Thoughts Along the Journey

"...at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here." (Luke 11:32b) The background: Jonah was a prophet. Jonah was called of God to go to Ninevah and preach repentance to the people there. Jonah resisted. Jonah took a ship in the opposite direction of Ninevah. A storm arose. The ship's crew cast lots to see whose fault the storm could be...and the lot fell to Jonah. Jonah told the crew to throw him in the water. The storm ceased. A huge fish swallowed him. Jonah had three days to re-think his decision. He repented. The fish spit him out on the shore. Jonah headed to Ninevah, and finally preached the message God had sent him to preach. The king of Ninevah called his entire city to repentance. They responded by putting on sackcloth and ashes (remember Ash Wednesday?). They were truly sorry for their sins. Jump to the time of the verse. Here was Jesus, the Creator of the universe, Lord of lords, Son of God, and yet they remained in...

Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration. What a wonderful story of Jesus revealing His glory to His disciples. I've always figured Peter's suggestion was the result of being so overwhelmed by what he witnessed...he knew he needed to do or say something after seeing the great prophets and the glory of his Lord. Of course, God wanted Peter and the others to remember who was the only One worthy of praise. "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud,...

Since I live in the Cleveland area, the big news right now is that the Cleveland Cavaliers are in the NBA Finals. They start their series versus the San Antonio Spurs tomorrow night. The star of the Cavs' team is LeBron James. He has earned the nickname "King of the Court." The media, Cavs' promo people, and companies he endorses have played up the name "King James" in many different ways. Even to the extent that some Christians have been offended by the use of "Christian" phrases comparing LeBron to Christ. I have to admit: LeBron is good. Michael Jordan good? I'm not sure. LeBron is still young. We'll just have to wait and see. Is he the king? Well, there's debate over whether he is really the "king" of the basketball court. I guess the next couple of weeks will have to determine how high his status can climb. In some terms, he is a comeback king, he and his Cavs. They were down 2-0 to the Detroit Pistons (our ...

"Jesus Before Pilate" The MasterPeace Collection Artist: Brian Jekel I know most of my recent posts have been Greensburg-centered. That's where my thoughts have been lately. My hope has been that in some small way I can help those who are there, dealing with the reality of it all every day. Please continue to pray, and to give in whatever ways you can. However, a change of direction today. As I was going over catechism lessons with my youngest son today, we read a section of the Gospel of John. A couple of verses really stuck with me. I'm sure I've read them many times. For some reason, though, they stood out this time. "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known." (John 1:17, 18 RSV) The first part is pretty basic: Moses gave the law. Anyone who knows even a little about Scripture knows this part. (Which, to me, fl...