What Does a Thief Take?

Have you ever considered how popular culture shapes your perspective on Scripture? I’m not referring to topical theology—how Scripture applies to everyday life—that’s too obvious. Instead, I’m thinking about those deeply planted thoughts and assumptions we don’t even realize are there until one day they suddenly surface with a silly grin and an unwelcome, “Surprise!”

Razor

wretched
ruses
fool
blind eyes.

gullible
grins,
nodding
knowing
everything,
understanding
nothing.

Are You Sure You’re the Remnant?

What does the word “remnant” mean to you? Before I was a Christian, my mind would probably have gone straight to rolled-up carpet remnants at a discount store. If carpets aren’t your thing, the word basically means something from a larger group remaining when that group or thing is gone. With that in mind, the next time you’re dining out, finishing your dinner, and wanting a doggy bag, try asking the waiter or waitress for a bag for your “remnant” instead.

I’m sure they’ll be amused, if not confused. Of course, the context is clear you’re talking about your leftovers. This brings us to one of my favorite topics—context.

Depending on the context, remnant might mean something different within Christianity. If you ask a Christian, they’ll probably tell you that a remnant includes the faithful God has saved from His wrath. While I won’t disagree with that definition, I can’t help but wonder if we ought to reconsider how Scripture uses the term before we go around identifying as the “Remnant God has Saved.”

Without looking at your Bible, where do you think Scripture first introduces a remnant? Noah? Surely, Noah and his family are described as a “faithful remnant.”

Was Gedaliah a Noble or a Fool?

I was reading Jeremiah 40 when I, once again, wondered about Gedaliah, the short-term and ill-fated governor of Judah established by Nebuchadnezzar. Scripture has very little to say regarding this man other than to tell us that someone assassinated him. Still, what little we do know makes for a short, albeit interesting, conversation.

What’s remarkable isn’t that Gedaliah was assassinated. Instead, Gedaliah had every opportunity to avoid assassination, but chose a different path.