pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Monthly Archives: August 2024


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To See, To Hear, To Be Touched

Reading: Matthew 3-4

Matthew 4:21-22 – “Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

The ministry of John the Baptist begins today’s readings. He announces, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of God!” His work fulfills the words of Isaiah and his words and dress and diet remind people of Elijah. Many came, confessed their sins, and were baptized. John clashes with the religious leaders, challenging them to change their hearts and lives. Ancestry won’t save them. It will be the one stronger than John, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire – he will offer salvation to the people.

Jesus then comes to be baptized. John tries to stop him but ultimately relents. After Jesus’ baptism the heavens open and the Spirit comes to rest on him. God declares love for the Son. From here Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted. The devil and Jesus quote from Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and Psalms. God’s word will be Jesus’ bread. He will trust and not test God. He will worship and serve God alone. Defeated, the devil leaves.

John is arrested. This precipitates Jesus returning to Galilee (to Capernaum) and to begin his ministry. He proclaims the same message as John: “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of God!” He begins to build his team, calling Simon and Andrew, then James and John as he walks along the Sea of Galilee. It was a simple call: “Follow me.” And they did. In verses 21-22 we read, “Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” Jesus’ ministry grows as he teaches in the synagogues and heals every disease and ailment. Large crowds begin to follow this teacher and miracle worker. They came from all over to see and to hear and to be touched by Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, what a call John and Jesus both led with. The call continues to ring out today: change your heart, change your life, follow me. Each day may we hear this call and may we respond, seeking to be Christ’s hands, feet, heart, and love to the world. Amen.


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Come to Honor Jesus

Matthew 2:1-2 – “Magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?… we’ve come to honor him.'”

We begin our New Testament reading with the genealogy of Jesus. This establishes Jesus’ political, national, and covenantal relationship with and for Israel. In verses 2-11 we recognize most of the names, a product of our time reading and studying the Old Testament. Verses 12-15 are post-exile. We have very few writings from this time period, therefore the names are mostly unfamiliar to us. Within this list we find four female names – a rarity in Jewish genealogies. Ever rarer is the fact that these women are not Jews. These facts speak to Jesus’ mission to a much broader audience than simply “God’s chosen people.”

Turning to verse 18 we find Jesus’ birth story. During Mary and Joseph’s engagement, she becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Through a dream Joseph receives reassurance and a name for the child, plus the declaration, “He will save his people from their sins.” This birth fulfills the words of Isaiah 7. After the birth, some Magi arrive in Jerusalem, the capital city and logical place for their search. We read, “Magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?… we’ve come to honor him.'” This troubles Herod and “everyone in Jerusalem.” Herod gathers information – time and place. The magi continue following the star, arriving with joy at Mary and Joseph’s home. They enter and honor Jesus, presenting him with three gifts. This is why we have three wise men in our Christmas programs. In reality it could’ve been two, but was much more likely 6… or 11… or…

Warned in a dream, the magi do not report back to Herod. Warned in a dream, Joseph flees to Egypt with Mary and Jesus – “during the night.” In a fury Herod sends soldiers to the Bethlehem area, killing every child under two. There is weeping and grieving. The mothers refuse to be comforted “because they were no more.” And in another dream Joseph is told to return home. Yet fearing Herod’s sin, he settles the family in Nazareth, a small town tucked away in Galilee, far from Jerusalem. This fulfills the fifth Old Testament prophecy – so far.

Prayer: Lord God, it is good to transition into the New Testament. We know this collection of stories a bit better. Even so, Lord, continue to open our eyes and hearts to the details, to the “new” that you want to reveal. Move us deeper into the story, closer to our call to bear your image to the world. Amen.


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“I Do Not Change”

Reading: Malachi 3-4

Malachi 3:10b – “See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.”

Today we close out the Old Testament as we read Malachi 3 and 4. Some of the words today point to the Messiah. Chapter 3 begins with a prophecy about a messenger that will come to “clear the path.” Then suddenly the Lord will be in the temple. How Simeon and Anna rejoice on that day! This covenant Messiah will be like a refiner and cleaner. The priests will be purified. He will testify against the sorcerers, adulterers, cheaters, oppressors. He will call out those who ignore the foreigners in their midst and those who do not really revere God. The section closes with this declaration: “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Jesus will be God in the flesh – no more, no less.

Beginning in verse 7 we return to the disputes between God and Israel. God invites them to return to God. They ask, “How?” God tells them step 1 is to return to giving the full tithe. This is a step of faith and trust, as it is for us today. God challenges them (and us), saying, “Put me to the test.” Step up and see what happens. Continuing, God proclaims, “See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.”

The next dispute centered on harsh things being said about God. They think serving God is useless. As evidence they point to the evil people who are prospering. They “test God and escape.” Instead of responding directly, God turns to the righteous few. They revere God. They drew close to God. They will be God’s “special possession” when God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. The arrogant and evil will burn like straw on that day. The “sun of righteousness” will rise on the faithful, bringing healing in its wings.

