When Jesus calls
The One who once said, “Come,” now powerfully says, “Go.” The wind was strong. The waves were higher than they should have been. The boat pitched and groaned under the…
Congregations join to revive ancient vigil
At precisely 7:27 P.M.—sunset—on Saturday, April 4, members from four Lutheran congregations in the Madison, Wis., area, joined around a bonfire to commence a joint Easter Vigil. It’s an ancient…
What is there to be afraid of?
One of my seminary professors once recounted something from his childhood that he had never forgotten. He said, “When I was 12 years old in confirmation class, my pastor said,…
It’s worth it!
Jesus’ exaltation proves that his humiliation was worth it, because we’re worth it to him. She poured herself out in love for God’s people. She labored to lead Jesus’ little…
Earth-shattering days
It was an unnerving experience for the inhabitants of Jerusalem on that late Friday afternoon in spring. “The earth shook, the rocks split” (Matthew 27:51). This was no ordinary earthquake.…
The heavenly gardener
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colo. Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg, Fla. Queen Mary’s Gardens, London, England. Villa d’Este Gardens, Tivoli, Italy. These are some of the gardens my wife…
Please explain: Why is the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead so important?
Why is the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead so important? Have you ever played the game in which you had to look at a group of items…
It happened in a garden: Joseph of Arimathea’s garden
Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene in the garden provides hope by showing that the beauty in death for all believers is knowing that death is not the end. “That's not…
The death of death
“On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever” (Isaiah 25:7,8). Are you longing for…