pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!


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Proclaiming Jesus

Reading: Romans 10:10-15

Romans 10:10 – “Trusting with the heart leads to righteousness, and confessing with the mouth leads to salvation.”

Continuing in Romans 10 today, Paul unpacks verse 9. In verse 10 he writes, “Trusting with the heart leads to righteousness, and confessing with the mouth leads to salvation.” When we trust our whole life to Jesus – heart, soul, mind, and strength – then we live a righteous life. Giving all of ourselves to Jesus allows the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, lead, and redirect our thoughts, words, and actions. This leads to holy living. Confessing all of this with our mouths leads to salvation for those who hear our testimony or confession of faith.

In verses 12 and 13, Paul lays out who should hear our confessions: “Jew and Greek.” In this phrase, Paul means “all.” There were the Jews and then there was everyone else. Quoting Joel, Paul reminds us: “All who call on the Lord’s name will be saved.” Moving into verses 14 and 15, Paul moves to the “how” and the “who.” Those without Jesus are saved by hearing the good news from the lips of those who have been saved by the good news of Jesus Christ. All who have been saved are “preachers.” All of us can have those “beautiful feet” that share the good news that brings salvation to others.

The question we close with is this: Where? Where are we to go and share Jesus? Paul’s answer is found in his life: everywhere. Paul went to the ends of the known earth to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We can at least go to our neighbor, to our coworker, to our friend. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, bless our feet by sending us out into the world to proclaim the story of what Jesus has done in our lives. Bless our hearts. Fill them with trust. Bless our mouths. Fill them with words provided by the Holy Spirit. As we go out into the world to share our stories of salvation, grant us opportunities to witness to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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A Confessing Faith

Reading: Romans 10:5-9

Romans 10:9 – “Because if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and in your heart have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

As we step into Romans 10 today and tomorrow, Paul begins with Moses and the Law. For Moses and for the Jews, righteousness comes through keeping the Law. Do all these things and you will live. Except no one can keep all of the Law. It is not possible. Therefore, if we cannot keep the Law, then it cannot bring life. The greatest effort to keep the Law still leaves one dead in their sin.

In verses 6 and 7 Paul removes the responsibility for finding or earning eternal life from our hands. In a very roundabout way, Paul reminds us that we don’t need to go to heaven or hell – either figuratively or literally – to find Jesus. No, he writes, “The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” Jesus in Spirit is right here with us. We don’t need to go on a search for Jesus. God has already done the work. It’s not about us doing anything. The Spirit of Christ is here, available to us.

Verse 9 confesses faith in the work that has already been done on our behalf. Here we read, “Because if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and in your heart have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Faith in Jesus is the way to salvation. If we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we receive grace, the gift that defeats the power of sin and death. Freed from the power of sin and death, we are able to live as light and love in the world, inviting others to know the source of light and love and grace: Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Lord God, we first thank you for the gift of salvation received through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We thank you for doing the hard work that defeated the power of sin and death. We thank you for the grace that flows from Christ’s sacrifice, the grace that removes our sin and makes us new again. We ask that you would use us to reveal these things to the world, so that others can come to a confessing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Amen.


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Songs of Praise

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6 and 16-22

Psalm 105:5 – “Remember the wondrous works he [God] has done, all his marvelous works, and the justice he declared.”

Our Psalm for this week remembers God’s mighty acts on behalf of Israel from the time of Abraham and the covenant through the time when the Israelites resettled in Canaan (or the Promised Land.) Verses 1-6 are a call to praise and worship God for these mighty acts of God. The psalmist invites us to give thanks and to praise God, to pursue God’s presence, and to “Remember the wondrous works he [God] has done, all his marvelous works, and the justice he declared.” In the frequent remembering, one builds up faith, trust, and hope in the Lord. We’re also reminded that we too are “the offspring of Abraham… God’s chosen ones.” So these stories are our stories too.

Verses 16-22 focus in on the story of Joseph. These verses begin with God calling for a famine. In order to ready God’s people, God “sent a man ahead of them.” The sending was difficult. Betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sent off in shackles. Yet God remained at work, through each twist and turn, until “the King made Joseph master of his house and ruler over everything he owned.” It was then, driven by the famine, that his brothers bowed before him, bringing Joseph’s long-ago dream into reality. As Israel would later read these words again and again, they would be led over and over to praise God for these wondrous and marvelous acts of justice and love.

