If Israel’s army was victorious, this was further proof that their God could beat up the gods of their enemies. If Israel was defeated, this raised uncomfortable questions like ‘Why can’t our God beat up these other gods and defend us?’

No small boy ever says 'when I grow up, I want to be the man with the nails at crucifixions.' And yet, here you are. It's funny how life turns out.

God cares for us and protects us, but he’s not in the business of granting wishes, like some kind of holy concierge.

Unless we know what’s between them, we might miss the significance of the lessons themselves. A perfect example is in the story of Samuel.

In Mark 15:42–16:20, the angel proclaims, “He is risen!” The resurrection fulfills God’s Dream, bringing hope, new life, and renewal to all.

In Mark 15:1–41, Jesus endures the cross, fulfilling God’s Dream of renewal. The centurion declares, “Truly this was the Son of God."

In Mark 14:53–End, Jesus declares himself the Son of Man and remains faithful to God’s Dream, offering hope through courage and truth.

In Mark 14:27–52, Jesus prays in Gethsemane and surrenders to God’s Dream, showing courage and trust even in betrayal and sorrow.

In Mark 14:1–26, Jesus shares bread and wine, embodying God’s dream of love and renewal. His sacrifice invites us into grace and communion.

In Mark 13:14–37, Jesus calls us to stay awake and trust in God’s timing, living with hope and purpose in alignment with God’s dream.

In Mark 12:35–13:13, Jesus calls us to faith that endures, praising the widow’s offering and encouraging trust in God’s dream through trials

In Mark 12:13–34, Jesus places love at the center of God’s dream: love for God, love for neighbour, and a vision of hope and renewal.

In Mark 11:27–12:12, Jesus reveals that the rejected stone becomes the cornerstone, offering hope in God’s redemptive dream this Christmas.

In John 1:1–18, the Word became flesh to bring defiant hope and light to the world, declaring that the darkness will not overcome it.

In Mark 11:1–26, Jesus comes to Jerusalem with humility and love, inviting us to welcome him and live into God’s dream of renewal and faith.

In Mark 10:32–52, Jesus calls us to serve others and follow him with open eyes and hearts, revealing God’s dream of faith and humility.

In Mark 10:1–31, Jesus teaches about wealth, faith, and priorities, inviting us to live richly in God’s dream of love and generosity.

Jesus teaches that greatness is found in serving others, calling us to humility, faithfulness, and reflection of God’s dream.

The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ glory, and his healing reminds us of the power of faith, prayer, and God’s dream of renewal.

In Mark 8:11–9:1, Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him, revealing the cost of discipleship and the hope of God’s dream.