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: Jesus embodied strong and loving manhood
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.”
INFANT LOWLY. Revelation 1:13-16.
Some think of Jesus as a baby. Consider the songs: “little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head,” “I played my drum for him… then he smiled at me,” “Sweet little Jesus boy, born in a manger way down.” Others think about Jesus the man, but emphasize only his suffering. Indeed, we call him “theContinue reading “INFANT LOWLY. Revelation 1:13-16.”
WHAT WAS JESUS LIKE? Hebrews 1:9.
The Bible is not a novel, is it? It employs brief descriptions, hints at personalities, settings, and the details readers love. Parts of it read like a plot summary. But if a novelist were in charge, the Bible might be a fifty-volume set. Yet we have questions: Were Adam and Eve tall or short, thinContinue reading “WHAT WAS JESUS LIKE? Hebrews 1:9.”
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.””
A MAN OF PRAYER IS A MAN OF COURAGE. Luke 13:31-33.
No one faced worse than Jesus. Yet He faced it with courage. He drew amazing strength from amazing prayer. His prayer time was not mere “quality” time, but also a significant QUANTITY of time. He got up before dawn. He stayed up all night. He went away to places of solitude. Consider Gethsemane: Jesus beganContinue reading “A MAN OF PRAYER IS A MAN OF COURAGE. Luke 13:31-33.”
Jesus Picks a Fight–Seven Times. Luke 13:10-17.
Do you picture Jesus as strong, tough, and bold, or meek, pale, and weak? The reason I ask is that portrayals of Jesus run the gamut: Though almost everyone sticks to the traditional tall, skinny, brown-haired Englishman in a white robe (just sayin’), the question of manliness spans a broad spectrum. Once or twice, IContinue reading “Jesus Picks a Fight–Seven Times. Luke 13:10-17.”
Household Words: 