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The Ultimate Underdog?
The Bible story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known and favourite stories – maybe you’ve heard it too in a school assembly, or read it in your own Bible. About 1000BC, ancient Israel and the neighbouring Philistines are at war. The stakes are high, countless could get killed in a head-to-head battle between the two armies. There is an easier way forward, a battle between two champions. The Philistines’ choice is easy: they’ve got Goliath, a warrior standing 3 meters tall, heavily armoured and with powerful weapons. Who will fight for the Israelites though?
Continue readingThe Belief that Makes the Difference
Some things that we believe in make a big difference to our lives. They are relevant and they make a clear impact. If, for example, you believe that you can trust someone and that they love you, you might end up marrying them! That’s a big impact based on belief. Other beliefs, such as whether the earth is round or flat, won’t affect you too much, unless you go on a long journey!
The other consideration is that simply believing something, doesn’t make it true. You can have a sincere, but mistaken belief. What about belief in God? Does it make a practical difference?
Continue readingThe greatest love
One of our deepest longings and needs is that we are loved, right? Loved by those around us, close to us: family, friends, colleagues. We can face many of life’s hardships if we know we’re loved. Yet, most important is God’s love! “Your love is better than life” (Psalm 63:3). Do you believe that? Many people think riches and success are quite satisfying, but if there’s no love, if others hate you or ignore you, what’s all that worth? More importantly, if you don’t know God’s love, what will help you when riches and success disappear through hardship or ultimately in death?
Continue readingReliable reporting
One of the reasons to read the paper and check other media is to get the news: we’re interested in knowing what’s happened in town, in the country, in the world. Sometimes they’re good stories, more often reports of bad or sad things. Occasionally it’s hugely significant news, reporting on events that truly ‘write history’. In all cases, we want to read news that is accurate, reliable. If we’d want fiction or satire, we’d go to different sources. This is why journalists and editors seek to check the sources, get eye-witness reports, get input from e.g. the police or other relevant parties.
Did you know that the same is true for the Bible? It records historical events, stories, things that happened to real people in real space and time. Even when it tells us about the supernatural – indeed, even when it claims to come from God himself – still there is a great emphasis on the reliability of what’s written down.
Continue readingLast Words and A Prayer For You!
Famous last words and final goodbyes can be precious and painful. A former fisherman from Galilee witnessed a long ‘last words’. Along with a small crowd, John had witnessed a remarkable life and power. He had heard captivating teaching and seen a person of total integrity. No one had ever discovered any faults. By now, John and the others had become convinced that their dear leader was God’s Son and a human being! Here amongst them was the fulfilment of the prophecies: Immanuel, God with us! You can imagine, how hope for their futures were all tied up with this incredible person. However, Jesus is now saying His lengthy ‘goodbye’, preparing them for his death and their life after he has gone.
Continue readingHigher than the mountains
With the holiday season coming close, I’m getting really excited to be seeing (and climbing!) mountains again. Proper mountains, in the Alps. Having grown up in the flattest of countries, the Netherlands, mountains have always amazed and intrigued me. Tall peaks so little touched by our building and landscaping. Rocks and valleys and waterfalls that have always seemed to be there.
People often say that we’re living in a rapidly changing world. Some of that change is great, but not all…
Continue readingRescue mission
As I write this, the shops are full of bunnies, eggs and chocolate – it’s Easter time! Delicious or cute as those things may be, they’ve actually got little to do with what Easter is really about. In the Bible, Good Friday and Easter are the climax of a rescue mission: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But if this is about remembering someone’s death… How can this Friday possibly be ‘Good’?! And what does Easter have to do with that?
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