Way Word

Exodus 4_Not by Might, Nor by Moses

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 06 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Called to be the LORD's deliverer, Moses is suddenly beset by several concerns. But as the LORD addresses each concern, the text gradually paints a picture of deliverance that is more about God than about what Moses brings to the table. I invite you to join me as we explore the power that really fuels a ministry or mission.

Exodus 3_God's Self-Revelation to Moses

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In his youth, Moses attempted to help his fellow Hebrews. But when they rejected him and the Egyptians hunted him, Moses fled. Forty years later, God appeared in a burning bush and bestowed upon Moses what his approach had been missing. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore God's revealed name and nature.

Exodus 2_The Origin Story of Moses

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In Exodus 2, Israel's future deliverance is given a face in the birth of Moses. While Moses' infant story is a cool example of God countering Egypt's death narrative, Moses' adult story demonstrates how asserting yourself doesn't get God's mission done. I invite you to join me today in exploring these initial accounts that set up Israel's most iconic leader.

Exodus 1_Israel is Enslaved

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Years after Joseph's reputation fades from Egyptian memory, the King of Egypt decides to enslave the people of Israel. While a horrific development for their story, there are details displaying that there is a greater power at work than just this king, and that there is a greater future in store for Israel than just slavery. I invite you to join me in the exploration of these developments.

Genesis 50_The Beginning of the Story

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

After Joseph and his brothers bury their father and return to Egypt, the brothers are suddenly worried Joseph might take his revenge since their father isn't there to stop him. How Joseph responds is not only a word of assurance to them, but is also a commentary on the overall theme of Genesis. I invite you to join me in this final Genesis episode as we review its highlights and sit with its message.

Genesis 48-49_The Blessing of Jacob's Sons

Jonathan Robinson — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

As Jacob realizes he is about to die, he musters his remaining strength to bless his sons. First, he amends his will by adding Joseph's sons to his lineage. Then Jacob proclaims over his sons what he envisions will unfold in the lives and destinies of their descendants. I invite you to join me in exploring the last will and anticipatory testament of Israel's third patriarch.

Genesis 47_A Future From the Famine

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

As Jacob's family arrives in Egypt, the multi-generational patriarchal story he brings with him is brought full-circle. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore how Jacob's experience of the famine, along with how the Egyptians' experienced the famine, brings into focus what God is accomplishing through these circumstances.

Genesis 42-46_A Family Reunion, a Father Revived, a Future Refocused

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

When the famine becomes intense, Jacob sends his ten sons to Egypt to buy food. But when Joseph sees them, he implements his own stratagem. Not for his own entertainment, but for the sake of their lives, and their futures. I invite you to join me in exploring this episode of reunion, revival, and refocus.

Genesis 38_Tamar Takes the Lead

Jonathan Robinson — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Amid the Joseph narrative, Genesis 38 suddenly diverts to explore a specific and significant story surrounding Judah. And like any story featuring Jacob's family, this one includes more deceptions. But in this story, Judah's daughter-in-law, Tamar, enacts a gambit of her own, and saves Judah's family in the process. I invite you to join me in this special episode today.

Genesis 37-41_Son, Slave, Prisoner, Prime Minister

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

As Jacob's story expands to include his sons, the text concentrates heavily on Joseph. Joseph's story starts out as Jacob's beloved son, but soon takes a shocking turn that fills Joseph's life with dreadful circumstances and overwhelming challenges. Yet Joseph is not alone in his circumstances. I invite you to join me in today's discussion of Joseph's epic journey.

Genesis 35-36_One Journey Ends, Another Begins

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

After Jacob arrives in Bethel, the LORD welcomes him into the formal framework of the covenant relationship, setting up the next part of Jacob's life. Sadly, that next part is marked by several deaths. I invite you to join me in this postscript/transitional episode of Jacob's journey.

