Connecting Scripture and Life

In our first conversation about the Flood story and Noah we talk about the sadness and tragedy of lawlessness, sin, and consequence. We also share about God's sadness of heart and his sparing of the family of Noah and the beasts of the earth. There is a profound sense in this story of consequence and suffering not only for those who are left to die in the flood but for Noah who must witness the tragedy, and for God who inflicted it. It is God who shuts the door to the ark and that sets in motion the journey of new creation. This in some way completes the creation story of Genesis 1-2. The earth and all flesh are not utterly destroyed and God promises never again. Often portrayed as a children's story, this Flood saga is deeply adult and makes us face harsh realities in order to be created anew. Please join us as we find hope in trusting God for those who walk with Him.

In this episode we talk about the story of the men, one from each tribe, who are sent by Moses to scout the promised land. After forty days they return laden with clusters of grapes too bountiful to carry and yet they reject it because the inhabitants were, in their eyes, threatening. Only Caleb of the tribe of Judah and Joshua of the tribe of Ephraim believed the promise of God and said with confidence they could overcome any obstacles. The other eight riled up the people who became a mob and tried to stone the ones who told the truth. Because of the obstiance they were punished with their own desire, to die in the desert rather than risk death in the land of milk and honey. We are joined in this podcast by a special guest and together we try to understand how the ancient Israelites, and we today, give over so easily to our fear and reject the abundant blessings of God. We look most especially to Caleb who is a biblical hero, someone unknown who stands before the maddened crowd and speaks of God's goodness and grace. Please join us for this deep and meaningful conversation.

In this continuation of our conversation about Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, we explore the interior experience of the Midian priest who hears what God has done for Israel and seeks out Moses in the wilderness. He brings Moses's family and listens to Moses tell the story of how God freed his people from the Egyptians. Jethro makes a pronouncement that of all the gods, the God of Israel is the greatest, and he makes a sacrifice. What is this sacrifice and its meaning? Jethro offers his wisdom to Moses and establishes a "pyramid of hierarchy" that is at once to benefit Moses and the people of God. Then he departs. Please join us as we explore this important character who so briefly enters our story yet leaves a profound and lasting mark.