Jacob, one of the Patriarchs of the Bible. The antihero, the one who leaves us aghast because he tricked his own blind father, Isaac, and stole the blessing which belonged to his elder brother (Esau). “Serves him right!” (padan muka in Malay) when he in turn is tricked into marrying the wrong girl (Leah), on […]
Jacob – Wrestling with man and God Read More »
There are some very cheeky people in our congregation. They amuse us by the way in which they use impolite speech. For example, I can imagine one of our members, one who treats others with great respect, watching a movie about John Wesley, then messaging me and saying I “f#ck*ng love how holy Johnny was.”
Being cheeky with God Read More »
Jesus is our model. The Bible calls him Son of David, king of the Israelites. Jesus preached the Kingdom. The things he taught and did enflamed the leaders of the Jewish nation. They panicked. They saw that if Jesus continued, the streams of income they got by exploiting religious teachings and practices would dry up.
Should Christians engage in politics? Read More »
As parents in the 21st century, the issue of screen time would more than likely be an area of discussion, debate, contention, disagreement, etc not only between parents and kids, but even between parents and other parents as well. How much is too much? To be clear, issues like these have always been issues of
Parenting Perspectives 5: Screen Time Read More »
The story of the Exodus is the most repeated story in the Old Testament. It’s the story of God saving the Israelites from terrible slavery in Egypt; of God using Moses to call the Israelites to fulfil their purpose, which is to worship him; of God going to war on behalf of his people. It’s
What does it mean to be saved? Read More »
I’ve just finished reading The Rebellious Life of Mrs Rosa Parks, a 2013 book by Professor Jeanne Theoharis, a historian and gifted writer. Theoharis’ book is a response to things said about Mrs Parks when she died in 2005, two months after Hurricane Katrina. Theoharis believes the US government used Mrs Parks to divert attention
Mrs Rosa Parks’ lifetime of struggle for decency and justice Read More »
A close friend was diagnosed with cancer and going through chemotherapy. A family member was sick and stranded abroad due to the pandemic’s travel restrictions. And I was dealing with daily relationship strains and politics at work. I felt drained, tired and helpless. Often, amidst the storms in our lives, we will be drained and
Of storm and renewal Read More »
The question “who will contend with me?” is found in the lectionary readings for tomorrow, 9th April. This is my summary of the OT portion, Isaiah 50:4-9a: Isaiah says God called him to comfort the weary by passing on to them words which God gave him, regularly. He says he could have chosen to be
Who will contend with me? Read More »
I see a bush catch alight,as the ethereal flame danced within the bush,its elemental fire sears away my sins and my past,my soul is made whole again A Voice calls out my name, “Moses, Moses” (substitute with own name)“Here I am” I whisper. I take off my sandals, this is holy groundI hide my face,
Moses & the Burning Bush – A meditation Read More »
What should we make of Isaiah’s prophecy of “rivers in the desert?” Click here for the lectionary readings for tomorrow, the fifth Sunday in Lent. As usual, on this Saturday, I’ll offer some comments on the Old Testament reading, Isaiah 43:16-21. This is my summary of it: It’s true that in the past God saved
Deciphering Isaiah’s rivers in the desert Read More »
