pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Redemption and Adoption

Reading: Galatians 4:1-7

Galatians 4:4 – “When the fulfillment of the time came, God sent his son, born through a woman, and born under the Law.”

Galatians 4 is a continuation of what Paul was writing about in Galatians 3. Paul reasons that before faith came (Jesus) the Jews were “guarded under the Law.” In Paul’s understanding, the Law functioned as a custodian or guardian. Belief in Jesus (faith) allowed one to “be made righteous,” something that could never happen living just under the Law. It was impossible.

As we turn to chapter 4, Paul states that as long as the “heirs” are still children (without faith,) they are under the Law. At this point, Paul parallels them to “slaves,” even though they “really are heirs of everything.” At this point, the Jews are also living under “the world’s system.” All of this changed at just the right moment: “When the fulfillment of the time came, God sent his son, born through a woman, and born under the Law.”

For Paul, the coming of Jesus accomplished at least two things. In today’s passage this is redemption and adoption. Through Christ we can be redeemed – made right with God and with one another. Jesus paid the atoning sacrifice for our struggles with the world’s system of sin and death. Jesus also opened a new door, becoming the first of many brothers and sisters, connecting all believers to God through the Spirit. This Spirit became our internal guardian or custodian, to use Paul’s words, guiding and leading us as children living under the law or example of Christ. In this place of faith we are no longer slaves but are heirs, fully belonging to the family of God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for our place in your family. Thank you for doing something in Jesus that none of us could ever do on our own. Thank you for freeing us from our entrapment to the world and its sins. Thank you for taking us in as your children. Amen.


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Afflictions

Reading: Psalm 6:3-9

Psalm 6:3 – “How long will this last? Come back to me, Lord! Deliver me!”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

David cries out to God in Psalm 6 much as we cry out to God over the courses of our lives. In this Psalm, David is “completely terrified.” Perhaps you have felt this way. Or maybe you have felt utterly hopeless or totally defeated or absolutely alone or beyond grief. Maybe it is a chronic illness that has settled in, disrupting your life. In each case and many more we’ve all uttered words similar to David’s: “How long will this last? Come back to me, Lord! Deliver me!”

David must feel close to death. He lifts the idea that no one praises God from Sheol, a place between death and eternity. As the Psalm continues, David expresses his sorrow and pain. He feels worn out. Each night his bed is soaked with tears. His vision has become unclear – perhaps physically but more likely emotionally. The feeling of not being able to see or think straight has effected all of us during difficult times in life.

The affliction of David appears to be caused by others. David tells the “evil doers” to get away. There is a reason besides simply wanting relief or healing. David declares that God has heard his cries, that God has listened, that God accepts his prayer. The light and love of God has permeated David’s darkness. Of this, David is sure. He feels it in his heart. In our times of suffering and trial, may it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, sorrow, pain, suffering, grief – they are all part of this life. All will come upon us at times. Lead us to you in these moments and seasons – you are our rock and our hope. Guide us to trust in you alone – you are our strength and our redeemer. Amen.


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No One Sees

Reading: 1st Samuel 1:3-8

1st Samuel 1:8 – “Why won’t you eat? Why are you so sad? Aren’t I worth more than ten sons to you?”

This week we delve into our call to see the small, the overlooked, the marginalized. We will wrestle with how we respond to their cries. This often puts us at odds with those in power and with our culture.

All of these topics are present in our 1st Samuel 1 reading. In the text, Hannah is the central figure. She is the one who only receives one part of the offering “because the Lord had kept her from conceiving.” In this agricultural society, children were necessary for a family’s survival. This also factored in later in life. Without children in old age, one would potentially not have anyone to care or provide for them. To be unable to bear children was a cultural shame and a great risk.

