Good Friday

Between Good Friday and Easter I am always reminded of Robert Benson's thoughts in his book, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True. He says that celebrations of Easter have much more meaning when one has come close to death. I think this is true, especially in the spiritual sense. Once we realize our death, separation from God, because we "were dead in transgressions and sins" (Ephesians 2:1), we find we have much to celebrate in the resurrection life He gives us. (John 11:25-26)

Focus

I'm finding that in Bible study, as in so many things, a bit of focus is necessary for learning to take place. So, I've decided to set Amos aside for now and focus on Luke. I'll be able to go more indepth with the study, rather than skimming the surface. Ultimately, I think that's what God wants, for us to interact with His Word on a deeper level.

Holy Week?

"Holy Week" seems to get more an more unholy each year, as we become more pressed for time, more focused on the immediacy of life around us, and less willing to take time apart not only to read and study God's Word, but to truly reflect on it. I find myself far more likely to do the "reading for the day" than to take time to really interact with it and reflect on it.

Holy Week

It is now the week before Easter, and liturgical churches will celebrate "Holy Week." When I taught in a Christian school, we also observed this week by reading, learning, and interacting with the events leading up to the crucifixion and Resurrection. However, as a "writer" and attender of a church that does not very closely follow the church year, I find this week will be quiet until we get to the Good Friday service, which I will miss this year. I'm reminded of Scrooge in Christmas Carol, keep Easter / Good Friday in your way, and let me keep it in mine. I hope that I will indeed keep the season, with reading, reflecting, and "partaking" of God's Word.

Shepherds

Today Matt picked up where he left off talking about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He noted that Mary and Martha were disappointed in how their "Good Shepherd" chose to handle the death of their brother Lazarus. I remember reading in the fictional account of Amos how shepherds discipline their sheep--sometimes by harming them to keep them from straying--with a view of the "big picture." It looks like that happened with Lazarus--Jesus could see the ultimate glory of God in the situation. That builds our faith, to know He is in control and sees, knows, and cares far more than we could imagine.