pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Don’t Be Afraid

Reading: Matthew 10:26-31

Matthew 10:31 – “Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Photo credit: Saad Chaudhry

Today’s passage begins with “Therefore,” a great connecting word. Jesus has just finished talking to his disciples about standing firm, even though they will be persecuted for their faith. While persecution in this sense is not a true reality for most of us, there are costs to following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Choosing the path of discipleship means choosing not to live according to the ways of the world. While not usually physical, the costs to being a follower can be felt in other ways – financial, social, political…

Jesus begins by telling us not to be afraid of “those people” – the ones who persecute. We are reminded that in the end, all things will be brought into the open. In the final accounting, good and evil will be sifted. Encouraging us to be bold in our faith, we’re invited to be light in the darkness of our world, announcing our faith “from the rooftops.” Here we are being invited to live a life of faith that all can see and hear.

Returning to the final accounting, Jesus tells us not to fear earthly powers but to fear heavenly powers. This life is temporary. Our “soul” is eternal. Our passage closes with a reminder of our all-powerful, ever-present God’s love. Not a sparrow dies without God knowing it. Each hair on our head is counted. This is Jesus’ personal and intimate way of saying, ‘God’s got you… “Don’t be afraid.” Thank you Lord!

Prayer: Lord God, when we wander towards the bright and shiny tempting things of this world, draw us back to you. Remind us once again of your eternal love – one that will never fade or rust. Guide us to live a transparent and living faith, being truth and love and light in our broken world. Amen.


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Power Under, Not Over

Reading: Mark 10:32-45

Mark 10:45 – “The Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and give his life to liberate many people.”

As Jesus makes his way towards Jerusalem, Mark makes an observation. The disciples are amazed with Jesus, but the others following him were afraid. The “insiders” – the disciples – have no clue what potentially lies ahead. For the third time in Mark’s gospel Jesus tells them that he will be handed over and condemned, will be killed by the Gentiles (Romans,) and will rise after three days. The “outsiders” following Jesus understand that going to Jerusalem is a risky and dangerous place for Jesus.

Continuing the journey, James and John demonstrate the blindness of the disciples. Jesus has just told them what’s about to happen. Instead of being sad or reflecting somberly on this news, these brothers ask to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in glory. They envision Jesus “coming in glory” with a powerful army to defeat the Romans. They want to be #1 and #2 in Jesus’ chain of command. Jesus tells James and John that they will indeed “drink the cup” and will one day experience suffering. But right now they are blind. One day they will see and understand the words Jesus speaks. Their request maddens the other disciples. Are they made that they didn’t think to ask first? A patient and kind Jesus gathers them up for a lesson.

Jesus tells them that they will not be “power over” leaders. They will not be like the current rulers who dominate others with their power. No, that’s not God’s plan or way. True power comes from service. This is “power under” – power that lifts others up. It is so with Jesus: “The Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and give his life to liberate many people.” May it be so with us too.

Prayer: Lord God, today we are reminder that although Jesus held all the power in his hands, he chose the path of humble servant. When we are tempted to grab for power or to use the powe that we do have to lord it over others, remind us of Jesus’ words and example. Lead and guide us to be “power under” people, lifting others up, bringing you the glory and praise. Amen.


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To Do as You Did

Reading: John 5:1-6:21

John 5:19 – “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself… Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Our reading begins with a healing on the Sabbath. At the pool called Bathsaida, a sick man has been trying to get into the waters for 38 years. Jesus asks him, “Do you want to get well?” The man explains his dilemma: others get in first because he has no one to help him. Jesus says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” The man does. The Jewish leaders get on the man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath. It is work. Later, when it is revealed that Jesus healed the man, these leaders harass Jesus. He replies, “My Father is still working, and I am working too.” The leaders want to kill Jesus even more.

This tension leads to a long response from Jesus. He begins by declaring, “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself… Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.” The Father gives life so the Son gives life. If people hear Jesus’ words and believe, they will have eternal life. This choice will lead to doing good things, which will lead to the “resurrection of life.” To refuse to believe? That choice leads to doing wicked things and to the “resurrection of judgment.” Jesus reminds them of John the Baptist’s testimony – which they almost believed – and of Moses’ testimony about the Messiah. Jesus’ response ends with a question: If you don’t believe Moses’ words, how will you believe my words?

