August 9, 2026

What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two?” • Mt 5.41

Jesus said this to Jews, whose first two kings — Saul and David — were “soldier kings” …

To an audience whose most recent indigenous ruler-kings, the Hasmoneans, drove out the Syrian Antiochus Epiphanes and his army … To listeners, some of whom might have been Zealots, waiting for/looking for an opportunity to overthrow their Roman oppressors …

To many who, just like the apostles after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, may have been waiting for the arrival of a physical kingdom. 

And yet, Jesus taught them to go the second mile. Don’t just go one … go two. Submit to Roman soldiers. Who serve the emperor, Tiberius. An emperor they did not vote for. They were taught by Jesus to submit to soldiers who would COMPEL them (KJV, NKJV, RV), who would FORCE them (NASB, NAS95, NIV, RSV, NRSV, CSB, NET, ERV, RV), who would DEMAND (NLT) that they walk and carry their loads and assist them as unpaid porters, even labourers in building projects.

Is there a message in this text that applies to 21st century Christians? In this country, the land of the free and the home of the brave? Where we are often more concerned about individual and political rights—and control—than service to others?

Three times in the greater context of Mt 5.41, Jesus taught his followers to suffer wrong …

For a greater good. They were to endure slaps to the face. Forfeit their shirt. And go the second mile when conscripted by a soldier in the Roman army. Do not, in these situations, escalate wrong by responding in kind. Accept the duty. Accept the wrong. Immediately after teaching the disciples to endure hardships and indignity, he encouraged them to positively and overtly reach out to others for good. Give to those who ask. Lend to those who need. The message here, as often found in the teachings of Jesus; Do not seek to dominate, rule or control. Seek to serve others. Even if it costs you. And service to others always costs us.

Love your neighbour today.

It might cost you, but that’s okay.

You will be following Jesus in doing so.

Double love, Jody Apple

~ Kevin Cleary

August 2, 2026

Joseph’s story foreshadows the gospel. He is cast into a pit, sold into slavery, and effectively considered dead by his father. Yet the very betrayal intended to destroy him becomes the means of his exaltation to Pharaoh’s right hand, where God uses him to save his family from death. In the same way, Christ’s rejection and crucifixion become the means of salvation for His people.

The parallels deepen on closer inspection. Joseph was loved by his father and favoured by God, as evidenced by his dreams (Acts 7:9-10). Jacob sent his beloved son to check on his brothers, but they rejected him and plotted his death, just as Jesus came to His own and was rejected (Jn 1:11). Joseph’s brothers stripped him of his robe, echoing the stripping of Jesus’ garments at the cross (Jn 19:23-24). Revelation 19:13 portrays Christ wearing a robe dipped in blood, recalling Joseph’s story and presenting Jesus as the true beloved Son who delivers His people.

As a slave, Joseph remained faithful despite severe temptation (Gen 39:9), paralleling Christ’s faithfulness under temptation (Matt 4:1-11). His obedience led ultimately to exaltation (Heb 2:10; Phil 2:5-11), though only after further suffering and imprisonment. Joseph’s imprisonment placed him in contact with Pharaoh’s court and led to his elevation as ruler over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Likewise, Christ was exalted to God’s right hand (Acts 2:34). Joseph then stood as judge over the very brothers who had betrayed him, and they had to come before him in order to live (Gen 42:2, 18; 43:8), foreshadowing Christ’s role as judge (2 Cor 5:10).

Joseph tested his brothers to reveal the reality of their repentance. Similarly, God remains partially hidden, allowing people to respond to Him freely rather than through overwhelming compulsion.

Another gospel picture emerges when Judah offers himself in Benjamin’s place, volunteering to bear the penalty so his brother may go free. Significantly, Judah would receive the royal line, and from his descendants would come the Messiah, who would bear the penalty of sin on behalf of His people.

Because of his exalted position, Joseph was able to rescue his family and bring them into the abundance and security of Egypt, where they received the best of the land (Gen 47:6). Likewise, Christ, through His exaltation, brings His people into the blessings of God’s kingdom.

At the end of Genesis, Joseph explains God’s purpose in his suffering: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good… to keep many people alive” (Gen 50:20). In the same way, the greatest evil ever committed, the crucifixion of Christ, was used by God to accomplish the greatest good: the redemption of His people (Isa 53:10).

~ Kevin Cleary

July 26, 2026

For most of my life growing up I was aware that Debates were a thing that had happened but apart from political debates it sort of felt like there were a thing of the past. First of all, it was somewhat frowned upon to discuss strong disagreements. Secondly, how were two stiff shirts using big words going to compete against the visual smorgasbord of cable television. Of course there were debates, but as a younger person I was largely unaware of them, as were most other people I interacted with. 

The invention of social media especially in recent times has represented a major problem for mainstream media. Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Tik-tok often receive considerably more views than mainstream outlets. These same outlets have also noticed dwindling numbers even for major events. ABC World News Tonight is the most watched news broadcast with six to eight million views. These numbers are easily overshadowed by various social media news creators many of whom receive multiple tens of millions of views. The most watched show of recent times was Stranger Things which was created and released by Netflix. 