The book ends with God declaring, “Look, I am sending Elijah.” The second Elijah will come to clear the path before the “great and terrifying day of the Lord.” God invites Israel to turn the hearts of parents and children to one another. This will avoid the curse and will prepare them for the refining arrival of the Lord. We dive into that tomorrow as we begin our journey through the New Testament.

Prayer: Lord God, you do not change. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your heart for the least flowed throughout the Hebrew scriptures. Sometimes this was for your people. And sometimes it was for “the other.” In Jesus, your heart for the least and the other was revealed as he loved such as these. You invite us to be your heart, to be Jesus’ heart, to love the least. May it be so. Amen.


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Trust and Honor the Lord

Reading: Malachi 1-2

Malachi 2:8 – “But you have turned from the path. You have caused many to stumble… You have corrupted the covenant of Levi.”

Photo credit: Daniel Hooper

Throughout Malachi we hear a call to holiness. The people’s holiness should be reflected in all areas of their lives: in worship practices, in service, in marriage, in interactions with one another. Unfortunately, God’s people are far from holy. So Malachi calls for repentance, for changed hearts.

Chapter 1 begins with the people questioning God’s love for them. They are struggling along while neighbor Edom is doing well. God reminds them that God chose Jacob, not Esau. In turn, God asks them, “Where is my honor?” The priests despise God, accepting blind, lame, and sick animals for the sacrifices. God takes no delight in this and goes so far as to suggest closing the temple doors. “Nevertheless” God says, God’s name will be honored among the nations. Just not at home. God will curse those who bring impure offerings when there are healthy males in the flock. This conversation with God makes me wonder: when do we bring impure or less than our best as offerings to the Lord our God?

Chapter 2 begins by addressing the priests. God threatens a curse on them. Then maybe the covenant with Levi will be honored. To live within the covenant is life and peace. There would be true instruction on their lips. If only. God declares, “But you have turned from the path. You have caused many to stumble… You have corrupted the covenant of Levi.” We too are called to hold one another accountable, to help one another to walk daily in faith. How are we doing with this calling or charge?

Turning to the people, God asks, “Isn’t there one father?” God is reminding them that they’re one family. God then asks why they all cheat each another. God uses their marriages to foreign wives as an example. The men are breaking the covenant with their wives. God tells them to cover the altar with “tears, weeping, and groaning” – signs of repentance. This chapter closes with a declaration that God is tired of the people’s words. The people are questioning God’s goodness and justice. This is something that we continue to do. May we instead choose to trust and Honor the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to call us today to holiness in all of life. You desire pure hearts that seek to be your light and love, your grace and kindness in the world. When temptations arise, when we become half-hearted, send your Holy Spirit to revive us, to strengthen our faith. Empower us to walk your path. Amen.


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The Lord Will Reign

Reading: Zechariah 10-15

Zechariah 13:1 – “On that day, a fountain will open to cleanse the sin and impurity of David’s house.”

In the last chapters of Zechariah, Judah and Jerusalem are lifted up and are torn down. They experience defeat and victory – both through the Lord. Zechariah refers twice to a king who has been seen as Jesus since the earliest days of the church. In the end, God is present in the new Jerusalem. All nations come to worship and give glory to God.

As our reading begins, God invites the people to ask God for rain. Instead they turn to idols as their shepherd(s) lead them astray. God will punish “the goats.” Judah will then be strong because God is with them. Strengthened, they will walk in the name of the Lord. But this faith doesn’t remain long. Two staffs – Delight and Harmony – are made and then are broken. The covenant is ended and the alliance between Judah and Israel is over. A bad shepherd won’t care well for the flock and will be doomed by God.

In chapter 12 God again defends and restores Judah. They again become strong in the Lord. God promises to pour out a spirit of grace and mercy. But then the people will “look to me concerning the one whom they pierced.” There will be mourning throughout the land. In 13:1 we read, “On that day, a fountain will open to cleanse the sin and impurity of David’s house.” Later in chapter 13: Zechariah returns to what the church reads as Jesus. They will strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. There will be a purifying fire (persecution) that will refine the faithful. God will look upon these and say, “They are my people.”

In the last chapter we read of Jerusalem falling and half going into exile. Then God, along with the “holy ones,” fights for them, bringing them home. Running water will flow from this new Jerusalem. It will be secure. Nations will come to pay homage to God. The Lord will reign forever. This is the end of the story we know too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, although sin and disobedience separated you from Judah and Israel – as it does us at times – you remain unconditionally committed to loving your children. I am grateful for your faithfulness, mercy, and grace through all of our failures. You are so worthy of our praise. Use us this day to bring glory and honor to your name. Amen.


