pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Monthly Archives: August 2024


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That Line

Reading: Nahum 1-3

Nahum 1:12-13 – “I won’t afflict you further, Zion. Now I will break off his yoke from you and tear off your chains.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

Nahum walks a fine line. The historical content of the book covers Assyria’s fall. The capital city, Nineveh, is the focus. In Jonah we saw a mighty God who was rich in mercy. In Nahum we read of a mighty God who pours out divine wrath on the Assyrians. In the long game, God will not tolerate any form of human pride or the existence of injustice. Here is where we get near that line. It can be tempting to rejoice in the downfall of an enemy. Is this not another form of pride?

Nahum describes God as “jealous… vengeful… strong in wrath… very patient… great in power.” The prophet declares that the world and all who dwell on it cannot stand before God’s indignation and fury. And he declares that God is “good, a haven in a day of distress.” In this spirit, Nahum assures God’s people. Though in exile now, God says, “I won’t afflict you further, Zion. Now I will break off his yoke from you and tear off your chains.” Hope is just around the corner.

From 1:14 through the end of the book, Nahum describes the great fall of Nineveh. God is against the city. The enemy’s sword will devour just as Assyria once devoured others. Assyria will become a spectacle. God declares there is “no remedy… your wound is grievous.” At the end we again come to the line. Nahum shares that all who had suffered under Assyria’s cruelty will “clap their hands over you.” To be relieved, even happy, when the yoke is broken,when the bully gets his or her due, – nearing the line. To be joyful and to celebrate someone’s utter destruction? Where did that line go?

Prayer: Lord God, we can sense your power and might today. We can feel your sense of justice and righteousness. You alone are the judge and the giver of just consequences. Help us to hold these things in holy awe. Curb in us the human tendency to find joy in another’s defeat. Keep us in our own lane. Focus us on our walk with you. Amen.


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Required… Good…

Reading: Micah 5-7

Micah 6:14 – “You devour, but you aren’t satisfied; a gnawing emptiness is within you.”

Today’s reading begins with a messianic prophecy: “As for you, Bethlehem… one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out of you.” This ruler will “stand and shepherd his flock” – all in the strength of the Lord. Micah declares, “He will become great throughout the earth.” But first, Assyria will invade and then they too will be defeated. The few survivors, the remnant, will be “amid many peoples.”

Micah then expresses God’s judgment against Israel’s neighbors. God will “exact vengeance” on those who don’t obey. In chapter 6 God brings a “lawsuit” against Israel. God first invites them to remember all that God has done for Israel. Then a question is asked: What does God require? Is it the sacrifice of 1,000 rams or the giving of torrents of oil? Is it sacrificing a first child for one’s sins? No, Micah says, God has told you what is required and good: “to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” Here he summarizes the whole Torah in these three simple yet difficult actions.

Israel is far from this standard. Wicked scales and bags of false weights betray their greed. Violence and dishonesty shows their true hearts. Verse 14 describes the state of their souls: “You devour, but you aren’t satisfied; a gnawing emptiness is within you.” This all sounds much like our day, where many chase after idols and pursue more and more and more.

Micah feels doomed and alone. Yet he declares that he will keep watch, that he will wait for God’s salvation. For Israel there is a price to be paid, but there is also hope. God will show Israel “wonderful things.” God will pardon their iniquity and show “faithful love.” God will have compassion on them. We, like Micah did, await the fulfilment of these words with hope and with faith. And as we wait, may we do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, we know well the truth of exile – the result of our attempts to satisfy our own hungers leave us far from you. We also know well the price of these decisions – a growing emptiness in our souls. You long to redeem us, to forgive our sins, to restore our relationship with you and with one another. So guide us into a humble walk, to a place of surrender – both of our sins and of our hearts. Shepherd us, your people. Amen.


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Triumph in the End

Reading: Micah 1-4

Micah 4:5 – “Each of the peoples walks in the name of their own god; but as for us, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and always.”

Micah was called by God to invite Judah back to God’s mercy and justice. He prophesied at the same time as Isaiah and Amos. Central to the book of Micah is the theme of social justice and the promise of restoration. These themes weave in and out of Micah’s condemnation of Israel’s sin.

