On Temples and Tabernacles

On Temples and Tabernacles

Michael Wadsworth
Devotional, Discipleship, Theology, Church

John’s gospel doesn’t begin with the birth of Jesus. There are no stories of controversial conceptions, angelic messengers, or various unexpected visitors to be enjoyed. But he does give us a beautiful, poetic account of Jesus’ identity and the significance of his coming, describing Jesus as the God who chose to ’tabernacle amongst us’. I believe this brief and simple phase communicates the same essential message that the nativities of Matthew and Luke are trying to get across. I also believe that if we meditate on this line from John, we might appreciate those classic Christmas stories afresh…

Food for Thought

Food for Thought

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Discipleship, Genesis

The very first choice in the Bible involves food and I don’t know about you but I find this simple story really easy to relate to. I really like food and really enjoy cooking. But, particularly when I’m at home for an evening by myself, I will often reach for the zero effort, don’t have to think, I want it so I’ll take it kind of food…

Solomon the Fool

Solomon the Fool

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Deconstruction, Theology

The biblical writers are creative, artistic, and clever with their use of words. They don’t just want to report facts and events, they want to move and shape the way that we think about them. One of my favourite examples of this is the way that the author of 1 Kings writes about Solomon. If we look closely at his use of artistic flair, an interesting picture begins to emerge; one that changes the way that we think about Solomon entirely…

What if God was one of us?

What if God was one of us?

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Discipleship, Genesis, Theology

The early chapters of Genesis contain a number of stories about people attempting to become God(s) in their own right and on their own terms. In each case, the narrative exposes both the foolishness of and the deeply painful consequences of such ventures. What’s strange and ironic though, is that these people were invited to enjoy god-like status, power and authority. In fact we all are… But what does that truly mean? And how can we learn from the stories of those who have reached for it and failed?

Take a (Holy) Hike

Take a (Holy) Hike

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Church, Devotional, Discipleship, Theology

We should approach the Bible like we we would exploring a new landscape… not looking to conquer but to soak it all in and enjoy it. Not trying to dictate what we will find there but open to discover all that is has to offer. Respecting that it is unfamiliar, unpredictable, strange, but seeking to grow in familiarity, confidence and awareness of how to navigate it well. Seeking to follow others and lead trips ourselves in the hope that those we journey with fall in love with landscape for themselves.

Moses' Selective Memory

Moses' Selective Memory

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Theology

At the beginning of Deuteronomy, Moses recounts the people’s journey through the wilderness. What is interesting though is that his retelling of events appears to involve a rather – what shall we call it – creative? – relationship with the truth! He certainly appears to have a somewhat selective memory of events. How should we respond to this and what lessons might we learn from it…?

Deja Vu?

Deja Vu?

Michael Wadsworth

Do you remember those matching pairs games for children? The Bible is a lot like that. There are so many matching ideals, images, phrases, concepts and words that appear, again and again, throughout. How much richer might our engagement with the text be if we learned to recognise motifs, remember where else we had seen them, then turn them over together and reflect on them side by side.

An Invitation to Outrage

An Invitation to Outrage

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Church, Deconstruction, Discipleship, Genesis, Prophetic Literature, Prophecy, Relationships, Theology

As I’ve reflected on the many distressing stories filling up my social media this week, of those I know and love being on the receiving end of such toxic-masculine culture, I have been reminded of the various biblical accounts of women who’s stories have been uncomfortably exposed for all posterity. In many ways, nothing has changed… To those men reading; we have to stand up and take notice…

This is the Way

This is the Way

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Discipleship, Genesis, Theology

There is a beautiful linguistic quirk in the Bible that I’ve been mulling over for a while now. It has to do with the continual use of subtle directional language. It turns out this is all over the canon but is often subtle and so not always linked up and fully appreciated. The more I’ve followed this grammatical thread through the scriptures the more intriguing, pervasive and profound it has become.

Advent Devotions 1: Elizabeth's Encouragement

Advent Devotions 1: Elizabeth's Encouragement

Michael Wadsworth
Church, Devotional, Guest Blogs, Student Ministry, Youth Ministry, Discipleship, Biblical Studies, Prophetic Literature

I find this brief anecdote delightful and fascinating! Mary rocks up at Elizabeth’s house and before they’ve gotten further than “hello” John the not-yet-born-but-will-grow-up-to-be Baptist starts doing a joyful jig. As he does so Elizabeth, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, suddenly realises and starts shouting…

Holy Saturday: As Silent as the Grave

Holy Saturday: As Silent as the Grave

Michael Wadsworth
Devotional, Discipleship, Guest Blogs, Youth Ministry, Student Ministry, Church, Deconstruction

How many times have you felt this way about your relationship with God. He’s just silent. Maybe you’ve sat there, watching, waiting, becoming increasingly desperate. Maybe you’ve reached the point of questioning if what you had hoped for were really true. Maybe you’ve felt completely alone, or have completely isolated yourself…

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