The Book of Judges, though a difficult read, confronts us with the ugly truth of how easily we turn away from God and calls us to acknowledge and confess our own sins instead of ignoring them or destroying others.

Samson is set apart. He has a special diet and ways to groom himself. He is powerful and can defeat those who should be stronger than him. But even though he is blind to the ways of God, God is not blind of him.

Japhthah tragically misunderstands God's nature, thinking that God will only act because of grossly large devotion. But the actual kingdom of God is one of grace and forgiveness that sets us free.

Despite hiding in fear, Gideon becomes God's unlikely instrument for delivering Israel, a reminder that God uses the unassuming to achieve the extraordinary.

When Israel strays, a ruthless warlord named Sisera emerges, leaving a trail of terror.  But hope flickers in the unlikeliest places: God raises up a prophetess named Deborah and a seemingly ordinary woman, Jael, who, together, hold the key to a surprising, victory-clinching act.

This week's judges cycle: we meet Ehud, the crippled lefty who reminds us that God's power shines brightest in weakness.

The book of Judges isn't a straight line but a cycle. Redemption and rebellion echo, reminding us how easily we stray. Prepare to see yourselves in the Israelites' struggles, becoming indistinguishable to the culture around us.

Even with the glorious news of Christ's resurrection, the disciples remained hidden, burdened by their actions. Yet, Christ arrives, a beacon of hope and unreserved comfort, offering peace in the midst of their doubt.

Comfort Comfort in the Passion of John’ Gospel

Communing Together as we get through.

As Palm Sunday dawns, confusion swirls around Jesus' identity and mission.  Jesus' final prayer is a plea for God's continued protection and unity amidst His followers' trials.  This all foreshadows the sacrifice that will ultimately bring oneness through His resurrection.

Adding your Story

As we approach the crucifixion, Jesus is giving comfort amidst coming hardship, revealing a deeper connection with the Father and to peace despite future scattering. All this echoes the story of Lazarus, where Jesus' power over death foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

Speaking of Life Together

The world may boast victory in the face of our struggles, leaving us blind to the bigger picture. But Jesus, the one who illuminates our innermost being, whispers a promise of sight beyond the present darkness. Like the man born blind, our blurry vision will someday come into focus, revealing an unstoppable joy.

Speaking Life to All

Like a vine tender cares for their vineyard, Jesus nurtures each branch. Nicodemus, once overgrown and shadowed, needed pruning to grow in the light. At the cross, after 3 years of pruning, everyone else saw only darkness, but Nicodemus saw the light of the King.

Speaking Freedom to Those in Captivity

To the lost souls feeling orphaned, the lonely drawing water in the heat, the outcasts fearing rejection, and those trembling before evil's seeming victory.  Jesus comforts, "I am your hope, and darkness has no hold on you."

How would you share the hope?

Jesus knows Peter is going to deny Him. Jesus knows our own failures. But while speaking to Peter and our failures, Jesus brings comfort to troubled hearts, and He makes room for us.

Jesus love them to the end.

We are called to walk in love, just as Isaiah sees he is a sinful man among a sinful people, and he yet is sent cleansed.  God cleanses us to walk in love and gives us the defense of His armor.

Paul, after seeing his own life change from putting people in prison to now sitting in prison for the gospel. He looks at us and says live a life worthy of the calling.

Moses sees the bush on fire, not burning up. God, out of the bush, calls this outcast to announce the good news to those in captivity. For by grace we have been saved and sent to bring good news of Christ who saves.

Father Abraham was called to look up at the stars and see countless descendants. Believing this calling, he moved forward in sinfulness as he tried to throw it all away. Even when we fail in our callings, God is still faithful to that original promise of Abraham, bringing unity to people.

God is pleased, not because the Jordan River is great (it's not); not because Jesus is from an important town (He is from the sticks); not because Jesus has done anything great yet. God is pleased because the creation is being made new, not with greatness or power, but in grace.