pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Monthly Archives: November 2023


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Passing Faith Along

Reading: Psalm 78:5-7

Verse 6: “so that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

The psalmist declares that the task of evangelism begins in the home. This is as true today as it was in the days of Asaph. I smile to myself as I think of countless parents who thought I or we as teachers should be able to “fix,” “straighten out,” or somehow positively change their child who was a student in my/our class. In my mind I often did the math – “I have little Suzy for 45 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You have her hours and hours every day, day in and day out.” Along this line of thought, many wise and veteran kindergarten teachers can give a pretty accurate assessment of a child’s likely life outcomes, for better or worse, after just a few weeks with the child. Who and what we are come from whose we are.

In today’s Psalm Asaph writes of passing on the faith from one generation to the next. Note that he does not say to get your children to Sunday school or to confirmation class. He doesn’t even mention getting them to worship one hour a week. Does this 2-3 hours a week help a child’s spiritual growth? Absolutely! But it is only a small part of a child or teen’s journey of faith. This is why the command of God is to teach our children the faith “so that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children.” Now, in order for one generation to pass along something to the next generation, they must find value in that thing. May what we model and what we teach be deemed worthy of passing on by our children. May we pass along a faith that enables our children to “set their hope in God.”

Prayer: Lord God, may we teach our children and our grandchildren well. May our lives be something that is worthy of repeating. May our faith be something that is worth emulating. Amen.


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Words of Teaching and Instruction

Reading: Psalm 78:1-4

Verses 2-3: “I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.”

Telling a story, have you ever omitted parts or embellished parts to either gloss over something “bad” or to make a particular point? In telling stories it can be tempting to amend them to suit our purposes. We might even tell an altered version to this person or group of people if it best suits our agenda. There are, of course, inherent dangers in modifying our stories. These dangers magnify when we begin altering our communal history. Psalm 78 was written to be used in worship as a teaching tool. Today’s passage sets the stage for the rest of the Psalm. In the body of the Psalm, Asaph tells the whole story of God’s redemptive work. He includes the reasons for why God had to redeem again and again: the people were often unfaithful and disobedient to God’s leading and guiding.

It can be difficult or hard to “tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” As individuals, as churches, as denominations, as communities, as states and nations, we can shy away from the practice of honest truth-telling. Asaph writes, “I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.” In the rest of the Psalm he does indeed tell all – the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. Each of these aspects of our stories and of our histories has something to offer both to us and to future generations. We learn from our mistakes; we build upon our successes.

As we offer words of teaching and instruction to our children (and to one another), may we “tell the next generation” of the “deeds of the Lord” in honest and full detail, empowering them for the best future possible. In this way, they too will come to know “the powers and wonders” of God for themselves.

Prayer: Lord God, my past is scattered with bad decisions, failures, hurtful words and actions – both in my life and in the churches that I’ve been a part of. Some were my own doing, some were not. All of these have shaped and formed me into who I am in you. There are hard lessons and some painful moments. All were instructive; all led to growth and maturity. Guide me to use these experiences to mentor and to guide others, to shape a better future. Amen.


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How God Does It

Reading: Joshua 24:16-25

Verse 24: “We will serve the Lord our God and obey God.”

After declaring that he and his house will serve the Lord, Joshua turns the focus to the people. In today’s passage the people respond to Joshua’s declaration with a recounting of God’s power and presence among them. This recounting ends with “We too will serve the Lord because he is our God.” Joshua challenges this statement. Maybe you’ve done this too with that friend who is less than stellar about walking the walk. They’re maybe quick to volunteer but seldom show. They’re great at committing to things but not so good on following through.

Joshua bluntly tells the people that they are not able to serve God. He tells them that God is jealous and holy. He tells them that God will not again and again forgive their rebellion and sin. The people say, “No! We will serve the Lord!” His challenge to their original commitment raises the bar. He is saying they can’t just talk the talk. That’s easy. Joshua then calls them as witnesses against themselves. He is doubling down, asking them if they’re really, really, really sure. Joshua then once more commands them to “throw away” their idols. In turn the people commit to God once again, saying, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey God.”

