Naomi: From Lament to Praise (Ruth 1:20-21 & 4:14-16)

The book of Ruth is a beautiful and moving story of a family living ‘in the days when the judges judged’ (Ruth 1:1). It forms a sharp contrast, and provides significant relief, from the stomach-churning accounts which make up the latter part of the book of Judges. The grand national scale of the Judges accounts […]

The Royal Official: Trekking uphill to Jesus (John 4:46-54)

‘Desperate times call for desperate measures’ goes the saying, and this episode from John’s gospel gives an example of someone who acts desperately in order to secure something important. The Royal Official of John 4:46-54 lived in Capernaum and is highly likely to have been employed by Herod Antipas, and maybe even part of his […]

Simon of Cyrene: In Jesus’ footsteps (Luke 23:26)

Once Jesus had been unjustly sentenced to death He was led away to be crucified.  Jesus’ trial and subsequent sentencing had taken place within the city walls but his crucifixion would take place on a hill just outside Jerusalem.  The scourging, beating, and torture he had undergone rendered his body a mass of bloody flesh, […]

The Rechabites: Unwavering obedience (Jeremiah 35)

Jeremiah 35 contains an intriguing episode from the strange life of Jeremiah.  Jeremiah is told by God to invite a clan of Israelites called the Rechabites to the temple in Jerusalem and provide them with wine to drink.  What an invitation – a surprise and an honour! On arrival they were welcomed and taken to […]

Dorcas: Doing good & helping the poor (Acts 9:36-43)

In Acts 9:36-43, tucked away between the era-defining accounts of Paul’s Damascus road conversion and Peter’s afternoon vision – events which propelled the Early Church to welcome Gentiles and take the gospel across the known world – sits the beautiful story of Dorcas.  Described simply as a disciple, Dorcas, or Tabitha in Aramaic, became ill […]

Cleopas and companion: Walking in the company of Jesus (Luke 24:13-35)

Resurrection day was momentous!  Looking back from our perspective it is clear how things were different from that time on.  However, the account of Cleopas and his unnamed companion in Luke 24:13-35 gives an insight into the immediate impact on the followers of Jesus and the huge questions which were swirling around.  The story begins […]

The Widow of Nain: Seen by Jesus (Luke 7:11-17)

Luke 7:11-17 tells a remarkable story from the ministry of Jesus.  Jesus is travelling with His disciples to a city called Nain and, as became typical, a large crowd accompanied them.  As Jesus came to the gate of the city He encountered what would have been a pretty common scene: a funeral procession.  The crowd […]

Jehoshabeath: The Courageous Princess (2 Chronicles 22:10-12)

Cast list: Ahaziah              King of Judah (also known as Jehoahaz) Jehoram             Father of Ahaziah Athaliah              Mother of Ahaziah Jehoshabeath   Sister of Ahaziah Joash                   Son of Ahaziah Jehoiada             High priest 2 Chronicles 22:10-12 happened during dark times for the nation of Judah.  Following the death of King Jehoshaphat who ‘sought the Lord with all his […]

Sarah: The Mother who Laughed (Genesis 18:9-15 & 21:1-7)

It definitely counts as an unusual event when three visitors turn up from nowhere to visit your tent.  Especially when it turns out that the visitors are God Himself and a couple of angels!  And particularly when they predict that one year later you would have a baby.  And even more so when you are […]

Joseph (Part 3): Dreamer, Refugee, Protector (Matthew 2:13-23)

It happens so frequently.  Someone or something captures the public imagination and for a short time they are the talk of the town.  But, no sooner than they become a household name, they disappear from view.  Just two months ago, Joseph was the subject of every nativity play in the country.  Now, in the middle […]