Jesus Preaches the Gospel

February 1, 2023

Texts: Luke 4:16-21, 40-43; Matthew 6:9-13, 33 Days 36-39 in Around the Bible in Eighty Days. Did Jesus publicly preach the gospel during his ministry? That depends on what you mean by “gospel.” If you mean that he preached his death and resurrection publicly, then the answer is no. If you mean that he preached […]


I Will Go See “The Shack: The Movie”

February 17, 2017

While some have perhaps read The Shack as an actual account, the title page identifies the piece as a “novel.” This is a fictional story. But…it is nevertheless true. The movie, too, is fictional…but true. Read The Shack, watch the movie, and walk with me into the world of spiritual recovery, a journey into my […]


Psalm 88

February 15, 2015

Perhaps originally an individual lament by Heman, the Psalm became part of the repertoire of Israel’s communal worship at the temple. The faithful community sang and prayed these words. These words were not hidden in a corner, but heralded in the temple courts as the congregation of Israel worshiped God. Though they may have begun […]


Luke 13:10-17 — Who are we most like in this story?

January 28, 2013

At least two theological themes emerge from this pericope. On the one hand, the kingdom of God breaks into the life of a woman who had been bound by her disability for eighteen years. She is healed and experiences redemption. On the other hand, opposition to the kingdom of God arises in response to her […]


Mark 5:21-43 — Jesus Saves the Unclean

November 16, 2011

Almost comically, Jesus is ferried back to the western side of the lack (presumably near Capernaum) apparently just after he arrived on the eastern shore. He was asked to leave and he left, but he finds himself again in the middle of a “large crowd” on the western shore. It seems as if Jesus can […]


Mark 2:1-12 — The Son of Man Forgives Sins

September 24, 2011

This story is the first of five where Jesus enconters conflict. Jesus becomes controversial in the eyes of some, particularly the religious leaders. Jesus forgives sin, eats with sinners, defies the traditions about fasting, and heals on the sabbath. Jesus does not conform to the traditons of the elders and he assumes a role in the […]


Mark 1:40-45 — “Lepers Healed, the Kingdom of God is Here”

September 22, 2011

Lepers were outsiders. They were not only excluded from normal social interaction but they were excluded from the assembly of God.  The disease did not elicit sympathy but revulsion and exclusion.  They were unclean, contagious, and judged. The kingdom of God reverses this situation. Lepers are healed, included, and redeemed. It is evidence that the […]


Mark 1:29-39 — Heralding and Healing

September 17, 2011

The last line of this section describes the ministry of Jesus in Galilee:  “he went into the synagogues everywhere in Galilee, heralding and casting out demons.” I call this “practicing the kingdom of God.” That is, Jesus announces that the kingdom of God has drawn near and demonstrates its presence through redemptive acts.  This is the […]


Theological Reflections on “The Shack” I: Literary Genre

October 8, 2008

[My book on the Shack is now available on Kindle.] If you are interested in a pastoral review of The Shack, that five part series begins here. While some have perhaps read The Shack as an actual account, the title page clearly identifies the piece as a “novel.” This is a fictional story. Young himself […]


Brokenness

August 25, 2008

“God seeps through the cracks.” I heard that statement today.  I thought it profound; wish that I had originated it (there is my pride); and wondered why I had never heard it before (I thought I knew everything!). It struck me as so true…at least in my life and I can only speak for myself. When […]