The Other Ascension?
So, this Thursday, May 15th, is Ascension Thursday. But I’m sure you knew that!
We celebrate Jesus lifting off Earth and headed back to heaven. I thought it would be fun to start the week with one of the most mysterious ascension stories in the Bible.
Did you know there’s a guy who just… disappeared one day because God took him?
No chariot of fire, no dramatic exit—just gone. I’m talking Enoch, and his story is short, but it’s worth paying attention to because it says a lot about what it means to live a life that’s close to God.
New here?
Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.
After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Monday: Enoch’s Walk with God
New Testament: Jude 1:14-15
Old Testament: Genesis 5:21-24
Historical Context:
Genesis 5 is a genealogy, listing who lived, had kids, and died—until it gets to Enoch. Instead of saying “and then he died,” it says, “he walked with God, and then he was no more.” The most important to think about this week is that phrase "he walked with God." It captured the imagination of Jewish thinkers for centuries.
By the time of the New Testament, Enoch had come to symbolize someone so close to God that he glimpsed heavenly mysteries. Even one of the books of the New Testament, Jude, quotes Enoch’s prophecy about God coming to judge the ungodly, showing how deeply his story resonated.
So, this blog will be entirely legitimate – just not what we call canonical. The Book of Enoch was not approved by the Council of Nicaea in 325. So for this discussion - the Book of Enoch is just a book.... That formed Jewish thinking form 150BC to 70 AD. So there's that!
Reflection on scripture:
Enoch’s story is brief but powerful. He lived in a time when most people were walking away from God, yet he chose to walk with God. That almost sound contemporary Culture.
That kind of intimacy doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through daily faithfulness, trust, and surrender.
I want you to think about the word “walk.”
It’s not a sprint or a frantic race—it’s steady, intentional, and relational. As Americans, we want everything to be fast. this week put on your Caribbean pace. Yo, Maan!
Enoch’s life and pace, should remind us that our relationship with God isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency.
Are we walking with Him in our choices, conversations, and priorities?
The idea that God “took” Enoch also reminds us that this life isn’t all there is. For those who walk with God, there’s a promise of eternity with Him—a hope that gives meaning to every step we take here and now.
And now you know why I picked this story for Ascension week!
Reflection Question:
What’s one way you can walk more closely with God this week? Comments are working – why not share your answer!
New Testament: Jude 1:14-15
Old Testament: Genesis 5:21-24
Historical Context:
Genesis 5 is a genealogy, listing who lived, had kids, and died—until it gets to Enoch. Instead of saying “and then he died,” it says, “he walked with God, and then he was no more.” The most important to think about this week is that phrase "he walked with God." It captured the imagination of Jewish thinkers for centuries.
By the time of the New Testament, Enoch had come to symbolize someone so close to God that he glimpsed heavenly mysteries. Even one of the books of the New Testament, Jude, quotes Enoch’s prophecy about God coming to judge the ungodly, showing how deeply his story resonated.
So, this blog will be entirely legitimate – just not what we call canonical. The Book of Enoch was not approved by the Council of Nicaea in 325. So for this discussion - the Book of Enoch is just a book.... That formed Jewish thinking form 150BC to 70 AD. So there's that!
Reflection on scripture:
Enoch’s story is brief but powerful. He lived in a time when most people were walking away from God, yet he chose to walk with God. That almost sound contemporary Culture.
That kind of intimacy doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through daily faithfulness, trust, and surrender.
I want you to think about the word “walk.”
It’s not a sprint or a frantic race—it’s steady, intentional, and relational. As Americans, we want everything to be fast. this week put on your Caribbean pace. Yo, Maan!
Enoch’s life and pace, should remind us that our relationship with God isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency.
Are we walking with Him in our choices, conversations, and priorities?
The idea that God “took” Enoch also reminds us that this life isn’t all there is. For those who walk with God, there’s a promise of eternity with Him—a hope that gives meaning to every step we take here and now.
