Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
we forgot something!
Genesis 22. The wood for a sacrifice offering rested firmly upon his back, making it a bit difficult to climb Mt. Moriah, but Isaac did not complain to his father about that. He knew how important it was for he … Continue reading
his rod and his staff
Psalm 23. David describes the LORD as his tender, the one who looks after him. The LORD guides him so that he goes down the right paths. The LORD makes sure he gets to the green pastures where he can … Continue reading
prior commitments
Luke 14. Jesus encounters a group of people who are interested in him, but whose prior commitments to traditions keep them from entering his kingdom. He responds to this problem by giving advice and telling stories. The advice about a … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discernment, genuineness, kingdom of God, wisdom
Tagged Luke 14
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access to all, resistance by many
Luke 13:10-35. A synagogue ruler’s opposes a healing in his own place of worship. Pharisees try to get Jesus to leave their territory. And sandwiched in between all this Jesus described the kingdom as leaven in three measures of flour, … Continue reading
a generation’s doom
Luke 12:49-13:9. Jesus knew not only that he was going to suffer a violent baptism (the cross), but also that the entire generation in which he lived would be under judgment. That generation would be torn apart by division among … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, discernment, divisions, repentance, the cross
Tagged Luke 12, Luke 13
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preparing for the future
Luke 12:13-48. The rich fool thought he was getting ready for the future, but he was merely laying up treasure for someone else to enjoy (13-21). The nations of the world think they are preparing for the future by worrying … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discernment, faithfulness, kingdom of God, relationship with God, witness
Tagged Luke 12
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leaving the city
Genesis 19. Lot’s wife looked behind her at the cities God was destroying and she became a pillar of salt. She was not the only one reluctant to leave her past life. Lot himself begged that God spare Zoar, and … Continue reading
listen, obey, be transformed
Psalm 19. The believer can hear the voice of God in nature (1-6). The supernatural is possible, but not necessary. The believer can enjoy the treasures of God in scripture (7-11). What appears to be bondage to law to some … Continue reading
choosing the right fear
Luke 11:37-12:12. A Pharisee had invited Jesus to dine with him, and Jesus accepted. The Pharisee was astonished that Jesus did not follow his tradition of ceremonially washing his hands before eating. The Pharisee expected deference because he was a … Continue reading
an insufficient request
Gen. 18:16-33. God had determined to destroy Sodom because its sin was very grave (20), but he also chose to let Abraham know that it was going to happen. Abraham interceded for Sodom by appealing to God’s justice — not … Continue reading
