Speaking Of Life 4008 | No Comparisons
Michelle Fleming

Comparison is a trap that is so easy to fall into. It’s a cheap and easy ego boost to notice when we are bigger, better, faster, stronger than someone else we know. It can also be brutal, when we come across someone who effortlessly exceeds our abilities.

Human beings tend to compare themselves whether we know it or not. We compare our appearance, our intelligence, our personalities, and our perceived success. Comparing yourself with other people leads to dissatisfaction and poor self-esteem. The issue with comparison is that we are our own point of reference.

The wonderful truth is that we are made in God’s image. Our identity is not based on our performance or how we measure up to others. God created each one of us as his unique beloved child, with our own talents and gifts. Notice how Paul addressed this in his letter to the believers in Corinth.

God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful. … All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.
I Corinthians 12:4-11 (The Message)

And this is why comparing ourselves doesn’t make sense, because God isn’t holding out on any of us. He created you uniquely, on purpose, with a purpose. Each person has been given spiritual gifts that are intended to reveal God to others, and God decides how every person can best reveal the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to the world.

Comparing yourself to others, or trying to be like someone else is ignoring the special gifting God has given you, and robbing the world of those gifts. In fellowship with one another, we reflect God’s love and glory into the world around us. And everyone benefits.

May you embrace your unique gifts from God as you share the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with the people in your world.

I’m Michelle Fleming, Speaking of Life.

Epiphany: Jesus, Light of the World

Think of the stars on a dark, cloudless night—small, distant lights scattered across the vast sky, yet enough to bring comfort and direction. Jesus is the brightest of these stars, a light that cannot be hidden, shining not just for a few but for all. Epiphany reminds us that Jesus’ light is meant to be seen by everyone and that we are called to share that light, to be a light that reaches into every corner of the world.

As we celebrate Epiphany, we are reminded of Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” his light—the light that guides us, brings hope, and reveals God’s love to all people. Epiphany is a season that celebrates the truth that Jesus didn’t come for just a few but for everyone. Jesus came as the light of the world to bring all people into the warmth and hope of his love. And because Jesus is the light of the world, he calls us to share that light with everyone we meet.

In Matthew, Jesus tells his followers, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.” When we follow him, we become like lamps that shine for everyone to see. Just as a city’s lights can be seen from far away, our lives are meant to be bright reflections of Jesus’ love and grace. We don’t keep his light to ourselves; we let it shine brightly, guiding all people to his peace and truth.

Epiphany isn’t only about seeing Jesus’ light—it’s about sharing it. Paul calls us “ambassadors for Christ,” messengers who share Jesus’ love and reflect his presence to others. As the Holy Spirit fills us, the light of Jesus transforms us from within, helping us grow to look more like him. We become mirrors, reflecting his love and hope to everyone in need.

Epiphany is a season of discovering Jesus anew, as the Savior for all people. As we read his story, as we draw near to his presence, our hearts become filled with light. And when we are filled with his light, we have to share it! The more we tell Jesus’ story, the more we experience his love and find our own lives transformed by his light.

This message is not about us—it’s about Jesus, who came to be the light for all people. We are simply messengers, carrying his light into the world. When God said, “Let there be light,” he wanted that light to spread through us, reaching everyone and shining his love into the places and lives we touch.

As we celebrate Epiphany, let us remember that we are part of God’s promise to bring light to all people. The one who calls us to “come and see” also sends us to “go and tell.” Let us be like a city on a hill, shining brightly so that everyone can see God’s love through us. Just as God called Israel by name. In Isaiah, Jesus now calls each of us by name, to go forward as his light in the world.

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up,’ and to the south, ‘Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’”
Isaiah 43:1-7

Let us go forth as the light, for we are called by name and created to reflect his glory for all people.

Speaking Of Life 4006 | Already a Good New Year
Cara Garrity

This week, we are blessed to celebrate the coming of another year with fireworks, parties, and cheers of “goodbye” to 2021 and “hello” to 2022. At the start of a new year, many people use the opportunity to take stock in their lives. They make resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, save money, and stop procrastinating. There is nothing inherently wrong with making a New Year’s resolution, however, have you ever noticed that resolutions are often focused on self-improvement?

Why do we often base our New Year’s resolution on things we do not like about ourselves or things we think will make us whole? Why, when reflecting on our lives, do we tend to look at what we do not have versus what we have?