Leaving there, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd follows. Jesus tests Philip by asking about feeding them. Andrew finds a boy with five loaves and two fish. Jesus seats the people and then blesses and multiplies the food. All “had plenty to eat.” Twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered. This “manna” in the wilderness leads the people to think about making Jesus their king. He slips away up the mountain.

As the disciples struggle to cross back over, three or four miles into the journey, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. Into their fear he says, “I am. Don’t be afraid.” They reach solid ground. Jesus is with them. All is again well. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, taking on flesh you were healing, loving, feeding, doing good. Be Christ in us, leading us to do as you did. Amen.


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For Me. For Us. For You.

Readings: Psalms 113-118

‭Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”

Today’s six Psalms are known as the “Egyptian Hallelujah.” These words of praise were recited each year at the Passover meal. Psalms 113 and 114 were recited before the meal. These Psalms celebrate God’s actions on behalf of the poor and needy and on behalf of Israel during the exodus. Psalm 113 exalts the God who lifts up the poor, who raises the needy, who brings the barren woman the joy of motherhood. These words echo “Hannah’s Song” from 1st Samuel 2 where God acted on behalf of the faithful. Psalm 114 remembers the parting of the sea and river, the bringing of water from the rocks – more signs of God’s faithful love.

After eating the Passover meal, Psalms 115 through 118 would be recited. Although lost in translation, Psalms 115 and 118 were originally written and spoken as call-and-response liturgy. Psalm 115 lifts up God’s power and might, contrasting God with worthless idols who “have mouths, but they can’t speak.” God is Israel’s “strength and shield.” 115 closes with blessings to all. Psalm 116 is a celebration of an individual’s rescue, reminding Israel that God is a personal God too. Because of God’s deliverance the individual will “lift up the cup of salvation… will keep the promises” made to God. Psalm 117 lifts up God’s strong love.

The Hallelujah closes with Psalm 118. The setting is an individual coming to the temple to give thanks to God. This Psalm calls Israel, the priests, and all who honor the Lord to declare, “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” Because of their experience with this in the exodus, the psalmist writes, “The LORD is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” God was faithful. God is faithful. God will be faithful. What is to fear?

Verses 22 and 27 are often connected to Jesus – the stone rejected, the light that shined, the offering led to the new altar, the cross. These are echoes found in the ever expanding story of God’s love, reflections on the final Passover lamb.

Prayer: Lord God, today’s words celebrate your presence with your people. Just as you rescued and delivered, just as you provided and made a way, do so for us in our lives too, O God. We seek to walk in your strong and faithful love, a love that lasts forever. Thank you, Lord, for your love. Amen.


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Human Wants

Readings: Nehemiah 5, Nehemiah 6, Nehemiah 7

Nehemiah 6:16 – “The nations around us were afraid and their confidence was greatly shaken. They knew that this work was completed with the help of our God.”

Internal unrest almost derails the building process. Taxes had gone up due to Persia’s growing war with Greece. A famine has set in. As is almost always the case, these factors hit the poor the hardest. And is often the case, the wealthy and powerful take advantage of the most vulnerable. How little things have changed in 2,000+ years. The poor (roughly 95% of the population) find themselves indebted to the small landowning class. The poor are losing what little they have. Some children have become slaves and more are on their way. The righteous Nehemiah intervenes on behalf of the poor. Land and homes and interest and slaves are returned or freed. The work continues.

External opposition attempts to strike next. Sanballat and Geshem try to lure Nehemiah away to a quiet secluded place… Their human want is for power. They want to eliminate this political rival. After Nehemiah refuses four invitations, they send a letter accusing him of treasonous acts. He replies, “You are simply inventing this.” Tobiah and Sanballat try hiring an Israelite to sullen Nehemiah’s reputation. But God helps him to see and avoid this trap as well.

The wall is finished – in 52 days! This is so amazing that “The nations around us were afraid and their confidence was greatly shaken. They knew that this work was completed with the help of our God.” The gate doors are built and hung. The priests and Levites are appointed to their roles. Hanani and Hananiah are appointed to rule over Jerusalem. This should be easy – it’s almost uninhabited at this point. No homes have been rebuilt. Nehemiah then registers all the families that returned from exile. This list is almost an exact match to the one in Ezra 2 – except there are more singers. The people return to their towns and villages. The spiritual work on the people’s hearts begins in tomorrow’s reading.

