pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Monthly Archives: October 2024


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“Water” to “Wine”

Reading: John 1:1-2:12

John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.”

Today we begin the Gospel of John, written about 30 years after Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John tells the story of Jesus, Son of God, dwelling among human beings, giving life and the Spirit to those who receive and believe in him as the Son of God, as Lord and Savior.

The Gospel begins connecting Jesus to eternity. Channeling the words and feel of Genesis, John establishes Jesus as the “Word” who was with and is God. In Jesus is light and life. John declares that Jesus is “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.” Even though the light shone on all people, Jesus’ own people didn’t recognize or welcome him. Even so, “the Word became flesh” and dwelled among humanity, revealing grace and truth, making God known.

The religious leaders sent representatives to ask John, “Who are you?” He tells them he’s not the one, not Elijah, not a prophet. Pushed further, John says he is the one “crying out in the wilderness” preparing people to receive Jesus. The next day (very Genesis-like) John sees and names Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Baptizing Jesus, John sees the Spirit descending and resting upon Jesus, “the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

The next day the first disciples are called – some by Jesus and some by one another. On the third day, Jesus is at a wedding in Cana. Here we find a great mother-son exchange. The wedding hosts have run out of wine and Mary brings it to Jesus’ attention. He replies, “My time hasn’t come yet.” Likely looking straight at Jesus, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” The water jugs are filled and it turns into wine – the best wine. Jesus’ glory is revealed. The disciples believe in him.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for taking on flesh, for stepping down out of heaven’s glory to bring it to earth. Your light continues to shine into the darkness of our world and our lives. You continue to turn the “water” of our lives into the best possible “wine.” Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Hearts on Fire

Reading: Luke 24

Luke 24:33 – “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”

In all four Gospels it is the women who go to the tomb on the third day. In Luke’s Gospel the “men” in “gleaming bright clothes” ask the women why they’re looking for the living (Christ) among the dead (tomb.) The angels remind the women of Jesus’ own words about all these things. On the road to Emmaus and during his appearance to the disciples Jesus does this too. As the women share their story, their words are “nonsense” to the disciples. Sometimes a story is just too wild or too crazy or too unbelievable for us to wrap our heads around it right then and there.

The risen Jesus, unbeknownst to the two disciples, comes and walks with them. Jesus unpacks all the scriptures written about him as they walk along. Urged to stay with them, likely eager to continue this conversation, Jesus is revealed as he breaks the bread. Cleopas and friend return right then to Jerusalem to share their story with the rest of the disciples.

Mid-story Jesus appears. The gathering of disciples is “terrified and afraid,” thinking Jesus a ghost. He shows them his hands and feet – the scars from the nails – and he eats a piece of fish. Grounding them in these realities, Jesus then opens their minds to understand all that had been written about him in the Law, the prophets, and the Psalms. Jesus then commissions them to preach about the forgiveness of sins that leads to “changed hearts and lives” – the message preached since John the Baptist first appeared on the scene.

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus repeats God’s promise to send “heavenly power” – the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has the power to do for us as it did for the first disciples. This is summed up in the Emmaus disciples’ words: “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, just as the risen Christ did for those first disciples, please continue to open our hearts to your words. Fill us with understanding and with a fire to share what we know and believe – that you still are the power to change hearts and lives. We are each example number one in the story that we have to tell. Amen.


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One Last Act of Love

Reading: Luke 23

Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

The trial, the false accusations, the giving in, the death and resurrection – it all feels so fast. It feels like Luke moves quickly through these events, his “carefully ordered account” presenting little more than the facts. Yet, as we read carefully, certain lines and actions stand out.

Both Pilate and Herod find no basis for legal action against Jesus. Pilate offers to whip Jesus, trying to placate the religious leaders and their crowd. The mob mentality that drives shouts of “Crucify!” finally forces Pilate to give in to their will. On the way to “The Skull,” Jesus pauses and addresses the grieving women, telling them not to cry for him but to cry for the days of suffering soon to come.

As he is being crucified between two criminals, Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” Those there – the religious leaders and the soldiers – they mock Jesus. One criminal defends this innocent man. Jesus tells him, “I assure you that today you’ll be with me in paradise.” As Jesus dies, a centurion praises God, recognizing Jesus as “a righteous man.” The crowd goes home beating their chests. Luke notes, “Everyone who knew him… stood at a distance observing these things.”

