Who is this King of Glory? With the image of Jesus on the cross, recall Isaiah 53:3: He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Fr. Timothy Lowe looks to the Gospel of Matthew as the climax to the biblical story in the people's…

King Josiah led his people in a magnificent building campaign to beautify their temple. But it all came to a screeching halt when the Book of the Law, neglected for generations by the Kings of Israel, was discovered and its words read aloud. King Josiah realized the Lord's judgment was at hand, and so he led his people in repentance. "There was no …

We had hoped the young King Solomon, in his request to the Lord for wisdom, would avoid the typical temptations that come with power and prestige. But the frailty of the human ego shows itself again in the wayward path Solomon takes in seeking not the Lord, but wealth and security in other gods and earthly alliances. In this line of biblical kings,…

If you had only one wish, what would it be? The young King Solomon asked not for long life, nor riches, nor victory over his enemies. We learn from the story in I Kings that the Lord was pleased that Solomon instead asked for a "listening heart," to govern and discern what is right. Fr. Timothy Lowe reminds us that the right beginning, the initial …

If we claim to live as a servant of God, a doulos tou theou, we must reckon with the daily choice: Do I serve and protect my own interests and my own life? Or serve the will of God, even at the cost of my own comfort and life? Fr. Chris Salamy compares the story of the man, Adam, in the Garden of Eden with the story of the man, Jesus, in the Garden…

Who is the real David? On the one hand, a humble shepherd boy who courageously obeys the Lord and is anointed king of Israel. On the other hand, adulterer and murderer in his dealings with Bathsheba and Uriah. On the first hand, sorrowfully repentant, and Psalmist. On the other hand, abandons his duty in providing justice for his daughter, Tamar, w…

Not long after the Lord establishes his shepherd, David, over his people Israel, does King David turn to devour his own flock. Bored and distracted at home while his armies fight the king's battles, David takes another man's wife. To cover up his adultery, he betrays and murders his loyal and faithful servant, Uriah the Hittite. We are reminded aga…

Safe from his enemies and finally secure in his own palace, King David desires to build the Lord a house of cedar. The Lord reminds David through His prophet Nathan that the ark of the Lord moves and dwells in a tent. The Lord has no need for a house. Furthermore, it is the Lord who establishes David and his house, and not the other way around. Tak…

Constantly searching for impressive candidates - from elected officials, to job postings, to new recruits on parish councils - we hope to find leaders in whom we can trust. Yet every leader who comes from the seed of Adam falls short. Fr. Timothy Lowe looks to the story of God's regret that He had made Saul king over Israel, a similar regret we hea…

Good leaders manage expectations. Good leaders provide clarity and a path forward to eliminate surprise and disappointment. Since the beginning, the Lord makes it clear that all will be well for those who do His will. As Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's Gospel, he reiterates His Father's expectation. The crowds who follow Him ar…

What's the connection between functioning as a servant of God and hoping in the inheritance as a son of God? Fr. Paul Hodge remembers the aphorism of Fr. Thomas Hopko of blessed memory, "Beware of consolation before the crucifixion." Like a child who wants dessert before dinner, we may want all of the glory of God's promises now. Looking to Romans …

What do you wish for in this new year? Imagine if your every wish stirred an impulse to serve your neighbor with the very thing you first desire from them? Fr. Timothy Lowe turns to Matthew 7 which challenges our presumptions and turns the worldly order upside-down. The easy path leads to destruction while the narrow gate leads to life. Those who l…

In what ways do weBy The Ephesus School

A new year offers a chance to reflect and reset priorities. What kinds of new year resolutions are set by the servants of the Lord? Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests we resolve to pray, out loud and often, the very words provided by Jesus in Matthew's Gospel. Our daily bread is closely linked to the daily practice of forgiveness, suggesting that as often a…

In what ways is prayer used to gain the favor of men, to bargain for position, or even to gossip and control others? Fr. Timothy Lowe submits to the critique of Matthew's Gospel which warns about heaping up empty words and praying in order to be seen by men. A Father provides for His children, and Our Father in Heaven knows what you need before you…

Does your parish have a dedicated outreach or missions and evangelism team? Fr. Evan Armatas boldly suggests that the Great Commission cannot be sequestered to committee; it must be at the heart of parish life. Reflecting on Hebrews 13 where the Apostle Paul summarizes, "Do not neglect to good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are ple…

Reactions to Black Friday and Giving Tuesday range from enthusiasm to disgust. Many just feel conflicted with the commercialization of the holidays which is intended as a time for thanksgiving, spending time with loved ones, and extending acts of mercy and generosity as the Lord graciously offers His Son for the salvation of all. How do business an…

