Know God in a Year #16 The Star for the Magi

#16 One night three students of the stars see an explosion of light in the far sky that seems to leave a new star. They know it isn’t anything fixed or familiar. And the conviction that it is special begins to grow. Have we seen it for a reason? They wonder. God is always looking for people […]

Know God in a Year #258 The Party of Parties

The City of God overflows with music and shouts of triumph, joy, and praise, as Jesus’ entourage gets close. All of heaven is waiting to welcome Jesus and those he’s taking back as first-fruits–those who were resurrected with him. Rulers and representatives from unfallen worlds are there to welcome Him home, eager to honor Jesus […]

Know God in a Year #216 An Oath Turns Backwards

The Jews wanted their Messiah to control and overwhelm their enemies with power and glory… Jesus knows what they want, and his biggest temptation is to give it to them by laying out his cruel tormentors in a flash of divine power. To be surrounded by people under the control of Satan is revolting to him. […]

Know God in a Year #200 The Gold Standard–Keeping Love Alive

Take a few minutes to feel you are one of those who doesn’t know Jesus’ love; what would you want those who know Him to do for you? Jesus says go do that. This is the gold standard. This is what God asks of his friends. If you have felt the warmth of knowing God’s […]

Know God in a Year #196 True Significance

Three times the Father has spoken endorsements of Jesus from heaven: at his baptism; at his transfiguration; and even now after Jesus describes doom on priests, temple, and Israel as a nation. This last voice is for a much larger crowd including the Greeks and the religious leaders. Abba himself is validating Jesus’ words as […]

Know God in a Year #188 “Your Problem Is…”

While the Pharisees are legalistic and concerned with controlling all things external and behavioral, the Sadducees are intellectuals and all about science. Forerunners of the first Deists and materialists, they believe God isn’t involved or interested in humanity. Having no use for miracles, they don’t believe in resurrection either, thinking God would need to reconstitute […]

Know God in a Year #180 Weeping for What Might Have Been

(continued) As the joyful procession from Bethany reaches the crest of Mount Olivet, about to descend into Jerusalem, Jesus stops. Breathtaking is the temple in the golden afternoon sun, white marble glistening like snow, gold-topped pillars glittering–a sight inspiring pride in the people, elevating their spirits more, and yet Jesus is bent over on the colt, […]

Know God in a Year #137 True Greatness Defined

Even the watching universe is learning, as Jesus instructs that the characteristics of greatness aren’t power and authority, as the disciples believe. Jesus, holding a child, explains that heaven values the characteristics of simplicity, sincerity, and the trusting love of a little child. He says unless they become like that, they can’t even be in […]

Know God in a Year #126 The Sign of Authenticity

The thing is, the Pharisees and Sadducees have been given many signs that Jesus is who he claims to be–their Messiah. First, they have had signs in the heavens: They are aware that angels had announced and celebrated his birth to shepherds. They have heard about the special star that guided the Magi to him. […]

Know God in a Year #56 Disappointment Meets Compassion

Jesus has come to Jerusalem for a special Sabbath. Walking alone in meditation, he comes to Bethesda. Five porches were built around a pool for protection of the sick who flocked here because of superstition: It was believed an angel agitated the water in certain seasons–and the first person to enter was healed. (An evil […]