pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 149

Psalm 149:6 – “Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.”

Photo credit: Fuu J

Psalm 149 begins with words and images of praising God. Sing a new song! Celebrate with drum and lyre! Dance! Sing praises because “God is pleased with his people.” And then, in verse 6, the Psalm takes what feels like a hard right: “Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.” At first reading, one wonders what happened. Calls for revenge, punishment, binding chains, and justice follow. These actions will be an “honor” for God’s people? And then the Psalm ends with, “Praise the Lord!”

Well then. Verses 1-5 are great. But what are we to do with verses 6-9? A little context will help. Overall, the Psalm is about praising God for the deliverance and rescue that God has brought – past, present, and future. Scholars believe that the Psalm was written after the exiles returned from Babylon. They were rebuilding Jerusalem, the wall, and the temple. God has delivered them from exile. The images of battles won and enemies defeated is an extension of the rebuilding. The land is filled with pagans that also must be dealt with. Some of these nations helped with the destruction and death primarily brought on by Babylon. To rebuild and reclaim the land would not be possible without God’s power and presence. The psalmist is counting on God’s help.

How does our reading change, though, if we read verses 6-9 from a figurative viewpoint? We can be defeated and/or held captive by many things that can only be redeemed through God’s power and presence. We can find ourselves in need of a rebuilding that only God can accomplish. And by “we,” I mean all of us. So in a fight against injustice or oppression, maybe our words are like a sword that cuts through evil. Maybe our actions lead to justice and a binding up of unjust systems. Maybe we are shackled by anger or fear or addiction or… Maybe we need God to break these chains and to set us free. When we’ve experienced or are a part of God’s deliverance for others, we too shout out, “Praise the Lord!”

Prayer: Lord God, there are many things to praise you for and there are many ways to offer our praise. Thank you for the times that you have rescued and delivered us. Praise be to God! From a place of faith and wholeness, use us to help free others from all that binds so that they too can praise you. Amen.


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Faith Over Fear

Reading: Exodus 1:8-14

Exodus 1:13 – “The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. They made their lives miserable.”

Today’s passage of power is one where fear guides the new Pharaoh’s thoughts and actions. This is not an uncommon reaction. Fear often distorts our perception of reality and leads us to think and do things we would not do otherwise. In today’s passage, this is the case with the new king. There is no personal connection to Joseph or to the Israelites. Therefore they have no value or worth as a people. This allows Pharaoh to treat them as things or as property: “The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. They made their lives miserable.” While we do not literally enslave people we fear, we as a society can treat those that we see as “less than” in similar ways, making life miserable. Even though their life became miserable, God remained with the Israelites. The same is true for people groups today who are negatively impacted by our fears.

As the story of God’s people continues to unfold, fear and its cousins – anger, doubt, worry, anxiety… – continue to impact their story. Moses’ anger leads to murder. Fear leads him to flee. Jumping forward, Saul’s fear of David leads to attempted murder. Fast forward again. The Pharisees’ fear of Jesus leads to his death. These are but a few of the Biblical stories where fear alters perception and leads to people using power over others in evil and harmful ways.

Fear is not an uncommon visitor to our lives. Our own fears affect us and others’ fears can impact us. Fear can come from an unexpected diagnosis or from another unwanted change. Fear can rise up from misunderstandings and stereotypes. Fear can rise up when we feel threatened or in danger. Faith is the antidote to fear. Faith allows us to hear God’s voice in the unknown. Faith leads us to see the true reality and to trust it to God. Faith keeps us in the present moment, grounded in love and hope. We have the power to choose. May we choose faith over fear.

Prayer: Lord God, faith is a choice. When fear rises, our human nature wants to jump to fight or flight. Instead, Lord, bring us to a place of trust and faith, to a place of peace and presence. From there, walk us through the hard moment. Guide us to lean into your love for us. Amen.


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Choosing Death or Life

Reading: Romans 6:20-23

Romans 6:22 – “But now that you have been set free from sin and become slaves to God, you have the consequences of a holy life, and the outcome is eternal life.”

Turning to the last verses of this week’s Epistle reading, Paul focuses on the outcomes of our choice to be a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. As “slaves of sin” the outcome of doing “things you are now ashamed of” was and is death. In one sense Paul is talking about the outcome at the end of this physical life on earth. A sinful life leads to death and eternal punishment. But there is also a present death that we experience when we choose to be a slave to sin. In this life, living only in sin, there is no true joy, no real peace, no lasting hope. All is temporary and transactional. To live this way is to live as if dead.

In verse 22 Paul contrasts a dead life to a life alive in Christ. In this verse he writes, “But now that you have been set free from sin and become slaves to God, you have the consequences of a holy life, and the outcome is eternal life.” From Paul’s perspective, being set free from sin did not mean that we would never sin again. In his understanding, this meant that we were free as children of God to choose how we will live. Because a part of us will be flesh until we step into eternal glory, we are never totally, 100% free from sin. No longer enslaved to sin, though, we can make our own choices. When we choose to live for God, we experience a “holy life.” This life knows joy, hope, peace, love, grace, community… Yes, one day consistently choosing God will lead to eternal life in glory. But in the here and now, we can choose to live in sin or to live for God. One brings death and one brings life. May we consistently and steadfastly choose God and life. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, while free will ultimately allows us to choose life or death, we do not make our choices in a vacuum. So we ask that the voice of the Holy Spirit would be loud and clear. We ask that the living Word would inform our decisions and actions. We ask that your love and grace would equip and empower us to choose you, again and again. Amen.