As I read this passage and note how Joshua questions their commitment again and again, I wonder how God does it. When I’ve struggled with a difficult sin, I come to God again and again with words of confession and repentance. Each time, yes, I’m a little more committed to actually changing. Each time God’s Spirit convicts me a little quicker, a little more deeply. Each time the Spirit increases my resolve, helping me to better walk the walk. How does God do it? Through unconditional love and unending grace. What an awesome God we serve.

Prayer: Lord God, as I consider the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites and as I think about my own wanderings, I am amazed at your continued presence. In my human understanding it is hard to fathom, hard to comprehend. So great is your love for us, so deep is your mercy, so wide is your forgiveness. I am humbled. I bow before you and say thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.


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Serve the Lord

Reading: Joshua 24:1-3a and 14-15

Verse 14a: “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Having crossed the Jordan and entered into the Promised Land, Joshua gathers the leaders and the people together. They present themselves before God. It is time to decide how to move forward. As Joshua begins to speak he reminds them of their roots: of how God took Abraham and brought him to Canaan and of how God made them into a great nation. It is good to remember our roots, our foundations. Whether through a day like All-Saints’ Day or through a family gathering, whether through Sunday worship or a coffee house conversation, it is important to remember who and whose we are. That is what Joshua is doing with the Israelites. This conversation continues in verses 4-13.

Joshua reminds Israel of who and whose they have been so that he can call them to who and whose they should be moving forward. Telling stories and remembering the past is often how we decide our next steps as we consider our lives and our faith journey. It is at this point that Joshua issues this challenge: “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness.” Revere and respect the Lord. Be faithful to God alone. As he continues, Joshua challenges them to “throw away” the gods that they’ve added along the way. The call to ‘throw away’ these false gods underscores how useless they are. At the core of this challenge, in essence, is a call back to one God and to loving God with all of one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. “One” and “all” are the key conditions here.

This challenge, this call – it is as relevant today as it was the day Joshua spoke it. It is easy to pick up false gods as we journey through life. Early on we’re taught that success, competition, beauty… are things to seek. Soon enough we’re taught that wealth, status, power… are things to seek. Pride, ego, lust, jealousy… come along with these things we chase. These false gods present a challenge to having one God and they become barriers to loving God with all that we are. Against these gods we must take a stand. In the last verse of today’s passage Joshua declares, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, oh how many gods the world lifts up over you! The world values so much that runs counter to or becomes a barrier to fully loving you with all that we are. Turn my heart, my mind, my will, and my desires to you alone, O God. There I will have all that I need. Amen.


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What Is Required?

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18

Verse 17b: “And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Today’s words from Paul connect really well with the themes and ideas around All-Saints’ Day. In Revelation 7 the vision of heaven and all its glory brought hope to the believers suffering in John’s time. These words offer hope to all believers. The Thessalonians aren’t quite there yet. The vision detailed in Revelation probably hasn’t reached them. They are concerned with the souls of those who have died (“fallen asleep”) before Jesus returned. The common belief was that Jesus was coming back any day, soon. They fear that these souls might miss out or forever be trapped in limbo.

Paul begins to address their fears and concerns by assuring them that because Jesus died and rose again that one day all who believe in him will one day rise with him. Paul further assures them using Jesus’ own teachings. He reminds them that Jesus taught that when he returns “the dead in Christ will rise first.” Those who have fallen asleep will indeed join Jesus in glory. Paul then turns to those who are alive, reminding them that Jesus taught that those who are still alive “will be caught up together with them.” All who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior “will be with the Lord forever.” What words of hope and encouragement Paul shared with the Thessalonians and with us!

The underlying question that bubbles up here for me is this: What is required of me so that I am one day a part of this heavenly gathering? I first turn to Micah 6:8. These words are my daily prayer of commitment to God. Each day I strive to act justly, to love mercy and kindness, and to walk humbly with the Lord. These words and actions focus and frame my day. What words and practices guide you to living in a way that brings honor and glory to God?

Prayer: Lord, justice, mercy, kindness, and humility – they are a good start but I know that this is not all that is required of me. By the power of your Holy Spirit fill me with your love and compassion, with your grace and forgiveness. Show me the way to daily serve you and neighbor. Amen.


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Glorious and Beautiful – One Day and Now

Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 (Link only partial. Sorry.)

Verse 9: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.”