How can the Apostle Paul call himself a "blasphemer" and the "chief of sinners" and then go on to lay out expectations for the bishops and the deacons to live above reproach? In this episode, Andrea Bakas provides an in-depth word study which unveils powerful imagery stemming from episkopos and diakonos. We look to First Timothy to understand what …

What motivates our questions? Do we seek security, favor, and position when we ask that which we already know? Or do we seek clarity and common reference in the Scripture so that we can get on with the business of doing? The story of the Good Samaritan and the inverted question Jesus asks, "Who was neighbor to that man?" clarifies the question aske…

What does judgment have to do with servant leadership? On the one hand, absolutely nothing. If judgment is the Lord's, the doulos, the servant or slave in the Lord's household, cannot stand in the place of judge. The Lord alone is Judge. On the other hand, our daily activities and responsibilities require us to exercise fairness and a certain level…

Jesus calls his followers to be exceptional. It's easy to feel exceptional when the whole room of people who look like you and behave like you express their love for you. But Jesus isn't impressed by loving those who love you and saluting only your brethren. That's just basic human behavior. Jesus sets a higher bar in Matthew's Gospel with instruct…

We hear early in Genesis that man is made in the image and likeness of God and given dominion over the earth. On the surface, this text might appeal to the baser side of the human ego that lusts for power and prestige. But a deeper look will acknowledge that dominion over anything, large or small, carries an important burden of responsibility. Blai…

We all like a fresh start. New beginnings are filled with hope and promise. A new mission, a new ministry, a new ordination, a new role of service, a new life. How is it that we become derailed so quickly? The stories told in 1 Samuel hearken of hopeful beginnings in the priestly line, the prophetic line, and the kingly line, but it doesn't take lo…

Servant leaders make good on their promises. The story of Hannah in the opening of 1 Samuel demonstrates the gravity of remembrance, grace, and vows. Hannah, barren and distressed, pours out her soul to the Lord and trusts in the blessing of promise from Eli, the priest. The Lord remembers her, extending grace through the birth of a son. But the re…

In what ways do our presumptions and expectations cloud our vision? Fr. Seraphim Solof opens Luke 24 for the story of Jesus who appears to his disciples on the road to Emmaus. The disciples had just witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus; the very one they had expected to redeem Israel is now presumed dead. Unable at first to recognize the risen Jesus,…

What are our motivations for serving and leading? Upon what is hope founded? Do we strive for a prize? Or is there something greater than our own efforts and personal reward? After 40 years of leading God's people in the desert, it may seem harsh that Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. The final scene in Deuteronomy makes it clear th…

The shepherd and flock imagery used in Scripture create a rich paradigm to consider servant leadership. Leadership isn't about gaining success on the backs of those you serve, but bending your back to serve those entrusted to your care. Dn. Henok Elias, host of the Tewahido Bible Study podcast, opens Ezekiel 34 where leaders are criticized for grow…

What would our work loads look like if we put as much time actually doing the work as we do creating excuses for avoiding the work at hand? More importantly, what would our communities look like if we actually put as much time doing the Lord's work as we do creating excuses in sin? The calling of Moses provides insight into this common human inclin…

When the Lord commissions Moses to bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt, Moses questions, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" We learn it's not about, "who am I?" but it's about the One who sends Moses. "I AM WHO I AM" is the God who acts as the Father to His people. When faced with a difficult task, leaders may ask that question even today, "…

Simon Peter, in obedience to the Master's instruction, cast his net into the deep. One might think he'd won the lottery with so much fish that it broke the fishermen's nets and began to sink their boats! Instead, Simon Peter acknowledges his own sinfulness and falls at the knees of Jesus. Fr. Timothy Lowe reminds us that only the mercy of the Lord,…

Whom do you seek to please? Whom do you fear? A powerful leader seeking to please himself, King Herod desired to kill John the Baptist for referring to God's law above Herod. Fearing the people, Herod at first refrained from killing John because the people considered him a prophet. Seeking to please his unlawful wife's daughter and his dinner guest…

Leaders would rather lead change and preach repentance and mercy. But what happens when time has run out? Standing in the Lord's presence, the prophet Isaiah cries, "Woe is me! I am undone!" and charged with a confounding message of coming judgment and destruction. Fr. Timothy Lowe, in a study of Isaiah 6, suggests it's time to sober up in the mids…

Leaders make sacrifices everyday, putting aside their interests for the sake of serving others. Fr. Jeremy Davis, author of Welcoming Gifts: Sacrifice in the Bible and Christian Life suggests that the fullness of sacrifice isn't realized in loss and suffering, but in joy, hospitality, and faithful relationship. Christ demonstrates how to move beyon…

We may think the Canaanite woman offers a leadership example of persistence and humility, content with the crumbs that fall from the Master's table. But the lesson is far beyond successful negotiation. As an outsider, the Canaanite is like a dog compared to those who feast at the Master's table within the religious community. Jesus honors her great…

