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Today’s reading recaps several major themes of Philippians. In fact, readers today often prefer the recap portions over most of the preceding letter. Recapping earlier appeals (Philippians 4:1-3) Although distinctive statements of their own, Philippians (...)

It’s not surprising that a new, young leader like Joshua would feel anxious or inadequate. Joshua is taking over the reins of leadership from the great and incomparable Moses who led Israel faithfully for forty (...)

The story of Elijah’s ascension to heaven in a whirlwind is paired in the lectionary with the Transfiguration of Jesus. In the larger context of the New Testament passages, one can see the efforts of (...)

The story of the resurrection is the story of God making a way where there is no way. This is also the story of the Christian church as told in Acts. The church as “The (...)

From its opening lines, Psalm 37 closely resembles the didactic tone of the book of Proverbs. For example, Proverbs 23:17 counsels, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the (...)

I live in Indiana near Louisville, Kentucky. Since mid-March, Kentucky’s governor Andy Beshear has offered an update every afternoon concerning the coronavirus pandemic and steps Kentuckians are being asked to take. Early on, he asked (...)

The term “refuge” rings uniquely true in today’s world. Under orders to “shelter in place,” many of us are reconfiguring our domiciles to be fortresses against an unseen but deadly foe: COVID-19. Armed with masks (...)

Discussion on texts for Day of Pentecost (June 9, 2019): (Gospel) John 14:8-17, [25-27]; (First Reading) Acts 2:1-21; (Alternate 1st Reading) Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; (Second Reading) Romans 8:14-17. Recorded at Luther Seminary, Saint (...)

“Whoever does not love me does not keep my words.” This past week was the 27th Festival of Homiletics, thus the tardy post for the column this week, Dear Working Preachers. The theme for the (...)

Discussion on texts for Sixth Sunday of Easter (May 26, 2019): (Gospel) John 14:23-29; (First Reading) Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; (Second Reading) Revelation 21:10, 22–22:5. Recorded at Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, Minn., for Working Preacher.