According to Matthew (26.39) and Mark (14.35), after entering Gethsemane with his disciples, Jesus “threw himself on the ground and prayed” (emphasis mine).
The Greek verb πίπτω/piptō (past tense = ἔπεσεν) means to fall as a result of terror, astonishment or grief.** Contextually, it’s a physical fall—from an upright posture to a prostrate position. Unlike the ESV, NIV, or MSG, which state that Jesus “fell on his face,” the NRSV emphasizes the intensity and intentionality of Jesus’ action. Jesus didn’t just trip over an olive tree root. He intentionally threw himself down...
MTV once hosted a series called Epic Rap Battles of History. I don’t suggest watching it, as it’s highly offensive.
The gist is this: two historical, cultural, or political figures face off against each other in a rap duel, and one is crowned the victor.
For me, the end of Job is akin to an epic rap battle...
The last phase of labor is known as transition.
This stage is the most intense, grueling, and animalistic. It’s arduous, fierce, and requires every ounce of physical and emotional strength the soon-to-be mother possesses.
Mothers will be the first to tell you that transition is brutal. There’s nothing quite like it; however, I think anyone experiencing transition in life would say the same...
A week and a half ago, I went to my church’s monthly prayer meeting. When the meeting ended, and as I walking out to leave, one of the pastors caught me and said, “I’ll walk you out.” As we neared the door, he said, “I was looking out across the room, and when I saw you, God told me to ask you this question: ‘What do you want?”’
I froze...
In the Bible, the parent/child relationship is one of the most pervasive metaphors used for how God relates to his people.
Like a parent, God sets limits. He puts boundaries in place for our own protection. He makes his expectations known. He voices his instructions.
Like a parent, when God speaks, he expects to be obeyed...
