pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: anger


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False Gods and Idols

Reading: Exodus 32:1-10

Exodus 32:7 – “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything!”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

In our Old Testament reading today and tomorrow, Moses is up on the mountain receiving instructions from God. Starting in chapter 25, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the tabernacle and for observing the Sabbath. Moses has been with God for forty days. So at the start of chapter 32 the people come to Aaron, unsure about ever seeing Moses again, and ask Aaron to make them a “god.” The one left in charge gives in to the crowd and forms a golden calf. Two of the popular deities in Egypt were represented by a bull. Aaron does try to turn their focus to God by holding a festival to the Lord. But in the end, the people worship the golden idol. With their only connection to the one true God gone forever, the people turn to a false idol – one they can see and touch and can shape or manipulate with their own hands.

God sees what is happening and says to Moses, “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything!” God’s plan is harsh. We find a hint as God calls them “your people.” With these words, God is rhetorically rejecting Israel. God’s plan is to allow the fury to burn and to devour these stubborn and faithless people. Then God will start all over with Moses!

I wonder if God ever feels this way in our day. I wonder if God ever looks down at our way of living and feels anger rising up inside. Do the false gods and idols that we chase after when we’ve lost our connection to God make God feel like “devouring” us? In these moments I remember that, like Israel in the wilderness, we are still a work in progress. We are yet becoming who God created us to be. In tomorrow’s reading, Moses will intercede for the people. For you, for me, for our world today – we too have an intercessor. The risen Christ stands between us and God, interceding on our behalf. Jesus walked among us. He understands our struggles and temptations. Thank you, Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, when we drift and our connection with you feels lost, the things of this world seem brighter, shinier, more attractive. In these early moments, when we’re looking towards other “gods,” draw us back to you. Whisper in our hearts, reminding us of your love. May this be what captures our attention, our focus, our worship. Amen.


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Faithful Provider

Reading: Exodus 17:1-7

Exodus 17:3 – “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”

As the journey continued through the wilderness, God had provided manna and quail and established the Sabbath – a day of rest and worship. Understanding God’s instructions and trusting into God’s provision, the Israelites break camp and journey to Rephidim. There is no water to drink, to cook with, to give to their animals. Fear quickly rises up in the people. When we find ourselves in a place of dire need, feeling absolutely no ability whatsoever to meet the need, fear can rise up quickly in us. And when we have no outlet for that fear, it often turns to anger and to blaming, like it does in today’s Bible story.

The people turn on Moses, asking, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?” They have lost their faith in Moses to lead and in God to provide. They can see no way forward. Fear and anger have won the day. Moses is stuck in the middle. His faith in God remains strong. So Moses cries out to God. And God, ever faithful, hears, responds, guides, and provides. Moses takes some of the leaders out into the desert. At the rock of Horeb, in God’s presence, Moses hits the rock and water flows – abundantly and generously. God provides again. Another miracle.

We’d hope that from here in out, the Israelites would trust God and Moses. We’d hope that faith would always triumph over fear and doubt. It does not always do so as their journey continues. We’d like to think that from the many stories in the Bible and from ample experiences in our lives, that we’d trust God and that faith would always win out over fear… With each reading, with each experience, our faith does grow and deepen. Like Israel with Moses and God, we too are on a journey. We too are a work in progress. May we remain faithful. God is faithful. God will make a way. God will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, story by story, experience by experience, build up our faith. Continue to lead and guide us, whether we are filled with faith or with fear. Continue to be our faithful God, shaping us too into your people. Amen.


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Faithful Provider

Reading: Exodus 16:2-5

Exodus 16:2 – “The whole Israelite community complained against Moses and Aaron.”

