pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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God with Us

Reading: Matthew 1:20-25

Matthew 1:21 – “She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

As the story continues in Matthew 1, Joseph has a dream in which an angel visits him. At first I wondered, did Joseph first have to decide if an angel really visited him or if it was just a dream? But as I thought about it, I came to realize that when the divine is present, you just know it – like when Jesus called the first disciples. They left everything, just like that, and followed him. His divine presence led to their response. The same is true of Joseph. He wakes up and does as God commanded him to do.

The angel tells Joseph not to fear. God is at work. The angel then says, “She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This extraordinary birth will produce the Savior of Israel, the long-awaited Messiah. Being a righteous man, Joseph surely knew the Hebrew scriptures and the prophesies of a coming Messiah. And like all of Israel, Joseph longer for the one who would redeem Israel.

Matthew’s voice reenters the story in verse 22. Perhaps he is giving voice to Joseph’s inner thoughts or perhaps he is reminding his Jewish audience of the connections between Jesus and the scriptures. As we read these words of Isaiah, we are reminded that in Jesus, God chose to be with us, to come and dwell among us. For this blessed gift we say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, just as Joseph was faithfully obedient, lead us to be the same. When your continual, constant presence whispers to us or nudges us, may we know the divine is once again present and may we hear and respond faithfully. As we are obedient to your call and direction, use us to make the long-awaited Savior known to all the world. Amen.


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Grace and Mercy

Reading: Matthew 1:18-19

Matthew 1:18 – “When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph… she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit.”

Today we enter into the miracle of the incarnation. Matthew’s gospel starts with a geneology, beginning with Abraham. Moving through three cycles of 14 generations each, we arrive at Jesus. Matthew’s birth story begins in verse 18. It is fairly succinct, mostly factual. In the opening verse we read, When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph… she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit.” Pretty factual, until we get to the last four words: “by the Holy Spirit.” These words take us from factual to 100% mystery. This mystery and miracle is no better understood today than it was when it happened. Yet we can relate to this mystery. When a child is born, yes, we understand the process, the medical and physical facts of a birth. Even so, there is a mystery felt when a child draws that first breath and utters a cry.

In the next verse we learn a bit about Joseph, the “father.” First and foremost he is “righteous.” This designation is backed up in other gospels. Jesus is circumcised and named in accordance with the Law. Joseph and family travel to attend the requisite religious festivals. But righteousness is more than just checking off the correct boxes. Joseph’s decision to “call off their engagement quietly” is full of grace and mercy. Here is where Joseph’s true righteousness trumps his devotion to the Law. There is no asterisk in the Law about unwed pregnancies by the Holy Spirit. Joseph chooses grace and mercy, not humiliation and punishment. Although not physically Jesus’ father, here we see in Joseph two of Jesus’ greatest characteristics: grace and mercy. May we too choose grace and mercy.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the mystery of Jesus’ birth and for the mystery felt in all births. In these moments we sense and feel your holy presence. And thank you for your mystery working in us when we choose grace and mercy, even when norms or laws dictate otherwise. In this choice, you are revealed to us and to the world once more. Amen.


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Faithful Obedience

Reading: Romans 1:1-7

Romans 1:6 – “You who are called by Jesus Christ are also included among the Gentiles.”

Today we turn to Paul’s greeting in his letter to the believers in Rome. He is writing to a group that he has not met, to a church founded by others. This unfamiliarity is the reason for the longer than normal greeting. Paul begins by identifying himself – a “slave of Christ” and an apostle “set apart for God’s good news.” These two descriptors tells much about how Paul saw himself and about how he thinks all believers should be. More than any other New Testament writer, Paul paints a clear line between following the ways of Jesus and the ways of the world. Being 100% committed, living 24/7 for Christ, that was the only way to follow Jesus. Like a slave, faithful obedience was required in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ.

