One of the constant themes of the scriptures is that our lives are a series of ups and downs, or mountains and valleys. This is true of individuals, civilizations and humanity.

Rome started small, became great, and became a shadow or a whisper, a mere memory. Going into the stories of scripture, Jacob the supplanter becomes Israel, the one who strives and prevails over God and humans. Israel also becomes the one who needs saving, from himself and from the forces that are beyond his control, such as the famine that led his family back to Joseph, who was sold into slavery but became second in the Pharaoh’s kingdom. Years before these events, Abram and Sarai are made righteous through their faith, and yet, their faith faltered at significant points along the way. Jesus ascends the mount of t

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