As we begin a few days in Exodus 16 we join the Israelites in the desert or wilderness, depending on your translation. They haven’t been gone very long – just long enough to run out of the food they took with them as they hurried out of Egypt. Because of this, “The whole Israelite community complained against Moses and Aaron.” Finding themselves in an uncomfortable position, a mix of fear and anger and longing rises up. They look back at their time in slavery and wish that they were still there. At least there was meat and bread aplenty. They wonder if Moses brought them into the wilderness to “starve to death.”

We too will find ourselves in desert places or in the wilderness of life at times. This is never an easy place to be and it is seldom a place of our own choosing. Unwanted change or loss or death or illness creates these experiences. We feel out of control. We feel unease, discomfort, disorientation. We often cry out, complain , grumble, and/or question God.

In our text, God hears Israel’s complaint. God will rain down what they longed for and remembered from their time in slavery: meat and bread. Each day, God will provide what they need for that day. Day by day, Israel’s trust in God will grow. In the same way, God hears our cries, our grumbles, our questioning. And because God is faithful, God provides what we need. God usually does not yank us out of our desert places, but becomes present to us in these places. It might be through meat and bread brought by a friend or neighbor. It might be through the comforting presence of our faith community. It might just be the strength to get through one more day. When we turn to God, yes, God is faithful. God will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, you are always with us. We always need you – especially in our desert or wilderness moments. Thank you for your faithful provision in our times of need. Continue to work through these experiences, building us up, growing our faith. 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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Genuine and True

Reading: Genesis 45:9-15

Genesis 45:9-10 – “Come down to me. Don’t delay. You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Finishing up this week’s Genesis 45 text, Joseph gives his brothers instructions. He is once again the man in power. This is the main message to his father, Israel: “Come down to me. Don’t delay. You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me.” Joseph adds that he will support the whole family and all that they own. This will last at least as long as the famine – five more years. Believing that he was sent ahead for this purpose, Joseph is stepping into God’s plans and purposes for his life.

Joseph then embraces and weeps over Benjamin – his younger brother that he had never met. He then turns to his other brothers. Kisses and hugs and tears draw them in. Fear subsided, they are able to talk with Joseph. Joseph’s honesty and compassion led them to accept his offer of forgiveness and reconciliation. Yes, he spoke the words of forgiveness, but the brothers were wary. These additional assurances allowed them to know that the forgiveness was genuine and true.

As a kid, every once in a while I heard these words from my mom or dad: “Say ‘I’m sorry. ‘” And often, after a mumbled “I’m sorry,” I would hear these words: “Say it like you mean it.” At times we forgive or are forgiven because it is expected or because it is the “right” thing to do. But it does not come from the heart. There is no grace. There is hard work yet to be done. When within our power, may we truly forgive from the heart, bringing reconciliation with our forgiveness. Then healing can begin. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we just go through the motions. But hurt and anger still reside, just below the surface. Lead us to practice true forgiveness, full of grace. Guide us then to a place of reconciliation, where the relationship can be restored. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Gather the Weeds

Reading: Matthew 13:24-30

Matthew 13:30b – “First gather the weeds and tie them together in bundles to be burned.”

Today we turn to the “Parable of the Weeds.” Tomorrow we read Jesus’ explanation. Today we’ll focus on a personal application level that deviates slightly from standard interpretation. Tomorrow we’ll expand out to the more traditional understanding and out to the communal level.

Each morning – or most mornings! – we get up and pray and read our Bibles and ponder a devotional or two. Maybe we practice our faith in the evenings or midday instead. Once or twice a week we go to church for worship or to participate in a small group class. In each of these ways we are planting good seeds in our hearts. On occasion we help a neighbor in need or volunteer somewhere or visit a friend who is sick. Although these acts are other-centered, these practices also plant good seeds in our hearts.