Prayer: Lord God, you walk faithfully with Nehemiah and with your people. Yet some forget. This leads to the human tendency to want to accumulate. This want resides in us too. When that tendency surfaces – whether for things or for power – when that desires calls, remind us that we are to be stewards not hoarders, caretakers not overlords. Remind us of our call to love all of your children. Amen.


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Don’t Be Afraid

Readings: Joshua 7, Joshua 8, Joshua 9, Joshua 10, Joshua 11

Joshua 10:8 – “Don’t be afraid of them. I have given them into your power. Not a single one of them can stand up against you.”

In today’s readings we see the results of obedience and of disobedience. In chapter 7 the sin of one affects the many. But Achan’s is not the only disobedience. Israel goes up against Ai without consulting God. Because of a resounding defeat, Israel’s hearts “melted.” Joshua and the elders turn to God. God says, “Get up!” Following God’s guidance, Achan is found out and punished. God then directs the battle against Ai, leading to victory. In verse 24 we read what will become a familiar refrain: “without mercy.” Joshua and Israel then bring offerings. The commandments are written in the large stones and then recited to the people.

In chapter 9 the Gibeonites trick Israel into a treaty. Again God is not consulted. This leaves Israel stuck: break their oath or break a command of God? An alliance of five kings (or was it God?) provides a solution. They attack the Gibeonites, trying to recapture a strategic location. God tells Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of them. I have given them into your power. Not a single one of them can stand up against you.” Israel is victorious. Again and again we read “wiped out”… “no survivors” in the battle accounts.

Joshua then turns his attention to the north. In chapter 11 the northern kings join together against Israel. Their army is “as numerous as the sands in the seashore.” Again God says to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid…” And again Israel wins victory after victory. Lastly the Anakim are removed from the Promised Land. At the end of chapter 11, after what was really a lengthy military campaign, we read, “Then the land had a rest from war.”

As we read these words that speak again and again of violence, we need to keep in mind that these words are not 100% literal. Canaanites remain in the land. Their military power is broken but their power of influence is far from “wiped out.” The Canaanites will continue to dwell amongst Israel, leading to intermarriage, idolatry, and future conflicts.

Prayer: Lord God, we see today how obedience leads to good. Disobedience does not end well. We see both on the personal and communal levels. We will see how the influences of the world, if allowed to dwell in our hearts, will lead to disobedience. As people and as communities of faith, draw us to obedience and to relationship with you. Amen.


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Strength and Power

Readings: Exodus 12:30-51, Exodus 13, Exodus 14, Exodus 15:1-21

Exodus 14:13 – “Don’t be afraid. Stand your ground, and watch the LORD rescue you today.”

We begin with Pharaoh’s response to the death of the firstborn: “Get up! Get away from my people… Just go!” The Egyptians hurry their exit, giving the Israelites the gold and silvery jewelry and the clothing that they ask for. 600,000 men plus women, children, and livestock leave Egypt. There are non-Israelites that leave too. God’s power has attracted some of the local inhabitants.

God then reiterates the Passover regulations, reminding them of circumcision as a requirement. This will enable the “diverse group” that left with the Israelites to be a part of the yearly remembrance. Connecting to the final plague – as what will become known as a thank offering – the Lord requires that every firstborn male be dedicated to God. A provision is also established to “ransom” their firstborn sons with a sacrificial offering of an animal.

God then leads and guides the Israelites on a wandering yet safe path. Pharaoh changes his mind (with God’s help), rallying the troops to bring back Israel. As the enemy army approaches, the Hebrews immediately forget the mighty acts of God that literally just happened. They ask Moses, “Weren’t there enough graves in Egypt?” A brave and faithful Moses confidently responds, “Don’t be afraid. Stand your ground, and watch the LORD rescue you today.” The Lord does fight for them. The cloud provides protection, the sea parts, Israel passes through on dry ground, Egypt’s army follows but gets stuck, and the sea closes back in, killing every Egyptian soldier.

Our readings today close with two songs of worship. Worship is a natural response to what God has done. The songs celebrate the victory, God’s strength and power, the oneness of God, and the fear that this event strikes in the local tribes. Verse 18 states, “The Lord will rule forever and always.” Yes, God will and does. Thanks be to God for the victory brought to Israel and for the victories brought to the faithful today and always!

