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JD; Paul Essah

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First Reading
First ReadingAmos 8:4–7God Remembers Lectionary Date: September 21, 2025 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul and Rosy are back for a conversation about economic exploitation—nothing new under the sun! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-09-0822 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 32:7–14Repentance Lectionary Date: September 14, 2025 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy and Paul discuss the theme of repentance in all of this week's readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-09-0217 minFirst Reading
First ReadingDeuteronomy 30:15–20Choosing Life Lectionary Date: September 7, 2025 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul puts Moses and Jesus into conversation to discuss what it means to "choose life." Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-08-2519 minFirst Reading
First ReadingSummer Shorts: Isaiah 5:1–7A Painful Conversation Lectionary Date: August 17, 2025 [10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul explores a painful AND hopeful dialogue between Israel and God, in the vineyard metaphor. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-08-0408 minFirst Reading
First ReadingSummer Shorts: Amos 7:7–17Be Bold! Lectionary Date: July 13, 2025 [5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul again, bringing out the boldness of Amos's message. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-06-3005 minFirst Reading
First ReadingSummer Shorts: 2 Kings 5:1–14A Different Kind of Power Lectionary Date: July 6, 2025 [4th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul is up with a brief reflection on the power dynamics in this week's Old Testament lectionary readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-06-2407 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJoshua 5:1–9It's About the Community Lectionary Date: March 30, 2025 [4th Sunday in Lent, Year C] Paul highlights the communal nature of this scene on the west bank of the Jordan River.
2025-03-1924 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 15:1–12, 17–18Descendants and Land Lectionary Date: March 16, 2025 [2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C] Paul tries to unpack the mysterious vision of God's promise to Abram.
2025-03-0414 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 34:29–35Transfigurations: Moses, Jesus, and Us Lectionary Date: March 2, 2025 [Transfiguration Sunday, Year C] Rachel and Tim discuss Moses's shiny (?) face, the apostle Paul's comments about it, and Jesus's Transfiguration. We cover a ton of ground in this episode!
2025-02-1836 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 45:3–11, 15Finding Agency in Impossible Situations Lectionary Date: February 23, 2025 [7th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Paul is up with some reflections on the climax of the Genesis Joseph novella—both its "Hallmark-ish" quality and its reflection of real-life trauma.
2025-02-1017 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 6:1–8, (9–13)Here am I Lectionary Date: February 9, 2025 [5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Paul explores the prophet Isaiah's iconic call story.
2025-01-2914 minFirst Reading
First ReadingMicah 5:2–5aAdvent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 22, 2024 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year C] In our final Advent episode of 2024, Paul and the gang (recording in person at the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting in San Diego) take a look at the political context and powerful imagery of the reading from Micah.
2024-12-0913 minFirst Reading
First ReadingRuth 3:1-5; 4:13-17Uncovering and Covering Lectionary Date: November 10, 2024 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Paul explores the theological impact of Ruth's vulnerability and its redemptive power.
2024-10-2915 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJob 42:1–6, 10–17Peace in the Midst of Mysterious Suffering Lectionary Date: October 27, 2024 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Paul and Rosy pick up our ongoing conversation in the book of Job this lectionary season. This week, Paul highlights Job's shift in tone after an overwhelming barrage of divine questions.
2024-10-1415 minFirst Reading
First Reading2 Samuel 11:26—12:13aFirst Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: August 4, 2024 [11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Paul considers how David's abuse of power has parallels in today's world.
2024-07-2207 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 48First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 7, 2024 [7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. But this week, Paul connects "praise" and "memory" in the lectionary psalm.
2024-06-2406 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, with Carol NewsomThe "Best of" First Reading Easter Series If you’ve been following First Reading during Easter season this year, then you know that we are using this time when the Lectionary draws from the Book of Acts as the first reading, to replay some of our favorite First Reading conversations with leading biblical scholars. This week, we want to share another personal favorite episode of ours, with one of our favorite people, the one and only Dr. Carol Newsom. Rachel, Rosy, and I all had the privilege of learning from Carol just before her retirement from teaching at...
