NMC Audio Podcast

Words have meaning. The context of a given word can greatly alter its meaning. When Jesus says, “You are...” we need to critically examine the next word. If we truly are the salt of the earth, we need to discover what that means. How are we to impact the world? What purpose do we have? Understanding His words in the historical setting in which they were used gives us clear direction on fulfilling our place in our communities.

These are challenging times! Living as a follower of Christ is not for the faint of heart. David, the great warrior that killed the giant Goliath, discovered that even after his great victory, life was full of challenges. Amidst the painful battles that raged on, he found safety and satisfaction through trust in God. What David discovered is ours to possess today.

That’s a man on a mission! Have you ever heard that said? It describes someone intently focused. No distractions! It’s about passionately and aggressively accomplishing the task. That describes Jesus. He was mission-focused, intent on His search to be reunited with each of us. His birth, His life, His death and resurrection all were a part of the The Search. It’s the search for us.

What in the world is going on? Whether it’s our personal or family life, world affairs, or political or religious issues, it often feels like chaos and confusion are the theme of the day. Yet our God specializes in making crooked paths straight. He is the One who clears the fog. More than anything, He is the One who equips us for whatever tomorrow might bring. The surprise that Mary faced and the grace she experienced presents us with a great example of finding meaning and purpose amidst chaos and confusion.

The Magi have become major characters in the telling of the Christmas story over the years. The odd thing is that we really don’t know all that much about them. Were they kings, magicians, priests, or astrologers? Were there three or more? Where did they come from? A lot is left open for interpretation, but one thing is certain: the Magi were searching for a sign.

Everyone is searching for something! The question is, "What’s the right search?" Are we searching for the right things? Are we searching in the right places? One of the more obscure characters in the story of Jesus’ birth is King Herod. His role is really about a futile search. Yet, it’s a search that’s still happening today. It’s the tale of two Kings, the choice of two paths—one that gives life and the other that is a dead-end street.

We were not designed to live repeating the same sins over and over again. God never intended for us to make promises to Him that we can’t keep. The Israelites practiced the same failures repetitively. Not only did they do it in the Old Testament, that pattern often becomes the norm for us. But there’s a better way to live. The power of Christ not only forgives us our sins but gives us the power to live victoriously over the repetitive cycle of sin. “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!” –John 8:36

Moses has been called by God to Egypt, but his mission is not an easy one. After Pharaoh resists the hand of God nine times, the wrath of God is about to be unleashed. The wrath of God is not commonly talked about, and in many cases, it is a forgotten part of His character. May the Church and the world never lose sight of the fact that God is not safe; He is an all-consuming fire.

The nation of Israel has grown in population since the time of Joseph, and so has the fear of the Egyptians. In response, the Israelites are thrown into slavery to control a potential uprising. A lot of time passes, and it seems as though God has forgotten his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, God has heard the cries, remembers the covenant, and is preparing Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses must now answer the call.

It’s amazing how two people can look at the same picture and see totally different things. While it’s the same picture, two totally opposite views emerge. Who do people see when they look at you? Do they see the person you think you are, or do they see something totally different? Joseph, the young man with the coat of many colors, gives us a portrait of Jesus. Through him, we can see Jesus. Can Jesus be seen in us?