Treasures New and Old

(Text: Micah 1:2-5; 5:2-5a; 6:6-8) At a time of violent conflict, the prophet Micah preaches against those in Jerusalem who have exploited their power for their own gain.  What does God require?  To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.

(Text: 2 Kings 5:1-19a) Naaman, the commanders of the armies of Syria, comes to Elisha seeking healing for his leprosy.  Though he is an outsider and undeserving, God delivers.

(Text: John 16:4b-15) In this Lenten reflection, Pastor John looks at the role of the Holy Spirit, who "will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment."

(Text: 2 Samuel 11:1-6; 11:14--12:6) When King David abuses his power to take a woman he desires, it seems like he will get away with it.  But God is not mocked.

(Text: Joshua 24:1-26)  As Israel settles in the promised land, Joshua gathers the people together to recommit them to their God.  Though the people will not honor their covenant, God remains faithful to them and to us.

(Text: Exodus 19:3-7; 20:1-17) Three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai. Here, God begins to transform them from a collection of enslaved peoples into "a priestly kingdom and a holy nation."

(Text: Exodus 14:5-31) When Israel is oppressed by Pharaoh, the sound of their cry reaches to God, who answers beyond their wildest imaginings.  Even when our prayers are unspoken and misguided, God hears us and knows what we need.

(Text: Genesis 39) Joseph, a great-grandson of Abraham, has been sold into slavery by his brothers, and now a false accusation lands him in prison.  However, throughout all this we are repeatedly told that "the Lord was with him."

(Text: Genesis 6:5--9:17) In the story of Noah and the flood, we learn something about the depth of human sin and about God's strategy for dealing with sin.  What the flood could not accomplish, God in Jesus Christ now promises in baptism.

(Text: Luke 12:17-35)  What leads to success?  While the usual answer is hard work and wise decisions, with Jesus all this is turned upside down.  Our ultimate success comes not from how good we are, but rather from who our shepherd is.