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Jehovah Jireh

Reading: Genesis 22:9-14

Genesis 22:9b – “Abraham built an altar… arranged the wood… tied up his son Isaac… laid him on the altar…”

Abraham, Isaac, the wood, the knife, and the fire arrive atop the mountain as we continue in Genesis 22. In the rest of verse 9 we read of Abraham’s resolute faith and steadfast obedience: “Abraham built an altar… arranged the wood… tied up his son Isaac… laid him on the altar…” I wonder, was he so faithful and so resolute that all of his emotions were on mute? How else could Abraham will himself through these steps of readying the sacrifice?

As Abraham raises the knife to shed blood and take life, a messenger calls out to him, “Abraham? Abraham?” Was the messenger pulling Abraham back into the reality of this scene? Pausing the action, the messenger acknowledges Abraham’s reverence for God, demonstrated through his willingness to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Looking up, Abraham sees a ram, ready to be taken and offered as the sacrifice. Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides – “sees to it,” as Abraham told Isaac earlier.

Flashing forward in Israel’s history, to a moment when the plagues have reached their climax in Egypt, again God provided a way. This time the blood of the lamb marked their houses. And, again, the hand of death passed over the firstborn. The Israelites were faithful and obedient to God and God provided. In our walks of faith, the God who provides will be with us as well. Jehovah Jireh will give us the words to say, the actions to take, the resources to meet needs, the strength to stand… Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for these reminders of your faithfulness to us, your children. As we walk with you, you show us the way, you lead and guide, you equip and resource us – all to bear your light and love, your hope and peace to a world in need. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Walk the Walk

Reading: Matthew 3:7-12

Matthew 3:8 – “Produce fruit that shows you have changed hearts and lives.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Continuing in Matthew 3 today we see that many Pharisees and Sadducees come to John the Baptist in the wilderness. These two religious groups were very different. The Sadducees came from the ruling class, didn’t believe in an afterlife, and interpreted the scriptures much differently than the Pharisees. Both groups were powerful and popular amongst the people. The fact that these two groups both came to be baptized by John is a testament to the appeal of John’s message. Even the religious leaders were looking for the kingdom of God to draw near.

Even though the scripture tells us that the Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized, John goes on the offensive. He begins by calling them “children of snakes.” He then asks them about who warned them to flee the coming wrath and judgment. This calling out is exactly the opposite of ‘Welcome! Step on down into the water!’ John’s assault on their status and place in society continues with this charge: “Produce fruit that shows you have changed hearts and lives.” John has been around these groups long enough to know that what they teach and what they live do not line up. Status, heritage, popularity… do not matter to John. It’s all about walking the walk.

John then points to the coming Messiah. His or her baptism will not be with water but with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John references the “coming judgment” in verse 12. The Messiah will sift the wheat from the husks, the good from the bad. Those not producing good fruit will suffer “a fire that can’t be put out.” Confession and repentance must lead to a change in heart and life, to turning back to the path that we are called to walk in and through Jesus Christ. May we daily choose to walk the walk of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we can be tempted to think, ‘I read my Bible, I go to church’ as our justification for being a ‘good’ person. Checking boxes, though, will not equate to eternal life. So Lord we ask that the fire of your Holy Spirit would burn away our selfish desires and actions. And may the fire of the Spirit ignite our love of you and of neighbor, leading to humble service, producing fruit that lasts. Amen.


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Red Flags

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-5

2nd Thessalonians 2:3 – “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.”

As we continue in 2nd Thessalonians this week, Paul addresses these churches first concern in today’s passage. There are false teachers in their community. They are teaching something that does not seem to align with who and what they know Jesus to be or with what Paul has taught them. This confusion has raised some red flags within these communities of faith.

Paul taught the churches that one day Jesus would return in glory to gather the faithful together to be with him in eternity. This was known as “the day of the Lord.” Some false teachers are telling the Thessalonian Christians that the day has already come. Paul first calls them away from these falsehoods, saying, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.” Next he invites them to remember. He reminds them, there will be signs and behaviors that will indicate evil and not good, that will point to Satan and not to God. Our passage today closes with Paul essentially asking, ‘Don’t you remember all that I taught you?’

We do not have to look very far today to see people who claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ that act and speak in ways that run against who and what Jesus said and did. Red flags should fly up when people who claim to be Christian speak and act in ways that are in direct conflict with the “red letters” of Jesus in our Bibles. When words and actions harm the most vulnerable among us, they are clearly not words and actions aligned with Jesus Christ. Care for “the least of these” and loving the outcasts and the marginalized were the focus of much of what Jesus taught and modeled. Christians follow and are obedient to Jesus’ teachings and example. My friends, don’t let anyone deceive you.