The truth is, God wants something different and better for us. While we do actively participate in the work to become more like Christ, our Triune God invites us to be focused on the blessings we have already received and how we are being transformed by the goodness of God.  Paul writes:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:3-6

The reality is that if we are in Christ, we have already been blessed beyond imagination. It is God’s pleasure to bless his children and he does not withhold his best from us. What would happen if we made our New Year’s resolution in light of what we have received in Christ? What if we saw ourselves as overflowing with blessings? What if we saw ourselves as already chosen and adopted in Christ?

For this new year, I challenge us to rest in the truth of what God says about humanity. Through Jesus Christ, we are holy and blameless in his sight. I pray that we will experience every spiritual blessing in Christ, no matter what this year has in store.

I’m Cara Garrity, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 4005 | Just Like Mom Used to Make
Greg Williams

One of the sweet memories I have of my college days was the care packages I got from my mom. I would show up at the student mail counter and get that much-anticipated box filled with fudge, no-bake cookies, a loving note, new socks, and a surprise or two—just a touch of home. As a young college student, I didn’t realize how important this kind of interaction was. My mom was connecting me with my family and the story I came from—the disorienting experience of young adulthood was relieved for a moment. This is who you are—not just words, but they gave me a taste and feel of home. 

We can only guess, but the young prophet Samuel may have felt the same way. The high priest’s sons, who were supposed to be learning the arts of the temple, were distracted and sin-addicted. Samuel, at a young age, was already doing some of the priest work, as we see in this brief touching account of his mother’s visit: 

Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
1 Samuel 2:18-19 (ESV)

Samuel’s mother Hannah had prayed for a child for decades. When Samuel was finally born, she dedicated him to the Lord—to live at the temple and assist the priest. She visited once a year and brought him the “care package” of a new robe she made for him every year. She only saw him once and she had to guess carefully how much he grew that year. 

Hannah joins the great tradition of biblical women—powerful elegant ladies who are vital to the narrative of the gospel. In the ancient world where women were often disregarded, these heroic females stood out as examples of courage and rugged love.

Hannah knows that her boy is destined for great things and serves in the very presence of God, but she also knows he’s her boy. That he needs the touch of home and that God only calls real-life, momma-needing people to bring in his kingdom. 

Has God ever used someone—be it your mother or someone else—to remind you of your frailty, but also to remind you that he cares about you? That he cares about your need for comfort and your need for love? Does he use those who can see right through us and yet still love us, like mom does? This “for-us,” unconditional Godly love is what our amazing Triune God wants for us all, and finds unique ways to provide—often through unexpected care packages.

May you experience the care packages he sends your way.

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.

Christmas Eve—God’s Glory Brings Great Joy

Today, we gather to celebrate one of the most beautiful moments in human history—the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. The glory of God appeared in the most humble of ways, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Yet, in this moment, God’s glory brings great joy to the world. This joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion—it’s a deep, abiding joy that transforms lives, bringing courage and hope in the midst of uncertainty.

The birth of Jesus is the ultimate reminder that we are not alone. Emmanuel—God with us—means that God has come to be present with us, not only in moments of celebration but in the very heart of our struggles and uncertainties. His presence brings hope, and with that hope comes joy, no matter what we’re going through.

Even when life is challenging, Christmas reminds us that God’s glory has appeared, and that changes everything. Jesus’ birth brought heaven to earth, showing us that we don’t have to face the hard things in life on our own. God came to us at Christmas to fill us with courage and hope. So even when life is uncertain, we can walk forward in the confidence of his love.

The glory of God we celebrate on Christmas is not far away—it is right here, in the person of Jesus. His birth is what the Bible calls “the grace of God appearing.” This grace is a gift. It’s not just about forgiving our sins—it’s about changing our hearts and our lives. Christ-followers are invited to be changed by the nativity of our Lord, to live lives that reflect the courage, hope, and joy of Christ’s presence within us.

As we remember the birth of Jesus, let’s also remember that God’s glory isn’t just something we see—it’s something that brings joy into our hearts. We are called to live changed lives, full of the courage and hope that come from knowing that Jesus is with us. We are not alone. Emmanuel—God with us—walks with us through all of life’s challenges, giving us hope and joy that only his presence can bring.

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

God’s glory has come, and in that, we find our great joy.

Advent—He Was, He Is, He Will Be

In the beauty of the incarnation, we witness the depth of God’s love. Jesus, born into our world, took on our humanity, placing himself in our skin and on our side to reveal divine love for all creation. He was with us in the most tangible way, sharing in our struggles, joys, and every aspect of our humanity.

