pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Monthly Archives: September 2024


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“No” to Self!

Reading: Luke 8:40-9

Luke 9:23 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.”

Today’s reading begins with two stories where faith results in healing. Jairus comes to Jesus seeking healing for his daughter and a woman discreetly comes to Jesus for healing. Both believe that Jesus can bring healing. In spite of circumstances stacked against them, both experience healing because they continued to believe.

Jesus sends out the 12 to heal and proclaim the good news. After a successful outing, Jesus encounters a large crowd. After a long day teaching and healing, the disciples suggest sending the crowd to find food and lodging. Jesus suggests the disciples feed the crowd. Their response: But we don’t have enough. Fish and loaves are not what is lacking. With five fish and two loaves, Jesus feeds the huge crowd. In the end all eat their fill and the disciples each hold a basket full of leftovers. Jesus has faith to spare!

There are two sections about following Jesus in today’s readings. After Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus explains that this means dying and being raised. He will be an unexpected kind of Messiah. Because of this, Jesus defines what it takes to follow this way: “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” At the end of today’s readings we see that many cannot meet these expectations. Followers must be willing to lose their lives to take on Christ’s.

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, where he is transfigured. They see Jesus in his divine glory. God’s words add to their understanding that he is truly the Son of God. They descend and Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon. He then confronts the disciples lack of understanding about following him. They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus states, “Whoever is least among you is the greatest.” It’s all about elevating others above self. This requires a follower of Jesus to say “no” to self again and again and again…

Prayer: Lord God, while the world and our culture tells us that self is all that matters, you say the opposite. Everything, everyone, all else is to be placed before our own needs and wants. In that place, we are trusting in you alone for all that we truly need. Grant us the faith and the courage to make this choice every day. Amen.


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Great Love and Compassion

Reading: Luke 7-8:39

Luke 7:50 – “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Luke 7 begins with a story about a man with great faith. The centurion first asks Jesus to come heal his valued servant. He then realizes that he is unworthy to have Jesus come to him. So he sends words, recognizing Jesus’ authority to simply speak a word to heal the servant. It is so.

Jesus next encounters a funeral procession. A widow’s only son has died. With great compassion Jesus resuscitates the son, providing for the widow.

From prison John the Baptist sends some disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one?” Jesus heals many people right then and tells the disciples to tell John what they saw. This is a physical demonstration that fulfills Isaiah 35 and 61. It is Jesus’ “yes” to John’s question. He then laments this current generation’s lack of faith.

Jesus is then invited to dinner at a Pharisee’s home. While there, a sinful woman comes and washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair, kissing them and then anointing them with oil. In his thoughts, the Pharisee is condescending of both Jesus and the woman. This leader skipped all the normal hospitality customs. Jesus says to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Her revelation of great love leads to her salvation.

After naming some of the women who support Jesus’ ministry, he tells the parable of the soils. It is about our receptivity to Jesus’ words and example. These women are the good soil. Jesus then encourages us to let our light shine. It is to shine on all soil/soul types.

Jesus then reveals his power over wind and sea before encountering “Legion” – a man long possessed by many demons. The demons recognize Jesus and negotiate release into the pigs. The man is totally healed. The townfolk are awed but are also afraid of Jesus’ unexplainable power. They ask him to leave. The man is told to stay behind, to witness to Jesus’ power. He goes home to “tell the story.”

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to have great love and compassion for us. You respond when we call out in faith. And you sometimes come even when we don’t call out. You know what we need and this drives your responses. Thank you. Amen.


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As You Walked and Lived

Reading: Luke 6

Luke 6:45 – “A good person produces good from the good treasury of the inner self, while an evil person produces evil from the evil treasury of the inner self.”

Photo credit: Nathan Lemon

Chapter 6 is a primer on the Christian life. On the Sabbath – a day on which devout Jews did absolutely no work – Jesus asks, “It is legal to do good or evil, to save life or destroy it” on the Sabbath? He then heals a man’s withered hand. After calling the 12, Jesus heals many people. Maybe it was the Sabbath, maybe it wasn’t.