Paul also leans heavily into the idea of being set apart. This might come from his Jewish background. The Jews saw themselves as the chosen people, marked and set apart by God. Prior to meeting Jesus, that was a tightly closed and exclusive circle for Paul. After meeting Jesus, Paul wanted to loop that circle around as many people as possible. This Jesus who was raised from the dead and who offered grace to all who sought to live in “faithful obedience” – he is the good news. To the church in Rome and to the church today, Paul writes, “You who are called by Jesus Christ are also included among the Gentiles.” You, me, we all are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all the world so that they too may know the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, use us today to expand the circle. Use our faithful obedience to the will and way of Jesus Christ as a witness to the lost and the lonely, to the hurting and the broken, to the self-assured and the powerful. In and through us and our living may the world come to know the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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Turning and Returning

Reading: Psalm 80:17-19

Psalm 80:18 – “…then we will not turn away from you!”

How often have you pled with God as Asaph does on behalf of the people of God? Just send us a good king, one able to end these threats, to keep us safe and make us great, “…then we will not turn away from you!” God, just get me out of this mess… just heal this person… just fix this relationship… just keep me out of jail… and I’ll follow you faithfully every day for the rest of my life. In our desperate moments, yes, we too cry out to God.

We are sinful by nature, exposed daily to the temptations of this world. When we fall to the tempting, we sin and fall short of the glory of God. In this fallen state, we are separated from God. But we don’t remain there. We seek forgiveness and restoration. We pledge repentance – to turn away and never return to that sinful life. We are well-versed in the turning from God and seeking to return to God, to be made whole and new again.

Like the people of Asaph’s day, we long to be whole, to live in right relationship with God and with one another, to feel safe, to belong. This too is part of our human nature. Created in the image of the divine, we long for connection and community. We long to be loved. And we have a longing to love God and one another. Here we reflect our creator, the one who is love.

Psalm 80 closes with words that are very similar to the words we looked at yesterday. “Restore us… make your face shine so that we can be saved.” Be with us, O God, shine your face upon us so that we can be saved – from temptation and sin, from this broken world, from ourselves. May it all be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for who and what you are: unconditional love, endless mercy and grace, neverending forgiveness. Thank you too for creating us with these things in our hearts as well. Practicing and receiving these ways of being and living in the world, we find our place of belonging with you, with one another, with creation. Lead and guide us, walk with us daily, empowering us to be your hands, feet, and presence in this world. Amen.


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Restore Us!

Reading: Psalm 80:1-7

Psalm 80:7 – “Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!”

Psalm 80 is a prayer for restoration after a national tragedy. The prayer begins with Asaph calling out to the “shepherd of Israel.” The psalmist uses this familiar shepherd-sheep metaphor to bring up images of protection and provision, of guidance and direction. In verse 2 we read, “Wake up your power! Save us!” This is a plea for God to once again be Israel’s shepherd and king. The need is reiterated in the next verse where Asaph seeks the restoration of Israel through God’s presence with them.

Verses 4-6 contain a familiar refrain. The psalmist asks the questions that we ask during tragedies and prolonged periods of trial and suffering. “How long…?” The tears have flowed and flowed. The neighbors continue to act as enemies. Why us, O God? When will this end, Lord God? We ask these questions, we cry these tears, we feel this anger and maybe even rage. All point to our deep need for God’s power and presence.

Verse 7 cries out again, “Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!” This cry invites not only God but also the heavenly beings at God’s disposal to respond, to save, to rescue and restore Israel. God’s face shining is a revelation of God’s presence with the people. It is a reminder of light to guide the way, of love to dry the tears, of grace to heal the anger and rage. Yes, O God, may your face shine upon us!

Prayer: Lord God, when tragedy strikes, when unexpected loss occurs, when painful relationships linger on, draw near to us. Guide us, comfort us, ease our pain, soothe our anger. Walk with us in the valley, lifting us and encouraging us with your presence and power. Restore us, O God! Amen.


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For the Glory of God

Reading: Isaiah 7:14-16

Isaiah 7:14 – “The Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.”