Hannah is frequently reminded of all of this by Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, the one with many children. This cruelty was especially unavoidable at the festival in Shiloh. All were together in limited space. Elkanah sees Hannah crying and says to her, “Why won’t you eat? Why are you so sad? Aren’t I worth more than ten sons to you?” The focus of his questions are really on himself and his self-worth, not on Hannah. He sees her but doesn’t really see her. No one really sees Hannah. Who do you know that is like this?

Prayer: Lord God, we too can look past the one hurting right in front of us. We too can make it about how their pain or suffering is effecting us or our lives. In these times, Lord, slow us down, divest us of self, guide us to be present to the person and make us responsive to their needs. Amen.


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This Jesus

Reading: Luke 19:1-6

Luke 19:6 – “So Zacchaeus came down at once, happy to welcome Jesus.”

“Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he.” Did your brain jump to the next line? The children’s song and the story are familiar to most followers of Jesus. While we only read the first part of the story in today’s text, we know what happens when Zacchaeus comes down out of that sycamore tree.

One day Jesus was passing through town. The chief tax collector is curious. He wants to see this man that lots of people are talking about. Wild stories of healings and of profound teachings circulate amongst the Jews in Galilee and beyond. Zacchaeus was short – both physically and in statute amongst the local people. Collecting the burdensome taxes for the hated occupying force did not win him any friends. So he has to resort to climbing a tree so that he can simply see this Jesus as he walks through Jericho.

We will encounter people like Zacchaeus – sinned and flawed like us, curious about this man they’ve heard about. We are other believers are the stories the curious have heard and seen. The abnormal kindness, the ever present grace and peace, the contentment, the care and concern for those others ignore or shun – there is something attractional about this Jesus we follow and strive to emulate. This Jesus noticed, stopped, and talked with Zacchaeus. In verse 6 we read about the results: “So Zacchaeus came down at once, happy to welcome Jesus.” May we too be willing to engage those seeking, opening the door of their hearts to welcome this Jesus home.

Prayer: Lord God, first, walk with us daily, filling us with your Spirit and your presence, empowering us to be a good example of your love, grace, compassion… Second, prepare us for the conversations that come with living our lives for you and for others. By the power of your Holy Spirit, give us the words to say to those seeking, drawing them deeper in their curiosity about this Jesus, the life changer. Amen.


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Finding Contentment and Peace

Reading: Philippians 4:10-14

Philippians 4:12b – “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

Today’s words from Paul speak of a topic that many find elusive today. This is especially true when we are younger or are not yet mature in our faith. At these stages we are still very much concerned with or even infatuated with the things of this world. When in love with the things of this world, almost all of us live on the “treadmill” – better jobs, more money, newer and bigger houses, boats… – seeking the next “success” over and over again.

As our passage for today begins, Paul expresses his thanks for the collection that the church in Philippi took up for him. It is a way that they can show their concern for Paul. While he appreciates the gift and the thought, it wasn’t necessarily needed. Since coming to faith in Jesus, Paul’s life has been transformed. In his “old life” Paul had doggedly pursued success and recognition in his chosen field: Pharisee. In his “new life in Christ” these things do not matter. Through times of need and abundance, through times of blessing and poverty, Paul has not tried to rely on his own gifts and talents. He has learned to trust in God to provide.

Because of this humble trust in God, Paul can write, “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.” No matter what this world gives or takes, no matter what this world throws at him or against him, Paul has come to believe that all will be well through “the power of the one who gives me strength.” In Christ, Paul has found the source of peace and contentment. That’s the secret! May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider how to find contentment and peace, we recognize first that we all battle envy or jealousy or pride now and then. So we all ask for your power and presence in our lives. Second, Lord, we all ask that you would mature our faith, building up our trust, our humility, and our belief in your love, care, and provision. Relying not on our own strength but on yours, we can be children of your kingdom, O God. Amen.


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Radical Love

Reading: Luke 6:27-36

Luke 6:35 – “Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have great reward.”