2024-04-2951 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 25:6–9PARTY EPISODE: Easter Hope in the Middle of Chaos Lectionary Date: March 31, 2024 [Easter Sunday, Year B] Rachel, Paul, and Tim discuss the first reading for Easter in this party episode (also celebrating Rachel's birthday!). We also made a video version of this episode, which you can see on YouTube:
2024-03-1827 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 31:31–34I Will Inscribe It on Their Hearts Lectionary Date: March 17, 2024 [5th Sunday in Lent, Year B] Paul explores what's new about Jeremiah's "new covenant."
2024-03-0415 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJonah 3:1–5, 10A Sackcloth Moment Lectionary Date: January 21, 2024 [3rd Sunday after Epiphany, Year B] Paul invites us to consider following the Ninevites' model of repentance in the new year.
2024-01-0816 minThe Very Basics Pod
The Very Basics PodHow to Read the Book of Revelation Without Getting Offended (for the most part)Hatty Lee returns to chat with me about the book of Revelation.Beginning from our earliest memories of the end times sermons and movies we grew up with in the charismatic Christian communities in Ghana and Korea, respectively, we reflect on how the particulars of reading communities shape their interpretations of (ancient) texts.Then we pivot to the theme of world wars and the many battle scenes in Revelation, focusing partly on the Israeli-Hamas war since Oct 8 and the subsequent siege on Gaza.The episode wraps up with a question on the apocalypse...
2024-01-0448 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 1:1–5The World Elohim (and We) Create Lectionary Date: January 7, 2024 [2nd Sunday after Christmas, Year B] Paul explores some of the nuance of the first creation story in the Bible.
2023-12-2520 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 61:1–4, 8–11Live, from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, it's First Reading: Advent! Lectionary Date: December 17, 2023 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B] Our advent episodes this year were recorded live at Trinity Lutheran Seminary's "Trinity Days" event, with an encouraging studio audience! In this episode, for Advent 3, Paul looks at the Messianic hope of Isaiah's prophecy for those living in traumatic times.
2023-12-0412 minFirst Reading
First ReadingEzekiel 34:11–16, 20–24Bad Shepherds and the Good Shepherd Lectionary Date: November 26, 2023 [26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] In this episode, Paul and Rachel dive into Ezekiel 34, discussing the peculiar character of Ezekiel, the metaphor of shepherds representing kings, and the consequences of bad leadership that led to Israel’s exile. The passage emphasizes God’s promise to become Israel’s true shepherd. Join Paul and Rachel in this insightful discussion that goes beyond the historical context of the passage, touching on themes of justice, God as a homemaker, and the potential connection to Jesus as the Go...
2023-11-1312 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJoshua 24:1–3a, 14–25, with Paul HinlickyAs for Me and My Dynasty, We will Serve the Lord Lectionary Date: November 12, 2023 [24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] This week, First Reading welcomes Rev. Dr. Paul R. Hinlicky, as our guest. Dr. Hinlicky is a Lutheran theologian and author, a Lutheran pastor, and a “regenerative agriculture” farmer on his Virginia property, St. Gall Farm. He is Professor Emeritus of Lutheran theology at Roanoke College and the Distinguished Fellow and Research Professor of the Institute of Lutheran Theology. Dr. Hinlicky's most recent major project was a theological commentary on the book of Joshua with Braz...
2023-10-3041 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJoshua 3:7–17A People on the Move Lectionary Date: November 5, 2023 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Paul takes us into the Promised Land.
2023-10-2317 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 29:15–28, with Cameron HowardFrom the Vault: The Best of First Reading Lectionary Date: July 30, 2023 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] This week we revisit our fascinating conversation with Dr. Cameron Howard, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She is a graduate of Emory University, and has contributed to several commentaries and journals, including the Women’s Bible Commentary, WorkingPreacher.org, and the BibleOdyssey.org. The book she was working on in 2020 is now available! The Old Testament for a Complex World needs to be on your shelf yesterday!
2023-07-1733 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67On the Road Again Lectionary Date: July 9, 2023 [6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Paul jumps into a famous love story and finds a biblical travelogue.
2023-06-2619 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 21:8–21An Unfair Disinheritance Lectionary Date: June 25, 2023 [4th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Paul wades into a challenging text to offer insight, context, and even some resistance.
2023-06-1219 minThe Very Basics Pod
The Very Basics PodNumbers 5:11-29: How to make sense of difficult Bible passagesMy brilliant friend Cliel Shdaimah and I recorded this timely episode for all communities reading this unique text this week. We hope they you somewhere to begin to formulate your thoughts. Enjoy!