But Jesus is not only a figure of the past. Through the Holy Spirit, he is with us now, walking alongside us as we navigate the complexities of life. In our moments of joy and sorrow, in our triumphs and challenges, Christ’s presence brings comfort, guidance, and love. We are never alone.

And we hold onto the hope that he will come again. Jesus will return to bring peace, justice, and the fullness of God’s kingdom. The brokenness of this world will be mended, and the old will give way to the new—just as we are invited to let go of what is behind us and welcome the transformation Christ brings.

Jesus Christ was, he is, and he will be. The incarnation is not just a historical moment—it is the heart of God’s love made manifest. By becoming human, Jesus embraced the fullness of our shared humanity, showing us that even in our fragility, we are loved and valued. His presence among us gives humanity a renewed sense of dignity and purpose..)

Now, as we await his return, we are called to let go of the old—our fears, anxieties, and doubts—and make room for the newness of life Christ offers. This is the hope of Advent: that through Christ, all things will be made new.

As we light the final candle of Advent, let it remind us of the one who was, who is, and who will be. May we celebrate the beauty of the incarnation, rejoice in Christ’s presence with us today, and live in hope for his return. In Christ, we are invited to let go of the old and embrace the new life that awaits us.

⁷ Restore us, God Almighty;
    make your face shine on us,
    that we may be saved.

⁸ You transplanted a vine from Egypt;
    you drove out the nations and planted it.
⁹ You cleared the ground for it,
    and it took root and filled the land.
¹⁰ The mountains were covered with its shade,
    the mighty cedars with its branches.
¹¹ Its branches reached as far as the Sea,
    its shoots as far as the River.

In Christ, our past is redeemed, our present is embraced, and our future is made whole.

Advent—Rejoice! The One Who Comes is Our Salvation

As we enter the third week of Advent, we are invited to pause and reflect on the deep joy that comes with the approaching fulfillment of God’s promises. This season of waiting prepares us not just to receive Christ, but to be transformed by him. As we consider this week’s readings, we are reminded that to experience the fullness of God’s love, we must first allow our hearts and minds to be changed. Often, that means letting go of the old to make room for something new, something much bigger and more beautiful than we could ever have imagined.

In Philippians 4:4-7, the apostle Paul calls us to rejoice always, regardless of our circumstances. This call to joy is not rooted in the fleeting happiness of the moment but in the deep and abiding peace that comes from God. Paul invites us to release our anxieties, our fears, and our old ways of thinking. In doing so, we make space for the peace of Christ to guard our hearts and minds.

There is a joy in letting go of what no longer serves us. Repentance—turning away from the old and embracing the new—brings a unique kind of joy. It’s the joy that comes when we realize that God’s dream for us is far greater than our own, and that his love has the power to transform not only our lives but the world around us.

When we allow ourselves to be changed, our perspective broadens, and we begin to see the world through the lens of God’s love. The kingdom of heaven that Jesus came to usher in is one of peace, justice, and wholeness—a kingdom where the broken are made whole, and the old is replaced with the new. This is the joy we are called to: the joy of knowing that the One who comes brings salvation and renewal to all creation.

The joy we experience in this season is not a fleeting emotion; it is a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing that God’s salvation is near. As we prepare our hearts for Christ’s arrival, we let go of what holds us back—our fears, our anxieties, our old ways of thinking—and make room for the newness of life that Christ offers.

As we light the candle today, may it remind us to let go of the old so we can embrace the new. Let us rejoice in the coming of our Savior, who brings peace beyond understanding and joy that fills our hearts as we await the fullness of God’s kingdom.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Christ leads us into the fullness of joy.

Advent—Prepare the Way

As we enter the second week of Advent, we continue our journey of preparation. This season, we are called not only to prepare our own hearts but also to be messengers of blessing to those around us. This season invites us to reflect on the peace that Christ brings and the role we play in carrying that peace into the world.

Imagine a road being prepared ahead of us. Just as ancient roads were leveled and cleared for kings and dignitaries to travel, so too are we called to prepare the way for the coming of Christ. This preparation isn’t about perfection, but about making space—clearing the obstacles of our hearts and lives so that Christ’s peace may enter and dwell within us.