Joseph of Arimathea acts, asking Pilate for Jesus’ body. He was a member of the Jewish council – one that “hadn’t agreed with the plan” that has just been accomplished. The women watch him hastily wrap and lay Jesus’ body in a new tomb. The women go home and prepare spices and oils to properly care for his body. They wait as the Sabbath passes. They wait to offer one last act of love.

Prayer: Lord God, through it all, Jesus does not change. Love, grace, forgiveness, commitment – they continue to flow out from Jesus. His steadfastness to you and to us does not waver a bit. Signs of his love for you and for us are sprinkled throughout this text. Thank you for the example Jesus set, right to the end. This too was one last act of love. Amen.


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Divinity and Humanity, Strengths and Weaknesses

Reading: Luke 22

Luke 22:42 – “Not my will but your will must be done.”

Our reading begins with Judas agreeing to hand Jesus over. It must be an opportunity without a crowd. This time comes as Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray, which he does regularly. Another regular event was the celebration of the Passover meal. Peter and John are tasked with setting it up. At the table, though, Jesus becomes irregular. He changes the words and the meaning of this ancient ritual. The bread represents his body and the cup of wine represents the new covenant of his blood. He will become the new Passover lamb, sacrificed for many.

At the table, Jesus tells the disciples that his betrayer is present. They question who it could be, which leads to an argument about who is the greatest. To prove that we’re not the “weak link” we often resort to sharing our strengths to prove our own innocence. Jesus reigns them in, reminding them to become low, like a servant, like Jesus himself. He also offers words of encouragement. Because they have (and will) continue to walk with Jesus, one day they’ll eat and drink at his table in heaven. One day they’ll each sit on a throne overseeing the tribes of Israel.

Jesus shifts gears, sharing with the disciples that Satan will “sift you all like wheat.” Peter boldly states that he is ready to go to prison or even to die with Jesus. Alas, Peter, you will deny Jesus three times this very night – all before the rooster crows. Jesus then goes to the Mount of Olives to pray. He first asks God to take away this cup of suffering and death. He then prays, “Not my will but your will must be done.” Jesus is committed to God’s plan. He’s then betrayed by a kiss, is arrested, is beaten and questioned. In the midst of all this, he heals a servant. Peter denies him three times, then breaks down, sobbing uncontrollably. Jesus makes the claim that he will now be seated at God’s right hand. His words seal his fate.

Prayer: Lord God, a plan hurtles towards completion. We know the story and the steps. We’re reminded of both Jesus’ divinity and of his humanity. We too carry these within us. We’re also reminded of the disciples’ strengths and weaknesses. We too possess plenty of both. Lord, be present to us today so that we too might know and follow your will. Amen.


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Was, Is, Will Be

Reading: Luke 20-21

Luke 21:36 – “Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”

We begin today with the religious leaders questioning Jesus’ authority. He responds with a question for them, asking about John the Baptist’s authority. Trapped, they refuse to answer. Jesus then tells them a parable that reveals his authority. The tenants are greedy. They abuse those sent to collect fruit owed to the owner. Finally they kill the son whom the owner dearly loves. In response the owner destroys the tenants. Jesus then quotes from the Psalms, referencing the stone rejected. It becomes the cornerstone. The religious leaders recognize that the parable is about them. They want to arrest Jesus but fear the people.

In an attempt to orchestrate a charge, the religious leaders take turns trying to trap Jesus with questions about paying taxes and marriage in the resurrection. Pay taxes? Yes, but more importantly give to God what belongs to God. Marriage? Yes, here and now, but not in the age to come. We will all be God’s children in the resurrection. There, God is as here: the God of the living. In response to their falsehood, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their longing for recognition and honor and for the unfair burdens placed upon the people. He tells them that they’ll be “judged most harshly.” The widow’s gift is then lifted up as both a great example of trust in God and of how the religious leaders’ greed leads people into vulnerability as they struggle to meet the religious leaders’ expectations.

Verses 5-28 of chapter 21 deal with three events. Two sections reference the actual destruction of the temple and city. One part references the time of persecution that will soon occur. And one part references Jesus’ return. Two of three will unfold just as Jesus says. We await his return. Our reading closes by addressing how we are to wait. We are to be aware of the signs and we are to “Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, today we’re reminded that there’s always been a plan. Since the beginning you were spoken of and destined to come in human form. You came and revealed love lived out. You called us to follow your example. You spoke of a future that we eagerly await. You call us to be love lived out as we wait. Empower, encourage, and strengthen us to daily follow your example. Amen.


