Morning News, August 2

 Well, it's still morning on the West Coast. 

Romans 5:6ff

For when we were still without strength, ^[d]in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. ¹⁰ For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. ¹¹ And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

I think we overlook, or rush over, the word "demonstrates" in verse 8. Some translations have it as "shows," which is inadequate as translation.  Here's one explanation:  

In the Bible, the word “commend” holds multiple meanings. It can mean to commit or entrust something to someone, to praise or speak favorably of someone or something, or to make something acceptable or present it in a favorable light.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers:

The English word happily covers the double meaning of the Greek. The same word is used (1) of things in the sense of “prove” or “establish,” here and in Romans 3:5; (2) of persons in the sense of “recommend,” in Romans 16:1. 

The point is that God doesn't just show: he proves, establishes, commits his love to us in the death of the Anointed. 

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Glad to see Evan Gersovich is home.  

Why is a person who wants to be the leader of the free world allowing herself to be on stage with a vulgar rap performer? How can we trust a person like this? (or someone who had an affair with a porn star?) This is the sign of something, and it ain't good. 

 I am committed to not sweating today. I did a lot yesterday when I cut my grass with a push mower in 90 degrees and 90% humidity.  

I'm glad for people like Joe Mazzula.  

Addendum to my rant on the French and their Olympics Opening Ceremony. So it wasn't the Last Supper, but a Dionysian banquet. OK. Still incredibly vulgar. And a beheaded Marie Antoinette? Could it be any more in poor taste?  Like I said, it's the French. That's the only country in Europe I don't want to return to (although the museums are cool).