And now you know why I picked this story for Ascension week!
Reflection Question:
What’s one way you can walk more closely with God this week? Comments are working – why not share your answer!
Tuesday: Faith That Pleases God
Have you ever wondered what it takes to make God smile? Hebrews says it’s faith—not just believing in God, but trusting Him so deeply that it shapes everything about how we live.
Enoch gets a shout-out for living this way, and his story challenges us to think about what faith looks like in our own lives.
Historical Context:
Hebrews 11 highlights heroes of faith, and Enoch makes the list because his life was all about trusting God. The author of Hebrews says Enoch’s faith pleased God, and Psalm 1 gives us a picture of what that kind of life looks like: delighting in God’s Word, avoiding destructive influences, and staying rooted like a tree by a stream.
In Enoch’s time, (think pre-flood) faith wasn’t the norm, but he stood out by choosing to walk closely with God.
Note: As an aside – the move Noah with Russel Rowe touches on this period of time (a bit later). Lots of that movie were theologically bad – but it does give us westerners an inkling of what it might have looked like geographically and the clan wars.
Reflection:
So, back to our reflection on these scriptures. Faith can feel like a complicated thing, but at its core, it’s about trust. Do we trust God enough to live like His promises are true? Enoch’s life shows us that faith isn’t just about believing in God—it’s about letting that belief shape our decisions, relationships, and attitudes. That trust got him on the Hebrews Hall of Fame list!
However, Psalm 1 also paints a beautiful picture of what this looks like. A person of faith is like a tree planted by a stream: nourished, steady, and fruitful.
Many years ago, we had a tree growing in a dry brook by our house in the mountains. Being a transplant to North Carolina, my first thought was – that’s “perty” – let’s cut it down and make a table. Sigh!
We soon learned it was a Red Mountain Maple, and the locals used them to find where a spring might be flowing below the ground. When I think about that long walk we talked about yesterday – it reminds me of how long that tree had been marking time, as they say in the military. It lived as a beacon to someone, who someday might need to know there was water flowing through its deep roots.
For us, non-tree variety of species, staying rooted takes intentionality. Are we spending time in God’s Word? Are we surrounding ourselves with people who encourage our faith? Are our roots deep and nourishing when needed or barely rooted?
It takes a long time to grow long roots! Ok, maybe not as long as Enoch lived - but a long time!
Faith that pleases God is faith that seeks Him daily – it grows long roots. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting Him in the questions.
Reflection Question:
How can you deepen your trust in God this week?
This is actually a complicated question. We are told to believe and have faith, and I'm speaking of trust! This is a tricky question because we put OUR value system into what we trust... and God doesn't work that way.
Note on the picture above: That is not the exact tree one on our property but that is what it, and my view, looked like. We lived in heaven!
- NT: Hebrews 11:5-6
- OT: Psalm 1:1-6
Have you ever wondered what it takes to make God smile? Hebrews says it’s faith—not just believing in God, but trusting Him so deeply that it shapes everything about how we live.
Enoch gets a shout-out for living this way, and his story challenges us to think about what faith looks like in our own lives.
Historical Context:
Hebrews 11 highlights heroes of faith, and Enoch makes the list because his life was all about trusting God. The author of Hebrews says Enoch’s faith pleased God, and Psalm 1 gives us a picture of what that kind of life looks like: delighting in God’s Word, avoiding destructive influences, and staying rooted like a tree by a stream.
In Enoch’s time, (think pre-flood) faith wasn’t the norm, but he stood out by choosing to walk closely with God.
Note: As an aside – the move Noah with Russel Rowe touches on this period of time (a bit later). Lots of that movie were theologically bad – but it does give us westerners an inkling of what it might have looked like geographically and the clan wars.
Reflection:
So, back to our reflection on these scriptures. Faith can feel like a complicated thing, but at its core, it’s about trust. Do we trust God enough to live like His promises are true? Enoch’s life shows us that faith isn’t just about believing in God—it’s about letting that belief shape our decisions, relationships, and attitudes. That trust got him on the Hebrews Hall of Fame list!
