pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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“I Will Never Forget…”

Reading: Amos 8:4-7

Amos 8:4 – “Hear this, you who trample on the needy and destroy the poor of the land…”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

Amos was a prophet, likely the first of many to write about the unjust behaviors of Israel’s and Judah’s leaders. He proclaimed that worship without justice was unacceptable to God. Instead of following God’s instructions about sharing with and including the poor in religious festivals that remembered and celebrated God’s loving acts when Israel was freed from slavery and oppression in Egypt, the prosperous and powerful were excluding the poor and needy. Outside of worship those with power mistreated and enslaved the poor. Amos called the people to righteousness and justice – or face God’s judgment.

Turning to our passage from chapter 8, Amos begins with “Hear this, you who trample on the needy and destroy the poor of the land…” These are strong words of warning. Instead of truly worshipping during the sacred festivals, the wealthy and powerful are scheming about how to further exploit the poor and needy. They plan to make the scoop smaller (the ephah) while making the weight heavier (the shekel) to deceive the poor with “false balances.” They can sell less product for a greater profit. As an added bonus for the prosperous, this will make the poor poorer and the needy needier. Soon enough, they think, we can “buy the needy for silver” and “the helpless for sandals.” Through Amos, the Lord says, “Surely I will never forget what they’ve done.”

Today in our land we see cuts to programs that feed the poor and needy alongside tax cuts for the wealthy and powerful. We see politicians wheeling and dealing in “pork barrel politics,” working for personal gain while ignoring needed services to the vulnerable and powerless that live in their districts. In the very same way, the Lord our God says, “Surely I will never forget what they’ve done.”

Prayer: Lord God, your heart is for the vulnerable and powerless. This was clearly evident when you took on flesh and gave us a living example to follow. Raise up our voices for justice, O God, and empower our hands and feet, O Lord, to have a heart like your heart, to serve humbly as Jesus did. Amen.


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Tears of Grief

Reading: Jeremiah 8:18-9:2

Jeremiah 8:21 – “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

In today’s passage from Jeremiah it is difficult to determine if God is speaking or if it is Jeremiah speaking. Our verses today seem to be a mix of the two, with both God and prophet expressing their grief over Judah’s fate. For many years, God’s people have been unfaithful to their God. Their choice to abandon God has led to God’s choice to abandon them to their sin. At times we too can choose to separate ourselves from God. We too grieve God’s heart this deeply.

God seems to be the speaker in verses 19-21. The people are asking a question and implying another that are common in times of loss and pain and grief. Directly they are asking where the Lord is: “Isn’t the Lord in Zion?” This is a question often asked in grief. The second question is implied: Why, why is this happening to us? This is a question that we can ask when lost in our sin as well. When our sin that consumed us leads to a place of pain and suffering, we can forget that our choices brought us to this place. In the disorientation of grief, we do ask “Why?”

For God’s people , the answer is given: idol worship has led to this place. As the prophet that worked to turn Judah back to God, Jeremiah grieves too. In verse 21 we read, “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.” The tentacles of grief surround the prophet. He laments alongside the people who are far from God. This is a place we will also find ourselves. Walking alongside others in grief, feeling and taking on some of their pain and sorrow. Our tears join their tears as we offer love and comfort in the midst of their hurt and despair. Doing so, we bring God’s presence into the darkness and despair.

Prayer: Lord God, times of grief and suffering are sure to come – to ourselves, to those we love, to our neighbors. In these times, may we sense your presence and may we lean into your love and strength, whether for ourselves or as we walk with others. Be with us in our tears, O God. Amen.


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Safe, Welcoming, Loving?

Reading: Luke 15:1-10

Luke 15:10 – “Joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.”

As today’s passage begins, tax collectors and sinners are gathering around Jesus – “to listen to him.” Jesus often welcomed and loved on such as these, people who were not welcomed or loved by the other group that was present. The Pharisees and legal experts are not there to listen either. They are there to grumble, to complain, and to critique. This second group is unhappy with the “radical” welcome that Jesus offers to all people, especially to these folks that are clearly not part of God’s family.

Many years ago the church that I was a part of had an opportunity to minister to the poor and homeless. The building across the parking lot was purchased with the intent of renovating it to open a day center for this population. Some in the church thought it’d be better to tear it down to have more parking. These voices did not win out. Those typically excluded or kept on the outside found a safe and welcoming and loving place to be during the day, when the local rescue mission was closed.

In response to the religious folk’s hard hearts, Jesus tells two parables. In both, the list thing (a sheep and then a coin) is sought and then found. The finder’s community then celebrates together. In the same way, Jesus says, “Joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.” The same sentiment was often said and/or felt at the day center when another person was brought out of poverty or homelessness or addiction or… The same could be said about our churches and about our very lives. Are we and are our churches willing to be safe and welcoming and loving places? Places that cause the angels in heaven to rejoice?

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts and hands to the needs around us. Lead us to be people who create safe places, who provide genuine welcome, and who love all people deeply. Guide our churches to live this same Christlike faith. Amen.


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New Again

Reading: Psalm 51:7-10

Psalm 51:8 – “Let me hear joy and celebration again; let the bones you crushed rejoice once more.”

Continuing today in Psalm 51, David recognizes his separated state. Yes, God has seen his sin and sent the prophet Nathan to break through to David, leading him to see his sin. David knows that God alone can make him “clean.” In verse 7 David asks for this cleansing – for God to purify and wash him so that he is “whiter than snow.” On his own David would remain in his sin and would struggle with the guilt and shame that often accompanies our sin. The same is true for us. We need God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness to once again be back in right relationship with God.

In verse 8 David is not yet there – not yet redeemed and restored. He longs for these things. We can hear this longing as we read, “Let me hear joy and celebration again; let the bones you crushed rejoice once more.” When we are in this place we too can feel this way. For David, the sacrificial system and the giving of an animal’s life would provide the “means” or payment for forgiveness. For us today, however, Jesus interceded on our behalf. He paid the price, offering himself as that needed sacrifice. In communion we remember this gift formally. But we don’t need to take the bread and cup to be redeemed and restored. Forgiveness comes through a simple prayer of confession and repentance. Jesus then creates a “clean heart” in us, once again walking with a “faithful spirit” within us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we experience times when we are separated from you because of our sin and its impacts. Sometimes we tarry, wrestling with the guilt or shame. In these times, O Lord, call out to us, pull us into your grace and mercy. Drawn close to you, make us new again, O God. Amen.


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Have Mercy, O God

Reading: Psalm 51:1-6

Psalm 51:5 and 6 – “Yes, I was born in guilt, in sin… And, yes, you want truth in the most hidden place.”

Photo credit: Ben White

Psalm 51 was written by David, after his deepest sins and the conviction that followed. We all have these moments – low points in our walks of faith, seasons spent living in the ways of the world, times when our faith feel dry or disconnected from God. In the aftermath of his affair with Bathsheba and the orchestrated murder of her husband, David pleads for God’s mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. He knows that “my sin is always right in front of me.” Perhaps he is speaking of the guilt and shame that rises up every time he sees Bathsheba, remembering his past sins, or maybe David speaks figuratively, acknowledging that sin is always right there at the door of our hearts.

In verses 5 and 6, David writes of this reality. Here we read, “Yes, I was born in guilt, in sin… And, yes, you want truth in the most hidden place.” This is the battle that we all fight. In general, we are fallen, sinful creatures from birth to death. Day to day we strive to live righteous, faithful lives. On the surface, we do have some good days. But those thoughts – those barbs and slings and such that never get spoken – these are the sins in the “most secret place,” in our hearts. This is where the fiercest battle is fought, where our sins run the deepest. Here we do as David did, we sin “against you – you alone.” From this place in our hearts, we join David as we cy out, “Have mercy on me, God, according to your faithful love!” Yes, God, please.

Prayer: Lord God, we ask for your guidance and presence, for your strength and direction in our battles with sin. Moment by moment, walk with us, encourage us, empower us. Second by second, allow your Holy Spirit to speak into our hearts, that most hidden place. And when we fail, O God, pour out your love and mercy. Wash us clean. Restore us to right relationship with you and with one another. Thank you. Amen.


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All of the Glory

Reading: 1st Timothy 1:12-17

1st Timothy 1:13 – “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith.”

Photo credit: Matt Botsford

Paul, as Saul, was one of those anti-Christian people. As he recollects in the first part of verse 13, he used to speak against Jesus and used to attack Jesus’ “people.” Saul was proud of his religion – Judaism. Connecting to yesterday’s idea of “practical atheists,” this is how the early Christians would have seen Saul. He did not understand or even accept Jesus. Saul’s actions and words strongly opposed Christ and his disciples.

