(Matthew 10:40-42) When was the last time you heard a prophet speak? It might be easier if we come from a different angle. What do prophets do? Prophets speak out against the comfortable views of the establishment and call people to turn back to God, and for society to focus on those most in need. They are people who feel a deep care for the full humanity of all people—not just their own kind...
Day 1 (Genesis 21:17-18) Firstly, let’s pause to acknowledge that Abraham—the founder of the Abrahamic faiths, central to Christianity through our heritage from Judaism—had a concubine. Further still, Hagar, Abraham’s concubine is asked to leave with her child because Sarah doesn’t want her around. She’s not needed now Sarah has borne her own child. Hagar becomes an outcast. Yet, what does God do...
(Matthew 10:24-39) I knew someone once who would exaggerate about the things they did to make themselves look better. It took me a while to realise this is what they did. At first, I didn’t know them well enough to question what I was told, but then they started to say things and I’d think, hang on a minute, that’s not the case. They’d do something and then say, I always do this, but I knew that...
Day 1 (Genesis 18:13-14) What I love about scripture is how multi-layered it is. Sometimes it’s so easy to miss things because of this, but it’s also why re-reading a passage over and over is never a wasted activity. There’s always something new to find and new light to be shone by the Holy Spirit. These verses particularly have new light when you know what’s about to happen. The focus on Sarah’s...