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Jewels in a Crown

Reading: Zechariah 5-9

Zechariah 8:8 – “I’ll bring them back… They will be my people, and I will be their God — in truth and in righteousness.”

Today’s middle section of the book of Zechariah begins with the last three night visions. In the sixth vision a flying scroll announces a curse on all who steal and then lie about it. The curse will totally destroy their homes. The seventh vision identified wickedness as a tiny woman in a basket. She is sent home to Babylon. In the last vision Zechariah sees horses with chariots. They are sent out to patrol the earth. The ones going north (to Babylon) provide rest for God and God’s people. This allows Zechariah to gather gold and silver to make two crowns. With one he anoints Joshua as the high priest. The second will be for “Branch” – one who will build the temple, who will sit and rule. All of this will happen if they truly obey God.

In chapter 7 a delegation comes from Bethel asking about fasting. God basically asks, “Did you fast for me?” They have just been going through the motions, saying the words from before the exile. Hinting at the meaninglessness of this and using words reminiscent of Isaiah 58, Zechariah declares that God really wants to see just and faithful decisions, to see kindness and compassion as their norms. But instead, in the past, they chose to oppress the poor and vulnerable, to “steel” their hearts against God. So God scattered them.

Then in chapter 8 God declares compassion and passion for Zion. God has returned to Jerusalem. The old and the young will fill the city. God proclaims, “I’ll bring them back… They will be my people, and I will be their God — in truth and in righteousness.” Israel will become a blessing to the world. Nations will come, seeking God’s favor. After a sobering pronouncement against the nations around Israel, Zechariah prophesies a day when their king will come, “humble and riding on an ass.” He will speak peace and will rule “to the ends of the earth.” The Lord will deliver his people and they will “be the jewels in a crown dotting this land.” That will be the day!

Prayer: Lord God, as we read of our common struggles today and of our common tendency towards disobedience, we are also reminded of your grace and mercy in our moments of failure and of your ultimate plan to bring a full healing and restoration to your people and to your world. In the meantime, O God, use us as those “jewels,” reflecting and shining your light and love into the world. Amen.


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The Plan to Restore, Part 1

Reading: Zechariah 1-4

Zechariah 1:16 – “I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My house will be built in it.”

Zechariah ministered to the exiles that had returned to Jerusalem. His words begin with an invitation from God to the people: “Return to me, and I will return to you.” Unlike their ancestors, they change their hearts, turning back to God. What follows is a series of night visions that lay out God’s response to the people’s repentant hearts.

In the first vision God’s patrol returns and reports that there is peace and quiet on the earth. God proclaims, “I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My house will be built in it.” There will be prosperity in the cities. In the second vision there are four horns representing the four kingdoms that have conquered and oppressed God’s people. Metalworkers are sent to destroy these horns. In the third vision there is a man with a measuring line. The new Jerusalem will be a city without walls. A hedge of fire from God will be its ever-growing boundary. Many nations will come to Jerusalem to become part of God’s inheritance.

Chapters 3 and 4 contain the fourth and fifth visions. In the fourth, Joshua is commissioned as high priest. His dirty clothes (sins) are replaced with clean clothes. He is charged to walk in God’s ways, to lead the temple. He is told of a “branch” that God will raise up. This “stone” will one day remove the guilt of the land. Jesus will heal their land and will bring a time of peace. In the fifth vision Zerubbabel is appointed to lead “by my spirit.” He will complete the temple under the guidance of “the two anointed ones” – Haggai and Zechariah.

These visions begin to lay out God’s plan to restore and re-establish Israel. As we read on tomorrow, the plan continues to unfold.

Prayer: Lord God, you are compassionate for your people. You longed for them to turn back to you, to once again walk in covenant relationship with you. You continue to long to walk in relationship with your people. Empower us today to walk your paths, to love as you love. Amen.


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A Good Plan

Reading: Haggai 1-2

Haggai 2:4 – “Be strong, all you people of the land… Work, for I am with you.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

As we read Haggai’s words today we move past exile and back to Jerusalem. The small remnant that returned has built homes for themselves. But the temple still lies in ruins. Haggai is sent by God to encourage the people in this next step. At the start of the book, we read that Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people do not think it’s time to start rebuilding the temple. God questions this. God says there is a reason they sow much and eat little. The drought and the lack of abundance are God’s doing. God’s house lies in ruins. The people hear Haggai’s words and they respond in faith, getting to work.

A month passes and God’s word comes to Haggai. He asks if anyone remembers the first temple. From Ezra 3 we recall that some did remember. They wept when they recalled the former temple’s glory. Haggai encourages them to be strong, to trust that God is with them, saying, “Be strong, all you people of the land… Work, for I am with you.” God then promises to shake the earth, leading nations to bring their wealth to the temple, making it more glorious than the first temple.