In this season of Advent, our hearts are like the humble manger, waiting to receive the gift of Christ. Just as the manger, simple and unadorned, made room for the Prince of Peace, so too must we make room in our hearts. We prepare not with lavish offerings, but by opening space for Christ’s peace and blessing to dwell in us.

In Luke 1:68-79, we hear Zechariah’s prophecy, a powerful declaration of God’s faithfulness. These words speak of preparing the way before us—a way that leads to peace, forgiveness, and the light of God’s salvation. But before we walk this path, Advent calls us to pause.

In this pause, we take time to reflect on where we are, where we’ve been, and where God is leading us. Advent invites us into a season of peace, but that peace begins with a willingness to prepare our hearts—just as one would prepare a road for a coming king, or Mary prepared a manger for the birth of the Savior.

As we reflect on God’s faithfulness and promises, we are reminded that we, too, are called to be messengers of blessing. Just as the road is prepared, we are to share the peace of Christ with others—clearing the way for hope, love, and blessing to enter the world around us.

Today, as we light the Advent candle of peace, let it remind us of the peace we are called to receive and to share. Let us prepare our hearts like a manger, ready to receive Christ’s peace, and may we be messengers of blessing to a world in need of hope and light.

⁶⁸ “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
⁶⁹ He has raised up a horn^[a] of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David
⁷⁰ (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
⁷¹ salvation from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us—
⁷² to show mercy to our ancestors
    and to remember his holy covenant,
⁷³     the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
⁷⁴ to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
    and to enable us to serve him without fear
⁷⁵     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

⁷⁶ And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
⁷⁷ to give his people the knowledge of salvation
    through the forgiveness of their sins,
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God,
    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
⁷⁹ to shine on those living in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

With this peace, we are prepared for the journey ahead.

Advent—Expectation

As we enter this first week of Advent, we come with hearts full of expectation. This is a season where we reflect on the coming of Christ, both in his humble birth and in his future return. The Lord is our righteousness, and we look toward the horizon, filled with hope, knowing that our God draws near.

Imagine standing in the darkness of early morning. The world is still, hushed, and waiting. But in the distance, the faintest light begins to break over the horizon. It’s small, almost imperceptible at first, but it grows. Slowly, the night gives way to the light of day, a new dawn that promises warmth, life, and renewal.

In the same way, Advent is a season where we stand on the edge of what’s to come, watching for the light of Christ to rise over the horizon of our world and our lives. We wait with eager hearts, not in idle passivity, but with hope-filled anticipation. The darkness is not the final word—there is a light breaking through, and that light is Jesus, the One who is our righteousness.

In today’s reading from Luke, we hear Jesus’ words about signs in the heavens, distress on the earth, and the coming of the Son of Man. It may feel like these are words of fear, but they are also words of profound hope and expectation. The world may be in turmoil, but Christ promises to come again, to restore all things, and to make everything right.

This passage invites us to lift our heads, to be watchful, because the kingdom of God is drawing near. Just as the dawn breaks over the horizon, so too does the coming of Christ bring the promise of redemption, justice, and peace.

As we light the Advent candle of hope today, let it be a reminder of the light that is steadily drawing near—the light of Christ, our righteousness. And as we wait, may our hearts be filled with expectant hope, knowing that even in the darkest moments, God’s promise is sure, and Christ is coming again.

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

We anchor our hope in the One who draws near.

Christ the King Sunday

 Imagine knowing the end of the story before it unfolds. As we come to the end of our worship calendar for the year, we celebrate the victory that Jesus has already secured for us. His kingdom will reign forever, and this truth illuminates our path like the first light of dawn. And next week, we begin again with the anticipation of Advent, marking the start of a new liturgical cycle.

Christ the King Sunday is a significant feast that emphasizes the sovereignty and lordship of Christ over all creation. From the towering mountains to the vast oceans, all of nature proclaims his majesty.

Throughout history, kings and queens have ruled over nations, but their reigns are temporary and limited. In contrast, the reign of Christ is eternal and encompasses all of heaven and earth.

Today, on Christ the King Sunday, we celebrate the culmination of the Christian liturgical year. Throughout the seasons, Jesus is at the center of it all: entering our world in Advent, ministering to all people in Epiphany, saving us in Easter Prep, rising in glory at Easter, sending the Spirit at Pentecost, and building his church in Ordinary Time. This day marks the end of our journey through these seasons and brings us to a crowning conclusion: Jesus is King.

Our journey through the seasons, and everything in between has led us to this moment. Each season has prepared us to recognize and honor Jesus not just as our Savior, but as our King.