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Building Blocks

Reading: Luke 19

Luke 19:37 – “The whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice.”

Photo credit: Markus Spiske

“Zacchaues intercepts Jesus” is how my Bible’s notes describe this first encounter in our reading. Jesus sees him in the tree and invites himself to Zacchaues’ house for dinner. Perhaps in response to the crowd’s grumbling, Zacchaues announces that he will give half his wealth to the poor and will repay four times over anyone he’s cheated. He’ll do this that very day. The notes suggest that Zacchaues is defending himself by presenting his customary practices of generosity.

This story is followed by one about faithful service. Two servants put the master’s wealth to good use. Instead of working hard, another hides what he was given to use. His wealth is taken and given to the one with much. Jesus continues on to Jerusalem.

Jesus enters the city on a colt, his disciples loudly rejoicing and praising Jesus and the peace that he offers. This parade is a counter display to Herod’s annual Passover parade, when he enters the city on a mighty warhorse with an entourage of soldiers. Jesus enters humbly, from the opposite direction, demonstrating the kingship and peace of God. The Pharisees worry about this challenge to Roman authority. Jesus responds that if the crowd were silent, “the stones would cry out.”

Jesus then laments that these stones will be torn apart. Because the Jews refuse his kingdom of peace, they will revolt, only to be completely crushed. Jesus weeps over this. He proceeds to the temple, where he chases out those turning a huge profit instead of meeting the people’s needs. The religious leaders seek a way to kill Jesus while the people are enthralled with his daily teaching in the temple. What a contrast in these two groups.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the examples today of generosity and hard work. Both are building blocks of your kingdom. Lead us to use the blessings you’ve given us to build well. Remind us daily of your peace as we build. Remind us daily of who we serve. Amen.


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Outward and Upward

Reading: Luke 17-18

Luke 18:14b – “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”

Our text today begins with words of accountability. We are to help one another in our walk of faith, warning others when they sin. We are also to forgive others when they sincerely repent. Recognizing the challenge in living out these words, the disciples say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!”

As Jesus travels along the border between Samaria and Galilee he encounters ten lepers. They seek and receive healing. Only one comes to give thanks. Jesus sends the Samaritan on his way, healed by faith. At the end of our reading a persistent blind man is healed because of his faith. In between a widow’s persistence is rewarded, much as our prayers for justice will be answered by God. She received justice from an unjust judge. Imagine how our prayers for justice will be answered by our just God.

The Pharisees ask Jesus when God’s kingdom is coming. He first tells them that it is already among them. He then speaks of the time when he’ll come again – because they’re missing the present. It will be like it was in the days of Noah and of Lot. People will be eating, drinking, living life… Then Jesus will return like a flash of lightning, swift and sure as the flood came or as the fire and sulfur rained down. In that moment, “one will be taken and the other left.” We must remain faithful and ready for this day.

Two stories illustrate what being faithful and ready looks like. It begins with having a selfless and humble attitude. Like the tax collector we must pray again and again, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” And unlike the ruler, we must keep our faith as the top priority, forsaking wealth, power, status… We are reminded, “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to ever keep our focus and commitment outward and upward. We need your help because we are naturally selfish. Yet we know that all things are possible with you. Keep us persistent in our faith, generous with our blessings, and humble in our walk. Amen.


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Gracious and Generous

Reading: Luke 15-16

Luke 15:19 – “I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.”

We begin with three parables about “lost” things. The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin follow the same pattern: a thing is lost, a careful search is made, the thing is found, and a celebration follows. A similar celebration happens in heaven when a sinner changes heart and life.

The third parable centers on a lost son. The truly lost one is not the one in the early parts of the parable. The younger son is initially lost but realizes it and “comes to his senses.” He decided on these words: “I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” People can feel this way with God. We can feel this way. Yet in the father’s persona we see a God who runs to us with unconditional love. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done (or left undone) – God loves us and will offer grace always. We’re always welcomed back into the family of God. Sometimes we are called upon to help others understand this too.

The older son is truly lost. He sees himself as a servant and not as a son. His is a joyless yet dutiful existence. That is why anger rises so quickly. Even though the father reminds him of his inherited place in the family, he cannot move past his anger. The story leaves us hanging. What will the oldest son do? Will he too “come to his senses” or will he remain furious?