Prayer: Lord God, what a mighty and powerful God you are. These events at the sea – what an amazing corporate witness to your love for your people. God, please continue to part the seas that trouble and challenge our lives and faith. Continue to fight for us, your people. Amen.


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Sure and Steady

Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Verse 38: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

In today’s Luke passage we receive the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. Our text is proceeding with the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. Through these angelic visits the lives of Elizabeth and Mary are intertwined, as are the lives of their sons. Continuing on in the text after today’s passage, Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

As we begin in the text for today the angel Gabriel comes to Mary. He tells Mary that she is “highly favored” by God and that God is with her. This is no random visit. Mary is troubled. And probably a bit afraid too as Gabriel next says, “Do not be afraid.” I wonder how I would feel if an angel of the Lord appeared to me. Would I be afraid too? Or would I be filled with joy and excitement over what was about to happen? How about you?

Gabriel explains much of what will happen. It is not “might” but “will.” Huge difference here. Mary will be with child – a child conceived by the Holy Spirit – and she will give birth to Jesus – the Son of God. To perhaps add assurance, maybe to let her know she’s not alone in all of this, Gabriel shares that Elizabeth is pregnant. Old and barren, now with child: “For nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary’s response is sure and steady: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Mary’s response comes from a place of deep trust and faith in God. Indeed, God knew exactly who Gabriel was being sent to. So if God sends an angel – or the Holy Spirit – to you or to me, may we too respond surely and steadily. God knows exactly who we are.

Prayer: Lord God, I am humbled and amazed by Mary’s response. Her faith and trust in you are awesome. When you call, may I answer as she did. Amen.


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In Moses’ Place

Reading: Exodus 17:4-7

Verse 4: “What should I do with this people? They are getting ready to stone me.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Continuing in Exodus 17 we see that the Israelites continue their grumbling. They ask Moses if he really led them into the wilderness just to die of thirst. Did they really think that this was the plan? They are frustrated. Step after step has required going to God for some kind of intervention. And that step requires working through Moses. The people aren’t the only ones frustrated – and afraid and unsure. Moses cries out to God, saying, “What should I do with this people? They are getting ready to stone me.”

God responds but doesn’t directly address any of the frustration. There isn’t any reaction to the grumbling, quarreling, or crying out. God simply meets the need, this time for water. In doing so God also provides reassurance and evidence that God is with Moses, the chosen leader, and that God is with the Israelites. With elders along in witness roles, Moses strikes the rock at Horeb with his staff, providing water for all to drink. In this action, God gives answer to the question, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

At times we find ourselves in the place of Moses, responsible for making a decision or for taking action. Many will be looking to us. Our choice will affect others – maybe many others. In these places may we follow Moses’ example: go to God, gather trusted leaders, lead as God directs. Following these steps we too will show that, yes, God is among us.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide me in the decisions, actions, and choices that come before me. Draw me first to you, seeking your wisdom and direction, wanting to know your will and way. Bring around me good and trustworthy leaders, people who also have a heart for you. Together lead us forward in faith. Amen.


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A Manner Worthy

Reading: Philippians 1:27-30

Verse 27: “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

In the second half of our Epistle text, Paul encourages the Philippians and us to represent Christ and one another well. He begins by challenging us all to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” What does it mean to live a life that is “worthy” of Jesus and the gospel? In a general sense it means to live as Christ lived – obedient to God; generous with love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness; and, overflowing with humility and care for the needy.

Paul focuses on 3 more ways in today’s passage. First he calls us all to “stand firm in one spirit.” The unity of spirit was very important in Paul’s day. These early Christians were living in a pagan world as members of a small minority group. Sticking together in body and in spirit was essential to survival. The same is true today for us.

Paul then tells us not to be afraid of those who oppose us. These ‘opponents’ were many in Paul’s day (he was in prison, right?) and there are no less today. To have confidence in our eternal God battles the fear of these temporal threats. Lastly Paul encourages the Philippians and us to step into what has been “granted” to us as a privilege – to suffer for and with Christ. Nothing without cost is worth much. If we are not suffering a bit for our faith, then we aren’t fully conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ. If we are blending in and living like the world around us, let us return to the actual gospels for a refresher on the life of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to be a person of peace and unity. Use me to build connection and community – two things at the heart of faith. Remove any fears that I have and empower me to be bold in my faith. And as John Wesley said, put me to doing, put me to suffering. May it all be for your glory. Amen.