Indeed, everything revealed in Scripture about Deborah indicates she was the ideal, anointed leader in an age when such leaders were extremely rare. Clearly, her leadership focus was in the civil arena, but her inclusion among Israel’s judges as a prophetess, judge, commander-in-chief, and model of righteousness is compelling evidence that women can and should preach, teach, and lead.[16]

As proud as I am of my kids’ parts in the play, though, I want to share with you the thing that I am most proud of.

Having seen what Jesus offered, there was no way Peter and the others could be satisfied simply going back to their old way of life.

We have no idea where Simon was by that time, but Simon’s legacy of faith and ministry lived on in his children, the eminent apostle, the churches that were planted as a result, and ultimately in us. And it all went back to that moment when Simon picked up Jesus’ cross and carried it for awhile.

The tax collector was clearly humbling himself. Everything about his prayer indicated a sense of brokenness and inadequacy. He knew that he was a sinner. He knew there was no way he could fix his sin. And so he looked to God for forgiveness, and in his mercy, God granted it.