Chapter 16 holds two parables that deal with wealth. In the first story a manager cleverly uses money to benefit others in the present and to insure his own future. We are called to do the same. Wealth is just a tool to employ in the building of the kingdom. The second story reinforces this point. The rich man did the opposite, hoarding his wealth, ignoring the man in need right under his nose. His future does not end well. He did not listen to the Law and the prophets. We have these as well as the “one who rises from the dead.” May we hear Jesus’ call to be both gracious and generous, doing all we can to redeem the lost.

Prayer: Lord God, when we’re “lost” ourselves, help us to “come to our senses” again and again. And help us to walk alongside those who feel undeserving of your grace and forgiveness, enabling them to see their place in the family. And, Lord, when we struggle, thinking another undeserving of your or our grace, remind us of your great love that redeemed a sinner like us. May we gratefully receive and generously give of your love, grace, and forgiveness. Amen.


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Narrow and High

Reading: Luke 13-14

Luke 13:24 – “Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and won’t be able to.”

Today we largely center on Jesus’ call to “change your hearts and lives.” He begins by describing God’s patience. An owner wants to cut down an unproductive fig tree. The gardener asks for one more year – to tend to and fertilize the tree. The tree might produce fruit the next year. Faith is like a mustard seed or some yeast. It grows or spreads almost without notice. Patience is required. Yet the walk of faith is not easy or for the half-hearted. In 13:24 Jesus says, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and won’t be able to.” Then, in 14:33, he adds, “None of you who are unwilling to give up all your possessions can be my disciple.” The gate is narrow because the requirement is hard. God must be #1 in all aspects of our life.

Twice Jesus demonstrates that love and compassion trump the rules established by man. He heals two people in the Sabbath. We too will be asked to disregard man-made rules or expectations at times if we are to keep God #1 in our life. This “cost” – like the tower project – is necessary to keep in mind as one chooses Jesus as Lord and Savior and as one continues to walk as his disciple.

Jesus drills down on the superficial “faith” of the religious leaders. They jostle for the best seats at the table. Jesus preaches humility. They invite people just like themselves to their own parties. Jesus preaches inviting the lost and broken. Jesus laments over those who refuse to come to him. The hand, the invitation, it is always open, always extended. Until the door is closed. At that point our fate is decided.

Yes, the road is narrow and the expectation or requirement is high. For those who carry their cross daily, keeping God as their only priority, “Happy are those who will feast in God’s kingdom.” This is true now and in the kingdom to come. May it all be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, what do you require of us? It’s simple: keep you as the only occupant of the throne of our hearts. It’s also very difficult: keep you as the only occupant of the throne of our hearts. Lord, guide and encourage us daily as we seek to walk “the narrow way.” It is only possible with your presence. Amen.


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We’ve Been Given Much

Reading: Luke 11:37-12

Luke 12:33 – “Make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

Today’s reading deals with authentic versus surface commitment to God. And it speaks into the worry and doubt and anxiety that is so common in our world today. These two topics relate to one another.

Our words from chapter 11 address the outward and superficial faith lived out by the Pharisees and legal experts. They tithe their herbs but neglect justice and love. They crave recognition and status. They place huge expectations on others but don’t help them and often get in the way of their faith development. These condemnations create deep resentment towards Jesus. But we must ask: Which would be addressed to the faith lived out by you and me?

Chapter 12 mostly focuses on trusting in God’s love and care instead of getting caught up in worry and fear or in the cares and concerns of the world. Jesus reminds us that God cares for and loves us much more than sparrows, ravens, and lilies. Each of these is provided for. How much more will God provide for us, God’s dearly loved children.

Jesus warns against greed, specifically against hoarding or storing up. These inwardly focused acts draw us away from compassion, empathy, and generosity. We are encouraged to release our “things,” to give to those in need. Doing so, we “make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out.” Nothing can take these eternal things away. Jesus sums up why it is so important to be selfless: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be too.”

Jesus also addresses our spiritual readiness. As servants of God we all have roles to play. We are to be diligent and faithful in how we use all of our resources – time, talents, gifts, wealth… “Much will be demanded from everyone who has been given much.” Friends, we have been abundantly and generously blessed by our God.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, you love us far beyond our understanding. And, yes, you care for us unlike any other. Yet worry and fear and earthly concerns can creep in. We can question you. In these moments, remind us of your truths and promises. Speak these into our hearts, Holy Spirit of God. Amen.