As we turn to John’s book of Revelation we turn to a vision that gives hope for eternity, offers a picture of the kingdom of God, and calls us to a glorious kingdom here on earth. Our passage today and much of the book of Revelation is a “then, now, and will be” vision.

John sees a “great multitude” gathered in heaven – far too many to count. In this vast crowd there are people “from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” Oh how the religious leaders of yesterday’s text must’ve cringed when they first heard of this vision of heaven! But what a beautiful picture of heaven it is! One day we will be gathered with a representation of all of humanity. To John’s audience this was a reminder that they do not suffer alone. Many all around the world suffer alongside them. To us it is a reminder to work to make our churches and faith communities look more like the actual community all around us.

The scene in our passage is filled with worship. The multitude, the angels, the elders, and the four living creatures all worship God and the Lamb. They joyously offer praise and thanksgiving and adoration. This scene is “church” at its finest and most glorious. Next an elder identifies those in “white robes” as those who have gone through the “great tribulation” – the suffering and persecution and trials of this life. The passage closes by contrasting this life with the life to come. In glory there will be no hunger or thirst, no oppression or suffering. God will “wipe away every tear” and the Lamb will lead us “to the springs of living water.” What hope these words gave to John’s audience. What hope these words give to all who long to one day be redeemed by Jesus Christ. Oh what a glorious and beautiful day that will be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the hope that today’s passage gives. Thank you for the seed of what will be. But, God, help us to see that this vision is also a vision for today and an understanding for our time now. As we hold onto our hope for eternity, guide us to expand the kingdom here and now. Use us to satisfy hunger and thirst now. Use us to end oppression and suffering now. Use us to make our churches and communities more like the kingdom to come. Amen.


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Humble Servants

Reading: Matthew 23:1-12

Verse 3b: “But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”

In our gospel text Jesus is assessing the state of religion in his day. As we begin with the text we first note that Jesus respects the religious leaders position and authority. They “sit in Moses’ seat” and he encourages the people to “do everything they tell you.” The religious leaders knowledge of the Law or Torah and their teachings from it are solid from Jesus’ perspective. Today you can walk into most churches and you’ll find clergy who know the Bible well and share its truths from the pulpit.

Beginning in the second half of verse 3 Jesus addresses the many issues beyond good theology and solid exposition. Here he warns: “But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” It is easy, for example, to preach about loving your neighbor. It is a whole other thing though to actually go outside the church to do this well or to really love the stranger who wanders through the doors. To truly live out the gospel of Jesus Christ is a “heavy load.” Much is required of us for faithful living. It is not easy or without great effort and occasional suffering. It is about being a selfless servant.

This seems to be the religious leaders’ second struggle. They love to be honored and seen and fawned over. They love their titles and places of honor. Starting in verse 8 Jesus addresses this too. He clearly states that there is only one Master, one Father, one Messiah. God is God. We are not. We are brothers and sisters in the faith, humble servants seeking to bring glory and honor to God alone. As we seek to live out our faith today may we be open to the Spirit in us and to Christ still among us in the world. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, let us recognize that the greatest commandment is to love. As we root ourselves in our love for you and in your love for us, fill us with your grace, your mercy, your presence. Open our eyes to what you call us to as your children – loving the least, saving the lost, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, welcoming in the stranger… Lead us to heal this world as we go out as your heart, hands, and feet. Amen.


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Step Forward and See

Reading: Joshua 3:10-17

Verses 15-16: “Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests… reached the Jordan… the water from upstream stopped flowing.”

If yesterday’s lesson from the first part of Joshua 3 was “come here and listen,” then today’s lesson is “step forward and see.” In verses 10-13 of today’s passage, Joshua tells the Israelites what is about to happen: God will be ahead of you, 12 men will pick up stones for a memorial, the water will be cut off. What is implied is this: we will cross through into the Promised Land. Then, in verse 14, they break camp and the priests, with the ark, lead the way. The ark of the covenant is God’s presence going ahead of them. As they step forward towards the Jordan we learn that “now the Jordan is at flood stage during the harvest.” There is potential in this realization to falter, to doubt, to question moving forward.

