Connecting Scripture and Life

Episode 109: Not a Formless Void - Genesis 7-9

We continue our exploration of the Noah story with Noah, his family, and the creatures of the earth drifting on the flood waters. We talked about it as a new creation but is creation the right word to describe what comes after? In this story there are people, animals, birds, creepy crawly things, and mountains that are covered over. Noah's family and the contents of the ark have the ru'ah, the breath of life in them. And Noah has knowledge. How then do we describe what it is after God blows wind over the waters to reveal dry land that lay beneath? Please join our conversation.

Episode 108: The Ark of God - Genesis 6

In our first conversation about the Flood story and Noah we talk about the sadness and tragedy of lawlessness, sin, and consequence. We also share about God's sadness of heart and his sparing of the family of Noah and the beasts of the earth. There is a profound sense in this story of consequence and suffering not only for those who are left to die in the flood but for Noah who must witness the tragedy, and for God who inflicted it. It is God who shuts the door to the ark and that sets in motion the journey of new creation. This in some way completes the creation story of Genesis 1-2. The earth and all flesh are not utterly destroyed and God promises never again. Often portrayed as a children's story, this Flood saga is deeply adult and makes us face harsh realities in order to be created anew. Please join us as we find hope in trusting God for those who walk with Him.

Episode 107: Choose Life, Choose Love - Numbers 13-14

In this episode we talk about the story of the men, one from each tribe, who are sent by Moses to scout the promised land. After forty days they return laden with clusters of grapes too bountiful to carry and yet they reject it because the inhabitants were, in their eyes, threatening. Only Caleb of the tribe of Judah and Joshua of the tribe of Ephraim believed the promise of God and said with confidence they could overcome any obstacles. The other eight riled up the people who became a mob and tried to stone the ones who told the truth. Because of the obstiance they were punished with their own desire, to die in the desert rather than risk death in the land of milk and honey. We are joined in this podcast by a special guest and together we try to understand how the ancient Israelites, and we today, give over so easily to our fear and reject the abundant blessings of God. We look most especially to Caleb who is a biblical hero, someone unknown who stands before the maddened crowd and speaks of God's goodness and grace. Please join us for this deep and meaningful conversation.

Episode 106: Jethro - Transformation and Wisdom

In this continuation of our conversation about Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, we explore the interior experience of the Midian priest who hears what God has done for Israel and seeks out Moses in the wilderness. He brings Moses's family and listens to Moses tell the story of how God freed his people from the Egyptians. Jethro makes a pronouncement that of all the gods, the God of Israel is the greatest, and he makes a sacrifice. What is this sacrifice and its meaning? Jethro offers his wisdom to Moses and establishes a "pyramid of hierarchy" that is at once to benefit Moses and the people of God. Then he departs. Please join us as we explore this important character who so briefly enters our story yet leaves a profound and lasting mark.

Episode 105: Jethro: A Guide to the Divine - Exodus 2:10-3:2

Jethro, Moses father-in-law, seems on the surface to be somewhat incidental but in deeper exploration of the pagan priest he is revealed as a non-Hebrew who brings a new perspective to our understanding of Moses's journey to the burning bush. Through Scripture and Midrashim we build a picture of this man who mirrors God in Moses's earthly life, making him a shepherd of sheep that sends Moses into the desert to become the shepherd of God's people.