Stephen De La Vega

I started writing this post before the killing of George Floyd . We were still grieving Ahmaud Arbery’s senseless murder . We cry, “Enough is enough.” We wonder when this wretched devaluing of life and livelihood will end. And we are justifiably angry. I don't normally mention people or current events in my posts. 'Always relevant' is my aim. But this is critical. It's serious. And it is, indeed, always relevant. I had planned to write about this topic before either of the two murders had occurred, so this is even more awakening for me as a writer. This is what I hold fast to and what I conclude from God’s sacred Word:   Everyone has value. Everyone is somebody. God cares about everyone. We should, too. When we hear about heartless killing, we get angry and we might even rise up and do something about it.   There’s a story about Jesus in John 2 where we imagine Him in a fit of rage. We imagine Him trashing the profiteering exploits of the wicked people who set u...

I enjoyed how my rhyming paraphrase of John 1 told the story of Jesus in vibrant yet plain language, so I had to continue rhyming John 2 and 3.  If you didn't read John 1, start there .  Then come back to read Chapters 2 and 3. I wrote all three chapters in a fun meter so it might help engage the kids in your life (including the big ones). In the second and third chapters of John, Jesus began performing miracles, explaining He is the Savior, and foretelling His resurrection. Through Him we may have eternal life. John the Baptist announced Jesus' coming in Chapter 1, and in Chapter 3 he announced His salvation. On to the rhymes and the truth about eternal life... The Gospel of John Chapter 2 - He Who's the Son A wedding occurred a couple days later. Guests one and guests all, with joy the host catered. Among those who came Was Jesus acclaimed, And men of His crew. His mother came, too. And wouldn't you know, they drank all of the wine. But watc...