The Reign of Christ Sunday serves as a reminder that Jesus’ authority extends over every aspect of our lives and all of creation. He invites us to reign with him in eternity, sharing in his glorious kingdom.

Christ’s kingship is not bound by cultural or geographical boundaries. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, reigning over every nation and every people.

As we gather to worship and honor Christ the King, we are united in our recognition of his ultimate authority and our commitment to follow him. Together, we acknowledge his reign and look forward to his eternal kingdom.

As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, let us come together in worship, lifting our voices and hearts to the One who reigns supreme over all.

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelations 1:4b-8

Speaking Of Life 3051 | The Underdog’s Tale
Greg Williams

One of the most famous story plots in history is the tale of the underdog. From the oldest story of the slave who turns out to be royalty, to the modern sports movie about the unlikely heroes who never let go of their dreams—we resonate with those on the bottom. A narrative about a child of privilege who simply goes on to be an adult of privilege would be less interesting than a grocery list.

There has to be loss, risk—a tightrope the underdog finally makes it across into the promised land. This story resonates with all of us no matter our background.

Hanna, the mother of the prophet Samuel, was one of these biblical underdogs. She suffered from barrenness, which was a great stigma in the ancient world. When she was finally blessed with a child she sang her famous prayer:

The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
1 Samuel 2:4-5 (ESV)

The underdog theme, the upside down-ness of God’s miraculous work runs throughout it. The weak become the strong; the barren are pregnant; the poor are brought from the back alleys to the head table.

Throughout redemptive history, this story appears again and again. God confounds our strata of who matters, who’s important, who’s powerful. The underdog becomes the superhero.

The same kind of song is picked up centuries later by another underdog:

… he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
Luke 1:52-53 (ESV)

This is the Magnificat, the song Mary sings early in her pregnancy with Jesus. She’s an unwed teenage mom from a country backwater—she couldn’t be more of an underdog! And she becomes the most famous woman in history, and God uses her to confound the world.

And so we see that still at work in our lives. God uses the least likely to break his kingdom into the world. How many times have we been thrown off by a child or a person with special needs and reminded of life’s fragility and beauty? How many times have we seen God speak through a person who seems to offer nothing else?

God, not only loves the underdog, but through the centuries he often plays his song of life through the least likely instruments—are we listening?

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3050 | Like Kin
Jeff Broadnax

When I was 18 years old, I met someone who would change my life for the better. Here’s the catch: we couldn’t have been more different as people.  John was a white man from Great Britain; I was a black kid from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was old enough to be my father, and I played more basketball in one weekend than he had his entire life. I called July 4^th Independence Day; he called it Rebellion Day. But we both loved the Proverbs and we both called Jesus, Lord.

John would regularly stand up on my behalf to tear down manmade barriers that tried to keep me from being who God destined me to be. Over the next 30 years, we would transcend cultural norms and become family despite our racial, ethnic, and generational differences.  

In America, the pandemic and political or racial tensions of recent months have made it easy to feel disconnected or fragmented from others. It’s been hard to stay connected with people close to us and even harder to connect with those who might be different. But discovering how God can help people move from fragmented to family is an important practice that we should look at more closely.

One biblical example of an outsider becoming family can be found in the book of Ruth. The story begins with the Israelite family of Elimelech and Naomi who left Judah and moved to Moab with their two sons to escape a famine. They lived there a long time; their sons grew up and decided to marry two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth.

The relationship between Israel and Moab was complicated and broken.  Relational betrayals had left spiritual scars and historical animosity between them. These differences could have very easily created a fracture in the relationship between Naomi and her daughters-in-law.

The story takes a sad turn when the father Elimelech and the two sons become sick and die, leaving three widows and no children behind. Naomi urges the two daughters-in-law to go back to their families and remarry, and Orpah does. But Ruth insists on staying with Naomi, even leaving Moab and her family to go back to Judah with Naomi. Ruth works hard to find food for the two of them until Naomi realizes there is a distant relative named Boaz who could marry Ruth as part of Israel’s legal system to care for widows. Boaz marries Ruth, and she bears a son named Obed. Let’s read how Naomi’s friends celebrated Obed’s birth:

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.”  
Ruth 4:14-15 (NRSV)

This son was the grandfather of King David and part of the lineage of Christ.

