Faithfulness in a Fractured World Text: Ezra 3:1-13 Rev. John Downs God is faithful to his covenant promises even to his people in exile or, in more contemporary terms, to us who live in a fractured world.  We are not … October 1, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Death Text: Mark 15:16-41 Rev. John Downs It’s embedded deep within sinful human nature to want to run away from pain and embarrassment.  In today’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus, the focus is less on the … September 24, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Deliverance Text: Mark 15:1-15 Rev. John Downs None of us needs to be persuaded that fear and evil lie within each human heart from birth.  What we need instead is convincing that sin and its consequences have … September 17, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Witness Text: Mark 14:53-72 Rev. John Downs We as humans tend to love the idea of justice being done.  Unfortunately, just as with Peter in today’s text, our tongues and hearts reveal our sin and would condemn … September 10, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Betrayal Text: Mark 14:43-52 Rev. John Downs In Dante’s Inferno, the most despicable sin of all time, occupying the deepest circle of hell, is Judas’ betrayal of Jesus.  Today’s text helps us feel the weight of human … September 3, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Weakness Text: Mark 14:26-42 Rev. John Downs We have a tendency to overestimate our abilities, and this extends to our spiritual lives as well.  In our weakness, we will often stumble and fall in this life of … August 27, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Union Text: Mark 14:12-26 Rev. John Downs In science, an emulsifier is a substance that can bring together two normally incompatible substances.  In our life of faith, the cross of Christ functions as an “emulsifier” for us … August 20, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Devotion Text: Mark 14:1-11 Rev. John Downs We humans have a tremendous capacity for devotion.  Sadly, in our depravity, that devotion may lead through sin to death.  The religious insiders of Jesus’ day, including the Pharisees and … August 13, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Seeing Text: Mark 13:1-23 Rev. John Downs Life in a fallen world entails a lot of uncertainty and suffering.  In the face of this truth, today’s challenging text encourages us not to submit to fear or anxiety.  … July 30, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Love Text: Mark 12:28-44 Rev. John Downs While we were still in rebellion against God in our sin, he set his hesed covenant love upon us.  As we are consumed by his love, we are transformed in … July 23, 2023 Read More »