2023-06-0750 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 31:1–5, 15–16, with Bill BrownLet Your Heart be Emboldened, You who Wait for the Lord Lectionary Date: May 7, 2023 [5th Sunday of Easter, Year A] Rosy and Paul are joined this week by special guest, Bill Brown. Bill is Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, and an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is also the author of several books, including Seeing the Psalms: A Theology of Metaphor (2002), God and the Imagination: A Primer to Reading the Psalms in an Age of Pluralism (2001), and Deep Calls to Deep: The Psalms in Dialogue amid...
2023-04-2446 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 23A Shepherd's Perspective on the Shepherd Psalm Lectionary Date: April 30, 2023 [4th Sunday of Easter, Year A] Paul reads the famous psalm through the eyes of his grandmother in Ghana.
2023-04-1712 minThe Very Basics Pod
The Very Basics PodHow to read the Bible without any faith commitment The embodiment of all amazing-ness, Antonio Ortiz, did us the honors this month on such an important but rare topic. Let us know what you think. Enjoy!
2023-04-0342 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 16Feel the Love Lectionary Date: April 16, 2023 [2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A] Paul is up this week for some insights into the psalm of the week!
2023-04-0312 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 31:1–6Easter's Fresh Start Lectionary Date: April 9, 2023 [Easter Sunday, Year A] Tim finds the "Easter-y" resonance in an ancient prophetic text—and we welcome our newest co-host, Paul Essah!
2023-03-2713 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 118:1–2, 19–29; Isaiah 50:4–9aPalm and Passion Sunday Lectionary Date: April 2, 2023 [Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A] It's a party episode, featuring our newest regular cohost: Paul Essah!
2023-03-2038 minThe Very Basics Pod
The Very Basics PodWhat it means to be a Christian with an Islamic past Afeez Sodeinde is a brilliant scientist and a Christian who grew up Muslim. I talked with him about what it means to have experienced two major religions and his advice for the world. Enjoy
2023-03-1945 minThe Very Basics Pod
The Very Basics PodThe Bible and Archeology 101 Super excited to have had this chat with the amazing Claire Campbell on reading the bible with archeological lenses. Enjoy!
2023-03-1144 minThe Very Basics Pod
The Very Basics PodPentecostalism In Africa: Origins, Impact, Issues & Future This week, I am honored to sit with Dr. Kyama Mugambi, Assistant Professor of World Christianity at Yale University Divinity School. Enjoy!
2023-02-261h 11First Reading
First ReadingMicah 6:1–8What Prophecy Is and Is Not Lectionary Date: January 29, 2023 [4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] Guest host, Paul Essah (PhD student at Yale), hits the high points of this famous text.
2023-01-1615 minThe Very Basics Pod
The Very Basics PodWhat is the Bible: A Holy Book? Ancient Literature? Both or None? Hatty Lee joins me on this episode to piece out the gigantic question, "what is the Bible?" Hatty is on her way to doctoral studies and has been doing her MA studies for the last two years at Yale University. She is brilliant, generous, and kind. Enjoy!
2023-01-1640 minThe Very Basics Pod
The Very Basics PodIntro: Bible, Faith & Society Here is my brand-new podcast. Enjoy!
2022-11-1903 minFirst Reading
First ReadingActs 16:9–15Paul's Prophetic Travel Guide and Host Lectionary Date: May 22, 2022 [6th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Tim sees a pattern in Paul's travels.
2022-05-0909 minFirst Reading
First ReadingRomans 8:22–27The Old Testament in the New Testament: The Spirit as a Midwife Lectionary Date: May 23, 2021 [Pentecost Sunday, Year B] Paul "pushes" the metaphor of childbirth in this discussion of our present labors.
2021-05-1015 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 16:2–15Manna From Heaven Lectionary Date: September 20, 2020 [16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Tim helps us see how this "grumbling" story is about a growing relationship of trust.
2020-09-0811 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 14:19–31Horse and Rider Thrown Into the Sea Lectionary Date: September 13, 2020 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel offers some reflections on preaching an (in)famous war text.
2020-08-3112 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 12:1–14Liberation and Decimation Lectionary Date: September 6, 2020 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Tim finds some helpful angles into a text about massive loss of life.
2020-08-2410 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 3:1–15, with Debra MumfordDivine Invitation to Critique Lectionary Date: August 30, 2020 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] This week, Rachel and Tim tackle a rich passage with the help of the podcast's first professional homiletician, Rev. Dr. Debra Mumford. She is Professor of Homiletics at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Tim's alma mater). Debra is an ordained American Baptist minister, and has served in several church ministry contexts. Her academic work has centered around the topics of African American prophetic preaching, prosperity preaching, eschatology and the reign of God, and the intersections between preaching and health. And, as of this...
2020-08-1733 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 1:8—2:10Unexpected Allies Lectionary Date: August 23, 2020 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel walks us through the moment when everything changes for Israel in Egypt.
2020-08-1011 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 45:1–15God Meant it for Good? Lectionary Date: August 16, 2020 [11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] How do we square the evil of what Joseph's brothers did to him with the good that came out of it?
2020-08-0310 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 37:1–4, 12–28Joseph's Fashion Statement Lectionary Date: August 9, 2020 [10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Another sibling rivalry rehearses generations of family trauma in Abraham's descendants.
2020-07-2713 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 32:22–31Wrestling with God Lectionary Date: August 2, 2020 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Jacob wrestles with a mysterious divine representative.
2020-07-2010 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 29:15–28, with Cameron HowardEverything is Changing Lectionary Date: July 26, 2020 [8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Dr. Cameron Howard joins us on the show this week. Cameron is an associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She is a graduate of Emory University, and has contributed to several commentaries and journals, including the Women’s Bible Commentary, WorkingPreacher.org, and the BibleOdyssey.org. Her current project is especially appropriate for our current situation, because it’s about how the Bible models faithful innovation for the twenty-first century.
2020-07-1333 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 28:10–19aGod is in this Place! Lectionary Date: July 19, 2020 [7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] On the run, Jacob has a dream with words from God.
2020-07-0716 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 25:19–34Family Drama Lectionary Date: July 12, 2020 [6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Warring brothers jostle for advantage, with a divine birthright in the balance.
2020-06-2913 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67Cooperating with Divine Providence Lectionary Date: July 5, 2020 [5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Abraham's story isn't quite done: we need to find a wife for the miracle child, Isaac.
2020-06-2311 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 22:1–14, with Ethan SchwartzInvitation to an Experience Lectionary Date: June 28, 2020 [4th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] To chat about one of the most famous stories in all three of the Abrahamic faiths (the binding of Isaac), Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Ethan Schwartz. Ethan earned his PhD at Harvard University, where he studied how the Bible presents and formulates prophetic speech. He also studies how the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible) came together and how the Hebrew Bible was interpreted in the first century, especially in early Christian communities and sectarian Jewish communities. Ethan...
2020-06-1642 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 21:8–21God Hears those on the Margins Lectionary Date: June 21, 2020 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] The story shifts from Abraham and Sarah to an unlikely hero: Hagar.
2020-06-0814 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7Sarah's Pleasure Lectionary Date: June 14, 2020 [2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel eavesdrops on a special visit to Abraham and Sarah.
2020-06-0317 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 1:1–2:4aBeginnings Lectionary Date: June 7, 2020 [Trinity Sunday, Year A] Tim tackles a few preaching pitfalls, and gives some preaching angles on the opening text of the big book.
2020-05-2615 minFirst Reading
First ReadingNumbers 11:24–30, with Reed CarlsonAnother Outpouring of the Spirit Lectionary Date: May 31, 2020 [Day of Pentecost, Year A] For this Pentecost episode, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Reed Carlson. Reed is an Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at the United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia and in Gettysburg, PA. He is also an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church and has Pentecostal roots, so he’s the perfect person to be talking to today! He earned his ThD at Harvard University, and his scholarly and church-ly interests include spirit possession in the Bible and how it relates to similar ph...
2020-05-1946 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 68:1–10, 32–35God's Victory in a Time of Death Lectionary Date: May 24, 2020 [7th Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Rachel opens up a psalm of praise—with some cautions about its war-talk.
2020-05-1116 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 66:8–20Psalm of Thanks Lectionary Date: May 17, 2020 [6th Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Tim traces some of the contours of a thanksgiving psalm.
2020-05-0417 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 31: 1–5, 15–16Don't Curate Out the Grit Lectionary Date: May 10, 2020 [5th Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Rachel helps us see the big picture of gritty faith.
