Reflections

A collection of sermons, bible devotions and spiritual resources.

My Complaint Is Bitter

November 9, 2021

Last week, we left Job engaged in the task of theodicy, the theological examination of why a just and all-powerful God could allow suffering and evil to exist. Job had become convinced that God was not particularly reasonable and was personally responsible for the suffering of the world. Just to…

Job is Tested

November 9, 2021

The book of Job has always been famous for two things – the patience of Job, and the introduction to the alleged malicious machinations of Satan. When we read the text closely though, we may be surprised, as both these ‘truths’ are actually found to be wanting. Job is not…

Proverbs 31: Woman of Valour

October 8, 2021

If you are a woman and you know this passage, or were paying close attention to the reading, you might be thinking something like: is this even possible? How am supposed to live up to such an ideal? How is this meant to inspire wisdom in me? And these are…

Lady Wisdom

October 5, 2021

The purpose of the book of Proverbs is to guide us in learning how cope with life (Prov 1.2-6). It places an emphasis on teachings gathered from tradition of the elders (e.g., 4.1-4) and from experience (e.g., 6.6-11). In contrast to many other books of the Hebrew Bible, major themes…

Seeking Restoration of Relationship

April 27, 2021

Last Sunday we celebrated the wonderous Resurrection of Jesus in a joyful, colourful service both here in person and through Zoom. And what a joy to be able to sing again especially Easter hymns.  There were even a few Easter eggs for those who still enjoy them. Speaking for myself…

Questions of Identity

February 25, 2021

Opening Prayer (adapted from Spill the Beans Iss.38 and based on the two lectionary readings of Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 & Mark 8:31-38; and Psalm 8) Creator God, if we are lucky enoughto be able to see the night sky through the glareof artificial light and the fog of pollution,we would…