Jesus defines behaving as God’s children by loving our enemies, by doing good to those persons who hate us, by blessing the people who curse at us, and by praying for the folks who mistreat us. He continues on, explaining how these actions become real. For Jesus, love is not a sentimental feeling. It calls us to offer the other cheek, to give our cost and our shirt, to give money without seeking or expecting repayment. To materially support those who hate, curse, and mistreat us? This is a deep and encompassing love that Jesus calls his followers to live out.

Why would Jesus call us to such a radical love? First, it is the love that he demonstrated in both his ministry and in his death on the cross. More practically, in verse 31 he says, “Treat people in the same way you want to be treated.” Jesus calls us to this radical love as a means to change hearts and to change culture. Loving in this way will attract attention and will raise questions in other’s minds. When this kind of love is given to our “enemies” it shows that this love is deep in our hearts. It is not founded upon the other person’s behavior but upon Christ in us. When we love all people with a radical love, then the compassion of the Father will then be our compassion. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how great your love is for us. It is beyond measure and past comprehension. When we ponder this we are left in awe, able only to muster a meager “thank you.” Lord, empower us to reflect this love to others, drawing them towards that place of awe. In this way may you be glorified and praised. Amen.


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Choices and Actions

Reading: Obadiah 12-15

Obadiah 15: “The day of the Lord is near… As you have done, so it will be done to you.”

Obadiah’s short, one chapter letter takes aim at Edom, Israel’s neighbor to the southeast. Israel and Edom are connected. Jacob and Esau are the beginning seeds of these two groups of people. The tension that existed between the brothers has remained a part of the relationship between these two nations. As Obadiah writes, Jerusalem (and Judah) has just fallen to Babylon’s army.

Have you even been in a situation where someone you disliked or didn’t get along with was “getting their due?” The bully has fallen or the dishonest one has been revealed. Whatever the case, it can be tempting to join in – maybe with a judgmental comment, a stinging barb, or even worse, with some verbal or physical abuse. It can be tempting.

As Israel was falling to Babylon, Edom jumped in. They “took pleasure” over Israel’s downfall, rejoicing over their misery. Edom entered the defeated city and “stole possessions.” The Edomites “waited on the roads to destroy escapees” – those lucky enough to escape Babylon’s attack. Edom killed some and handed others back over to Babylon. Edom fell to the temptation to “get even.” Big time.

Obadiah speaks a word of God’s judgment against Edom, saying, “The day of the Lord is near… As you have done, so it will be done to you.” God has taken note of how Edom treated Israel in its time of need. They slapped the hand just barely above the surface of the water instead of reaching out to help. One day these choices will bring similar suffering to Edom. So it will be when we allow pride and envy to dictate our choices and actions.

Prayer: Lord God, instead of thoughts of judgement and revenge, fill our hearts and minds with thoughts of empathy and compassion. When the temptation rises to “take our opportunity” or to pile on, move us instead to offer healing and comfort. May your love for us be reflected in our love for all people, even those hardest to love. Amen.


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The Way of the Lord

Reading: Isaiah 35:5-10

Isaiah 35:10 – “The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads.”

Isaiah 35 speaks of God’s restoration of Israel. Likely proclaimed while in exile, the words of the prophet would give hope to those living as foreigners in a pagan land. Our passage begins with promises of healing for those with physical suffering: the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk, the mute will sing. God will restore all to wholeness and well-being.

God will also restore the land. What has become dry and harsh will become green pastures with flowing waters. Israel’s collective last memory of their homeland was the destruction left behind by the Babylonians in the north and the Assyrians in the south. They had ravaged the land. God will restore it. The exiles will return to a new version of the Promised Land.

In verses 8-9 Isaiah begins to lay out a vision of Israel’s actual return. God will make their path like a highway – smooth and easy to travel upon. Only the faithful will walk “The Holy Way.” No predators and no evil persons. Only the redeemed will walk on it. There will be joy and happiness. There will not be grief or groaning. In verse 10 we read, “The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads.” How the Lord will forgive, restore, and return Israel to wholeness and faithfulness!