Genesis 33-35_Reconciliation, Retaliation, and Repatriation

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Having presumably wrestled with God, Jacob ventures out to face what lies before him. He begins by facing his brother Esau. Later he is forced to face an outpouring of violence related to his family. Then returning to the place where his covenant story started, Jacob celebrates the God who has now brought him home. I invite you to join me in discussing this bookend episode of Jacob's epic journey.

Genesis 29-32_An Unexpected Journey with Jacob

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Having the blessing doesn't mean Jacob is presently patriarch material. As he now proceeds to his Uncle Laban's camp, what lies before him is a gauntlet of growth that will shape him into a person worthy to be thought of as a patriarch. And when God does bring Jacob back, he will not be the same. I invite you to join me in this discussion of Jacob's twenty year journey to Haran and back again.

Genesis 28_An Encounter at a Cosmic Crossroad

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Though Jacob has acquired the Blessing, a variety of unknowns lay before him. An unknown deity. An unknown destiny. An unknown nighttime stopover. He may now even be unknown to himself. But as Jacob lays down to sleep, he discovers he is known. I invite you to join me in this conversation on Jacob's initiation into the covenant relationship.

Genesis 27_But Why Was Esau Hated?

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

We are barely introduced to Esau and Jacob before their stories quickly descend into struggle and chaos. So iconic was their rivalry that many centuries later the LORD illustrated His commitment to Israel by famously declaring "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated". I invite you to join me in today's episode as we discuss these two siblings' rivalry and explore the details that shaped their story and struggle.

Genesis 26_Like Father, Like Son

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

When a famine hits the land, Isaac and the camp head towards Gerar. Upon their arrival, Issac pulls a page out of his father's playbook. This sets up a series of back-and-forth incidents that become Isaac's initiation in the covenant relationship with the LORD. I invite you to join me as we learn with Isaac that the solution to our fears of what lay ahead may lie in the faith others displayed behind us.

Genesis 23-25_Two Funerals and a Wedding

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In today's episode, we bid farewell to Abraham and Sarah, and are introduced to Rebekah. The focus is not just about "goodbyes" and "hellos", but about transitions. The transition between patriarchs and matriarchs, the growth from youth to adulthood, the seguing of God's story and promise. I invite you to join me on this episode as our "Israel" Phase takes another step forward.

Genesis 22_The Testing of Abraham's Heart

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Was a testing of Abraham’s heart even necessary? Was such an extreme and horrific ritual as human sacrifice necessary for that test? Was putting young Isaac through a traumatizing experience like this necessary?

I invite you to join me in today's episode as I attempt to discuss these questions while exploring this tense moment in Abraham's journey.

Genesis 21_The Promise has a Future

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

After years of waiting and anticipation, Sarah finally gives birth to a son. While it is a celebratory moment for Abraham and Sarah, it is also a reality check for the camp, and for this text's characters, that the promise God made to Abraham not only has a future, but also a present that continues to expand and bless those connected to Abraham.

Genesis 20_From Patterned Fear to Pioneered Faith

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

When King Abimelech meets Sarah, Abraham, once again, tells a familiar lie. It begs the question “After years of living in relationship with God, why is Abraham still telling the same lie?” I invite you to join me in today’s episode as we explore how habits can hold us back and how breakthroughs can move us forward.

The Calmness in the Chaos_A Christmas Reflection featuring Special Guest, Pastor Charles Robinson

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The night of our Lord's birth is remembered as one in which the calmness of the King's arrival silenced the chaos of a world desperately in need of his presence. In this very special Christmas episode, I and a special guest, Pastor Charles Robinson, sit down, briefly discuss, and sing about that special silent night.

Genesis 18-19_Hospitality or Hostility as Dueling Ways of Living

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In Genesis chapters 18 and 19, the LORD's messengers make separate visits that lay before the reader two possible ways of living: a way of hospitality, and a way of hostility. One way is intended to establish a culture of holiness and harmony. Another way courts destruction. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore how the LORD's visits with Abraham and the city of Sodom help frame these dueling ways as choices we all must make.

Genesis 18:1-15_"Sarah, did you know?"