Micah begins by proclaiming the coming disaster. God will “go down and tread on the shrines of the earth.” Samaria will be laid waste, its people taken into exile. The Assyrians weakened but did not defeat Judah. The doom will come, though, falling most directly on Judah’s leaders and the priests. It will ripple down to the people. The leaders covet and seize what they want. The priests teach “for wine and liquor.” God’s patience has run out.

Micah declares that those whose job is “to know justice” will cry out but God will not answer. This is because the priests who have “led my people astray” will be silenced. But as for Micah, he is “filled with power… with the spirit of God… with justice and righteousness” to declare Israel’s sins. Micah declares, “Zion will be plowed like a field.” This is quite the image.

Hope comes in chapter 4. The Lord’s house will be lifted up and the nations “will stream to it.” Some people will seek to “walk in God’s paths” because war will be no more in Zion. Some will still pursue their own gods, “But as for us, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and always.” Yes, God will one day regather Israel. Yet the time is coming when “you will go to Babylon.” Pain will be felt. Even so, hope remains. Micah proclaims, “There you will be rescued… the Lord will redeem you.” Thanks be to God that love and grace always triumph in the end – for Israel and for you and me.

Prayer: Lord God, your justice and righteousness are our guides. When we live as people of justice and righteousness our world becomes what you intend it to be. Yet we can be less than ideal, elevating self and other idols over your will and way. In your power and might, bring us back to walking your paths, back to walking in your name. Amen.


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Are Any Unworthy?

Reading: Jonah 3-4

Jonah 3:5 – “They proclaimed a fast and put on mourning clothes, from the greatest of them to the least significant.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

God tells Jonah a second time, “Go to Nineveh.” Deposited on the nearby shore, he gets up and goes. Jonah proclaims, “Just forty days and Nineveh will be overthrow.” This simple warning moves people’s hearts. Here is their response: “They proclaimed a fast and put on mourning clothes, from the greatest of them to the least significant.” This is step one towards a repentant heart. Words get to the king and he proclaims the next steps: call on God, change your ways. When conviction came upon their hearts, all of Nineveh responded immediately. Conviction can come quickly up on our hearts too.

God sees their changed hearts and decides not to destroy Nineveh. Jonah is deeply angered, thinking this “utterly wrong.” He says this is why he ran. Jonah recognizes God as “merciful… compassionate… very patient, full of love, and willing not to destroy.” Jonah would rather die than see God save his enemy. He exits the city and plops down to see what happens, ignoring God’s question: “Is your anger a good thing?” God sends Jonah some shade. He is very happy about this mercy. Then God takes away his shade, provoking his anger and renewing his wish to die. Again God asks him, “Is your anger… a good thing?” Jonah believes it is good – “even to the point of death.”

God invites Jonah to consider God’s mercy, compassion… Jonah was grateful for the mercy that came in the shade. God asks, “Can’t I pity Nineveh?” They are a people that don’t really know any better. The story ends here, inviting us to consider ways that we want to limit God’s mercy, grace, compassion, forgiveness… Jonah’s hard heart calls us to reflect upon the condition of our own heart, especially as it regards to those who we might feel utterly unworthy of God’s (and our) forgiveness and grace.

Prayer: Lord God, the story ends in an uncomfortable place for Jonah and for us. Your love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness for the repentant is amazing. We can be less free with these things at certain times, with certain people. Lord, open our hearts to the vastness of your love and mercy and grace. It truly is for all people. Amen.


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Patience, Faithful Love

Reading: Jonah 1-2

Jonah 1:6 – “Get up! Call on your god! Perhaps the god will give some thought to us so that we won’t perish.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Our story today begins with God calling Jonah to go to Nineveh. He is to cry out against the city’s evil. Jonah went – just in the opposite direction. He did not want to go to prophesy to Nineveh, the capital city of Judah’s enemy. God has other plans. A storm rages and the sailors cry out to their gods. They wake up Jonah and say to him, “Get up! Call on your god! Perhaps the god will give some thought to us so that we won’t perish.” Perhaps? Give some thought? They do not know God. Yet.