2020-04-2716 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 23With Us in the Valley Lectionary Date: May 3, 2020 [4th Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, a song, a poem, and climate change.
2020-04-2119 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 116Precious Death Lectionary Date: April 26, 2020 [3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Rachel takes on some of the beauty and difficulty of Psalm 116.
2020-04-1414 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 16Gut Check Lectionary Date: April 19, 2020 [2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Rachel explores insights from the body language of Psalm 16.
2020-04-0613 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 31:1–6, with Michael ChanResurrection Hope in the OT Lectionary Date: April 12, 2020 [Easter Sunday, Year A] For this Easter episode, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Michael Chan. Michael is an Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He did his PhD at our own Emory University. His research interests are wide ranging, from iconography to biblical emotion to Ancient Near Eastern comparative data. He is the coauthor of the book, Exploring the Bible, with Eric Barreto, and hosts the podcast, Gospel Beautiful, an interview-based podcast that features theologians, artists, and thinkers who...
2020-03-3140 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 118:1–2, 19–29Hosanna: Oh Save Us! Lectionary Date: April 5, 2020 [Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A] Thank you, preachers, for the creative work you are doing in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis! This week, Tim leads us with a peek at the psalm that inspired the Palm Sunday shouts of "Hosanna!"
2020-03-2316 minFirst Reading
First ReadingEzekiel 37:1–14Dem Bones: Hear the Word of the Lord! Lectionary Date: March 29, 2020 [5th Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Rachel walks us through an iconic text of hope.
2020-03-1617 minFirst Reading
First Reading1 Samuel 16:1–13How God Sees Lectionary Date: March 22, 2020 [4th Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Tim looks at a text that usually gets translated backwards.
2020-03-0916 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 17:1–7Testing and Quarreling Lectionary Date: March 15, 2020 [3rd Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Tim explores a reassuring text.
2020-03-0208 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 12:1–4aLekh Lekha—Get Going! Lectionary Date: March 8, 2020 [2nd Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Rachel gives some preaching tips for a foundational text.
2020-02-2411 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7Becoming Human Lectionary Date: March 1, 2020 [1st Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Tim defamiliarizes a familiar text.
2020-02-1716 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 24:12–18, with Amanda MbuviExperiencing God's Glory Lectionary Date: February 23, 2020 [Transfiguration Sunday, Year A] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Amanda Mbuvi, Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University in High Point, NC. She holds a BA in Philosophy and Literary Theory from Bryn Mawr College, an MTS in Biblical Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Religion from Duke University—as well as a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Duke University! She was drawn to the Hebrew Bible because of its vivid stories and rich language, and because of the way it connects th...
2020-02-1032 minFirst Reading
First ReadingDeuteronomy 30:15–20Choose Life Lectionary Date: February 16, 2020 [6th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Tim attempts to put a familiar text into context.
2020-02-0313 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 58:1–9a (9b–12)Cry Out! Lectionary Date: February 9, 2020 [5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Rachel helps us hear the prophetic call to stop hurting ourselves by hurting others.
2020-01-2812 minFirst Reading
First ReadingMicah 6:1–8First Steps in a Journey toward Justice Lectionary Date: February 2, 2020 [4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Rachel's up with an encouragement to begin the conversation about racial justice with this beloved text.
2020-01-2012 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 27:1, 4–9, with Kristin WendlandWith Us in the Midst of the Wilderness Lectionary Date: January 26, 2020 [3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Kristin J. Wendland for a rich discussion about this week’s psalm. Kristin is Assistant Professor of Old Testament at her alma mater, Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Her work focuses on personification, gender, and the divine-human relationship in exilic and post-exilic literature. She is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and holds degrees from Luther Seminary (where she overlapped with Rachel) and Princeton The...
2020-01-1437 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 49:1–7A Greater Calling Lectionary Date: January 19, 2020 [2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Tim explores the power of God's calling.
2020-01-0617 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 42:1–9Just Service Lectionary Date: January 12, 2020 [1st Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Rachel goes deep in the mishpat.
2019-12-3018 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 60:1–6Arise! Shine! Lectionary Date: January 6, 2020 [Epiphany of the Lord, Year A] This week, Tim orients us to some of the themes of a classic Epiphany text.
2019-12-2316 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 9:2–7Unto Us a Child is Born! Lectionary Date: December 24, 2019 [Nativity of the Lord, Year A] This week, Rachel takes a historical look at one of the most famous "Christmas" texts of the Bible. As a supplement to this episode, check out her commentary on this same passage over at WorkingPreacher.org.