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:13:00 -0500

A short period after their last conversation, the LORD appears to Abraham in the form of three men. Abraham welcomes them and shows them great hospitality. They reciprocate by repeating God's promise to give Sarah a son. For understandable reasons, Sarah is incredulous. The LORD then gives Sarah something to ponder in her heart as she waits for God's promise to come true. I invite you to join me in this seasonal episode as we also ponder the wonders of our God.

A Reflection on My Baptism_Featuring Special Guest: Pastor Charles Robinson

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

I was baptized into Jesus on November 25, 1990. That was 34 years ago. In today's episode I sit down to reflect on that with the man, the myth, the legend who led me to Jesus, and baptized me, my father, Pastor Charles Robinson. Love you, Dad!

Genesis 17_The Sign of the Covenant

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Thirteen years after Ishmael was born, the LORD appears to Abram to renew their covenant relationship. Among His declarations, God elaborates on the future of Abram's descendants, expands Abram and Sarai's sense of identity, gives Abram a covenant ritual his descendants are to perpetually practice, and makes one particular promise that will require and reveal God's wondrous power. I invite you to join me in this episode as we seek to understand these developments.

Genesis 16_The LORD Sees Hagar's Abuse

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Frustrated by her barren state, Sarai comes up with a solution to help her husband produce an heir: she will give her slave girl, Hagar, to him as a surrogate. But when Hagar conceives, she grows contemptive of her mistress. When Abram supports Sarai's power and authority over her slave girl, Sarai proceeds to abuse Hagar. It is a dark and uncomfortable story. But when the LORD's angel appears, the story takes a sudden turn. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore how God is paying attention to even the little people.

Genesis 15_The LORD's Covenant with Abram

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

When the LORD answers a concern voiced by Abram, Abram responds in a very significant way that signals Abram is ready to level-up in his relationship with God. So God initiates a ritual that has ramifications for the historical long game of Scripture's story. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore the ceremonial certification of the LORD's relationship with Abram, and what that relationship still means for us today.

Genesis 14_Abram, Melchizedek, and the King of Sodom

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Genesis 14 begins by treating readers to a fascinating piece of war drama. But when that war drama eventually sweeps up Abram's nephew, Abram musters his men to respond with a rescue mission. In the wake of his victory, Abram meets two very different kings who each possess very different views of how power is playing out in the land. I invite you to join me in this episode as we explore the role Abram chose to play in that unfolding game of power.

Genesis 13:5-18_Abram's God of Abundance

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

When Abram and Lot's shepherds discover that two large herds cannot occupy the same fields, concerns of scarcity suddenly create conflict. These concerns soon incite Abram to make Lot an offer that actually put the land he was promised at risk. I invite you to join me in this episode as we explore how a relationship with God frames a mindset that transcends scarcity and visualizes how God's goodness is more.

Genesis 12:10-13:4_Abram's Safeguarding God

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

As Abram journeys south, he is confronted by the first stress test of his faith. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore how, when Abram's faith first faltered, he learned that God's faithfulness to him does not.

Genesis 12:4-9_On the Road to Relationship

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Having received the LORD's call and promise, Abram must now respond. I invite you to join me in this episode as we explore what Abram's response is, and how that response puts him on a road to not just great expectations, but a great and unique relationship.

Genesis 12:1-3_A Promise that Turns the Page

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

With today's episode, we mark the beginning of a new phase in our ongoing Bible Story Series. Over the episodes of recent months, our study of Genesis 1-11 has explored the establishing of creation, followed by the widespread corruption of creation. Now our study begins to look at how God plans to address and resolve that corruption.

I invite you to join me on this episode as we see the LORD call a man named Abram and make him a promise that will shape not only his future, but that of the entire world.

Does the Idea of Sin Still Matter? (Part Four)

Jonathan Robinson — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this fourth and final part of our week-long conversation on sin, I bring it back to the beginning with the question: Does the idea of sin still matter? I invite you to join me in today's episode as I review the various treatments of sin and see if what we have discussed over the past few episodes preserves sin as an idea still worth considering.