We can come to this place in our journeys of faith. We’ve heard the voice or felt the nudge. We’ve been beckoned and have drawn near to hear, to be invited into the plan that God has placed before us. And then that challenge or obstacle appears and it seems huge – “at flood stage.” We can give up or can turn back. Or we can return to what we heard when we drew near, trusting in God’s plan, continuing to move forward in faith.

In the next verse we read, “Yet as soon as the priests… reached the Jordan… the water from upstream stopped flowing.” Yes, see the power of God at work! That step of faith opened the door for God to do an amazing thing. This too is our promise. When we are faithful to draw near and to listen to God, when we step forward in trust, then we too will see the power of God at work. That huge obstacle or giant challenge – nothing to God. With this assurance, may we boldly move forward in faith in the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, you plant seeds and you whisper visions and dreams. You open my heart to acts of mercy, to people and places in need of your experiencing your love and grace. As I draw near and hear your heart for those in need, guide me to step forward, to move out into the world, assured that you go with me and before me in power and might. Amen.


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Come and Listen

Reading: Joshua 3:7-9

Verse 9: “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.”

Photo credit: Terry Vlisidis

As we begin the first of two days in Joshua 3, we start with God speaking to Joshua. God assures him of God’s power and presence in this transition of leadership. These words must have been very assuring and encouraging to Joshua: “I will begin to exalt you… so they may know that I am with you.” As important as it is for Joshua to hear these words, it is at least as important for the people to experience these words being lived out. They need to know and trust that Joshua is indeed God’s next chosen leader.

In Joshua 3:9 he gathers the people with these words: “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.” The first part is an invitation into God’s presence – come here, draw near, enter into holy space. The second part is an invitation into an attitude of readiness and expectation. The call to listen is more than a call to notice that someone is talking. It is a call to pay attention, to be ready to receive these words, to be expectant and ready for what the words call us to. In this proper attitude and posture Israel is ready to receive God’s word as spoken through Joshua.

These two practices are essential elements of our relationship with God. They are essential because without these two practices, God remains a distant buzz somewhere in the periphery of our lives. Step one is to draw near. Whether that is making quiet time each day, bowing one’s head in intentional prayer, or entering the sanctuary for worship, we must make the effort to step into God’s presence, inviting the holy to draw near to us. Next we must quiet ourselves and be attentive to the voice of God. This voice may be revealed in the scriptures, in the nudge or whisper of the Holy Spirit, or in a myriad of other ways that God uses to lead and guide us.

This day and every day may we choose to draw near to God, seeking holy presence and guidance for our daily life.

Prayer: Lord God, kindle in me a fire to know you more, better, deeper. Pour out your love into my heart, breaking it wide open to receive your word. Fill my hands and feet with that overflowing love, making you known to the world. Amen.


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The Saints!

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

Verse 10: “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.”

Today is All-Saints’ Day. This church holiday focuses on both the saints who have gone onto heaven and upon the saints who are still serving Jesus Christ here and now. Those who we can call “saints” run a wide gamut – from people like Mother Teresa and MLK, Jr., to people like your 3rd grade Sunday School teacher. There are a great many more saints that fall into the second category.

In our passage today Paul is writing to the church. He is talking about his ministry among them, not as a way to brag but as a way to remind and encourage. This is why we celebrate today’s holiday too. Paul begins by reminding them and us of the toil and hardship inherent in ministry. Ministering to others certainly has moments that are difficult and challenging. Next Paul unpacks the traits or characteristics of a minister of the gospel. It begins with how one conducts oneself: holy, righteous, blameless. He then moves onto the actions needed: encouraging, comforting, and urging the believers to “live a life worthy of the gospel.” This is, of course, circling back around to holy, righteous, and blameless. For Paul and for all other saints past and present, this life of faith is built upon the word of God. A close, personal, intimate relationship with God is the starting point for all believers, saints included.

On this All-Saints’ Day remember the saints who shaped and formed and walked with you in faith. Remember those who are living saints, still guiding you on your journey of faith. Bring your praise and thanksgiving to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many saints that have blessed my life and encouraged my faith. Some led by example long before I was born. Others have poured into me in my youth and have passed on to glory. And others still lead and guide and walk with me in adulthood. We are a community, connected together with you and with one another, all for the building of the kingdom of God. Praise be to God! Amen.