We too can read these words and offer our praise to God. And there are many other stories in the Bible that we can read that lead us to offer our praise and thanksgiving to God. But we also have stories within us – stories of God’s rescue and redemption, of God’s forgiveness and grace, of God’s love and peace, of God’s healing and comfort… Sometimes these are the songs of praise that others need to hear. Sometimes they are the songs we need to remember in our difficult moments. So each day may we sing our songs of God’s mighty and marvelous acts in our lives!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many ways that you touch our lives. Some are the headliners – the wondrous and mighty acts that we cannot miss. But most are the small and regular touches, ones that could go unnoticed if we’re not looking for them. Open our eyes and hearts to these acts too, O God. These are the fuel for our daily, faithful walk with you. Thank you. Amen.


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Our Chosen Walk

Reading: Genesis 37:1-4

Genesis 37:4 – “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him.”

Returning to the opening verses of our Genesis 37 passage, we focus today on the larger picture. Overall, the Old Testament is the story of God’s chosen people – the descendants of Abraham, the Israelites, the Jews. Within this story, Joseph is like many others: the chosen among the chosen. Others also suffered at times because of their chosen status: Moses, David, Elijah… Whether an individual or the nation, at times each could relate to verse 4: “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him.” When the people grumbled against Moses, when Saul hunted David like an animal, when Elijah fled into the wilderness, when Edom attacked Israel, when Joseph was sold into slavery or was thrown into prison – the chosen suffered on God’s behalf.

This story line continued into the New Testament. The Christians were singled out, harassed, stoned, beheaded, crucified. It begins in the story with John the Baptist losing his life. Then Jesus suffers the cross. Stephen was the first of many followers to die for their faith in Jesus. This story line has continued down through the ages. The chosen people of God, whether Jew or Christian, are still persecuted, targeted, and even killed for their faith. To be the Father’s favorite can be a hard path to walk – individually and as a nation.

We are invited to walk this path. We’ve chosen to be called a Christian, to live a life of following Jesus’ words and example, picking up a cross at times. Now and then, we will be hated by the world and by people living in the ways of the world. In these moments, may the Holy Spirit give us the strength, faith, and hope to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

Prayer: Lord God, “chosen” has always carried a weight with it – whether in faith or in athletics or politics or family. In our chosen walk of faith, O Lord, be close to us in the difficult moments, when that weight becomes a cost. And when we need it, please shoulder some of that weight. Amen.


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God at Work

Reading: Genesis 37:1-4 and 12-28

Genesis 37:26-27a – “Judah said to his brothers, ‘What do we gain if we kill our brother and hide his blood? Come on, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites.‘”

As Jacob’s story continues, trouble brews. A young Joseph is highly favored by Jacob. He tattles on his brothers. He wears a very special robe of many colors that Jacob had made for him. Joseph stays home while his brothers work. Joseph is hated by his brothers. This level of dysfunction often destroys relationships. But God is at work in all of this ugliness. The overarching story is that of God’s chosen people. There is a plan and a purpose at work.

In the second part of today’s reading, Jacob sends Joseph to check in on his brothers. They see him coming from afar and decide as one to kill off this “dreamer.” They’ll never bow down to Joseph. (See verses 5-11 for the dream.) Reuben – the oldest – tries to intervene. Maybe he knows losing his beloved Joseph might kill his father, Jacob. Over lunch, though, opportunity presents itself. Judah says to some of his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and hide his blood? Come on, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites.” Joseph is out of their lives forever as he heads down the road as a slave, destined for far away Egypt. There will be some tears back home, yes. But no more favoritism, no more tattling, no more big dreams, no more Joseph.

Sadly, this kind of dysfunction is not limited to the Biblical account. It happens in families, at work, in school, on teams, and even in churches. Maybe dysfunction is a part of your reality. The question is this: How do we address dysfunction so that the harm ends? The answer begins with allowing our faith to guide us as we seek to redeem what is broken. Through prayer and with a heart attuned to the Spirit, may we allow God to lead and guide us as we seek to bring peace and love and healing and forgiveness to these challenging and difficult situations. May God work in and through us.