How Sin has Shaped Our World (Part Three)

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this third part of our conversation on sin, we turn to explore how sin has impacted and shaped the realities of our world. Whether our privileged relationship with God, the sacred places of creation, the people of earth, or the purposes we pursue, sin has infiltrated them and pervasively reconditioned them. I invite you to join me in this episode as we explore various ways it has done so.

The Inner Workings of Sin (Part Two)

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this second part of our conversation on sin, our museful approach draws us into sin's origin story found in Genesis 3. As we navigate through that text, it gradually acquaints us with several inner workings that makes sin what it is. I invite you to join me in today's episode as our exploration begins to give us a sense of the reality of sin.

Four Ways The Idea of “Sin” Gets Used (Part One)

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is the first in a series of week-long conversations on sin. But before we can even have a conversation on the idea of “sin”, it may first be helpful to have a conversation on how the word or idea of “sin” gets used.

In this episode, I will discuss four ways we might have seen the idea of "sin" get used, and then briefly suggest an alternative approach.

Genesis 9:18-11:9_Crudeness, Cartography, and Confusion

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Before we conclude our exploration of the Scriptural Story's "Fall/Fallout" phase, the text provides just a few more stories that not only remind us of the state humankind has become, but lay the groundwork for God to begin working to resolve that state. I invite you to join me in this episode as I explore a son's indiscretion, a genealogy that is also geography, and a tower that blurred the lines of communication.

Dreams of Jesus_A Song

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:19:00 -0500

The Way Word Podcast is getting new music! About eight years ago, I wrote a song titled "Dreams of Jesus". The song revolved around Jesus's gospel message that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and that the saving redemptive reality of God's rule is being ushered into the world for its renewal. Going forward, this song will serve as the intro and outro music for The Way Word Podcast episodes.

Genesis 6:5-9:17_The Flood

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In one of the most iconic stories of theological history, God addresses a world flooded with widespread wickedness by releasing a flood of His own. But besides the story details frequently fit for a flannel graph, what is the story of Noah and the flood about? I invite you to join me in this epic episode exploring God's judgment, God's salvation, and God's covenant of re-creation.

Genesis 4:17-6:7_The Curious Offspring of Cain, Seth, and the "sons of God"

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

After Cain's exile, the text turns to a series of genealogies to continue telling the story. These genealogies reveal not only the initial generations that expand beyond the "first family", but curious details that indicate the kind of civilization these generations are giving shape to. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore the world Cain's actions set into motion.

Genesis 4:3-16_The Cain Reaction (Part Two)

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In Part 2 of our "Cain and Abel" episode, I explore Cain's reaction to his disregarded offering. When Cain experienced an emotion for the first time, God counseled him. And when Cain acted upon that emotion, God again had words with him. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we discuss how Cain introduced one of the vilest things humankind has ever known.

Genesis 4:1-5_Cain and Abel's Offerings (Part One)

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In Genesis 4, the humans' story is passed to the next generation with the births of Cain and Abel. One is a farmer, the other a shepherd. At some point, these brothers choose to make offerings to the LORD. One offering is regarded, the other is not. This story raises several questions: Where might they have gotten the idea to offer sacrifices? Why might one offering have been disregarded? Why might God have regarded the other? How might God's approval have impacted the Scriptural story had things gone another way? I invite you to join me in this first part episode as we explore and discuss some possible answers.

Genesis 3:20-24_Exiled from Eden

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

With the LORD God having clarified the consequences that will now ripple through reality, the text transitions. What comes next is the man and woman prepare to live out of their newly diminished roles in an unwelcoming world lying ahead. It is a sad and bitter moment. But it is not without hope.

Genesis 3:8-19_The Consequences To Ripple Through Reality

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Upon entering the garden and recognizing that the humans have disobeyed the command, the LORD God then steps in to describe what this new reality will entail. I invite you to join me in this episode as I discuss the consequences that will ripple through and reshape the relationships between God, the humans, and creation.