2019-12-1610 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 7: 10–16Invitation to Trust Lectionary Date: December 22, 2019 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year A] This week, Rachel explores a fresh approach to Advent 4. As a supplement to this episode, check out her commentary on this text over at WorkingPreacher.org.
2019-12-0912 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 35:1–10Reversal of Fortunes Lectionary Date: December 15, 2019 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year A] This week, Tim and Rachel chat about Advent from sunny San Diego.
2019-12-0306 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 11:1-10A Shoot from Jesse's Stump Lectionary Date: December 8, 2019 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year A] This week, Tim and Rachel chat about Advent from sunny San Diego.
2019-11-2609 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 2:1–5, with Tyler MayfieldWalk in the Light Lectionary Date: December 1, 2019 [1st Sunday of Advent, Year A] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Tyler Mayfield, Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Tim’s alma mater!). He is the author of Literary Structure and Setting in Ezekiel (2010), which argues for a new reading of the biblical book of Ezekiel, and A Guide to Bible Basics (2018), which presents the contents of the Christian Bible to strengthen biblical literacy. Look for his forthcoming book, Unto Us A Child Is Born: Isaiah, Advent, and Our Je...
2019-11-1938 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 23:1-6Christ the King Sunday Lectionary Date: November 24, 2019 [Christ the King Sunday, Year C] This week, Rachel offers a new angle on an old sermon.
2019-11-1313 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 65:17–25New Heavens and New Earth Lectionary Date: November 17, 2019 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel traces a hopeful theme of renewal in Isaiah.
2019-11-0407 minFirst Reading
First ReadingHaggai 1:15b–2:9Glory in God's Presence Lectionary Date: November 10, 2019 [22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Tim looks at another minor prophet—with major implications!
2019-10-2808 minFirst Reading
First ReadingHabakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4Learning to Lament Lectionary Date: November 3, 2019 [21st Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel has some venting to do.
2019-10-2112 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJoel 2:23–32, with Rolf JacobsonRenewal After the Swarm Lectionary Date: October 27, 2019 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Rolf Jacobson, Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN (Rachel’s alma mater!). With Craig Koester, Rolf developed and supports the Narrative Lectionary. His voice can be heard on two weekly preaching podcasts, “Sermon Brainwave” and “The Narrative Lectionary,” as well as singing the high lonesome with a Lutheran bluegrass band, “The Fleshpots of Egypt.” His collaborative projects include The Book of Psalms (NICOT; with Beth Tanner and Nancy deClaissé-Walfo...
2019-10-1437 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 31:27–34Inscribed on the Heart Lectionary Date: October 20, 2019 [19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel reads some of Jeremiah's body language.
2019-10-0712 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 29:1, 4–7Pray for Peace Lectionary Date: October 13, 2019 [18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel explores a the setting of a famous quote from Jeremiah.
2019-09-3012 minFirst Reading
First ReadingLamentations 1:1–6; 3:19–26A Well-Ordered Mess Lectionary Date: October 6, 2019 [17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Tim gives some tips on understanding and preaching from Lamentations.
2019-09-2410 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, with Carol NewsomHope in the Face of Certain Disaster Lectionary Date: September 29, 2019 [16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Carol Newsom. One of the giants of modern biblical scholarship, Carol recently retired from her post as the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Old Testament at Candler and a senior fellow at Emory's Center for the Study of Law and Religion. Carol came to Candler in 1980, only the second woman to hold a tenure-track position. In 2005, she became a C.H. Candler Professor, a university-based endowed chair. Her research focuses...
2019-09-1650 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 8:18–9:1Grieving God Lectionary Date: September 22, 2019 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel delves into a prophetic reflection about what provokes God's grief.
2019-09-0910 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 4:11–12, 22–28Judgment and Natural Consequences Lectionary Date: September 15, 2019 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Tim helps us face the consequences of persistent evil.
2019-09-0210 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 18:1–11The Mercy of Rock Bottom Lectionary Date: September 8, 2019 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel explores the potential of grace in a message of judgment.
2019-08-2612 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 2:4–13Living Water and Cracked Cisterns Lectionary Date: September 1, 2019 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Tim invites you to sip from the living water.
2019-08-1910 min