Prayer: Lord God, whether in the middle of dysfunction or from the observation level, move us to bring healing and restoration to that which is broken. Lead and guide us: our words, our thoughts, our actions. Use us for the healing of our world. Amen.


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A Space for All

Reading: Matthew 14:21

Matthew 14:21 – “About five thousand men plus women and children had eaten.”

The conclusion of the feeding of the large crowd has multiple layers to it. Those accounted for are the men. In that culture and time, women and children were secondary. They were often unseen and sometimes seen as possessions. But in this miracle and in God’s kingdom, all were present, all were fed. This inclusion mirrors what God’s kingdom is supposed to be: a place where everyone is welcome, where everyone has value, where everyone has a place at the table.

During Jesus’ ministry this was true. It seems like women and children feature in his three years of ministry more than they do in the rest of scripture. Jesus always reflected God’s heart for the poor, the needy, the marginalized. The tables that Jesus sat at included the outcasts and the excluded. As many of us gather today at the table of grace, do we reflect the inclusive and welcoming nature of Jesus?

As followers of Jesus Christ and as builders of God’s kingdom, this is a question that we need to wrestle with. Our lives and our churches should reflect our communities. So we must ask: Who is absent or left out? And, why is this so? Sometimes there is a past hurt that needs addressing. Sometimes it is a systemic cause. Whatever the reason, we must be willing to do the hard work that creates space for all people and is a space that makes all people feel like they belong, are worthy, and are loved. May it be so in our lives and in our churches.

Prayer: Lord God, you invite us to be like Jesus. Open our eyes to the ways both big and small, both intentional and unintentional, that we exclude or make others feel “less than.” Guide our hearts and minds to change so that we are truly people with lives, tables, and churches that desire for all people to have space, to be loved, and to be a part of community. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Blessings

Reading: Matthew 14:13-20

Matthew 13:20 – “Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers.”

This week’s gospel lesson is about compassion, challenge, provision, and abundance. These four things were a part of Jesus’ life and they should be a part of our lives. It is not always easy to practice these four things. As our story opens, it is one of those times. Jesus is grieving and wants to be alone. But the crowds follow him. He could send them away or he could try harder to escape their presence. But, instead, he chooses compassion. This leads Jesus to heal many people. Inferring how many from the rest of the story, I bet Jesus healed every single person who came forward for healing. All.

At the end of his long day, the disciples suggest dismissing the crowd so that they can get some food. Compassion. But Jesus challenges them: “You give them something to eat.” Just as Jesus’ emotional tank was about empty as the day began, the disciples have just five loaves and two fish among them. I imagine there was a very uncomfortable stare, pausing on each of the twelve, before Jesus said, “Bring them to me.” From next to nothing comes provision and abundance. The food is blessed. It gets distributed. We read, “Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers.” All eat. A huge crowd is fed. And all twelve disciples have a basket full of leftovers. A blessing upon a blessing!

The miracles begin with compassion. God works through faith and a willing heart. How might God use what you think is meager – or next to nothing – to feed or clothe or house or heal or… others? Where do you feel compassion? See the need and allow the Holy Spirit to stir your heart. Take on the challenge: step forward in faith and trust. Offering what you have opens the gates for God’s abundance to flow. Where is the need in your world?

Prayer: Lord God, sadly, there are needs all around. Poverty, loneliness, hunger, loss, abuse, illness, oppression – all around. Open our eyes and stir our hearts. Move us to action and service. As we offer what we can, multiply it by your power, O Lord. Use us to bless others. Amen.


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Filled with God’s Presence

Reading: Psalm 17:3-7 and 15

Psalm 17:15 – “But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.”

Returning to Psalm 17 today, David declares his faithfulness. God has examined him and found David’s lips to be without sin. He is living a devout life. David’s feet walk in God’s ways, “firmly on your paths.” As we come before God, whether with our daily petitions or with heartfelt cries for justice and protection, we too are to come before God as people who are right with God.