However, Psalm 1 also paints a beautiful picture of what this looks like. A person of faith is like a tree planted by a stream: nourished, steady, and fruitful.
Many years ago, we had a tree growing in a dry brook by our house in the mountains. Being a transplant to North Carolina, my first thought was – that’s “perty” – let’s cut it down and make a table. Sigh!
We soon learned it was a Red Mountain Maple, and the locals used them to find where a spring might be flowing below the ground. When I think about that long walk we talked about yesterday – it reminds me of how long that tree had been marking time, as they say in the military. It lived as a beacon to someone, who someday might need to know there was water flowing through its deep roots.
For us, non-tree variety of species, staying rooted takes intentionality. Are we spending time in God’s Word? Are we surrounding ourselves with people who encourage our faith? Are our roots deep and nourishing when needed or barely rooted?
It takes a long time to grow long roots! Ok, maybe not as long as Enoch lived - but a long time!
Faith that pleases God is faith that seeks Him daily – it grows long roots. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting Him in the questions.
Reflection Question:
How can you deepen your trust in God this week?
This is actually a complicated question. We are told to believe and have faith, and I'm speaking of trust! This is a tricky question because we put OUR value system into what we trust... and God doesn't work that way.
Note on the picture above: That is not the exact tree one on our property but that is what it, and my view, looked like. We lived in heaven!
Wednesday: Who Is the Son of Man?
Why did Jesus call Himself the “Son of Man” more than any other title? It’s easy to overlook, but this phrase carries profound significance. When Jesus used it, He wasn’t simply being humble—He was making an extraordinary claim. Wait - Jesus not humble? Not around the Pharisees, He wasn't!
Historical Context:
Let's dive into this “Son of Man” verbiage. It's a title steeped in Jewish apocalyptic tradition. In Daniel 7, the prophet describes a vision where a figure “like a son of man” comes with the clouds of heaven and approaches the Ancient of Days (God). This figure is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed.
The Jewish people understood this as a Messianic figure, someone with divine authority who would usher in God’s eternal reign. Jesus will claim in in Matthew 28.
So why use that name? Because, by calling Himself the “Son of Man,” Jesus aligned His mission with this vision. However, His claim was even more radical because He emphasized not just divine authority, but also suffering and sacrifice.
Remember how I keep reminding you that the Jewish expectations are of a triumphant, political leader. Yet, Jesus portrayed Himself as the suffering servant who would redeem humanity through His death and resurrection. (Isaiah 53!)
Jesus redefined the idea of the Messiah! Are you all catching on? His disciples never did!
Interestingly, in Matthew 26:63-64, when Jesus stands before the high priest, He contrasts the two titles: the “Son of God” and the “Son of Man.” The high priest asks, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?”
Jesus’ response links both titles, but His emphasis shifts to the “Son of Man.” He declares, “From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
What Jesus is doing here is tying the divine authority of Daniel 7 to His identity, while also affirming His role as the Messiah, the Son of God.
Be honest, did any of you catch that? Pretty amazing, right? Who's been reading Daniel 7 recently?
Jesus not only claimed to be the Messiah but also revealed the full scope of His mission: to bring God’s kingdom and to suffer on behalf of humanity.
Reflection:
Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. He understands the human experience—our pain, joy, sorrow, and hope. And yet, He is also the King of kings, reigning with all authority over creation.
When Jesus claimed this title before the high priest, He was declaring that He is the fulfillment of Daniel’s vision. He is the one who has power over sin, death, and everything that seeks to undo us.
This truth invites us to live with confidence, knowing that our King is both near to us and greater than anything we face. How awesome is that?
Reflection Question:
This next question is something I reflect on a lot. Especially when I am feeling very "human." Ok - I meant broken!