The sailors cast lots and it falls on Jonah. As instructed, they hurl Jonah into the sea. These pagan sailors pray to God, hoping to survive. The sea calms. The sailors worship God and offer a sacrifice. They have met God. God’s plan continues as a fish swallows Jonah, providing him a place to pray. Sinking down, Jonah has accepted his fate. Then God “brought me out of the pit.” Inside the fish, Jonah realizes that God heard his prayer. He offers thanks and pledges obedience: “That which I promised, I will pay.” Accepting his role as prophet, he commits to that life. God then has the fish vomit Jonah out on dry land.

I can be like Jonah, hearing a call or feeling a nudge, then deciding to ignore it or even go the other way. I can allow pride or anger or other things to get in the way of obedience. Yet God remains faithful. Maybe a storm is my wake up call. Maybe it’s something else that gets my attention. But then God doesn’t make me go. It’s my choice to respond. It’s my choice to surrender to the storm or to choose obedience. And even then, when I’m still stubborn or prideful or…, God still is faithful and loving. God provides another chance for me to respond faithfully. And then another if needed. Thanks be to God for God’s patience and faithful love.

Prayer: Lord God, today I take pause at your great love and faithfulness. When I choose plan B, C, D… instead of your plan A, you don’t ever give up. You go to B1, C1 and C2, D1 – whatever it takes to keep working me to your will and way. Thank you for not giving up, for shaping and reshaping me, for continuing to lead and guide my life, my witness, my service. You are an awesome and almighty God. Amen.


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When We Choose

Reading: Obadiah

Verse 15 – “As you have done, so it will be done to you.”

Obadiah condemns Edom for its attitude and for its behavior. The nation of Edom is proud. It rejoices when its ‘neighbor’ is defeated. They choose to then join in the plundering and violence. Edom kills those who escaped Babylon’s swords and they sell the refugees as slaves. There is much for God to condemn and judge concerning Edom and their choices.

There is a long history between Edom and Judah/Israel. These peoples are descended from Jacob and Esau. In real life there was great tension between these twin brothers. That tension persisted down through time. Perhaps today we’d say there is ‘bad blood’ between these two nations. Today, when one side or the other suffers or falls or experiences some defeat, there is often rejoicing on the other side. When long held animosity and tension lie just beneath the surface, that can flow out and lead to things like Edom did to Judah.

This same reality, this same scenario also scales down. We see it between the police and inner city residents. We see it between gangs who compete to thrive upon people’s weaknesses. We see it between neighbors and family members who refuse to even speak to one another. We see the tension there, just beneath the surface, always there. Then, at times, it rises up, it erupts, it shows its ugliness. Such was the case with Edom when Judah fell to the mighty Babylonians.

God declares to Edom, “As you have done, so it will be done to you.” About 750 years later a relative of God’s would share this same sentiment. He encouraged those who saw each other as less than to choose love over hate, empathy over apathy, compassion over condemnation, welcome instead of exclusion. Funny thing is this: when we choose love, empathy, compassion, welcome, grace, forgiveness… it is also said: “As you have done, so it will be done to you.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be hard to choose not to celebrate when a rival loses, to not rejoice when an ‘enemy’ falls. It can even be tempting to join in, to pile on, to release those old, bad feelings. These are the ways of the world. This is not your way. As your children and as your examples in this world, use us to choose the better way, to speak and act and think in ways that reveal your heart for all people. Amen.


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All Things New

Reading: Amos 5-9

Amos 5:24 – “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Concluding the book of Amos we read words of lament and doom mixed in with words of hope and restoration. Ultimately, Amos closes with words of promise and blessing for God’s people. We too walk through this mix in our lives, holding onto God’s promises that will one day eternally be ours. Thanks be to God.

