As Christians we talk a lot about grace. And one of the main ways we talk about grace is as a gift. But often this sense of grace and gift is limited to ‘the forgiveness of sins’ leading to ‘eternal life.’ These are no small things, obviously, but I wonder if God might have more … Continue reading God’s Glorious Gift: A Reflection on John 17.1-11
Today is Ascension Day, which commemorates the end of the forty days of Jesus' earthly appearances after his resurrection, and his ascent into heaven. The story itself, as related in the Acts of the Apostles, is as simple as it is odd: As they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him … Continue reading A Glorious Inheritance: A Reflection on the Feast of the Ascension [Re-Post]
[As I was preparing this week's Sunday post, I realized that my heart was basically writing the same post as I'd already written three years ago. So here it is once again.] Last Sunday, we looked at Jesus’ controversial words that he was (and is) the way to the Father and “no one comes to … Continue reading Another Advocate, Another Coach: A Reflection on John 14.15-21 [Re-Post]
There’s a famous saying that ‘There’s no place like home.’ It refers of course to the sense of peace and rightness that comes from returning to the place where we belong, whether it’s after years living abroad or just a long day at work. And yet, it’s a sad reality that for millions of people … Continue reading There’s a Place for Us: A Reflection on John 14.1-14
One of the major questions in the Gospels is the question of Jesus’ identity. “Who do you say that I am?” (e.g., Matthew 16.5). Some said he was a prophet, some the reincarnated form of Elijah or John the Baptist, some even whispered (even if a little too loudly) that he was the Messiah, the … Continue reading Entering the Sheepfold: A Reflection on John 10.1-10
Matthew Root 