Jeremiah began prophesying to Jerusalem and Judah in 622 bce, during the time of the reforms of King Josiah. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylonia, destroyed Jerusalem in 586 bce, ending the southern...

Jeremiah mourns Israel’s alienation from God. He proclaims, “Come back to God,” but the people refuse. The drought in the land reflects the drought in their souls. The people wonder why...

All three parables in Luke 15 (the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son) end the same way: with a big, lavish, over-the-top party! In verses 1-10, the elation of...

Jesus comes under fire from the Pharisees for consorting with tax collectors and sinners and actually sharing meals with them! The dinner table, a place of acceptance and celebration, clearly brings...

Paul celebrates what he experiences as Christ’s remarkable patience. It isn’t surprising that Paul’s list of the fruit of the Spirit includes patience. (See Galatians 5:22.) As we attempt to embody...

Paul joins a long list of biblical characters who engage in kingdom purposes despite their inadequacies. In this letter to Timothy, we read a portion of Paul’s personal story. He tells...

The final words of Jeremiah’s diatribe hold out a sliver of hope for the wayward Israelites. Verses 27 and 28 offer a surprising shift in tone as they speak of restoration...

This psalm presents a gloomy view of humankind—a picture of “fools” who fail to acknowledge God’s reality and presence. It describes the foolishness of a life out of step with God’s...

An armed invasion from the north constitutes a “hot wind” that will breathe down the Israelites’ necks. The people of Jerusalem and Judah exist in an atmosphere of constant threat, violence,...

It is glorious to witness people putting into action what they believe. I find it convincing beyond measure to see someone back up words with action. This short letter provides just...