Leviticus 14’s Love Story Grand Finale: The Gospels’ Grand Reveal Pt. 1

The grand finale of Leviticus 14’s surprising love story has arrived at last! With the blueprint of the šemen-anointed (olive oil christened) leper in hand, Mark’s Gospel constructs in striking literary artistry the bride that captivates the heart of Jesus! Mark has masterfully integrated the good news Leviticus play into the good news of JesusContinue reading “Leviticus 14’s Love Story Grand Finale: The Gospels’ Grand Reveal Pt. 1”

Shorts: Awake, O Sword, Against My Valiant Shepherd

“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd,against the man who stands next to me,”declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered;I will turn my hand against the little ones. – Zechariah 13:7 (ESV) Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, applied this to Himself, stating, “Strike the shepherd, and the sheepContinue reading “Shorts: Awake, O Sword, Against My Valiant Shepherd”

Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act Two: Anointed with Abundance!

Can anything captivating come out of Leviticus? Yes! Amidst a litany of sacrifice specifics and priestly protocols, the law of the leper on the day of his cleansing ingeniously choreographs a dance of symbols performing a love story. This two-act play presents heaven’s Prince Charming sacrificing all, interlaced with His bride’s returning home motif! What’sContinue reading “Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act Two: Anointed with Abundance!”

Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act Two: A Homecoming’s Fresh Start

How startling to discover how so beautiful a romance could be tucked inside a book with such an off-putting reputation, Leviticus, filled with painstaking details of sacrifices and priestly protocols. Boring. Confusing. Irrelevant. Chapter 14, however, though equally meticulous in its priestly protocols for the leper on the day of his cleansing, when properly understood,Continue reading “Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act Two: A Homecoming’s Fresh Start”

Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act One: Tragedy and Triumph of Two Birds

One of the most enchanting love stories in the Bible is framed by Leviticus, of all books! Last time we characterized Leviticus 14, the priestly protocols for the leper on the day of his cleansing, as a play of two acts. This play, as all plays do, tells a story. The storyteller is none otherContinue reading “Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act One: Tragedy and Triumph of Two Birds”

The Most Beautiful Love Story Ever Told…From Leviticus!

One of the most beautiful love stories in the Bible comes from the unlikely book of Leviticus. The aromatic fragrances of romance waft their way in and out of the biblical storyline. There’s Jacob’s romance with Rachel, Boaz’ with Ruth, David’s with Abigail, and a whole book of the Bible, Song of Songs, devoted toContinue reading “The Most Beautiful Love Story Ever Told…From Leviticus!”

The Heavenly Dove’s Eagle’s Wings

We’ve barely begun to explore the exquisite excellencies of the gift of the Holy Spirit to us! It will take eternity to plumb the depths of this vast cosmos of the Spirit, “who knows the deep things of God.” While our journey in 1 Peter is delayed by needful construction, I’m delighted to return toContinue reading “The Heavenly Dove’s Eagle’s Wings”

Peter and the Prophets Pt. 1: We’re Good Forgetters

Early in my marriage I was feeling a lump in the center of my rib cage, slightly below the sternum, accompanied by acute pains. For weeks my prayers for healing were mingled with angst as to what it might be—hoping that it might not be dreaded cancer or a heart problem. After finally consulting withContinue reading “Peter and the Prophets Pt. 1: We’re Good Forgetters”

Peter’s Lost Legacy Pt. 3 – Hindrances to Passionate Love, Faith, and Joy for Jesus

The churches in Peter’s day were onto something compellingly beautiful in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Their wholehearted devotion to loving Jesus, believing in Jesus, and rejoicing in Jesus stands as an inspiring testimony for us today.  Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him,Continue reading “Peter’s Lost Legacy Pt. 3 – Hindrances to Passionate Love, Faith, and Joy for Jesus”

Jesus’ Presence to the Heart that Treasures God’s Word

Protestants can be reticent about giving Mary too much praise as a reaction against Roman Catholics who go to excess, attributing sinlessness, prayers, and divinity to her, among numerous other assertions not found in Scripture.  So although Mary’s role in redemption as mother of the Messiah is a unique and never to be repeated event,Continue reading “Jesus’ Presence to the Heart that Treasures God’s Word”