Comparatively to size, little dogs can often pack-a-punch. This is typically called ‘little dog syndrome’; meaning, sometimes little dogs can be more confronting than larger dogs. This might be true with the Bibles ‘one-chapter-wonders’. These small books are punchy, with plenty of bite, getting to the heart of key issues in the church.
When playing chess, have you ever seen someone make a move that didn’t make sense, but ended up being a stroke of genius? Likewise, understanding God’s plans and decision-making can seem confusing or at worst frustrating. No matter how much we try to bend God towards our will – because we think we know better – God stands firm with His will and shows us that His way is ultimately a better way. In the book of Habakkuk, the prophet has an unfiltered analysis of God’s decisions and God demonstrates through His words why He is God.
In your last moments before your death, what would you want your loved ones to know? Understandably, your last words are going to be some of the most important words spoken; maybe even saying things you had never said before. Likewise, when Jesus was on the cross, Jesus had some dying words – which are undoubtably some of the most important words He ever spoke. But His words weren’t just spoken to His Mother, but to His people for all time – a people who were going to be living in this desolate world without Him.
The world is growing technologically at an alarming rate. While inventions and advancement are a biblical principle – to cultivate the earth (Genesis 2:15) – these advancements can also be used for evil (Romans 1:30). This means – while technology isn’t evil or sinful – we are to be aware of how new technological developments like AI, social media, and TikTok can be used positively and negatively.
In a world that seems to be ruled by the devil, full of chaos, violence, and hopelessness, we can question whether the devil has won and overthrown Jesus from his kingship. Yet Jesus has promised that He has already won by installing his hidden kingdom in our midst.
For prisoners, freedom is a dream. But what about those who don’t know they are prisoners? For the Galatians, Paul says that while the Galatians know God, they actively are ‘putting the chains back on’ and becoming prisoners. They need freedom. We need freedom. Whether we recognise it or not. In a world surrounded by things that want to enslave us, Paul calls us to a gospel freedom that liberates human beings from the chains that ensnare us.
No one knows when grief is coming. It can come out of nowhere like an unstoppable tsunami, smashing all forms of hope. In the book of Lamentations, the writer is reflecting on the destruction of Jerusalem and how life will never be the same. Yet, through it all, there is still a glimmer of hope.
Out of the two brothers, Chris Hemsworth is a much more famous actor than his younger brother Liam Hemsworth. Similarly, would you also say that ‘the cross’ is a much more famous Christian event than ‘the resurrection’? Books sales seem to point that way. Yet Paul in 1 Corinthians says that without the resurrection, we have nothing. Let’s see how the resurrection is central to the victory of God.
The world is fractured by conflict, injustice, and division. It is no doubt an ‘eye for an eye’ world. Yet in these tense times of political and societal unrest, Christians are called to a new standard: peace-making. To be reconcilers not dividers. To bring peace in places of chaos.
In our world, weakness isn’t a good thing. There is nothing good about being picked last in sport. Nothing good about having a weak faith. Nothing good about being susceptible to sin. So, why does Paul describe weakness in a positive light? It would seem that God created us – even Adam and Eve before the fall – with limitations and weaknesses. We all – including Adam and Eve – have a finite capacity. The question is why…?
God, it seems, is not afraid of a little dirt. The obvious question is, why? Why did Jesus use mud to heal? We would cringe at His method today. Organic, messy, possibly unhygienic. It doesn’t make sense and seems unnecessary. But is there a point behind all this dirt, mud, and clay?
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