands in the typically immaculate Starbucks restroom, I had an all too familiar restlessness churning within me. Looking deeply into the reflection of a man who stared back with detachment, I was shaken by the crude writing on the wall. The Seattle coffee chain is known for its impeccable bathrooms, so the idea … Continue reading Jesus, soon
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10b) There is a crisp, somber air that weighs heavy on the week before Easter. It is as the environment is still vibrating from the broken and confident plea from our Lord; "it is finished". On a week meant to remember the events of … Continue reading Abundance in the Shadows
One of the most beautiful scenes in Scripture is found in Luke 23:39-42. Here we find the crucifixion of Jesus. Luke includes what would be the last interaction of the God-man Jesus before the resurrection. "One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us! … Continue reading A Criminal’s Death
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