While these words were originally written to a nation living in exile, the promises are true today because the character of God does not change. If you or someone you know is in exile – suffering, alone, struggling with health or a difficult situation – God wants to bring wholeness and joy to your life, to their life, to all of our lives. Our God wants to ransom us all from our places of exile and thirst. The invitation to walk the way of the Lord is always there. We just have to step upon the “highway.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the vision and reminder of who and what you are and if who and what you want us to be. Help us to walk in your ways, to step into the plans you have for us, into who you call us to be. Walking with you, ransomed by your love, we will be restored and made whole. Draw each of us to walk in your ways. Amen.


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Lights to the World

Reading: Acts 13:48-52

Acts 13:50 – “However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile worshippers… to harass Paul and Barnabas.”

Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch as our passage begins. They’ve been sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with Jews in the local synagogue. Some have come to faith in Jesus but most have not. In verse 44 the circle expands. Here we see that “almost everyone in the city” gathers to hear Paul speak. The Jews are jealous so they try to slander Paul. Filled with Holy Spirit courage, Paul quotes Isaiah 49:6 to them. The prophet speaks of being “a light to the nations” and about salvation going out “to the ends of the earth.” Talk about expanding the circle of God’s love!

In verse 48 we hear the Gentile’s reaction: “they rejoiced and honored God’s word.” Many heard Paul speak and came to believe in Jesus. The word was soon spoken throughout that region. Instead of rejoicing alongside Paul and Barnabas, “the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile worshippers… to harass Paul and Barnabas.” They stirred up trouble. Their envy burned hot within them. Paul and Barnabas were forced to move on. But because of the powerful presence and work of the Holy Spirit, they left filled with happiness.

Envy and jealousy remain driving forces in our world and in our churches. They lead us to at least want to tear others down who find success when we do not. They urge us to cut corners and to skirt the rules to get what we want. They can instill hatred and contempt in our hearts when we cannot level up. And sometimes these sins will be directed at us, as they were at Paul and Barnabas. Like them, may we shake it off, rejoice in what God is doing, and continue in the work that God has placed before us.

Prayer: Lord God, all who follow Jesus are called to be lights to the world, to proclaim salvation for all people. Sometimes others find more success. Sometimes we are harassed for our efforts. In all cases, Lord, keep us focused on the charge to make disciples of all peoples. May it all be for your glory and praise! Amen.


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Pursuing God

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:5-12

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.”

As Paul closes his first letter to Timothy he lays out the difference between being faithful and wanting to look faithful. We see this today in our world as people claim to follow Jesus and then say and do things that Jesus would’ve never ever said or done. There is “constant bickering” in these circles and there is a constant desire for “more money” and for more power, more control, more… Paul’s words in verse 5 still ring true today.

Paul reminds Timothy that there is great profit in our faith. It is just not profit as the world defines this idea. Paul invites Timothy (and us) to be happy or content with what God has provided, whether food or clothing or whatever. This frame of mind helps to guard our hearts against loving and pursuing the things of this world. This contrasts sharply with those trying to “get rich” or to accumulate others things of this world. There folks easily “fall into temptation” as they become trapped in the endless cycle of “more!” Some of these have even “impaled themselves with a lot of pain” in their pursuit of earthly things.

Timothy is encouraged to “run away from these things.” Paul encourages him to pursue the things of God: “righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, gentleness.” These are the things we too are to pursue. Paul then implores Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To deny self, to not pursue the things of this world, it is a fight, a battle. In my study Bible the commentary notes, “In the end we will become not what we own but what we do.” Pursuing God, may we be transformed more and more into God’s image and character, day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, fix our eyes and hearts on you. By this same power, guard our eyes and hearts against those things that our culture values. Lead us to find peace and contentment, joy and pleasure in all that you provide. Amen.