by Stuart | 4 Jul 2022 | Devotionals, Knowing Jesus
The prophet Isaiah once compared Israel to a fruitful vine (5:7). Historians tell us that this symbol became so precious to God’s people that they decorated the temple with an elaborate carving of a vineyard. One Bible dictionary paints the picture: In the temple at...
by Stuart | 1 Jul 2022 | Devotionals, Knowing Jesus
Admission time: Needles terrify me. As a rule, I’m okay with dental needles, but I live in dread of regular injections. I recognise that it is a highly irrational fear, because injections never actually hurt very much and, unlike many others I know, I’ve never known...
by Stuart | 30 Jun 2022 | Devotionals, Knowing Jesus
In the face of death, Christians frequently embrace, as a form of hope, the promise that the deceased is “absent from the body” but “present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). This is typically taken to mean that the soul, separated from the body, goes immediately...
by Stuart | 29 Jun 2022 | Devotionals, Knowing Jesus
The Bible frequently uses the imagery of sheep and shepherds to describe the relationship between God and his people. This imagery highlights Christ’s compassion for his people. Matthew tells us that Jesus felt deep compassion for his people who were like sheep...
by Stuart | 28 Jun 2022 | Devotionals, Knowing Jesus
In his extended discourse on the Good Shepherd (John 10:1–21), Jesus included two “I am” statements. He said, first, “I am the door” (vv. 7, 9) and then, “I am the good shepherd” (v. 11). These two sayings are closely connected, but it is worthwhile considering each...
by Stuart | 27 Jun 2022 | Devotionals, Knowing Jesus
When I was a kid, there was a game we sometimes played during children’s ministries. Two people from each team were selected. An obstacle course was set up. One team member was blindfolded while the other was appointed as guide. Simultaneously, all four guides shouted...