How does knowing Jesus is both fully human and fully divine give you comfort today?
Extra Credit: I am a big fan of Rene Magritte. He painted that picture. He makes an unusual connection with our topic today. Fascinating!
Psst - If you tap on the picture above and you can read more. My Easter Egg for the week.
You're welcome!
(It article launches a new page and you may need to exit the app and reload to get back to the blog.)
- NT: Matthew 26:63-64
- OT: Daniel 7:13-14
Why did Jesus call Himself the “Son of Man” more than any other title? It’s easy to overlook, but this phrase carries profound significance. When Jesus used it, He wasn’t simply being humble—He was making an extraordinary claim. Wait - Jesus not humble? Not around the Pharisees, He wasn't!
Historical Context:
Let's dive into this “Son of Man” verbiage. It's a title steeped in Jewish apocalyptic tradition. In Daniel 7, the prophet describes a vision where a figure “like a son of man” comes with the clouds of heaven and approaches the Ancient of Days (God). This figure is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed.
The Jewish people understood this as a Messianic figure, someone with divine authority who would usher in God’s eternal reign. Jesus will claim in in Matthew 28.
So why use that name? Because, by calling Himself the “Son of Man,” Jesus aligned His mission with this vision. However, His claim was even more radical because He emphasized not just divine authority, but also suffering and sacrifice.
Remember how I keep reminding you that the Jewish expectations are of a triumphant, political leader. Yet, Jesus portrayed Himself as the suffering servant who would redeem humanity through His death and resurrection. (Isaiah 53!)
Jesus redefined the idea of the Messiah! Are you all catching on? His disciples never did!
Interestingly, in Matthew 26:63-64, when Jesus stands before the high priest, He contrasts the two titles: the “Son of God” and the “Son of Man.” The high priest asks, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?”
Jesus’ response links both titles, but His emphasis shifts to the “Son of Man.” He declares, “From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
What Jesus is doing here is tying the divine authority of Daniel 7 to His identity, while also affirming His role as the Messiah, the Son of God.
Be honest, did any of you catch that? Pretty amazing, right? Who's been reading Daniel 7 recently?
Jesus not only claimed to be the Messiah but also revealed the full scope of His mission: to bring God’s kingdom and to suffer on behalf of humanity.
Reflection:
Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. He understands the human experience—our pain, joy, sorrow, and hope. And yet, He is also the King of kings, reigning with all authority over creation.
When Jesus claimed this title before the high priest, He was declaring that He is the fulfillment of Daniel’s vision. He is the one who has power over sin, death, and everything that seeks to undo us.
This truth invites us to live with confidence, knowing that our King is both near to us and greater than anything we face. How awesome is that?
Reflection Question:
This next question is something I reflect on a lot. Especially when I am feeling very "human." Ok - I meant broken!
How does knowing Jesus is both fully human and fully divine give you comfort today?
Extra Credit: I am a big fan of Rene Magritte. He painted that picture. He makes an unusual connection with our topic today. Fascinating!
Psst - If you tap on the picture above and you can read more. My Easter Egg for the week.
You're welcome!
(It article launches a new page and you may need to exit the app and reload to get back to the blog.)
Thursday: Victory Over Death
Isaiah paints a picture of a future where death is swallowed up forever, and Paul boldly declares that Jesus has already accomplished this. If you’re looking for a source of unshakable hope, this passage is exactly what you need today. For my revelation studiers (sp?) this month - is this helping at all?
Historical Context:
The promise in Isaiah 25 comes from a time of deep pain and uncertainty for Israel.
Scholars believe this vision of a feast and the destruction of death may have been written during or after the Babylonian exile, a period when Israel had been conquered, its people displaced, and its future left uncertain.
For a nation surrounded by death, suffering, and loss, Isaiah’s words cast a vision of abundant life, joy, and restoration. The imagery of God wiping away every tear and swallowing up death forever wasn’t just poetic—it was a promise that God would one day make everything right. BUT - at what cost?
