God’s investment in us, the church, and the world is no small investment. The beauty of creation, the insights, abilities, and accomplishments we have attained are all reflection of his creative glory. The freedom we have to live and move and rule the earth is a gift of his lovingkindness. Jesus’ parable describes extensive work…

Whether it is high voltage electrical lines, swift currents in a river, or grizzly bears: there are some things that ought to be feared. And although we fear them, we also recognize the benefits they bring when they are in their proper places. Electricity powers our cities. Rivers provide water. Wildlife adds beauty to our…

Sometimes the tease just isn’t good enough. Sometimes I change the station, or turn off the radio. But if the guest is particularly interesting, and I really want to hear the next segment, I’ll stay tuned – even through an interminably long commercial break. Trust Jesus on this one: He is coming back, and he…

When you invest your money you expect a return. When you spend your  money you expect to receive something of value in return. And while some might want to turn the tables to their advantage, you would not expect long to be in business if you never deliver the goods to the customer. Why is…

Discarded rubble hardly seems worth keeping, much less do we think such rubble will become more important than any other stone of any building. But that is what Jesus says of himself in Matthew 21:42. There are plenty of builders out there who have clearly in mind what is important and what may easily be…

Jesus’parables illustrate faith and life in sometimes outrageous ways. Certainly that’s the case with this parable of the vineyard. We can perhaps understand people rebelling against their oppressive leaders in some cases. We’ve seen it recently in Egypt and Libya. But to beat a collection agent, kill a bill collector, and stone yet another: that’s…

Matthew 21:23-27 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell…

Matthew 21:23-27 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell…

Matthew 21:28-32 [Jesus says,] “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30And he went to the other son and said the same. And…