Geocaching Scripture

Jesus talks about the smallest thing having power over the greatest thing—the mountain—in the geometry of faith. But the understanding of mountain had richer symbolism in the ancient world. This, and

They throw the woman caught in adultery at his feet. He draws in the sand next to her. Instead of jumping into the rage of righteous fury, Jesus stops everything to converse with a voiceless person. He stops the clock to look her in the eye and restore her. Does God hate sin? Sure. But His reasons are different than ours.

The consistent, sticky refrain of a “land flowing with milk and honey” shows up several times in the Old Testament. These two items – like all sweet things – were not necessary for living, but made life livable. They were precious commodities in the ancient world, especially in Israel where bees were considered “unclean” animals. We consider all this, and what Jim Carey has to say about it, in this latest episode. Touch not thou that dial.

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world…These aren’t the droids you’re looking for…Houston, we have a problem – we all know that one line from a classic film that brings the whole experience to mind. The story, the actors’ faces, the tension or humor in the moment, these all come back in a few words. Jesus was doing the same with his famous quote from Psalm 22 as we died – He drew us into the entire story of that Psalm that ends not in loss, but resurrection. Also, Rick and Josh reminisce briefly on shag carpeting and Dianna Ross’s career. Don’t touch that dial.

Welcome to Season 4! Let’s get caching! We are

The Pharisees didn't eat gnats because they weren't kosher, but camels aren't either, so what's going on? Jesus delivers one of his famous one-liners to his critics, mixing absurd images and fantastical situations. We also learn why it's better to show up on time than show up with flowers. Tune in. 

Jesus talks about the mini-apocalypse in Matthew 24, primarily describing the fall of Jerusalem under Rome. This highly symbolic and brutal military maneuver changed the world, and redemptive history, for good. Why does Jesus talk about vultures gathering? It's an ugly death leading to resurrection, once again. 

Woe is me, for I am undone. This is how the King James renders Isaiah's reaction to the direct presence of God. The temple shakes, the world is undone, and we don't see this happen again until one important afternoon centuries later. What does it mean to be "undone" by God's presence and work and wonders in the world? In a world short on amazement, may we always celebrate God's surprises. Also there's a cool story about a helicopter. 

Jesus calls Herod a fox. Why? What does that mean anyway? Let's look at this ancient insult and why the Lord would refer to someone this way.  The local "king" being addressed by the True King. 

I have a deep, abiding hatred of snakes. I've never been bitten by one or anything, just a pre-programmed genetic revulsion maybe? Paul gets bit by a viper in Acts 28, but walks away unharmed, continuing to build a campfire (which seems really casual!). What was going on with this weird story? What does it mean to be unaffected by the "gods" of the world and, like Paul, shake them off and keep moving? Lisssssssten in (sorry, that was lame).