[This paragraph is an aside and is only tangential to this post, but... If you have the stomach to read what Isaiah was witnessing, read Lamentations 4... It is not for the faint at heart - BUT - as westerners we are soft. Lamentations four parts (I often equate to stages of grief) explain Why Jesus HAD to Come! - but that can be for another day. At least in the evening!]
Now we look centuries later and Paul takes this same idea and connects it directly to Jesus’ resurrection. He’s writing to the church in Corinth, a city full of competing philosophies and cultural chaos. In the Greco-Roman world (that myopic context), death was often seen as the final, unavoidable reality. Some embraced it with resignation, while others feared it deeply. The idea of resurrection? That was radical—something that went against the grain of everything people thought they knew about life and death.
In the Jewish world - They knew about Enoch and Ezekiel being taken up. They understood ascension - just not now! I forgot, best I can tell, only the Pharisees believed in ascending like Enoch. If you know otherwise let me know.
Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 15 is bold: Jesus’ resurrection isn’t just a one-time event.
Read it again - it is a promise for us.
It’s the definitive proof that death has been defeated. For the early Christians, who faced persecution and sometimes even martyrdom, this wasn’t abstract theology.
It was a source of courage and hope. If Jesus had overcome death, they could trust that their lives—and their futures—were secure in Him. The martyrs leaned into this promise - with blind faith and the hope of what was uncertain. I can't imagine living as a Christian then!
Reflection:
Most of the people I journeyed with in hospice expected to go to heaven. This is NOT WHAT people thought way back in the ancient days. At least not until Jesus was resurrected and ascended!
This isn’t just history (like the Books of Enoch) —it’s personal.
Jesus’ resurrection changes everything. Death doesn’t get the last word. Grief, fear, and loss don’t have the final say. Because of Jesus, we can live with a hope that’s bigger than anything we face.
Here is my personal moment of lament - I think so few Christians understand what I just wrote above!
Death, and what was thought about death - before Jesus, (and for some now) - and the ancient concept of rotting in hell or in Scheol forever - is now GONE! For us it has always been gone - because of the cross. How lucky are we!
I just realized I need to jump to the reflection part of the blog... or I will keep going!
When life feels overwhelming or uncertain, this truth anchors us: God is working to renew and redeem everything, even in the midst of pain.
Death has been swallowed up in victory, and that’s something we can rejoice in, no matter what we’re going through. No more Scheol or rotting corpses - because of the Cross!
Reflection Question:
This may now seem a bit banal but - What does the victory of Jesus over death mean for how you live today? It is probably the most important question you need to be able to answer - how did the cross change you?
No easter eggs today - but I hope to see some of you at the memorial for fallen officers at the courthouse today at 3pm East side. I will do the opening prayer. It will be much more lighter in tone than this morning expresso brew!
- NT: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
- OT: Isaiah 25:6-9
Isaiah paints a picture of a future where death is swallowed up forever, and Paul boldly declares that Jesus has already accomplished this. If you’re looking for a source of unshakable hope, this passage is exactly what you need today. For my revelation studiers (sp?) this month - is this helping at all?
Historical Context:
The promise in Isaiah 25 comes from a time of deep pain and uncertainty for Israel.
Scholars believe this vision of a feast and the destruction of death may have been written during or after the Babylonian exile, a period when Israel had been conquered, its people displaced, and its future left uncertain.
For a nation surrounded by death, suffering, and loss, Isaiah’s words cast a vision of abundant life, joy, and restoration. The imagery of God wiping away every tear and swallowing up death forever wasn’t just poetic—it was a promise that God would one day make everything right. BUT - at what cost?
[This paragraph is an aside and is only tangential to this post, but... If you have the stomach to read what Isaiah was witnessing, read Lamentations 4... It is not for the faint at heart - BUT - as westerners we are soft. Lamentations four parts (I often equate to stages of grief) explain Why Jesus HAD to Come! - but that can be for another day. At least in the evening!]