Prayer: Lord God, running throughout the scriptures we see your heart for the vulnerable in your commands to house the alien and foreigner, to clothe the naked, to feed the hungry, to protect and defend the immigrant. Jesus engaged the outsiders, drew in the excluded, spent time with the ignored, lifted up the downtrodden and lowly. Open our eyes, alert our hearts, Jesus, when people claim you as Lord yet ignore or even act counter to these commands and examples. Then move us, God, and use us to speak truth. Amen.


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Fire and Water

Reading: Psalm 66:5-12

Psalm 66:10 and 12 – “But you, God, have tested us – you’ve refined us like silver… we’ve been through fire and water.”

In today’s verses from Psalm 66, the author invites the reader to remember how “awesome” God’s works have been. The specific event remembered is the crossing of the sea. With Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit, God “turned the sea into dry land” so that Israel could pass through the waters. The nation rejoiced in God’s power as the water closed back in on the Egyptians, freeing Israel. The rebellious leader (and his army) that had exulted self over God was no more. Israel took this as a word of warning against exulting self over God.

The third step in the Examen is “review” – the practice of looking back over the past day. While the corporate review of a major act of God is good for Israel and for our faith, it is the daily reflection that will shape and form us more intentionally. In reviewing the past day we ask ourselves questions like these: When did my words, actions, and thoughts bring healing or hope or light into another’s life? When did my words, actions, or thoughts bring harm to another or to myself? Where was God present? When did I miss or ignore God’s presence? How was I blessed? When did I bless others? When and how did I sin or otherwise fall short?

While the psalmist first celebrates God’s saving acts (relish), the second part of our reading reveals thoughts on these kinds of “review” questions. In verses 10 and 12 we read, “But you, God, have tested us – you’ve refined us like silver… we’ve been through fire and water.” The movement of review reminds us of the waters and fires of our previous day. Both the blessings and the struggles have things to teach us – most profoundly when we are very intentional in our time of reflection. May it be so for us each day as we practice this deep spiritual discipline.

Prayer: Lord God, be with us in Spirit as we pause to reflect on our past day. Help us to be honest – both with the good and with the bad of the day. Guide us to be truthful with ourselves and with you. Lead us to see where change and faith can be applied in order to deepen our walk with you and with one another. 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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Our Affirmative Answer

Reading: John 11:20-27

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Today’s passage is a conversation between Martha and Jesus. Martha’s brother Lazarus has just died. Martha and her sister Mary had asked Jesus to come, believing he would heal Lazarus. This is evident in verse 21. Also evident is Martha’s faith in Jesus: “Even now I know that whatever you ask God, God will give you.” She believes strongly in Jesus’ power.

Verses 23-24 are representative of the Jewish understanding of the afterlife. One day there will be a final resurrection of the dead. Martha assumes this is what Jesus is talking about when he says, “Your brother will rise again.” On that final day – in a year, in a hundred years, in 7,947 years – all will be resurrected, some to eternal life, some to eternal punishment.

In verse 25 Jesus speaks into the present. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Life begins anew when one accepts Jesus as Lord. The old is gone, the new has come. As a disciple of Jesus Christ we begin to live and experience heaven here on earth. We receive Jesus’ Spirit as a constant presence in our lives, much as God will be when we enter heaven. This life will be continued into the next. Our soul, our essence, will never die.

Asked if she believes, Martha responds affirmatively to the Christ, to God’s son. This day, may our lives – our words, our actions – be our affirmative witness to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many ways that we can profess or witness to our faith in you. As we go out into the world each day, lead and guide us to bring the peace, hope, joy, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, contentment, generosity, and welcome that we find in you our into the world. Doing so, we bring heaven to earth and into other people’s lives. May it be so, O Lord. Amen.


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Generous and Hospitable

Reading: 3rd John

3rd John 1:11 – “Don’t imitate what is bad but what is good. Whoever practices what is good belongs to God.”

3rd John addresses two ways that one can live as a part of the community of faith. Unfortunately, good and evil can exist within the church. Like many other institutions, a church is a group of imperfect people. So, at times, people in a church can cause harm to one another or to the mission of Christ.

In this short letter the elder contrasts the actions and attitudes of Gaius and Diotrephes. The elder is “overjoyed” by what he heard about Gaius. He is living “according to the truth,” caring well for the brothers and sisters who are on missionary journeys. Diotrephes, on the other hand, is one who “likes to put himself first.” He does not welcome these itinerant missionaries. And, not only that, he’s slandering the elder and his companions. And Diotrephes is expelling people from the church if they help these missionaries.

The elder writes to Gaius, “Don’t imitate what is bad but what is good. Whoever practices what is good belongs to God.” Those who practice what is bad or evil have “not seen God.” This is a simple letter about being generous and hospitable. It calls us to consider where our actions and behaviors fall along this spectrum. If we are more like Gaius, then we are seeking to live according to the truth of Christ. If we are more self-centered, then we have some work to do.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to truly reflect on how generous and hospitable we are to those who are doing your work and who pass through our doors or lives. May we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the one who welcomed and engaged one and all in love. Amen.