The Authority of the Son

Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works thanContinue reading “The Authority of the Son”

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying thereContinue reading “Jesus Heals on the Sabbath”

The Inescapable God

For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depthsContinue reading “The Inescapable God”

The One Who Comes From Heaven

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this,Continue reading “The One Who Comes From Heaven”

Jesus and John the Baptist

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized —John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. Now a discussion about purification aroseContinue reading “Jesus and John the Baptist”

Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies

“Often have they attacked me from my youth”—let Israel now say—“often have they attacked me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.” The Lord is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be put to shameContinue reading “Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies”

The Happy Home of the Faithful

The Lord bless you from Zion. May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel! (Psalm 128:5-6, NRSV) May you be blessed by God so that you can see your children’s children… May God allow you to live to see your grandchildren, andContinue reading “The Happy Home of the Faithful”

The Happy Home of the Faithful

Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you. (Psalm 128:1-2, NRSV) Interesting the reading here says happy and the image says blessed. Same word different translation. So does blessed meanContinue reading “The Happy Home of the Faithful”

God the Creator and Provider

May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works—who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoiceContinue reading “God the Creator and Provider”

God the Creator and Provider

These all look to you to give them their food in due season; when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. WhenContinue reading “God the Creator and Provider”