Genesis 3:7_Their Reaction to their Rebellion

Jonathan Robinson — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In the story of "the Fall", the woman and man eating the forbidden fruit is the impact point of the story. Genesis 3:7 is the first ripple to roll out. In this verse, we witness both the initial effect of their disobedience that takes shape, and their initial reaction to that effect. Their reaction raises the question of how we ourselves tend to react to our own failings, a dilemma that Scripture thankfully resolves.

Genesis 3:1-6_The Temptation of the Woman (and the Man; seriously, he's right there.)

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In today's episode, we explore the interaction between the serpent and the woman. And in order to appreciate the inner workings of how this interaction "disarms the firewall" God's command had put in place, I discuss four "moves" the serpent makes and the impact they cause.

Bible Story Series: Genesis 3:1_Who is the Serpent?

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

As we begin the next phase to our Bible Story Series, the Fall, we immediately encounter a new character referred to as "the serpent". Traditionally, the serpent has been interpreted to be none other than Satan.

But is that conclusion supported by the text? Could there be an alternative? And what might that mean for the question of evil in the garden?

I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore these themes.

Bible Story Series: What Keeps Creation's Framework Fit?

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In the previous episode, we discovered how the relationships between God, creation, and humankind frame and govern existence. In today's episode, we pause to ask "What keeps these relationships in good working order?"

The answer might be found in Genesis 2:15-17. I invite you to join me in this episode that (finally!) concludes the "Creation" phase of our Bible Story Series.

Bible Story Series: A Framework for All Existence

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Having explored Genesis 1-2, in this episode I'm going to pause and ask "What is the state of the Bible story at this point?"

To help organize the content we've explored so far, I am going to borrow a framework of relationships to shape a coherent answer. Through these interactive relationships between God, creation, and humankind, I hope we can be on the same page of where the Bible story is currently at before we continue to explore where the Bible story is going.

Bible Story Series: Genesis 2:18-25_The Man Meets his Match

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 27 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Despite living in paradise with provision and purpose, something was not right. The man was alone. So the LORD God formed a series of animals; and yet, no partner could be found. Then the LORD God turned to the man's own likeness to bring about the one he finally recognized as a suitable helper. I invite you to listen in to today's episode as we meet "the woman".

Bible Story Series: Genesis 2:15-17_Forming the Man's Maturity in Eden

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 20 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

After the newly made man is put into the Garden, he undergoes some formational moments that are meant to mature him for the world and life entrusted to him. I invite you to join me in today's episode to not only explore those formational moments, but also the implications they might hold for how we approach life.

Bible Story Series: Genesis 2:8-14_The Garden of Eden: What, Where, Why?

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 13 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

After the LORD God forms the man into a living being, you would think the man should get to work tilling the ground, right? Not so fast. First, the LORD God plants a garden. But what is this garden? Where might this garden have been located? And why might the LORD God have planted this garden? Please join in today's episode of the Way Word Podcast as we explore the Garden of Eden.

Bible Story Series: Genesis 2:5-7_Dust in the Wind of God

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 06 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In Genesis 2:5-7, the text focuses in on area whose ground is uncultivated. Employing a bit of wordplay, the text seems to state both the problem of and the solution to the ground's fruitlessness. But after the LORD God forms the solution, this living solution seems to possess a nature that holds promise and potential for the entire Story going forward. I invite you to join me in this episode that continues journeying into the second creation story of Genesis 2.

Bible Story Series: Genesis 2:4_What is this second creation story?

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Is the creation story in Genesis 2 a retelling of Day Six, or is it a separate account entirely? In today's episode, v.4 presents us with three lenses that help establish our footing as we set off to explore Genesis 2.

Reaching Out to Jesus_Mark 5:25-34

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In Mark 5:25, we meet a woman who had been suffering from menstrual bleeding for twelve years. All her efforts to seek healing had exhausted her. Then one day she heard Jesus was nearby. The stories she had heard about Jesus inspired her to do something that would make all the difference: she reached out to Jesus. I invite you to listen in to this sermon I preached on April 14, 2024. May you be inspired to reach out to Jesus.