Reading on in Isaiah 7, the prophet tells God’s people that God will give them a sign. As their world is filled with fear and worry about their future, God promises what we all long for in times of trial and hardship: a sign that God is present. Early in our own walks of faith we learn that life as a disciples of Jesus Christ isn’t always rosy and perfect. We also come to know that God is still with us even when life isn’t all sunshine and hugs. Yet at times, we can doubt or question God’s presence. After a long civil war, with rising threats from afar drawing nearer, Judah questions God’s presence. To hear that God will give a sign that God is still with them, that brings hope to God’s people. We too experience hope when God’s presence is made real in a word, in a note, in a door opening…

The sign that God will give is this: “The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.” From the Christian viewpoint, we read this as Jesus. During the writing of the Septuagint, “young woman” was changed to “virgin” to better align this verse with other messianic texts. In the original Hebrew, “young woman” is the most accurate translation. At the time of Isaiah’s ministry, the people of God would hear these words pointing to a just and righteous king, to one who would restore all of Israel to its days of glory – a new King David. These hope-inspiring words will one day be fulfilled. “Immanuel,” God with us, will be born. He will be named Jesus. Through the incarnation, Jesus will reveal what it looks like to live for the glory of God. Setting the example, Jesus invites us to follow his example. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the sign that is so clear and so obvious. Thank you for coming in the flesh, for living among us, for showing us what it looks like for God to be present with us. Leaving this example, you call us to follow your example, being God’s presence to the world. Strengthen and encourage us, O God, so that we can be faithful in our walk of faith, bringing you the glory through all that we do and say and think. Amen.


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True Power and Presence

Reading: Isaiah 7:10-13

Isaiah 7:11 – “Ask a sign from the Lord your God. Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.”

Photo credit: Dan Kiefer

At the start of chapter 7, King Ahaz of Judah receives a word from God through the prophet Isaiah. Ahaz is told that Aram and Israel will not overpower Judah. Both will fall to a resurgent Assyria. In the first half of this week’s reading from Isaiah 7, God says to Ahaz, “Ask a sign from the Lord your God.” A sign could be very reassuring for a still-fearful Ahaz. In times of tension or danger or doubt or fear, it is natural to want a sign that God is with us. It is normal to not want to feel all alone. A sign indicating God’s power and presence helps us to move forward, to not be so afraid…, to have some hope.

In the remainder of verse 11 God adds, “Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.” Often we want this kind of sign from God. We want a flashing neon billboard-sized sign from God, one that is as high as the heavens (or as low as the grave.) We’d prefer a sign so large that there is absolutely no mistaking that God is present and large and in total control. Ahaz does not fall into this temptation. He states that he does not “want to test the Lord.” Although still fearful, Ahaz resists the temptation to ask God to prove God’s power, presence…

In this season of Advent we’re reminded that Immanuel, God with us, did not come in grand fashion. Christ wasn’t born into a powerful and wealthy family. Instead, Jesus was born to humble parents in the simplest of settings. In times when we are seeking God’s power and presence, may we remember that God most often comes in the humble, simple, and everyday of life. When this is the God that we seek, we will find signs of God’s true power and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, in our times of need, turn our eyes and hearts away from the amazing and awesome. Instead, focus our eyes and hearts on the many ways that you are present in and amongst us – in Spirit, in your Word, in one another, and in creation. May this constant presence strengthen and encourage us. Amen.


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The Way of Love

Reading: James 5:7-10

James 5:10 – “Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolved and steadfastness.”

In today’s passage from James 5 we are invited into a “courageous patience” as we await the return of Jesus Christ. As it was during James’ day, it is not easy to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. The world was and remains selfish and focused on accumulating the things of this world. The pursuit of these worldly things often leads to oppression and unjust systems.

James first invites us to consider the farmer’s patience and perseverance. The crop is planted and the farmer waits patiently and with courage for the rain. In the spring the rain causes the plant to sprout and in the fall it brings the crops to maturity. In the same way we can trust into the reign of the Holy Spirit in our lives to first give life to our faith and then to nourish it to maturity.

