pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Great Things

Reading: Psalm 29

Verses 3 and 7: “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders… The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.”

Photo credit: Luka Savcic

In Psalm 29 David describes the voice of the Lord. In his words we get a sense of God that is powerful, majestic, and forceful. It is in contrast to the words that God spoke over Jesus at his baptism in Matthew 3. As we read those words earlier in the week, God was compassionate, encouraging, and engaged. Yes, there is power in the words of God in Matthew 3, but they also reveal a God who is personal and intimate. As we consider these ‘sides’ of God, we gain a fuller and a better understanding of God.

David writes, “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders… The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.” Just as it does with David in our Psalm, the voice of God draws us to worship God. The voice of God brings us strength. For me, the power in the flashes and rolls of thunder reminds me of how big our God is. In a storm I can sense God’s presence. There are, of course, other ways that one can “see” or “hear” God’s voice and presence – in a sunset or sunrise, in the waves crashing on the shore, in the birds singing, in the gently moving clouds… It is important for us to see and hear God, to be reminded of God’s power and presence.

The words of the Psalm also remind us that we can and do see and hear God in personal ways too. As God did with David and Israel, so too does God give us strength and peace. God reassures us with signs of power and majesty that are more than sufficient for our needs and desires. When we find ourselves struggling or hurting or broken, it is important to remember that God is near us, that God is all around us, and that God is able to do great things. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, your name is great and you are worthy of our praise. Your majesty and power surround us, your glory is revealed to us. This day also be personal and intimate. