Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Old Testament, Isaiah 58:3-9a Isaiah 58:3-9a Fasting. One of those practices that we read of in Scripture. We perhaps nod towards it. but for most of us there is no engagement. And note, I’m not...
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 5:1-12 Anyone worth their salt realizes that in studying and teaching Holy Scripture, that which is novel is not preferred. I went through a period years ago where I would read nothing commenting...
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 You simply cannot, in my opinion, read and understand the first chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians without sighing deeply and declaring...
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Old Testament, Micah 6:1-8 Micah 6:1-8 I remember when I became a Christian as a college student in Oregon, the Jesus movement was waning in California. But one of the strong byproducts of that movement was its...
Third Sunday After the Epiphany: Gospel, Matthew 4:12-25 Matthew 4:12-25 In this wonderful season of the Epiphany, biblical discussions easily move to light. Our Old Testament reading was the source of a quote found in our Gospel for the week dealing...
Third Sunday After the Epiphany: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Paul had a full plate in Corinth. There were doctrinal issues. There were relational issues. There were issues of sin without repentance. I know...
Third Sunday after the Epiphany: Old Testament, Isaiah 9:1-4 Isaiah 9:1-4 God is all about rescue. From the earliest pages of the scriptures we see God in rescue mode. Not frantically. Not out of sorts. But flexing his “saving...
Second Sunday after the Epiphany: Gospel, John 1:29-42a John 1:29-42a Just a short commentary today. Enter into the text as if you are seeking something … someone. You need help and you want that help to come from someone who is...
Second Sunday after Epiphany: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Paul, as his practice much of the time, begins this epistle with a word of thanksgiving. Let’s read: “I give thanks to my God always...
Second Sunday after Epiphany: Old Testament, Isaiah 49:1-7 Isaiah 49:1-7 There’s something quite uncomfortable about seeing our Savior as our Servant. He washes feet. He coddles little ones on His...