James next warns against complaining and judging one another. Nothing weakens a relationship or community quicker than infighting and tearing one another down. There is ample evidence of the cost of these destructive behaviors in our world today. The Spirit of Christ remains at the door of our hearts always, warning against such behaviors, encouraging us to instead choose love, kindness, mercy, and grace.

The passage closes with these words in verse 10: “Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolved and steadfastness.” There are indeed many prophets in the Jewish scriptures who exhibited great resolve and steadfastness. But more recently, Jesus provided an even better example to follow. This is the prophet to whom we should look in times of hardship and trial. Love of God and neighbor guided all that Jesus said and did. It dictated his decisions. Love brought Jesus a resolve and steadfastness that strengthened him at all times. In all ways and in all circumstances, may love be our guide too.

Prayer: Lord God, the world remains a hard place to daily follow Jesus. The ways of the world are driven by a desire for power and possessions in many forms. You call us instead to desire to love and to serve. Living in such sharp contrast to the ways of the world, we can experience oppression and trials at times. Give us a holy resolve and a Spirit-fueled perseverance so that we may always choose the way of love. Amen.


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Serving Humbly

Reading: Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:47 – “In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my Savior.”

In our passage today Mary praises God. Her prayer of thanks contains many of the themes found throughout Luke’s gospel. Considering Mary’s circumstances, these are amazing words to speak. She is barely a teenager. Mary is unmarried yet pregnant. This likely led her to travel to see Elizabeth, perhaps an even more unlikely mother-to-be. Elizabeth has been barren all her life and is very much past child bearing years. Yet she too is pregnant. Both pregnancies have been blessed by an angel’s prophetic words. Mary humbly accepted these words, declaring, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

We see Mary’s commitment in verses 46 and 47. Mary glorifies God “with all my heart” and rejoices in God from “the depths of who I am.” Because God chose her, the lowly has become “highly favored.” This theme continues as Mary celebrates a God who shows mercy and lifts the lowly and feeds the hungry. Recognizing the coming reality of God in the flesh, Mary declares prophetically, “He has come to the aid of his servant Israel.” Mary truly understands the incarnational nature of the one in her womb. Young Mary’s faith is amazing.

While the role we are called to play will never be exactly like Mary’s role, we too are called to humble servanthood. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us in the work of building the kingdom here on earth. Sometimes the call invites us to places or to people who are difficult or challenging. As we play our role, especially in the hard moments, may we choose to trust as Mary trusted, knowing that the Lord our God will look with favor upon all who serve the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of how simple faith can be. Playing our roles comes down to leaning into the call, trusting that you are present and will walk with us. When we don’t know the steps to take or the words to say, help us to trust that you know and that your Spirit will guide us in those moments. In this way may we each humbly serve you with all of our heart. Amen.


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Help and Hope

Reading: Psalm 146:5-10

Psalm 146:5 – “The person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God – is truly happy!”

Psalm 146 celebrates God’s activity on behalf of those in need. The psalmist declares that those who seek help from God and who place their hope in God, they will be “truly happy.” When God is the one we turn to, hope in, trust… then our focus becomes our relationship with the God “who is faithful forever.” We can rejoice even in our trials and sufferings because we know that God will triumph over all these things one day.

In verses 6-8 the psalmist speaks of the Lord’s activity in specific ways. We could re-write these verses, substituting in ways that God has acted in our lives. We could name a time when God brought justice to a time when we were being mistreated. We could write of the time when the Lord freed us from a prison of our own making. Just as the psalmist rejoices in the ways that God feeds the hungry, opens blind eyes, lifts the lowly, and protects the vulnerable, we too can celebrate moments when God has done these very things (and more) for us.

Daily remembering that we are “the person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God,” we can daily draw upon the power and presence of our God. Drawing upon, leaning into, trusting in God, we can find and live out the happiness and contentment found in Psalm 146. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you reign forever, over all the earth! Your presence is constant, your love is neverending. Daily you desire to walk with each of us, from the least to the greatest. Open each of our hearts to receive you, to surrender to your will and ways, to be your hands, feet, and love in the world. Daily use each of us to draw all people into your help and hope. Amen.