Starting in verse 20, we hear the “Sermon on the Plain.” It begins with Jesus telling us that those without now will one day receive. Those who have already received will one day be without. Jesus calls his followers to love, to do good, and to bless and pray for those who hate, curse at, and mistreat us. He calls us to go above and beyond what is asked. His teaching is summed up in what we know as the golden rule: “Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.”

After pointing out that the world loves those who love them… Jesus calls us to be compassionate as God is compassionate. He warns against judging and condemning. Instead we are to be forgiving. Jesus says to give and it will be given to you. The golden rule not only applies to our relationships with each other but to our relationship with God too.

We’re also warned about self-deception. Deal with the log in your own eye, Jesus says, before trying to remove the splinter from a neighbor’s life. In this way a good tree will produce good fruit. This is because “A good person produces good from the good treasury of the inner self, while an evil person produces evil from the evil treasury of the inner self.” When we build on the solid foundation of Jesus, filling ourselves with and living out his words and example, then the storms can’t and won’t shake our faith. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we are called to do and be good in the world. We are called to give of ourselves with no strings attached. Our love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness is to be universally and unconditionally poured out. We are to walk and live as Jesus walked and lived. Yes, Lord, may it be so. Amen.


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To Change Hearts and Lives

Reading: Luke 4:14-5

Luke 5:32 – “I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

Jesus begins his public ministry teaching in the local synagogues. In his hometown of Nazareth he reads from the scroll of Isaiah. Jesus claims these words as the focus of his ministry. At first the audience is “raving” about Jesus but then someone asks, “This is Joseph’s son, isn’t it?” Jesus quotes a saying about prophets not being welcome in their hometown. He then reminds them of the story of the widow of Zarephath and of Naaman the Syrian. They are filled with anger. They do not want the Gentiles included in God’s plan.

Jesus travels to Capernaum and heals a man with a demon. News spreads. That evening he heals many, touching each. Crowds gather along the seashore. Jesus asks Simon to row out a bit so that he can teach. After he’s done teaching he asks Simon to row out and to drop the nets. A miraculous catch is followed by a sinner’s confession. Jesus tells Simon, “From now on you’ll be fishing for people.” Simon, along with James and John, leaves everything behind to follow Jesus.

After healing a man with a skin disease, again touching someone considered unclean by Jewish religion, Jesus has a public confrontation with the Pharisees and legal experts. In response to the faith shown by the friends lowering their paralyzed friend through the roof, Jesus says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The religious leaders mutter about this. Jesus asks them which is easier: to say your sins are forgiven or to say get up and walk? Proving his authority to forgive sins, Jesus heals the man, who picks up his cot and walks home.

Jesus then calls Levi the tax collector. Levi throws a banquet. The religious leaders question Jesus about eating with tax collectors and other known sinners. His reply: “I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.” Thanks be to God – Jesus came for you and for me!

Prayer: Lord God, your touch healed many and your words changed hearts and lives. Continue to speak into our hearts and lives each day. You also healed the wounds and separation caused by sin. Continue to heal us in this way, making us whole. Amen.


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Stand on the Word

Reading: Luke 3-4:13

Luke 4:13 – “After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Luke begins the story of John the Baptist’s ministry by listing the political and religious leaders at the time John began to call people to a baptism of repentance. The baptism showed they were changing hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. This fulfills the words of Isaiah 40.

John’s ministry is not without confrontation. In addition to being arrested by Herod, John harshly addresses the crowd, declaring that they must produce fruit that reflects their changed hearts and lives. (In Matthew’s gospel these words are addressed to the Pharisees and Sadducees.) This fruit would be sharing one’s extra clothes and food with those in need. It would include being ethical and moral in how you do your job. John warns that being a child of Abraham won’t save them. The ax is already at the roots of that tree. This exchange makes me wonder, what hollow faith claims do we try to stand upon?

Because of John’s words, people begin to wonder if he is the Christ. He quickly dispels that, reminding them that he is preparing the way for the one who will baptize with “the Holy Spirit and fire.” John continues to proclaim the coming kingdom of God.