David’s situation is difficult. He cries out to his faithful God and needs God to respond “now.” David needs to experience God’s love in “amazing ways.” As he seeks refuge from his attackers, David takes refuge in God alone, trusting solely in God’s “strong hand.” There is a deep faith in God. The rescue that has come again and again will surely come through once more. Now would be good, Lord!

When we’ve experienced injustice (or violence or oppression or slander or…) we too must trust our lives to God. And, yes, if we’re honest, we too would like God to listen, see, and respond yesterday. So we can relate to how David feels. But he does not stay there. In verse 15 we read, “But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.” Whatever the outcome and whenever it happens, David will walk in righteousness. He will choose to have clean lips and to walk in God’s ways. He will do and say what is right. And because of this, each day he will be filled with God’s presence. Each day he will behold the face of God. Living this way, the things of this world will still happen at times. But God will be with us in the middle of all things. God will see us through. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in difficult times we want you to swoop in and rescue us. No one likes to suffer. Yet, sometimes we must – when it is according to your plans. Because then there is a purpose. Help us to trust into you, O Lord, especially when it is hard. Walk with us through the hard things. Be with us always. Amen.

https://bible.com/bible/37/psa.17.15.CEB


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How Far Will You Go?

Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Romans 9:2 – “I have great sadness and constant pain in my heart.”

The subtitle for this week’s Romans passage is this: “The Tragedy of Israel’s Unbelief.” This subject clearly brings Paul great anguish. In verse 2 we read, “I have great sadness and constant pain in my heart.” I believe that most Christians feel this way about someone. If we thought for a moment, we could each come up with a few names to substitute into that subtitle in the place of the word “Israel.” We can all name family members, good friends, even whole groups of people who are living without Jesus in their heart. For many of those that we name, this causes us great sadness and pain in our hearts.

Paul thinks about all that Israel has going for them: God’s children, the covenants and the Law, the promises, the ancestors. But even with all of this, the Israelites refuse to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah, as their Savior and Lord. Paul sees the scriptures and the prophets pointing to the arrival and ministry of Jesus. It almost kills Paul that the Jews cannot or will not connect these dots. So much so, in fact, Paul is willing to “be cursed, cut off from Christ.” That is a deep, deep love for seeing others come to Christ.

Returning to that name or names or group of people that came to our heart and mind earlier, I ask: What would you give to see them walking in a relationship with Jesus Christ? What would you be willing to do? Would you, like Paul, be willing to give up your salvation, to live without Christ, to daily live in sin and darkness – to save someone else? If you wouldn’t be willing to go quite this far, how far will you go to see someone else find Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?

Prayer: Lord God, our call and charge is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Empower and equip us, Lord, to carry out this task with our whole heart and soul, with our entire mind and all of our strength. Lead and guide us to be all in for the building of your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Justice, Goodness, Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 17:1-2

Psalm 17:2 – “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.”

In Psalm 17 David names injustice and trusts that God will make things right. This is summed up in verse 2: “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.” God is the source of justice… and of goodness and righteousness, of mercy and compassion, of empathy and forgiveness… In God’s world, all of these things are interconnected and intertwined. When one stands against oppression, for example, it is driven by empathy and compassion for the victim(s) and it is fueled by one’s sense of justice.

Our reading begins with David imploring God to listen. Listen to what’s right. Listen to my prayer. He feels he can come before God in this way because is living a righteous life – his lips don’t lie! When we live a devout and holy life, we too feel like we have standing before God. In turn, our alignment with God guides our sense of justice…

It is easy to name injustices in our world. The treatment of marginalized and vulnerable populations comes to mind. The high cost of living and limited access to health care are creating hardship for many. The ways that “power over” is exerted and abused, leaving people broken and hurting, needs to be addressed. Systems that increase the gap between the haves and have-nots continue to churn along, oblivious to the negative impact on many people’s lives.

The more challenging step is to take action, to give voice and power to those without, to stand for what is just and right and good. When we allow our faith to guide our way, when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead our words and actions, then we can declare as David did: “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, I know that my list is missing many injustices that tear at your heart. You see them all. But this list is my list. We all have our own list. Begin here, O God, in us all. Work in each of us so that we stand and speak for justice, goodness, and righteousness. Use us to fight for a better and more just world. Amen.