What motivates your leadership? The Apostle Peter understands the temptations of compulsion, greed, and domination, as he exhorts his fellow elders to shepherd the flock entrusted to their care. Fr. Ian Pac-Urar explores the example we find in the Apostle Peter. Even by identifying himself as a "fellow elder" in his first epistle, the Apostle Peter…

What does it mean to guard the deposit of faith? If the deposit of faith is given free of charge, those who receive it are charged to invest in its practice and share it freely with others. Fr. Barnabas Powell of Faith Encouraged Ministries attends to the treasure entrusted in St. Paul's letter to Timothy. He challenges us to allow Christ's message…

"Has the Lord not taken the lead?" This is the challenging question Deborah the Judge poses to the commander of Israel's army in the Old Testament story in the book of Judges. It remains a critical question for today's leader who aspires to serve the Lord. Women like Deborah and Jael were not the expected leaders of a nation over 2000 years ago. Pe…

How might we consider the rewards and punishments presented throughout the Scriptures without getting caught up in the heretical prosperity gospel where human self interest attempts to disguise itself in righteousness? Dr. Andy Geleris, author of Money and Salvation: An Invitation to the Good Way, discusses the contrasts in sowing abundantly and so…

In our parish councils and other teamwork, we strive to appreciate the diversity of ideas and opinions in the group and work toward consensus. But when it comes to the Gospel of Matthew, all voices are silenced by the one crying in the wilderness which culminates with Jesus crying out from the cross and yielding his spirit. What follows is the apoc…

The Gospel is a disrupter, and this is the case even in our attitudes and behaviors around money and generosity. Fr. Evan Armatas shares ideas and practices surrounding stewardship from his forthcoming book, Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Roadmap to Parish Health. These include: Focusing on the WHY of generosity Positioning generosity as an opt…

Do you ever get the feeling that the more you own, the more it owns you? Why are we so tempted by accumulation? What do our cupboards, closets, garages, and storage units reveal about our trust in the Lord's provision? How do we faithfully steward what the Lord so generously provides? Professional organizer, Presvytera Stacey Dorrance, reflects on …

We love leaders with vision and clarity, assuring us of the certain path ahead. The Gospel writers challenge the certainty of the religious leaders by offering a clear and simple vision of mercy - expressing gratitude for the mercy received and extending mercy to others. Fr. Timothy Lowe shares the perspective of The Blind Man from the Gospel of Jo…

Like Samson, it's easy to be blinded by poor choices, bad habits, and neglect of the vocation to which the Lord calls us. And like Samson's story, the Lord's strength is revealed despite our unfaithfulness. Samson's sacred vocation is finally realized in bringing down the entire structure of disloyalty and idolatry, crashing down even upon his own …

Making excuses comes almost as naturally as eating or sleeping, and it begins at a young age. We are wired to cover our sins with self-justification and shifting blame. But for a doulos charged with service in the Lord's household, there is no room for excuses. Jesus offers wholeness and new life, demonstrated by the story in John's Gospel of the p…

Is cheer and gladness a prerequisite to giving and tithing? Or might obedience to the Lord's instruction to give alms and tithe foster true cheer and gladness? In any case, Fr. Patrick O'Grady warns against any transactional approach to tithes and offerings. Rather, in response to the philanthropy of God, the One who loves mankind, we are invited t…

Loyalty, faithfulness, and reliability is what every servant leader pledges, just as Peter assured Jesus, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” Yet that very night, after invoking a curse and anathema upon himself that Peter knew not the arrested Jesus, the words of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times," were …

We all want a champion for our cause. But a naked man hanging dead from a cross doesn't look like a winner. Even the disciple Peter rebuked Jesus who foretold of his suffering in Jerusalem by the elders, chief priests, and scribes. Who among us doesn't pay good money to protect, preserve, and champion our beliefs, our way of life, our prestige? Per…

Psalm 51, a prayer of repentance so familiar to Orthodox Christians, teaches the double-edged wisdom of judgment and hope. Fr. Paul Lundberg suggests the psalm provides sobriety and a connection to the grace of humility, essential for anyone who wants to take leadership seriously, and to do it well. With "my sins ever against me" and acknowledging …

From the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches private prayer and gives us the words to pray in "Our Father." A discipline of prayer, meditating on the words of Scripture, transforms a doulos who serves in the Lord's household, to seek and do His Father's will. Prayer supports the transformational process of self-emptying, where we might truly pray, "…

Leaders feel exposed and vulnerable when they must forge ahead, so they surround themselves with people they can trust. But no one trusts a leader who derails the mission to the community in order to accomplish a personal mission of power and control. When loyalty is tested and allegiance demanded, only fear and jealousy of the leader is revealed j…