Bible Story Series: The Seventh Day_The Creator and the Cosmos Rests

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

After six days of work, with the heavens and the earth finished, God rested. But what does that mean? Did God need a nap? Might there be more to this idea of rest? And if so, what does it mean for the overall creation story? What might it mean for we who read and wish to respond to the Genesis creation story? I invite you to join me on this exciting episode of the Way Word Podcast.

Bible Story Series: The Sixth Day_The Functionaries of Land Creatures and Human Beings

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The sixth day of creation opens with living creatures, but the text soon moves to focus on a group of functionaries that appear to be the centerpiece of God's creation. What sets these functionaries uniquely apart among God's creatures? I invite you to join me on today's episode to explore that very question.

Bible Story Series: Fifth Day_The Functionaries of Birds and Sea Monsters

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

One of the questions that continuously stayed with me as I prepared this discussion on the Fifth Day of creation was "What is the point of birds and sea creatures?" While I doubt the answers I ended with are comprehensive, they did certainly confer upon me a fresh sense of wonder. I invite you to enjoy the wonder with me on today's episode.

Bible Story Series: Fourth Day_The Functionary of the Lights

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The fourth day is also the beginning of a new structure in the creation story. What the previous three days have formed now need to be filled. Filled with what? I invite you to join me on today's episode to explore how what was created on Day One is now given some help.

Bible Story Series: Third Day_The Function of Vegetation

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

On the third day, the text mentions several creative events that take place. Are these separate, isolated events? Or is the text describing a newly cohesive function that is emerging? Join me on today's episode of the Way Word Podcast and find out!

Bible Story Series: Second Day_The Function of Weather

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

On the second day, God created a dome called sky to separate the waters above from the waters below. But is this "solid ceiling-with-a-faucet" language an accurate description of the sky? I invite you to join me on today's episode to explore whether there is another possibility.

Bible Story Series: First Day_The Function of Time

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

On the first day of creation, God said "Let there be light". But is that what a 'day' is? I invite you to join me in today's episode and explore the first function God created and how our lives might be lived in step with it.

Bible Story Series: Whispers in the Wind

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Before moving on to the specific functions in creation, there is a detail and pattern that must be addressed in Genesis 1:3. A detail and pattern that ultimately give shape to all existence and function.

Bible Story Series: The Functionality of Creation

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this second episode of our Bible Story Series, we explore how Genesis 1:1-2 initially introduces Israel to the origin story of the world she was living in and establishes a worldview of God-created functionality.

Bible Story Series: Whose Story is This?

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this first episode of our new Bible Story series, we begin by asking "Just whose story is this?" To help navigate that question and what it might mean, we explore, wrestle with, and quantify the wide-scale, multi-dimensional journey this Story has taken to end up in our hands all nicely bound. My hope is that the end results will expand within your mindset a richer sense of wonder and worship.

New Series Announcement!!!

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In today's short episode, I announce the new series we will be embarking on for the foreseeable future. I hope you will join me in this unfolding adventure on The Way Word Podcast; where the Word paves the Way.

Applying Jesus's Parable of the Good Samaritan

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

While application does mean doing things, often that means first unlearning some things in order to learn other things. In today's episode, we will look at five things within this text that Jesus used to challenge the law expert. Things Jesus still uses to challenge us in learning and living the way of mercy.

Interpreting Jesus's Parable of the Good Samaritan, Pt. 2

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

As we pick up where we left off in our previous interpretation episode, we finally look at the third story character Jesus was using to effectively communicate his vision of mercy. By the end of his story, Jesus reframes the question he was asked with a question of his own that we, as Jesus's followers, are still being asked today.