Fourteen months in, God’s word comes again. In the first message, Haggai asks questions about being clean and unclean. The priests know the right answers. The faith knowledge is there. God declares that the nation is unclean. The priests and the people have work to do. When God struck them before – providing just enough to survive – they didn’t return to God. But now the people have worked hard and the foundation is complete. God will now begin to bless them.

Haggai’s second word focuses on Zerubbabel directly and on Israel indirectly. God will take down the other nations, securing Israel. On that day, God will appoint Zerubbabel to reign. Once again, one from David’s line will rule over Israel. God has a plan and it is good. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you encouraged your people to work on your house, you continue to encourage us to work on building your kingdom here on earth. Just as their obedience was a sign of their holiness and commitment, may our humble acts of service bear witness to our faith and to our love for you and for our neighbors. Use us to reveal your glory to the world. Amen.


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What a Day!

Reading: Zephaniah 1-3

Zephaniah 3:15 – “The LORD has removed your judgment; he has turned away your enemy. The LORD… is in your midst.”

Zephaniah proclaims the coming “day of the Lord.” Those who are humble and seek the Lord will find refuge in God. Those who relied upon themselves, their idols, their wealth and power – they will have nowhere to turn. Judgment will fall on the surrounding nations and then upon Judah. Zephaniah concludes with hope. He speaks of a time after judgment, when all people will “serve God as one.”

Zephaniah begins with judgment for the “world.” God will “eliminate humanity.” The prophet is likely referring to the small world surrounding Judah. He is speaking of and to God’s people. God’s hand will stretch out against those turning away instead of seeking God. Those in power will be punished for their violence, greed, and pride. It will be a horrible day, a day of “fury… distress… desolation… destruction… darkness.”

God encourages the humble to gather and to seek righteousness. They may be “hidden” on the day of the Lord. Zephaniah then turns to Judah’s neighbors next. Gaza, Ashod, Ekron, Philistia – doom is coming. Moab and Ammon will be made like Sodom and Gomorrah because of their taunting and boasting over Judah. Cush and Assyria will perish. And then in chapter 3 the focus shifts to Jerusalem – the city that wouldn’t listen and wouldn’t accept discipline. God will “rise up as a witness” against Jerusalem, pouring out “the heat of my anger.”

In verses 9-20 we read of the restoration that will follow. All people’s speech will change. They will call on God’s name and will “serve him as one.” Their shame will be removed along with their pride. A humble and powerless people will seek and find refuge in God. The lame and the outcast will be exalted. Judgment removed, enemies no more, Israel will know, “The LORD… is in your midst.” All will be restored. What a day that will be!

Prayer: Lord God, one day judgment will fall. As a God of justice and righteousness there will be an accounting. But as a God of love and mercy, a day of healing and restoration will follow. In the end, the world will be as you created it to be. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Trust in God, Wait with Hope

Reading: Habakkuk 1-3

Habakkuk 3:2 – “LORD, I have heard your reputation. I have seen your work. Over time, revive it. Over time, make it known.”

Habakkuk has a chat with God. The chat revolves around why God allows the righteous to suffer while the wicked prosper. Habakkuk struggles to understand how a good God could allow such evil to exist. We continue to wrestle with these struggles today.

The book begins with a question: “Lord, how long will I call for help and you will not listen?” This is a question we’ve all raised. Habakkuk cries out about the violence and injustice. God responds, “I’m about to rouse the Chaldeans.” Babylon will sweep in, taking “captives like sand.” Habakkuk questions how God could choose to use this evil empire, the one that sacrifices to its own strength. He declares that he will “take my post” as he waits for God to respond.

God responds with a vision. Habakkuk is to clearly write it down on tablets. This vision is for an appointed time. While they will wait for it, God declares, “For it is surely coming; it will not be late.” God tells Habakkuk that the righteous will live honestly. The arrogant – the ones who are never satisfied – they will fall. The ones who plundered will be plundered. Doom is coming to all who trust in idols. The Lord is holy. At the appointed time, the earth will be silent before the Lord.

Habakkuk then goes to the Lord in prayer. He begins, “LORD, I have heard your reputation. I have seen your work. Over time, revive it. Over time, make it known.” He trusts that God will one day “tread the nations,” defeating wickedness. Habakkuk trusts into God’s vision for the future. Right now the fig doesn’t blossom. Right now the pens and stalls are empty. But right now, Habakkuk declares, “I will rejoice in the Lord… my deliverance… my strength.” He chooses to trust in God. He chooses to wait with hope. May we choose to do the same when we are suffering, when we are in the struggle. God is loving. God is faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, when we are struggling with the evil in the world, when we are questioning your activity or inactivity in the world, lead us to use Habakkuk as our guide. May we lay our lament before you. May we trust in you to respond. May we choose a bold faith, one that trusts and hopes in you alone. Amen.