Amos 5 begins with a song of lament for the great losses soon to come and then encourages people to seek the Lord. The prophet then condemns those who are crushing the weak, taking bribes, and refusing to help the poor. Amos presents the correct choice: seek good and not evil. But the leaders choose evil. Therefore God rejects their worship and sacrifices. They are meaningless. God then presents the correct choice, saying, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Chapters 6 and 7 contain warnings and visions from Amos. Those “resting comfortably” while drinking “bowls of wine” – they will be the first to go into exile. God promises to “shatter the great house [Israel] into bits… and pieces.” God’s people do not measure up to God’s plumb line. All will be laid to waste. These words lead to a confrontation with Amaziah the priest. He tells Amos to go home to Judah, to prophesy there. In response, Amos declares that it is Amaziah who will be going away, into exile, losing family and land as well.

Judgment continues in chapter 8 and the first half of chapter 9. God judges Israel’s immoral business practices, their greed, and their dishonesty. Feasts will become sad affairs. But the days are coming when there will be a thirst for hearing God’s word. There will be a day when broken places are rebuilt, when blessings flow, when God’s people will be planted upon their land. God will make all things new. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your justice and righteousness will prevail. They will indeed flow like water in a never-ending stream. You will remove all evil and establish your new kingdom here on earth. Worship will be pure and true. All will focus on your love, flowing from your heart into our hearts. What a day that will be! In between them and now, Lord, guide us to be justice, righteousness, and love here and now, as we seek to bring your kingdom to this earth. Amen.


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Prepare to Meet Your God!

Reading: Amos 1-4

Amos 4:4-5 – “Come to Bethel — and commit a crime!… Offer a thanksgiving sacrifice… publicize your gifts… for so you love to do, people of Israel!”

Amos is called from a small town in Judah in about 762 BCE. His task is to bring words of warning to Israel. Amos’ central message was that God is just and righteous and will uphold these practices. Chapters 1 and 2 contain judgments against Israel’s neighbors. Each begins with “for three crimes… and for four.” This is not strict math. It means that these sins were perpetrated again and again.

These sins or crimes include selling refugees as slaves, seizing land using violence, exacting revenge, and desecrating other leader’s bodies. Judah is ignoring the Instructions and disobeying the Law. Turn Israel’s sins are detailed. The rich and powerful mistreat and steal from the poor, often enslaving them. They disregard their rights – that’s using their blankets given as collateral for picnics instead of returning them each night, as required by the Law. Fathers and sons have illicit sex with the same woman. God then reminds them of all that God did for them. And of how prophets and Nazarites were sent. The deeds were forgotten, the words hushed. God declares that the fast, strong, and mighty will all fall.

Chapter 3 contains three beautiful verses: 2, 7, and 12. In verse 2 God declares, “You only have I loved so deeply.” This is God’s covenant love. God continues, “Therefore I will punish you.” This is God’s justice and righteousness at work. In verse 7 God says, “Surely the Lord does nothing without revealing his secret” through the prophets. This is God’s grace, again and again calling the people to justice and righteousness. Verse 12 speaks of God’s redemption and salvation. A remnant will be spared. God will rescue Israel in the end. This is a return to God’s covenant love through grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

I smiled when I read God’s taunt in chapter 4. God will try anything to bring the children back into right relationship. In verses 4 and 5 God says, “Come to Bethel — and commit a crime!… Offer a thanksgiving sacrifice… publicize your gifts… for so you love to do, people of Israel!” God wants them to clearly see their hypocrisy. They indulge and brag about it, but exclude the needy – again breaking the Law. God lays out the warnings, the revelations – famine, drought, disease, plague, war… “yet you didn’t return to me.” Again and again. So God proclaims, “Prepare to meet your God, Israel!” The day of justice and righteousness is coming.

Prayer: Lord God, oh how many voices we ignore. Oh how many signs we miss. We’re much like Israel. We hush the Holy Spirit. We read your word and take away what “tickles our ears.” This we too fall short of the justice and righteousness that is found at your core. You call us to hold to and to stand for these, especially in behalf of the poor and needy. Lord, break our hearts for what breaks yours. Renew and reshape us with generous hearts and courageous souls, O God, so that we might be your healing balm to a broken and hurting world. Amen.