Then Saul had his “come to Jesus” moment. In his words, “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith.” Christ changed his heart. Looking back on his past life as a Pharisee, Paul now sees himself then as “the biggest sinner of all.” This view is from Paul’s new understanding of what faithful living is. He recognized how Jesus came, lived, and died both to set and example of how to live a faithful and righteous life and to save people from their sins. Christ’s “endless patience” was demonstrated in Paul’s life and conversion. Now he lives to be an example of Christ so that others will come to believe in Jesus.

Paul is very grateful that Jesus saved him. This is what leads Paul to offer these words of praise: “honor and glory to him forever.” The gift of relationship that Paul now knows, the gift that that leads to eternal life, is offered to all people. To the Saul’s of the world and to the practical atheists – even those inside of us at times – Jesus Christ still offers new life. As disciples of Jesus Christ, may we bear witness as Paul did, bringing the Lord our God all of the glory.

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to walk in relationship with you, work in our hearts so that we live in ways that bring you glory and honor. Use us as conduits of grace and mercy, opening others to the possibility of new and eternal life. Amen.


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Practical Atheists

Reading: Psalm 14

Psalm 14:1 – “Fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt and do evil things.”

Photo credit: Josh Calabrese

Psalm 14 is a prayer song to God. The psalmist is alarmed by the behavior of the leaders and those aligned with them. Verse 1 sums up the difficult situation: “Fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt and do evil things.” For context, in ancient Israel a fool was one without fear and reverence for God. This lack of obedience to God was very evident in how these folks lived their lives. Since the politics leaders were the religious leaders, this practice of unfaithful and even ungodly living was doubly bad. The leaders were living a “practical atheism” – they claimed to follow God’s will and way but there was absolutely no evidence of this in their words or actions.

Some actions and behaviors and words were even in direct opposition to the God revealed in the scriptures. These ungodly leaders were “devouring my people,” taking advantage of the poor and powerless for personal gain. These bad leaders were “humiliating” the plans of the poor, maintaining and even touting the gap between those with and those without. So if you read this Psalm and look at the current treatment of refugees and immigrants, at the “power over” dynamics often on display, and at the general disregard for the common good and think that this Psalm sounds like 2025, I am right there with you. Many of our leaders today are practical atheists.

I also want to be right there with you as I invite us all to look within, to consider when and where and how we live as practical atheists. We do so when we judge or gossip or when we withhold grace and forgiveness. We do so when we ignore the whispers and nudges of the Holy Spirit, turning our backs on the hungry, thirsty, sick… We do so when we see injustice or oppression or abuse… and choose preservation of self over standing with and speaking for the vulnerable, for the least of these. When tempted to these ungodly choices, may we remember what the psalmist proclaimed: God is our refuge. With this faith and trust, may we step forward boldly in faithful action.

Prayer: Lord God, it is easy to point fingers. It is much harder to honestly look within. Guide us, O Lord, to remove the planks in our own eyes before we tackle the specks in other’s eyes. Amen.


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Our Intercessor

Reading: Exodus 32:7-14

Exodus 32:10 – “Now leave me alone! Let my fury burn and devour them.”

Exodus 32 begins with Moses and Joshua already up on the mountain, speaking with God. They are up there a long time – apparently too long. An impatient people decide that they need something new to follow and worship. A gold bull calf is fashioned. An altar is made. The image is worshipped. Before moving to today’s reading, let us ponder how often we either get impatient with God and take matters into our own hands or… how often we worship things other than the Lord our God.

In verse 7 God instructs Moses to “Hurry up,” to return to “Your people” because they are “ruining everything.” God recounts to Moses the making of and worship of an idol. God is very upset with this “stubborn people.” God then says to Moses, “Now leave me alone! Let my fury burn and devour them.” God is ready to simply wipe the Israelites off the face of the earth. God will just start over with Moses. Referring back to our earlier pondering, I wonder, how often does God get to this same place with us? Collectively we must regularly tempt God to just burn it down in order to start over.

