Once there was a young boy who had quite a collection of remote control cars, toys, and even a small airplane or two. He took good care of them, and had them arranged nicely on a shelf in his bedroom. Occasionally, he would take one of the cars down and play with it by hand …
Every Other Religious Table
When we come to this Table, the Bible teaches us that we are partaking. In Scripture, this partaking is not a divvying up, after which each person gets a distinct and separate piece. Partaking is a movement of union and communion. The idolater partakes of the idol when he eats the food offered to that …
Losing the Calf, But Keeping the Gold
Our Father and God, You have established Your Church as a royal priesthood in this world, and so we intercede for the nations of men now, confessing on their behalf so that the grace of Your forgiveness will soon be extended to them all. Father, we confess to You now that our nation has been …
Covered By Snow
Once a young man was told by his father to pick up some clutter in the side yard—there were some tools, and a few toys, and some debris from a small rock wall that they had been building for a flower bed. His father came home after dark that day (it was winter and so …
Forgiveness in the Wine
When the people of Israel sinned in the notorious golden calf incident, Moses responded by grinding their idol to powder, throwing it into the water, and making them drink it. They drank the object of their foul worship, thus becoming completely identified with it—in that case, for cursing. We also consume what we worship, partaking …
A Royal Priesthood
Our Father and God, You have established Your Church as a royal priesthood in this world, and so we intercede for the nations of men now, confessing on their behalf so that the grace of Your forgiveness will soon be extended to them all. Father, we confess to You now the murderous wickedness that is …
Within Walking Distance
Our Lord was fond of a fortiori, “how much more” arguments. Not a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the will of the Father. That being the case, He urged, His disciples ought not to fret over whether they were going to be cared for. We can reason the same way here, at this …
Friends With Susan
“Mom, you told me once that I didn’t have to be friends with Susan, right?” “Actually,” her mother replied, “I told you that I would rather you not be friends with Susan. But basically, yes.” “Well, in the last couple weeks she has asked me to two different events. A get together at her place …
A Wiseacre Turk
“Dad, what is a parable anyhow?” the young fellow asked. His father, who had fortunately read something about this just recently, answered him on this wise. “Well, kid, let me tell you.” “Well, dad, tell me. That’s why I asked.” “The word parable comes from two Greek words, which together mean to ‘cast or throw …
Tell the Wizard What He Wants
Once there was a boy who had a very unfortunate experience. He lived in a fairy tale, and this is why he was not very surprised when a wizard stopped him on the way home, and asked where he was going. The boy said nothing, because he had learned a long time ago that the …