And then an unwanted change comes our way. Or maybe it is an unexpected diagnosis. Perhaps someone speaks an unkind word or a stinging criticism. Each of these things and many more have the potential to derail our walk of faith. They can create stress or worry or doubt or anger or mistrust or… and can cause division and hurt and possibly even put an end to a relationship. These are the weeds that we suddenly find growing in our hearts. We don’t intentionally plant them there, but they do take root. In these cases, Jesus gives us an important reminder: “First gather the weeds and tie them together in bundles to be burned.” Daily tending to these “weeds” prevents them from becoming enmeshed in our hearts. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, all sorts of unwanted things can grow in our hearts if not tended daily. While not all are “evil,” they can still distract us from tending to our relationships with you and with one another. When still a really small shoot, anger and other “weeds” can more easily be cared for. So help us, O God, to be diligent daily, paying close attention to these “small” matters. Before roots become enmeshed in our hearts, guide us deal with temptation and sin. Amen.


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Awake Sleeper!

Reading: Ephesians 5:12-14

Ephesians 5:14 – “Therefore it says, ‘Wake up, sleeper! Get up from the dead, and Christ will shine in you.'”

Reading verse 12, perhaps you too had a person or a situation come to mind. We live in a world and time when I watch or read the news, when I scroll social media, or when I hear a conversation or presentation and I shake my head in sorrow or sadness or disbelief. Disgust and anger are felt often too. Many times I wonder how those in power can be okay with what our world has become. “Embarrassing” is a good word for our day too.

Paul reminds us, as he did on Friday when we read the first part of this passage, that the light reveals the truth about the darkness. Our call as followers of Jesus is to expose the darkness to the light. To that end Paul writes, “Therefore it says, ‘Wake up, sleeper! Get up from the dead, and Christ will shine in you.'” He is quoting from Isaiah 29 and 60. We recall that the prophet spoke to a people who worshipped the idols of this world, forgetting the Lord their God. 70 years in exile served as their wake-up call. While we may not worship Baal or other ancient ‘gods,’ there are certainly no shortage of false gods that create evil and darkness in our world today.

What might God be calling us to wake up to today? What are the evils and darkness of our time? In my little part of the world, poverty, hunger, and homelessness first come to mind. If the circle expands a bit wider, the list grows quickly. As followers of Christ, we are charged with caring for “the least of these,” as Jesus called them. We should do so in practical ways, feeding and clothing and housing those in need. But we should also shine a light on those in power who allow and often times create, defend, and sustain unjust systems that lead to these evils. We should speak, work, and be socially active in ways that seek to dismantle these systems and to disempower those who strive to maintain the “status quo” – all for personal gain. In these ways we will shine the light of Christ into the darkness of the world, bringing God’s goodness, justice, and truth to the world. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, the task at hand feels huge. In our own power, we are weak. But in and through you, we are strong. So, Lord, first open our eyes to the suffering, need, and darkness of our world. Then fill our hearts with compassion and love for the marginalized, the powerless, the voiceless. From there, use our hands, feet, and voices to provide for and to meet basic, physical needs. Then empower us to speak, to stand, and to work to create a more just and fair world. In all these ways, may Christ shine in us and out into the darkness of our world. Amen.


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All Is Not Lost

Reading: Psalm 95:8-11

Psalm 95:8-9 – “Don’t harden your hearts like… when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me.”

Continuing in Psalm 95 today, God speaks. Yesterday’s verses ended with these words from the psalmist:“If only you would listen to his [God’s] voice right now!” If only we’d always remember that God holds us and all of creation in the divine presence. If only our lives were a reflection of the joy and salvation that can be ours when we walk in a right relationship with the Lord our God.

In verses 8-9 we read, “Don’t harden your hearts like… when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me.” While Meribah and Massah are likely unfamiliar places to us, they represent times when Israel questioned, grumbled against, and complained to God. We can name many places and times when we have done just these things. We often allow our selfish and sinful nature to harden our hearts. Even though we, as did the Israelites, see God’s “acts,” we quickly forget God’s love, care, protection, provision… The sheep of God’s pasture continue to wander into other fields.

