In Mark 11:12-26, the Bible reports how Jesus searches in vain for fruit on a fig tree. Jesus then says that the tree will never bear fruit again and withers. A bizarre story. What is Jesus trying to say?
The story only makes sense if we understand it as a symbolic action (parable / symbol) by Jesus. Continue reading The withered fig tree
3.4.25
Ahead of Trump’s arrival in the region, Israel proposes building an oil pipeline between it and Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Air Force jets are now also attacking T4 Airport in Homs. Israeli fighter jets targeted a scientific research building in the Berzeh neighbourhood of the Syrian capital Damascus and a military airbase in Hama. Third Israeli attack – this one was aimed at Hama airport in Syria.
The British newspaper “The Telegraph” quotes a senior Iranian official:
▪️ Tehran has decided to withdraw its forces from Yemen and stop supporting the Houthis.
▪️ Iran aims to avoid direct confrontation with the US.
▪️ Tehran is reexamining its policy towards its proxies in the region.
▪️ The main topic in the talks between senior regime officials: Donald Trump.
Jeremiah 17:5.7-8 is a call to wisdom.
Our decisions have consequences. We are challenged to think from the end and to stay with the source despite all opposition.
In the face of a hopeless situation, Jeremiah finds in God what sustains and nourishes him.
Those who trust in God will have everything they need to live, even in drought, even in difficult times.
The understanding of church has changed. Alternative models are currently being proposed. But church is more than just a meeting place for generations. In our church, we have discussed what motivates us to attend church services.
First and foremost is the presence of God. Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20 that he is among us. Something in the church service speaks to us. We are encouraged by conversations, singing together, prayers and friendly encounters.
For us, the focus is the Bible. Looking at the contexts and backgrounds opens up a new perspective on God, the world and ourselves.
The third point is the exchange after the service. Seeing each other regularly, asking questions or praying for challenging situations is a help for everyday life. Sometimes you get a advice on who you can turn to. Continue reading What motivates the church service
The parable of the wasteful manager (Luke 16:1-13) is confusing. This is shown by the different headings of the Bible translations of this story.
The shocking part of the story is: ‘The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness’.
We have to break down the story from the end. Verse 12 says: ‘And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?’
From taking wasteful, he switches to giving wasteful.
The more liberated we are from ourselves, the more God can entrust to us.
God’s mercy should become visible in us. It should be seen what we experience by God.
What matters is not what we have, but what friends we have.
So what is the secret of a good manager?
He does not revolve around himself, but puts himself in the position of his neighbour. He reaches out again and again. He does not allow himself to be instrumentalised, but builds friendships.
27.1.25
White House: Lebanon ceasefire agreement to be extended until February 18.
26.1.25
Contrary to reports, there is currently no agreement regarding the return of Arbel Yehud. Negotiations with the mediators are continuing. Israel will not allow Gazans to cross into the northern Gaza Strip until the matter is resolved.
WHAT IS HAMAS TRYING TO HIDE? WHY ARE THEY NOT GIVING US THE LIST OF HOSTAGES AND THEIR STATUS?
Paul and Barnabas go directly to Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:14-52). This is the first sermon by Paul that we know of, and it shows what is important to him.
Paul shows that through Jesus our lack has been overcome. The law does not cancel out our failing (sin) (Acts 13:38), but through reconciliation with God we receive forgiveness.
After a week of good dialogue and contact, jealousy arises. Paul and Barnabas are negated. Not for theological reasons, but out of pure envy.
Joseph’s brothers in the Old Testament were also envious and no longer had a kind word for him (Genesis 37:4, 11).
Paul quotes Isaiah 49:6 and announces that they will now turn to the gentiles (Acts 13:47).
Those who can rejoice in God despite opposition will be filled more and more with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).
more from Acts: https://jesus-news-israel.net/tag/acts/
Suddenly, the Holy Spirit (and not the church) called Saul and Barnabas to a new ministry. They went to the homeland of Barnabas in Cyprus.
In the Roman provincial capital, they were warmly welcomed by the governor Sergius Paulus. Cyprus thus became the first country in the world to be ruled by a Christian.
Elymas, the governor’s counsellor, shows how Satan wants to divert people from the path of faith. As a deceiver and enemy of all righteousness, he perverts the straight path of God (Acts 13:10). The movement of Jesus’ disciples was called “the way” at that time (Acts 9:2; 24:14).
Elymas earns what he is spreading: Darkness. Paul performs the first miracle. Now the name change takes place (verse 12). In resistance Saul becomes Paul – in resistance we are formed. Paul does not become proud, but small. Saul means the one who is prayed for. Paul means the little one.
more from Acts: https://jesus-news-israel.net/tag/acts/
January 6th is Epiphany. The day is also known as Theophany. This day is the second oldest Christian holiday after Easter. Before the calendar reform, it marked the beginning of the year.
Today, the revelation of Jesus’ divinity is celebrated on this day. Depending on the region and church, this day commemorates the birth of Jesus with the worship of the Jewish shepherds, the adoration of the wise men, the baptism of Jesus or the first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
We remember the story from Matthew 2:1-12.
There it is not written that the men were kings. The number is also unclear.
It is striking that only the astrologers knew about this star, but not the people in Jerusalem. Therefore, it cannot have been a comet.
If Jesus was born in 7 BC according to the meeting of the planet Jupiter and Saturn, Herod had the opportunity to meet the wise men and try to kill the child before his death in 4 BC.
The three gifts ensure the family’s survival as they flee to the Jewish diaspora in Egypt.
God knows what we need and when. Help came out of nowhere at just the right time.
God’s timetable is not always comprehensible to us. He does not protect us from difficulties, but he helps us through them. God’s timing and his help are what make up the Christian faith.
Why does the angel announce the good news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds first?
In Luke 1:32, the angel says to Mary: ‘The Lord God will give him (Jesus) the throne of his father David’.
David was a shepherd in Bethlehem around 1000 B.C. In his insignificant task, his trust in God grew. David described the good shepherd in Psalm 23. Jesus said in John 10:11: ‘I am the good shepherd.’
The shepherds of Bethlehem mainly reared sheep for the sacrificial service in Jerusalem. They therefore had to make sure that the sheep were spotless. Now the experts come and discover the true Lamb of God.
The shepherds are the first witnesses that God’s word can be relied upon. It is worth listening to God, even if some things seem illogical at first glance. By addressing the shepherds, God shows that his salvation is for all people.
Sometimes we think that God should speak through people who are better suited for this. But God loves the testimony of ordinary people. The many small miracles are often more appealing than lofty theological thoughts.