What happens next is amazing. Moses intercedes on behalf of God’s “own people.” Moses tells God to calm down, to change God’s mind, to remember the covenant promises. And God does. Moses had walked long enough with these people to understand their struggles with being faithful 100% of the time. The good news for you and for me? Jesus – God in the flesh – walked long enough with humanity to truly understand our struggles. Just as Moses did, the risen Christ intercedes for you and for me, standing between us and God, pleading our case. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ, our intercessor and friend.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for you day to day patience and for your unconditional love. We are so imperfect. We must push your buttons regularly, like a difficult two-year-old with a very tired parent. We rejoice in Jesus, our intercessor before you. We thank you too for the Holy Spirit, our indwelling friend who helps us in our walk with you. And, God, thank you for your saving grace and unending mercy. You are a most awesome God. Amen.


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God at Work

Reading: Jeremiah 4:11-12 and 22-28

Jeremiah 4:22 – “My people are foolish. They don’t even know me!… they are skilled at doing wrong, inept at doing good.”

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God tells Judah that “a blistering wind” is coming from the north. God is speaking of the Babylonians – a wind that will not winnow the wheat or cleanse their sins, but one that will bring devestation to the land. This coming empire will fall heavily upon Judah and Jerusalem, taking the city in 586 BCE. In verse 12, God pronounces this sentence upon Judah.

Jumping to verses 22-28 the conversation begins with God, shifts to Jeremiah, and then goes back to God. In verse 22 God says, “My people are foolish. They don’t even know me!… they are skilled at doing wrong, inept at doing good.” God’s people have wandered far away from God, for a long time. This is a sad indictment. It may be tempting this was or is a “then” problem, as in “back then things were awful.” When one looks at the homelessness and poverty on our reservations and in our cities, when one sees the division in our society, when one sees the oppression and mistreatment of vulnerable populations, one could argue that the people of God are still inept at doing good. After all, we live in a “Christian” nation.

In verses 23-26 Jeremiah shares his observations of the devestation. The earth itself shakes, the birds have fled, the cities lie in ruins. While it feels like there is little hope in what the prophet sees, God is still present. In verse 27 God declares that the devestation will not be complete. There will be grieving and darkness, yes. But God will remain at work.

The same is true today. At times we can feel helpless and hopeless. At times it feels like we are near the end. But if one pushes past the headlines and sound bites, there is good being done in the name of Christ: people being fed and clothed, grievers being comforted, widows being cared for. God is at work. There is still hope for God’s people and for our world.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your consistent walk with us. Thank you for loving us always in spite of who and what we are at times. And thank you for moving us out into the world, into places of hurt and grief and need, being your light and love in the world. Lord, continue to use us, your people, to shine your light and love into the world. Amen.


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Intimately Acquainted

Reading: Psalm 1

Psalm 1:6 – “The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Psalm 1 continues the ideas of Jeremiah 18, Luke 14, Psalm 139, Deuteronomy 30, and Philemon: there are two ways to live in this world. One can choose to deny self, to pick up one’s cross, to follow God’s commands, living a holy and righteous life. Or one can choose to live for self, to walk in the way of the world, living an inwardly focused, sinful life. Psalm 1 mostly paints the same black and white choice that we find in most of these other Old Testament passages.

For the psalmist, those who choose to love God’s instruction are “like a tree replanted by steams of water.” There is a hint of the potter recasting the clay here. To be replanted implies new or second life, redemption and restoration. A life of faith, a life dedicated to the Lord, it “bears fruit at just the right time.” David wrote of God’s plans for us in Psalm 139. To follow and live into God’s ways will be fruitful and will connect us to the one in whom we were fearfully and wonderfully made. To be holy is to walk closely with God. In verse 6 the psalmist describes the outcome of this choice this way: “The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous.” For the writer and for us, true happiness and joy are found in a close, personal relationship with God.

This close, personal, intimate relationship is fostered and developed and grows when we “recite God’s instruction day and night.” For the psalmist, this was living with God’s will and way ever before him or her. This remains true today. In our lives, temptation is always there, always seeking to draw us away from God. So may we, like the psalmist, daily and regularly study and meditate on God’s word, becoming intimately acquainted with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, we ask that you would walk with us closely, guiding us and leading us as we seek to walk the path of life. Replant us when necessary, shaping and reshaping us as we wander and return. Each time, draw us deeper into relationship with you, our hope and our salvation. Amen.