This growth in media which is selected by the viewer has created space for specialized topics especially including those engaging in socio-political commentary and religious commentary. While this kind of content doesn’t get the kind of attention that Mr. Beast, for example, gets making more entertainment driven videos, it does get multiple millions of eyeballs. 

Charlie Kirk proved that open disagreement is one of the best ways to capture a large audience. Many others have taken a similar approach and this has meant that religious discussions which were recently considered not for public airing are now much more common. While not everyone is comfortable with public debate there is clearly an appetite for it. While there are some challenges to this format there are also opportunities and I have spoken to people who have become interested in Bible study simply because they were exposed to online short video discussions and debates of Theological matters. 

My prayer is that these debates will lead at least some to greater Biblical literacy. This may also lead to evangelistic opportunities as friends and neighbours look for trusted Christians to ask about what they are seeing online. I might add that those of use who are interested in serving God may be able to learn what is on people’s minds and be better equipped for service by consuming some of the Christians content which has become available on social media as well. 

~ Kevin Cleary

Social Media Trent Horn, Wes Huff, popularity of debate and discussion.

Growing Orthodoxy and Growing Catholicism, 

Breakdown of historical/ institutional/ denominational boundaries and identities. 

Increased access to resources and arguments 

July 19, 2026

How detailed does a statement need to be in order to be considered true? If I say I am wearing a shirt is that true? Do I need to specify the cut and fabric and colour? Most would say no of course simply stating that you’re wearing a shirt is enough. I would suggest that if truth is that which corresponds to reality. Then so long as a statement accurately describes the real world that is enough. This of course excludes lies by omission. If I am trying to eat healthy and I say “I had some milk and fruit,” but leave out that it was milk and fruit in the form of ice cream while that does correspond to reality it is purposefully intended to deceive. 

A favourite game of some philosophers is to question truth claims on the basis of accuracy. For instance if you say the sky is blue they may question you by pointing out that the sky really isn’t blue but rather you are seeing a reflection off of the atmosphere and if you go into space you’ll find that in fact it’s mostly black. Based on this they will go on to suggest that you really can’t claim that the sky is blue. 

This same principle when applied to Bible study is deeply manipulative, and unhelpful. Consider for example the statement “The church met on the first day of the week.” I would suggest that this is a true but not exhaustive statement. Someone may object; asking is that the only time they met? Did every member meet? Are you reckoning days based on Jewish or Roman custom? These questions are not completely inappropriate and may have relevance in certain discussions but none negate the truthfulness of the original claim. 

The detail required depends on what I am trying to do. I don’t need to know the exact speed and what forces will be generated by the impact of a vehicle to know that I shouldn’t step out in front of it. I will need that data and more if I am the engineer responsible for designing the crumple zones on a specific car. 

As Christians we are accountable to God to obey basic truths that he has revealed. Paul argued that God’s will is accessible and knowable Rom 1:20; 10:8 such that we can understand and respond. There may be more nuance to a subject that we have yet to learn or there may be a deeper understanding to be gained by examining related texts. These things don’t mean that we can know and do Gods will. They do call us to dedicated study and even more to dedicated surrender to Jesus.

To summarize, truth is simply that which corresponds to reality. This may be simply ascertained and expressed or it may be more exhaustively described. The level of detail does not determine truthfulness rather accuracy does. May God bless us in our effort to know his will in simplicity and in exactitude. 

~ Kevin Cleary

July 12, 2026

But I don’t have a combine

Most will be familiar with Jesus statement to his disciples in John 4:35. Jesus had spoken with the woman at the well in Samaria and she was going to bring others to him. The disciples were urging him to eat but Jesus sensing the immediate opportunity didn’t want to stop for food. 

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

In a similar vein we are living in a time when people are dissatisfied. Many have a nagging feeling that the generally accepted narrative offered by secular institutions and the “experts” is seriously deficient. I would submit the popularity of Jordan Peterson calling people to be responsible and self-sacrificial is evidence of this. I have mentioned before and will say here again that young people are becoming increasingly interested in religion. There is a major resurgence of debate in the public square something that for most of my adult life was viewed as somewhat distasteful and kind of off putting. 

I strongly suspect that given the current trends many could be reached with truths that until recently they would not have given time or attention to. 

I pray that with some careful thought and targeted effort Christians can find great opportunity to share the good news with those who are especially hungry for it. The conditions however are slightly difficult. The large numbers on social media are much like a thousand-acre field filled with wheat. However much a person with a scythe wanted to harvest it the task would be overwhelming. He needs a combine along with the knowledge of how to run it. Similarly churches may need to gain some new skills to take advantage of opportunities. My strong suspicion is that a well presented social media presence backed up by a loving community dedicated to God’s grace and truth could yield good results. 

~ Kevin Cleary