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This week, the Visual Commentary on Scripture takes the overarching theme of Prophecy, and in particular Chapter 53 of Isaiah, with its focus on the Suffering Servant. Here is the introductory video from Ben Quash. Each day I’ll post some verses of this chapter, some beautiful, some challenging. From a Christian perspective, we read JesusContinue reading “Prophecy”

This Sunday our lectionary cycle returns us to the story of Abram and Sarai, whose names are changed to Abraham and Sarah to reflect their new covenant relationship with God. In chapter 16 of Genesis, the family fortunes of Abram are laid out in gory detail. Having been called out of his homeland by GodContinue reading “The God who sees us”

Today’s reflection from the Visual Commentary on Scripture ponders the relationship between the three artworks focused on the rainbow covenant symbol that has been the core theme for this week. You’ll find the material here, including an audio commentary. Their reflection takes us to some fairly deep places. At the end of this week myContinue reading “Bands of Light and Bonds of Love”

One of the striking things about the deployment of covenants in Scripture is the way that each covenant is worked out in the context of the time in question. Whether or not you think of the covenant between God and Adam/Eve, God and Noah/all creatures, God and Abraham/Sarah, God and all humanity in Jesus, asContinue reading “New Covenants in Our Time”

This week’s theme of covenant and the sign of the rainbow continues with a look at a spectacular artwork from the Visual Commentary on Scripture, here. Meanwhile in Greenbank, Phil Barnes captured this spectacular image. As you reflect on today’s image, enjoy this beautiful movement from Antonio Vivaldi’s “Spring”.

Today we focus on a beautiful 13th century mosaic of the Genesis 8-9 story of the great flood and the subsequent covenant between God and all creatures. The material comes from the Visual Commentary on Scripture and can be found here. While you’re reflecting on the image, here’s some dreamy music by Ludovico Einaudi toContinue reading “After the flood”

Yesterday in church we heard reflections on the story from Genesis 9: 8-17 in which God establishes a covenant with Noah and all creatures after a great flood. In the Visual Commentary on Scripture Lent series, this week focuses on covenant, and I’m linking here to the video introduction by Ben Quash. It’s a reallyContinue reading “Rainbow Covenant”

One of the most powerful images from the Hebrew Bible, and the Psalms in particular, is that of the power of “the deep” – the uncontrollable force of the water of oceans, storms, and floods. For those living at risk of flood, or who navigate the sea for work or pleasure, that power is noContinue reading “Safe from “the waters”?”

Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths (Psalm 25, verse 4) Discernment is such an important part of the life of faith. In a world where there is pressure to make snap decisions amidst the fast pace of commerce and politics, taking time to reflect is often squeezed out. I oftenContinue reading “Show me your ways”

Last Sunday we heard the story of the mountain-top transfiguration scene where Jesus is in the company of Moses and Elijah. It’s a kind of re-coronation scene where Jesus’ identity as “Son of God”, already established at his baptism by John in the Jordan, is confirmed. The blinding light of the scene is a kindContinue reading “God is light”