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You Will Know

Reading: Joel 1-3

Joel 2:27 – “You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God — no other exists.”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In three chapters Joel packs a ton into his prophetic message. He follows the normal pattern: devastation, cry out, repent, deliverance. Joel is a bit unique in the fact that Israel’s sin isn’t included. That usually leads to the ‘devastation’ part of the cycle. Joel begins with an invading army. Locusts? Assyria? Babylon? We’re not 100% sure if it’s real or metaphor as Joel is really hard to date. He does not include kings or names that can be tied to a specific point in Israel’s history. The effects of whichever army are all the same: starvation, death, suffering, grief. Even the earth and creatures of the earth mourn, so great is the fire that burns before and after the army’s invasion. People shake in fear as the army rushes upon the city and into their homes.

Yet… there’s that word! Yet, even now, says Joel, God invites us to return to God with all of our hearts, to weep and fast and mourn. Yes, weep, fast, and mourn over what we’ve done. Yes, weep, fast, and mourn over the consequences of that sin. Do so because God is compassionate, merciful, very patient, full of love, and ready to forgive. So, cry out to God! Who knows? God does. God brings renewal and restoration to a repentant Israel: corn, wine, oil… green pastures and fruitful trees. An early rain will be a “sign of righteousness” that will pour out abundance on them. And then the Lord declares, “You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God — no other exists.” Is this because of these physical blessings or is it because of what God promised next?

In verses 28-29 God proclaims that the Spirit will be poured out on all people – sons and daughters, young and old, slaves. All people will receive the gift of the Spirit. All barriers will be broken down. Then Joel turns to the coming day of the Lord. This day will bring darkness but all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. The darkness comes as God gathers and judges the nations. Through Joel, God condemns a variety of offenses against God’s people. Crowd after crowd will come before the Lord. But God will be a refuge for the faithful. Jerusalem will be holy and a spring will come forth from God’s house. The new Judah and Jerusalem will be forgiven. It will be inhabited forever. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what good and great plans you have for those who love you. Yes, the storms of life will come, drawing us closer to you. Yes, times of separation will come as we choose self over you. Even then, you work to renew our relationship, to restore our connection. You remain ever ready to forgive. You continue to declare that you are our God. Thank you, Lord, for your unconditional love. Amen.


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Our Truth Too

Reading: Hosea 11-14

Hosea 14:7 – “They will again live beneath my shadow, they will flourish like a garden; they will blossom like the vine.”

Hosea closes with hope. There are still moments where God recognizes and is angered by Israel’s sin, but words of hope dominate our reading today. This is the truth of our lives too. We are sinful by nature. God is merciful, loving, and forgiving by nature. We walk with hope because God’s love is greater than our sin.

Chapter 11 begins with parent-child imagery. God recalls raising Israel, as a loving parent. But Israel turned away, as most children do at some point. So they will return to Assyria and Egypt. Tough love will reign. Yet love will abide. God will gather the children home one day.

Charges come in chapter 12. Israel multiplies lies and violence, makes treaties with Assyria and Egypt. God recalls Jacob, the younger brother. God recalls wrestling with Jacob at Bethel, where Jacob came to truly know God. God calls Israel back to that relationship. But Ephraim is too proud. They thought themselves sinless. This is a bitter offense to God. We too do this to God when we become proud, when we think ourselves righteous.

Their pride and self-sufficiency was also compounded by their idolatry. Israel turned to these metal images. They are reminded that God alone can save. This will be reinforced when God falls upon them like a lion. God will come in the east wind, making Samaria desolate. Even the babies and pregnant women will fall before the Assyrians.

Hope rises again in chapter 14. God implores Israel to return and even gives them the words to speak: “Forgive all wickedness and receive the good.” God responds with promises to heal and love, to plant and raise up, to protect and provide: “They will again live beneath my shadow, they will flourish like a garden; they will blossom like the vine.” What a beautiful picture of grace and restoration, of wholeness and life. This picture can be ours too. This truth is our truth. Sinful as we are, sin will never define us. God always offers this gift of grace and restoration, of wholeness and life. With repentant hearts and a faithful Spirit, may we step into the truth of God’s love.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to walk daily and to trust eternally into your promises of love and grace, of forgiveness and restoration. You are our God, the only one who can save. Thank you, Lord. Amen.