We read about how God “despised” this generation with “twisted hearts.” We read, “They will never enter my place of rest.” When we live with a twisted heart, whether temporarily or for a season or for almost our whole lives, we displease God because we are not listening to God’s voice. When we’ve focused our hearts and lives on the things of this world, we’ve certainly experienced a lack of rest – and peace, joy, contentment… When our thoughts and actions anger God, all is not lost. God is gracious and merciful, loving and forgiving. Humbly kneeling before our maker, we can swiftly return to our place in God’s pasture. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, oh how we can wander. Oh how our hearts can turn inward, away from all that you offer. Forgive us, Lord. Redeem and restore us. Thank you for your hand that always guides us back to you and for your love that always heals our brokenness. Amen.


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Strength and Peace

Reading: Psalm 29:6-11

Psalm 29:11 – “Let the Lord give strength to his people! Let the Lord bless his people with peace!”

Verses 6-9 demonstrate the power of God’s voice. Nations and mountains “jump around” like young animals at play, going here and there with no reason. Fire and earthquakes rattle the land. The forests are stripped bare. These physical events happen in our created world, revealing the power of God. In our lives, times of suffering and loss and trial can make us feel like the created world must have felt. The loss of a loved one, the end of an important relationship, an unwanted change, a health crisis – these events can disorient us, can shake us, can make us feel bare and vulnerable. And events in our world – things that have nothing to do with us directly – can have the same impact, bringing hurt, lament, and even anger at times.

Verse 10 reminds us that God “sits enthroned over the flood waters.” In the wake of the disaster – physical or emotional or relational – God is present and in control. In the aftermath of loss, in the valley of grief, in the wilderness of despair, God is present and in control. God does not abandon us. God remains with us. God reigns over all of creation, including you and me. So let us declare verse 11 as our prayer and hope for today and every day: “Let the Lord give strength to his people! Let the Lord bless his people with peace!” May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, be with us. Be our strength. Be our peace. Lord God, be with our world. Bring strength to our world. Bring peace to our world. In a world with too much unjust violence, in a world with too many abuses of power, in a world with too little love for one another, be our strength and our peace. Lord, fill us with your strength and peace. When full, God, send us out into this broken and hurting world, bringing your strength and peace with us. Amen.


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Springs of Joy

Reading: Isaiah 12

Isaiah 12:2 – “God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.”

Our four readings this week collectively speak of God’s continuing transformation of the world. Together these readings help us as Christians to understand how we are to participate in this transformation. Today’s hymn of trust in Isaiah 12 comes after Isaiah’s preaching about Judah’s unfaithfulness and about the coming wrath of God. An invading army will soon decimate Jerusalem, leaving behind a “burning stump.” In the long term, though, this fire will also work to refine and transform God’s people. Isaiah speaks of a day when a shoot (child) from that stump will lead Israel into a time of peace and grace.

Isaiah 12 celebrates the time after God’s refining fire. The opening verse looks forward to when God’s anger has been spent. Then God’s comfort will come in. This leads Isaiah to write, “God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.” God, Judah’s strength and shield, will rescue and redeem, will restore and save. These promises are consistent with who God is and are therefore true for our reality too. When we sin and fall short, creating separation from God, we feel the refining fire of conviction. This leads us to confession and repentance, beginning the transformation process within us.

Being made new by these “springs of salvation,” God’s people will draw water of joy. The restored people will exalt God for the “glorious things” that God has done. When the Holy one is among us, Spirit leading and guiding us, then we too will sing for joy, declaring that God is indeed among us. As God works in our lives, transforming us from the inside out, we will be filled with joy as we live as new creations proclaiming our faith and trust in the Lord. Living as light and love, we will draw others to the Lord. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for your redeeming work in our lives and in our world. Each time that we are refined and transformed we are drawn deeper into faith. Each time we are made more into Christ’s image. Use us to bring this invitation to all of creation, inviting all to be made whole, to be made new again. Amen.