The foreign woman Ruth was an outsider, not part of Israel’s culture or religion, but God chose to include her in Jesus’ ancestry. In a society where sons were prized, the Israelite women praised the outsider Ruth, saying that she was better “than seven sons” (v. 15). Ruth’s love for Naomi was widely recognized and appreciated, and Ruth became like kin to Naomi, regardless of their religious and cultural differences.

This example of love and kinship between two women from different cultures can instruct us today. Because God saw fit to include an outsider in Jesus’ heritage, we understand that love transcends differences.

Family isn’t just restricted to blood relatives. Because of Christ’s Divine love, we are united into one human family.

Filled with the Spirit, may you have the heart of the Father to love one another, including the outsider, and embrace our diverse representation of the imago Dei (the image of God). 

I’m Jeff Broadnax, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3049 | The Jesus Subtext
Greg Williams

Have you ever had a conversation in which the primary communication was not the words spoken? Maybe an exchange with an old friend where you say very little to express your relationship? Maybe a conversation with a rival in which looks and posturing were really what was “said”?

The brief exchange Jesus has with the scribe in Mark 12 is similar. The scribes ask Jesus what the greatest commandment is and Jesus responds:

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31 (ESV)

His answer connects to the central prayer faithful Jews prayed every day; it is called the Shema. But the words unspoken say a lot as well.

At least in Mark, the scribes are portrayed as Jesus’ nemesis. They are constantly harping on his behavior and ultimately are instrumental in causing his death.

And yet in this exchange, the scribe actually agrees with Jesus by saying: “You are right, Teacher…”

The conversation surprisingly takes a sharp turn away from the usual antagonistic tone. He agrees with Jesus quickly—where the subtext in most of their conversations is challenging, suddenly there is agreement.

Jesus’ reaction to this agreement is no less surprising:

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
Mark 12:34 (ESV)

The Lord knows just when to stop everything and watch the kingdom leaking through, even through a scribe. This conversation stands out against other similar exchanges because there is pause, there is observation, not just a disagreement or debate.

Jesus sees the change coming through this man and proves that the kingdom welcomes everyone as a matter of the heart. Unlike Israel—who at the time who was shutting non-Jews (Gentiles) out—the gospel movement welcomed all—scribes or otherwise—if that person turned even slightly toward Jesus. It was a matter of faith—not social class, not ethnicity nor heritage, that brought someone to believe and follow Christ.

So this exchange—a surprisingly positive response from a scribe excites Jesus. It’s small moments like these showing how Jesus was transforming the world then and still is today.

I’d like to think this scribe who was “not far” from the kingdom made it all the way across. Perhaps this was the beginning of his journey—a brief, patient discussion with Jesus. The same discussion he has had with you.

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3048 | Refuge in the Storm
Cara Garrity

Have you ever been caught in a hurricane or a tornado? It can be a harrowing experience. If you are lucky, the only experience you’ve had with these monsters is footage from the news. But these images don’t give you a good picture of the devastation occurring. That only becomes clear after the clouds depart and the sun returns. Only then can you see that everything was being mercilessly tossed about, scrambled, and shredded.

Yards have found new decorations and some houses have found new yards. Cars have mysteriously traveled on their own and park in the most unusual places. Neighbors who have never met are now intimately acquainted with each other’s belongings. The familiar landmarks that were reminders of home, have now been reduced to litter strewn across an unrecognizable landscape. Some things that once seemed secure and permanent had been exposed as weak and temporary.

Any sound advice for those caught in the path of a destructive storm will include seeking shelter in a structure that is stable enough to withstand powerful winds. Some houses that are frequented by storms have built-in, concrete safe rooms or underground storm shelters. If these are not available people are encouraged to move to the most central room in their homes. If caught outdoors in a storm it may seem instinctive to hide in a car or under a tree. But these are the last places to be.

Where do you run when the winds of devastation blow your way? And I don’t mean just the literal storms but I’m referring to the life-altering storms that we all face. Scripture has always pointed us to our one true place of safety and that is in Jesus Christ. He is the one sure rock of refuge that no storm can move. Many who have taken shelter in him call out to others to do the same.

Here’s one such example recorded in Psalm 34:

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.” 
Psalm 34:3-8 (NRSV)

The Psalmist knew where his safety was found. If at any time you find yourself being tossed about, scrambled, and shredded in a raging storm, there is a place of safety that no storm can move. His name is Jesus. Others can attest to the fact that he is your reliable rock and solid refuge in the storm.

I’m Cara Garrity, Speaking of Life.