At Easter, in church, we usually focus specifically on the Gospel accounts of Jesus death and resurrection. Makes sense. This is the time of year we have dedicated to special reflection on these particular events. But, partly to be a bit different, and partly because it's fresh in my mind, I thought I'd just share a recent reminder I've had, that the Gospel is everywhere in the Bible and that the significance of the cross of Jesus rings throughout even the Old Testament. And so I'd like to share an Easter message with part of the story of Ahab, King of Israel because I think it is hugely helpful for us today in responding to the cross of Christ. Ahab was a lousy king. Son of Omri, we learn in 1 Kings 16 that he did more evil than all the kings who had come before him and did more to provoke God than all the other kings who had gone before him. He married a devious foreign wife who tried to kill the prophet Elijah, he worshipped foreign gods and he was a miserabl...

Bone, a recently published collection of poetry by model, actress, Instagram superstar Yrsa Daley-Ward is one of the most devastating collections verse I've read. Featuring themes of broken relationships, mistakes, regret, neglect, and failure from those responsible for care, it is one of the most simply haunting depictions of a life lived looking for a hope that is as elusive as it is temporary when it does arrive. Yet there is tension it creates for the reader beyond having to confront the deep sorrow of another, which is that it is thoroughly enjoyable poetry. The beauty is as clear and bright and shining as the themes are moving. It almost doesn't make sense to be there because of the nature of the themes explored, yet it is. But that's the only reason it's accessible. Because there is beauty. The beauty of the form of the verses, the construction of the sentences, the dry humour, the wit, the intelligence and the bravery are all as evident morally as they ...