Scripture

It is easy to read the story of Jezebel and see everything that is wrong, ugly, and distorted in her life. The challenge for us, however, is to call out the divine beauty (no matter how hidden or disfigured) that exists within her.

Jezebel is a very complicated person. She is evil. On the other hand, she is simply a strong-willed political operative of her time. And when death comes, she meets it defiantly and dressed to the nines.

The story of Rahab, therefore, isn’t simply the story of a person who may have lived long ago, but is the very present story of the Church. As we read about Rahab tonight, think about how Rahab’s story is our story.

In Scripture, Rahab goes from being a Canaanite common prostitute to being one of the greatest examples of faith and the direct ancestor of Jesus. Her story of faith and redemption may be the greatest told in all of Scripture.

My, my, my, Delilah /
Why, why, why, Delilah /
I could see, that girl was no good for me /
But I was lost like a slave that no man could free.

The story of Samson and Delilah is one of the great romantic tragedies in Scripture. . . . As pointed out by Mrs. Higgs, Delilah is a complex character with many unknowns.

The Samaritan woman at the Well was an outcast of an outcast of a marginalized group.  As you read through her story, keep in mind her complete lack of any social standing.

The sin of Sodom, therefore, goes beyond inhospitality and sexual lust for heavenly beings. Ezekiel’s statement also gives us an insight into Mrs. Lot’s character and why she longingly looked back to her life in the city.

How is the story of Lot’s wife a wonderful example of the dangers of remaining in the past or the dangers of having an affinity with those to whom we do not belong?