by Chris Shelton

“Jesus said: “Let’s take the boat out into deeper waters.” So out they go and then toss their nets into the depths. Suddenly, their nets are full to the point of breaking…. But the story doesn’t end here, for Discipleship begins not when they haul in the abundance–but when they leave it all behind and follow him.

by Mieke Vandersall

The theme of abundance is one with which many struggle and some even doubt, but is the problem with how we perceive abundance because we want physical resources to shower on us? God’s grace abounds in our lives; however, sharing resources with others is our job.

by Bill Elkins

Using Monty Python as his muse and Jesus as his guide, the author notes that these parables are completely different from Monty Python’s story of exploding overindulgence. But does it matter that “something completely different” is possible? In this consumptive addictive culture what can keep us from exploding from overindulgent overconsumption?

by Baruch A. Levine

The meaning of Ḥesed has been studied by Sages and scholars since antiquity. It operates on two planes: human-to-human, and human-to-divine, where Ḥesed is an attribute of God. The Hebrew noun Ḥesed has no known etymology; we learn its meaning entirely from context and usage.

by Kang-Yup Na

This intriguing study explores three complex concepts that overlap yet remain distinctive aspects of our relationships with one another and with God. “Jung” is not a person but a Korean understanding of spiritual connections to one another.

by Mark Leuchter

While Ḥesed has different meanings for different situations, here are many instructive examples to help clarify the power of this ancient word that remains useful for contemporary preachers, congregations, and anyone seeking to express deeper relationships with God and one another.

by Douglas S. Stivison

Many Christians believe that Ḥesed is the unconditional love of God despite whatever failings people may have. However, some believe that ḥesed may be part of a covenantal relationship where fulfilling binding pledges is necessary before a covenant is confirmed.

by Brad Embry

While notoriously difficult to translate, ḥesed is often defined as loving kindness or steadfast love; it is also rendered in terms of power and strength as an act of God to deliver the believer from an enemy. It is a word for all seasons for many reasons.

by Jo David

Written by a Rabbi for non-Jewish readers, this piece offers clear explanations of various Jewish religious rites and occasions that deal with the concept of Ḥesed; this is an excellent opportunity for Christian clergy to gain insight into the religion that Jesus followed.

by Åke Viberg

Here Jeremiah is the one to deliver a particular understanding of ḥesed, as expressed in chapters 18 and 19 with the image of a potter who takes a lump of clay and fashions it into whatever shape the potter wishes; if the clay did not turn out as intended, the potter could reshape it with loving attention.

by Phil Ruge-Jones

The author encourages us to communicate with our listeners not only by preaching at them but by drawing them into the Gospel readings through a “you are there” technique of Biblical story telling. How better to demonstrate the Ḥesed of Jesus than a memorable encounter with him?

by Yongbom Lee

Since Paul’s understanding of human-divine relationships was seated in the belief that God’s intention for humanity was positive, sustained, and generous, it is not difficult to see how Ḥesed could have been, for the Apostle, the binding confirmation of the reality of God’s unending love for creation.