Now we look centuries later and Paul takes this same idea and connects it directly to Jesus’ resurrection. He’s writing to the church in Corinth, a city full of competing philosophies and cultural chaos. In the Greco-Roman world (that myopic context), death was often seen as the final, unavoidable reality. Some embraced it with resignation, while others feared it deeply. The idea of resurrection? That was radical—something that went against the grain of everything people thought they knew about life and death.
In the Jewish world - They knew about Enoch and Ezekiel being taken up. They understood ascension - just not now! I forgot, best I can tell, only the Pharisees believed in ascending like Enoch. If you know otherwise let me know.
Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 15 is bold: Jesus’ resurrection isn’t just a one-time event.
Read it again - it is a promise for us.
It’s the definitive proof that death has been defeated. For the early Christians, who faced persecution and sometimes even martyrdom, this wasn’t abstract theology.
It was a source of courage and hope. If Jesus had overcome death, they could trust that their lives—and their futures—were secure in Him. The martyrs leaned into this promise - with blind faith and the hope of what was uncertain. I can't imagine living as a Christian then!
Reflection:
Most of the people I journeyed with in hospice expected to go to heaven. This is NOT WHAT people thought way back in the ancient days. At least not until Jesus was resurrected and ascended!
This isn’t just history (like the Books of Enoch) —it’s personal.
Jesus’ resurrection changes everything. Death doesn’t get the last word. Grief, fear, and loss don’t have the final say. Because of Jesus, we can live with a hope that’s bigger than anything we face.
Here is my personal moment of lament - I think so few Christians understand what I just wrote above!
Death, and what was thought about death - before Jesus, (and for some now) - and the ancient concept of rotting in hell or in Scheol forever - is now GONE! For us it has always been gone - because of the cross. How lucky are we!
I just realized I need to jump to the reflection part of the blog... or I will keep going!
When life feels overwhelming or uncertain, this truth anchors us: God is working to renew and redeem everything, even in the midst of pain.
Death has been swallowed up in victory, and that’s something we can rejoice in, no matter what we’re going through. No more Scheol or rotting corpses - because of the Cross!
Reflection Question:
This may now seem a bit banal but - What does the victory of Jesus over death mean for how you live today? It is probably the most important question you need to be able to answer - how did the cross change you?
No easter eggs today - but I hope to see some of you at the memorial for fallen officers at the courthouse today at 3pm East side. I will do the opening prayer. It will be much more lighter in tone than this morning expresso brew!
Friday: The Kingdom That Can’t Be Shaken
Happy Friday everyone. Mae Culpa time – I messed up! Ascension Sunday is not this week. BUT, that does not mean this is wasted time. Just that I am not preaching on this this Sunday.
The good news is it is SFLC graduation weekend and I am preaching on what it means to be childlike in a Jesus context – some of you already relate!
That said – I will press forward with the regular text for the scripture. This will be shorter because – whew – did I go long yesterday. I will remind you in another week!
Here we go with what you read today:
What if I told you there’s a kingdom that will never fall apart, no matter what’s happening in the world? Sounds pretty good, right?
Micah and Paul both talk about this kind of kingdom—a kingdom of peace, justice, and hope. And here’s the best part: it’s not just a future promise. It’s something we get to live out right now.
Both Micah and Paul were speaking to people living in turbulent times, surrounded by uncertainty and oppression. Their words weren’t just theological—they were profoundly countercultural. (Anyone read Lamentations yet?)
Micah was a prophet in the 8th century BCE, during a period of immense political instability. The people of Israel and Judah lived under constant threat of invasion, and the promise of peace must have felt impossibly distant.
Yet, Micah’s vision of swords turned into plowshares and nations streaming to God wasn’t just a dream of political stability. It was a radical reimagining of the world, where God’s justice and mercy would transform our deepest instincts—away from violence and toward flourishing. Hmm – we pine for that today, don’t we.
