Posts from March 2019

Inadequate, Inactive, Inexcusable Why do Christians hesitate to speak the word of God they know is truth? It seems silly to suppose that saints who have been saved by faith in and obedience to the word of the Sovereign Lord would skirt situations in which they might spread that saving truth. Still, saints stay silent. And while there are, presumably, many reasons for this reluctance, perhaps one of the most prominent is a feeling of inadequacy. In short, we just feel that…

A Reason to Believe Standards shape cultures. Several thousand years ago, a woman’s worth in many places was measured by a standard: fertility. Consequently, society at large honored women for bearing many sons, but it likewise shamed them for being barren. Wives who could not be mothers considered themselves cursed. This is exactly the kind of cultural environment that surrounded Sarah, and she understood this plague all too well. Moses records, “Sarai was barren; she had no child” (Genesis 11:30…

We Are Not Immune! The concept of idolatry is not a particular cultural corruption of the children of Israel; it is, however, a narrative arc. The story of Israel’s redemption is tainted by persistent idolatry throughout each generation, from the time God led the people out of Egypt. Holding to syncretistic worship, idols, and corrupted means of worship are common occurrences throughout the Israelite nation’s historical narrative. And we would do well to pay attention to its prevalence, as it…

When Leaders Lead Astray “The princes of Zoan are mere fools; the advice of Pharaoh’s wisest advisers has become stupid. How can you men say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings”? Well then, where are your wise men? Please let them tell you, and let them understand what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt. The princes of Zoan have acted foolishly, the princes of Memphis are deluded; those who are…

Silly Servants I have an ever-lengthening bucket list, but I honestly can’t say that building a giant box is a priority item. It was definitely on Noah’s to-do list, though. In fact, the project was a big part of his life for at least a century. Forget for a second that you know his story and try to imagine what it was like to be in his position. You spend a good portion of most days assembling materials to construct…