Interpreting Jesus's Parable of the Good Samaritan, Pt. 1

Jonathan Robinson — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

At the end of our previous episode, we were left with several questions:

Why did the law expert insert himself into Jesus’s kingdom conversation with his disciples?
Why did the law expert suddenly need to vindicate himself, especially after Jesus affirmed his correct answer to his first question?
What is going on with the characters in this story Jesus shared?
How does this story address what’s going on with the law expert?
And finally, what is Jesus’s answer to the law expert’s question “Who is my neighbor?”

Now as we turn to interpret Jesus's parable, and as possible answers to these questions emerge, we will see how Jesus sought to challenge his listener, and us as well. This is the first of a two-part interpretation episode.

Observing Jesus's Parable of the Good Samaritan

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

We are beginning the New Year by digging into Jesus's parable of the Good Samaritan. When asked a question by someone struggling with something in his heart, Jesus spoke to him through the clarifying form of story. A story that still speaks to us. To make room for the activity and material within this text, this will be the first in a series that seeks to observe, interpret, and apply Jesus's classic story of mercy.

Advent VI: The Hope That Endures

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

After the presents have been opened, the food has been enjoyed, the parties are over, and the lights are turned off, what are we to do with Advent? In today's episode, we meet two people whose lives exemplify how we must go forward.

Advent V: The Insurgence of God's Hope

Jonathan Robinson — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this fifth episode of our Advent series, we finally arrive at Jesus's arrival! But what exactly does Jesus's arrival mean for this world? Please join me in this discussion about how the birth of Jesus signals a big change for how the world functions. And Merry Christmas!

Advent IV: Participating in God's Hope

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

After Mary receives the angel's message, she gets herself to the hill country. Why? Because God's hope requires participation. In this fourth episode of our Advent series we examine how one family participated in God's hope, and we explore how we may also participate in the hope God is bringing to the world.

Advent III: The Substance of God's Hope

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

In this third episode of our Advent series, we finally focus in and clarify the specific shape and substance of the hope God was ushering into the world. We begin with God's angel appearing to a young woman and revealing to her the special role she would play in the unfolding of God's salvation.

Advent II: Let Your Hard Heart Hope Again

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

In this second episode of our Advent series, we examine one particular character whose life was heavy with hopelessness, until one day when hope showed up. Perhaps his story amidst this Advent season can help you and your hardened heart to hope again.

Advent I: A World in Need of Hope

Jonathan Robinson — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

While the season of Advent is shaped by a story of hope, it is set in a world deeply familiar with hopelessness. In today's episode, we look back at how that hopelessness took shape in the land of Israel, and set the scene for what God was about to do next. This episode is the first in a special Advent series that will run through December.

Faithing Forward Into the Mountains

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Desiring to give Jesus the last word in this "Trusting God" series, today's episode explores an incident where Jesus continues the path of trust Moses started by teaching his disciples how they can move forward with a confident faith that overcomes and transforms.

Expanding our Capacity for Trusting God

Jonathan Robinson — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 09:07:00 -0500

In this third episode of the "Trusting God" series, Israel leaves the salvation event behind them and moves into the wilderness where multiple moments of testing reveal their capacity for trusting God. Understanding their struggle helps provide insight into our own frequent struggles to trust God. And where there's a trustworthy God, there's a way to trust.

Seven Markers of God's Trustworthiness

Jonathan Robinson — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:18:00 -0500

When we look at the entire salvation event from the moment God hears Israel's cries in Egypt to the moment when Israel is delivered through the Red Sea, how do all these events fit into a framework that demonstrates God's trustworthiness?

On today's episode I will discuss seven markers from this event that demonstrates how God is trustworthy.

Salvation as the Foundation of Trusting God

Jonathan Robinson — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 08:04:00 -0500

In order to see why God is trustworthy, first we need to experience that trustworthiness in action. We need an event that demonstrates God's trustworthiness. That event will be the focus of this episode.

*The podcast name was changed after recording.

Welcome to Way Word! Where there's a Word, there's a Way!

Jonathan Robinson — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 21:00:00 -0500

In this first episode of Way Word, you will meet your host and be introduced to what this podcast may have in itself to be! May you find wonder upon this way!

*The podcast name was changed after recording.