Centuries later, Paul’s letter to the Colossians carried a similarly subversive message.
He described Jesus as the one through whom all things were created and reconciled, bringing a peace that no earthly empire could offer.
For Christians living under Roman rule, this wasn’t just theology—it was an act of defiance. It reminded them that their ultimate allegiance wasn’t to Rome but to Christ, whose kingdom was unshakable and eternal.
Reflection:
God’s kingdom is different from the kingdoms of this world. Imagine Jesus coming to Coldspring! Why us, what is special? Everything!
If we think, He won't pop in here - we miss the big picture!
Like everywhere else - It’s built on love, justice, and mercy, not power or control. (I actually talked about that in my memorial prayer today at the courthouse).
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to reflect His kingdom in how we live and treat others. Please read that one more time!!! As followers.... we are called to ..... in how.... and ..... !
Living as part of God’s kingdom means choosing peace when the world chooses conflict, and hope when the world chooses despair. It’s not always easy, but it’s the life we’re called to as His people. (Today I prayed for community unity).
Reflection Question:
The question today is a bit lame but… What’s one way you can reflect God’s kingdom in your life this week? That was a softball question… right? right?
- NT: Colossians 1:13-20
- OT: Micah 4:1-5
Happy Friday everyone. Mae Culpa time – I messed up! Ascension Sunday is not this week. BUT, that does not mean this is wasted time. Just that I am not preaching on this this Sunday.
The good news is it is SFLC graduation weekend and I am preaching on what it means to be childlike in a Jesus context – some of you already relate!
That said – I will press forward with the regular text for the scripture. This will be shorter because – whew – did I go long yesterday. I will remind you in another week!
Here we go with what you read today:
What if I told you there’s a kingdom that will never fall apart, no matter what’s happening in the world? Sounds pretty good, right?
Micah and Paul both talk about this kind of kingdom—a kingdom of peace, justice, and hope. And here’s the best part: it’s not just a future promise. It’s something we get to live out right now.
Both Micah and Paul were speaking to people living in turbulent times, surrounded by uncertainty and oppression. Their words weren’t just theological—they were profoundly countercultural. (Anyone read Lamentations yet?)
Micah was a prophet in the 8th century BCE, during a period of immense political instability. The people of Israel and Judah lived under constant threat of invasion, and the promise of peace must have felt impossibly distant.
Yet, Micah’s vision of swords turned into plowshares and nations streaming to God wasn’t just a dream of political stability. It was a radical reimagining of the world, where God’s justice and mercy would transform our deepest instincts—away from violence and toward flourishing. Hmm – we pine for that today, don’t we.
Centuries later, Paul’s letter to the Colossians carried a similarly subversive message.
He described Jesus as the one through whom all things were created and reconciled, bringing a peace that no earthly empire could offer.
For Christians living under Roman rule, this wasn’t just theology—it was an act of defiance. It reminded them that their ultimate allegiance wasn’t to Rome but to Christ, whose kingdom was unshakable and eternal.
Reflection:
God’s kingdom is different from the kingdoms of this world. Imagine Jesus coming to Coldspring! Why us, what is special? Everything!
If we think, He won't pop in here - we miss the big picture!
Like everywhere else - It’s built on love, justice, and mercy, not power or control. (I actually talked about that in my memorial prayer today at the courthouse).
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to reflect His kingdom in how we live and treat others. Please read that one more time!!! As followers.... we are called to ..... in how.... and ..... !
Living as part of God’s kingdom means choosing peace when the world chooses conflict, and hope when the world chooses despair. It’s not always easy, but it’s the life we’re called to as His people. (Today I prayed for community unity).
Reflection Question:
The question today is a bit lame but… What’s one way you can reflect God’s kingdom in your life this week? That was a softball question… right? right?
Saturday: The King Has Ascended
- NT: Acts 1:9-11
- OT: Psalm 24:7-10
No Comments