This is revealed as Jesus comes to be baptized. After praying, the Holy Spirit descends and God says, “You are my son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.” Luke then gives Jesus’ genealogy, connecting Jesus back to Adam, the one who walked and talked with God. This is Luke’s way of showing that Jesus came to save all of humanity.

Our reading today closes with the temptation of Jesus. Led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, Jesus fasts and prays for forty days. Satan comes and tempts Jesus with food, power, and testing God. Each time Jesus stood upon the word of God. We closed with, “After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.” Satan tests us in this way too, waiting until we are weak or tired or stressed or vulnerable… In those moments of temptation, may we too stand upon the word of God!

Prayer: Lord God, when we get too comfy, thinking church attendance and/or Bible study is sufficient, remind us that you expect us to produce fruit as a sign of a changed heart and life. Yet, may that church attendance and Bible study serve to protect us when Satan comes knocking. Amen.


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Edges

Reading: Luke 2

Luke 2:46-47 – “He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers.”

Luke 2 holds the stories of Jesus’ birth and childhood. We read of journeys, mangers, angels, and shepherds. We read of Simeon and Anna. And we read of young Jesus is the temple.

Luke begins chapter two with Caesar declaring a tax census. Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem. While there, Mary gives birth, wraps Jesus snuggly, and lays him in a manger. An angel appears to shepherds and announces “good news… wonderful, joyous news for all people.” The shepherds go and see Jesus, share their story, and return to the fields praising God.

Jesus’ birth rituals are then completed: circumcision, naming, ritual cleansing, presentation to God, and an offering is given. Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus. Simeon declares Jesus “salvation… revelation to the Gentiles… glory to Israel.” He also warns of the hard realities of Jesus’ ministry. Anna praises Jesus as “the redemption of Israel.”

We then fast-forward 12 years. The family went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Traveling home, Mary and Joseph discover Jesus is missing. They return to Jerusalem and search for three days. Finally they find him in the temple. We read, “He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers.” After being scolded by Mary, Jesus basically says, ‘Where else would I be?’ The Spirit is upon Jesus and he finds favor with God and with people. May the Spirit be upon you and me!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the beautiful stories of Jesus. They read almost like a novel. Yet within the stories are edges. There is no room in a home for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. You go to the low of the low to announce the wonderful news. In Simeon and Anna you recall the deep longing, the prolonged waiting for the Christ. You are a God of the edges. Your son Jesus is a Savior for the edges. May we be people that minister on the edges. Amen.


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What Will You Do?

Reading: Mark 15-17

Mark 16:6 – “Don’t be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus… He has been raised. He isn’t here.”

We close our Mark’s gospel today. Jesus is brought to Pilate, who asks, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus grows silent before his accusers. This question will become a statement, hung above his cross. Pilate tries to release Jesus but the crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, calls for Barabbas’ release. They want Jesus crucified. Giving in to the crowd, Pilate begins the process as Jesus is whipped.

The soldiers mock, hit, and spit upon Jesus. A man, Simon of Cyrene, is forced to help carry the cross. Jesus is crucified at Golgatha, between two criminals. The soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes. Everyone – passers by, the religious leaders, the crowd, the two criminals – they all mock Jesus. It grows dark from noon until 3. Jesus then cries out, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” With a loud cry, Jesus dies. Mary Magdalene, Mary, Joses, and Salome are there, watching it all.

Joseph of Arimathea asks for and receives Jesus’ body. He wraps the body in linen, lays it in the tomb, and rolls the stone in place. Mary Magdalene and Mary watch. After the Sabbath, early in the morning, these women and Salome go to the tomb with spices. The stone is rolled away. An angel says to the women, “Don’t be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus… He has been raised. He isn’t here.” The women flee, terrified. They say nothing to anyone. Here ends the original gospel of Mark. Left unsaid but hanging in the air is the question: Now that you know the end of the story, what will you do?

