Morning Musing: Luke 15:11

“And he said, “There was a man who had two sons.”‬‬ (ESV – Read the chapter) 

And so begins one of Jesus’ most enduringly beloved parables. The parable of the prodigal son has loomed large in the mental history of the world ever since Jesus told it. The idea resonates with some of the deepest desires of our heart—to receive forgiveness when we have sinned, to be restored when we have blown it, to be reconciled when we have broken a relationship. Because of its power in our cultural imagination, it is worth at least a bit of our time. 

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Morning Musing: Luke 3:21-22

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'”‬‬ (ESV – Read the chapter) 

This was a powerful moment. It was powerful in a couple of ways. Spiritually speaking, this was a powerful affirmation of Jesus’ identity before the people. Many, many people had been baptized that day and this hadn’t happened to any of them. It was also powerful personally. Jesus got a message from His Father affirming His identity. The spiritual side of the experience may have been important to the people around Him, but the personal affirmation would have meant the most to Him. There’s just something about hearing our parent—especially our dad—affirm who we are that means the world. 

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Morning Musing: Proverbs 3:13-15

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”‬‬ (ESV – Read the chapter) 

Ronald Reagan is famous for saying many things. He had a gift for being quotable. He also had a gracious sense of humor and a winning smile when he said something to pick at his political opponents and their ideas. This combination simultaneously thrilled his supporters and infuriated his critics. One of his more memorable lines was this: “The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant; it’s that they know so much that just isn’t so.” 

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Morning Musing: Psalm 127:3

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (ESV – Read the chapter) 

We live in a day when children are more and more considered a convenience. Parenthood is something pursued as a right, not a privilege. In other words, couples who embrace parenthood do so not from a sense of obedience to God’s command to be fruitful and multiply, but so they can say they are parents. It is becoming a status symbol more than a duty and calling. 

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Morning Musing: Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”‬‬ (CSB – Read the chapter) 

If there was ever a case to be made for a particular verse of the Bible being the official verse of sports, I think this one would win the prize. It seems like every professional athlete who is willing to publicly claim the name of Jesus makes sure to put this verse on something he wears to play. And snapped up out of its context, it seems to serve the purpose of sports well. But is there any more to it? 

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