One of the greatest stories in the Bible is the record of the life of Joseph. Until Benjamin was born, he was the youngest of eleven boys, and he was his father’s favorite son. People criticize Joseph for being proud, suggesting he indulged in the fact that he was his father’s favorite. But I amContinue reading “Joseph Wept. Genesis 42:24.”
Category Archives: Biblical Manhood / Masculinity
Manly Exploits and the Manly Heart. 2 Samuel 23:8.
Pictured: Yellowfin tuna from this fishing guide’s website: https://alphonsefishingco.com/fly-fishing/species/yellowfin-tuna/ Once, after a day of deep-sea fishing, I joined my friend Doug at a stainless steel cleaning table. Ours was one of four tables, each surrounded by men cleaning fish and swapping stories. It was amazing to see the huge redfish and yellow-fin tuna and amberjackContinue reading “Manly Exploits and the Manly Heart. 2 Samuel 23:8.”
The Prayers of King David. Various Psalms.
Long before he was king, David wrote psalms (poetry and songs) reflecting on the years he spent as a fugitive, hunted by King Saul. David is a rich example of godly manhood–he makes mistakes, of course. But the man is unusually well-adjusted. He is courageous but sensitive, bold but vulnerable, strong but compassionate. This warriorContinue reading “The Prayers of King David. Various Psalms.”
GOD’S DESIGN FOR MANHOOD. Titus 1:6-9; 2:2.
What does God expect of us? In the year 2000, with a pandemic raging and people rioting across the nation, more than one of my friends said “this is a time for action,” by which they meant violence. I disagreed. When I need to understand culture and current events, I ask myself a pair ofContinue reading “GOD’S DESIGN FOR MANHOOD. Titus 1:6-9; 2:2.”
Why Do U.S. Churches Struggle to Appeal to Men? 1 Corinthians 16:13
Many say the church does not challenge men. JESUS challenges men, no doubt. And the Bible challenges everyone. But what do most churches ask from men? Come listen to meetings. Join a choir. Teach stories and crafts to children. Be a parking lot attendant. Go visit people in the hospital. These are not the kindContinue reading “Why Do U.S. Churches Struggle to Appeal to Men? 1 Corinthians 16:13”
Sing. Matthew 26:30.
Think of the film THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. Jesus was a tough, courageous warrior who went to the cross for you and me. He was scared enough that He sweat blood (an actual condition known as hemahydrosis)—but He did not run. He did not call 10,000 angels to rescue Him. He went forward boldly,Continue reading “Sing. Matthew 26:30.”
Billy Graham said, “Ours is a Singing Faith.”
I don’t know about you, but even having been a singer all my life, I sometimes think of male singers as trendy little guys in skinny jeans, or hipsters with an oxymoronically-named man bun. I have sung bass in choirs with all the manliest bearded men: big, strong, tattooed Marine veterans and tough guys ofContinue reading “Billy Graham said, “Ours is a Singing Faith.””
Biblical Manhood is Kingdom Childhood. Mark 10:14.
I admire two ministers and a layman.[1] First, Johnny Derouen. Our youth minister loved his family, and was determined to obey Jesus in all things. He also had a gift for loving people, listening to people, and showing compassion. He was full of joy and when you were around him, you knew following Christ wasContinue reading “Biblical Manhood is Kingdom Childhood. Mark 10:14.”
GODLY MANHOOD. Matthew 12:18-20.
Is manhood the power to terrify and defeat enemies, or the power to act rationally regardless of passions? Is it dangerous violence or dignified silence? Yes, men are leaders. You get to be Dad, Boss, and Hero. The Bible says “the Lord is a Warrior. Warrior is His Name,” Exodus 15:3. But Jesus modeled somethingContinue reading “GODLY MANHOOD. Matthew 12:18-20.”
Layers.
Childhood emotions come in single syllables: mad, sad, glad. You laugh, cry, pout, fume. Adulthood is complicated. You feel pensive, ambivalent, bittersweet. Adult emotions have more layers than a wedding cake. David understood. This poet who killed giants, this warrior who was a music therapist, this military tactician who cuddled lambs—David understood complex emotions. ForContinue reading “Layers.”
Household Words: 