Prayer: Lord God, yes indeed, what will we do? Will we live in fear, afraid to tell the good news of salvation? Or will we live out a bold faith each day, living out the good news of Jesus Christ? Your plan continued, from the first disciples down through the generations. Use us to continue to spread the story to the ends of the earth. Amen.


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Real Stories

Reading: Mark 14

Mark 14:31 – “But Peter insisted, ‘If I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.’ And they all said the same thing.”

Just before the Passover, Jesus is in Bethany. A woman anoints Jesus with some very expensive perfume, preparing his body for burial. Although the disciples think this is a waste, Jesus defends her and tells them that her actions will be remembered and told as part of the good news. Judas leaves and agrees to betray Jesus.

Gathering the 12, Jesus celebrates the Passover. Again his instructions about how and where come true. Jesus announces his betrayal and they all ask, “It’s not me, is it?” While eating the meal Jesus says of the bread, “Take, this is my body.” Taking the cup, he says, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” After singing praises, they head out to the Mount of Olives.

There, Jesus tells them they will all fall away. Peter boldly declares his loyalty to Jesus. But Jesus says to Peter, before the roosters crowd twice you’ll deny me three times. Peter insists, “If I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.” The other eleven say the same thing. Yet when asked to pray with and for Jesus, they all fall asleep. Jesus struggles with the coming suffering, yet remains committed to God’s plan and purposes.

Judas then comes with a mob and betrays Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested and all the disciples run away. We too profess a faith willing to die for Jesus yet in those moments when discipleship has a cost, how often we too run away. A sham trial seals Jesus’ fate. It is Jesus’ words of truth that actually condemn him.

We close today with Peter living our Jesus’ words. Three times Peter denies being with Jesus. The rooster crows. Peter recalls Jesus’ words and breaks down in tears. We too are familiar with failing Jesus and with the feelings of remorse. They too are signs of our humanity. And they are a step on the path of mercy and grace. Thanks be to God for both.

Prayer: Lord God, how real today’s stories are. Sometimes we are the woman – a part of a story of faith. Sometimes we are Peter – sure of our rock solid faith yet so vulnerable to fear. And sometimes we’re Judas – betraying you with our words and actions. No matter what, though, you love us just the same. For your great and unconditional love, we say thank you. Amen.


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Alert and Ready and at Work

Reading: Mark 12:35-13

Mark 13:36-37 – “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”

We begin in the temple today as Jesus corrects the legal experts. The crowd delights in his teaching. He then condemns the religious leaders self-seeking ways: they wear long robes and say long prayers; they desire the best greetings and the best seats; and, they “cheat widows,” leaving them homeless. A sharp contrast to this arrogance comes in the next verses. A poor widow gives all that she has to live on. The rich give “out of their spare change.” This humble, faithful, trusting widow is the model.

As they leave the temple, one of the disciples points out the grandeur of the temple itself. Jesus predicts its demolition. Peter, James, John, and Andrew later ask him when this will happen… what will be the signs? Jesus warns them of deceivers. There will be wars, famines, and earthquakes. The disciples themselves will be handed over and persecuted (but the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say.) Then the war will culminate as the temple is defiled. People will flee to the mountains to escape the Romans. There will be great suffering.

Sometime after this suffering, the sun and moon will grow dark, the stars will fall, and the planets will shake. Then the “Human One” will come on the clouds in power and splendor. The angels will gather the “chosen people” from the corners of the earth. Jesus tells them that just as the fig tree’s new leaves tell them summer is near, so too will these signs tell the world that his return is near. Jesus tells them (and us), “Watch out! Stay alert!”

Jesus closes his teaching on the end times with a story. As an owner goes on a trip (perhaps back to heaven for a time?), he assigns tasks to his servants. For all disciples, the task will be to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus closes with this warning: “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!” Jesus is coming soon. May we be found ready and alert, working on our task as we strive to live a daily life that seeks to make disciples for the transformation of the world.

Prayer: Lord God, please walk closely in Spirit with us. Attune us to the charge you give each of us. Defend us from our human tendency to make it all about us. Lead us to walk as humble servants, seeking to be witnesses of your love and power in this world. Amen.