Genesis 17: 1-7 This is the third of five times God repeats the promise to Abraham and Sarah that, despite Abraham’s age and Sarah’s barrenness, they will have a son and a legacy that “will make you exceedingly numerous.”  God … Continue reading →

Note Bene:  The readings from the Hebrew Scriptures this Lent review some of the foundational promises made by God (Lent I, II, III) and the ongoing and future impacts of those promises (Lent IV, V).  Walter Brueggemann writes of these … Continue reading →

I Kings 2: 1-12 The time has come for God’s spirit to pass from Elijah to Elisha.  The story includes human emotions, which are easily understood, as well as an event so spectacular it surpasses human language.  On their trip … Continue reading →

Isaiah 40: 21-31 This stirring passage from Isaiah makes sweeping claims: the Holy One created all that exists, remains deeply engaged and will guarantee not only creation’s survival, but its flourishing.  This ‘knowledge’ or testimony reinvigorates all who admit it– … Continue reading →

Deuteronomy 18: 15-20 This crucial passage links the unique, defining role of Moses as leader, law-giver and intermediary between God and the people to the prophets, who after Moses, will provide that life-line to God.  And, it contains a recurring … Continue reading →

Jonah 3: 1-5 Using broad strokes, the author of Jonah makes a precise point.  He presents Jonah as fighting God at every step, but he finally accepts God’s call, if begrudgingly.  Nineveh was one of the neighboring superpowers which was … Continue reading →

I Samuel 3: 1-10 (11-20) Samuel plays a pivotal role in a time of transition of epochal change from old systems of authority– prophets and judges– to something totally new for God’s people– monarchy.  As a young boy he is … Continue reading →

Genesis 1: 1-5 Unabashedly using a Babylonian creation myth for his own purpose, the author of this account emphasizes God’s initiative and beneficence.  The Hebrew “bara” (“create”) is used exclusively as an act of which only God is capable.  Creation … Continue reading →

II Samuel 7: 1-11, 16 Now that King David is settled in a permanent home, he wants to build a permanent home for the “ark of God,” which had always been housed in a tent or in a portable vehicle … Continue reading →

Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11 After decades of intimidation, war and finally the total destruction of Jerusalem and then captivity by the Babylonians, every aspect of the personal and social life of God’s people is in shambles.  The people of God … Continue reading →