Pilate and Herod are as kings of “Babylon.” Hear Jesus’silence in his encounters with them. While there are a few words of Jesus to Pilate expressing who Jesus is, there is not a word in the presence of Herod. As the evil kings of his ancestors from the readings from 2 Chronicles, all the pomp and noise of Herod produces nothing but Jesus’ steady silent stare into his face.

Just before today’s account in Luke of Jesus brought before Pilate, Matthew has inserted the account of the tragic end of Judas, using verses that occur in our reading on Tuesday from Zechariah. If only he, as Peter, had found a moment to behold Jesus’ look of sadness and love upon him! Being in such a presence might have changed him. Look what it did for Pilate and Herod; they became friends! Feel the silent, steady stare of Jesus and be changed.

Luke 23:1–12

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Silent before the Herods. v. 9

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 2 Timothy and Revelation 12—22.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Arrogant shepherds appear at the beginning of the reading, boasting as the Pharisee in yesterday’s parable. Hear the Lord’s outrage against such ones.

We are reminded of the suffering of Jesus, as we encounter verses from this prophet that Matthew and John have on their hearts in their passion narratives (Matt 27:3 ff; John 19:37).

Listen for the sounds of mourning that rise up from the people as they grieve—sounds in harmony with the expression of sorrow of the Publican of yesterday’s Gospel. The verse for the day reminds us the Holy Spirit stirs such groans as birth pangs of the new creature you will become when you are dead to self.

Zechariah 11—12

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide we read Habakkuk to Malachi.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Looking on the one I’ve pierced. 12:10

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

We listen to the awesome words that recount the beginning of the universe. On fire with faith, our imaginations behold the work of God. God’s word is God’s work. This pattern recurs as a rhythm: “God said” … and then “God saw that it was good.”

The word “universe” literally means “The one thing that turns.” Make it personal—“The One who turns.” The description of creation takes place in thirty-four “turnings” we call “verses” in the Bible.

It took over three years for Michelangelo to recreate the creation of God onto the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. As you come to the place of the beginning of the Jewish Torah cycle, may the Bible’s 30,442 verses, turn your whole being each day into a sacred chapel/temple that reflects the beauty and handiwork of God.

Genesis 1:1—6:8

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Making me in Your image. 1:27

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information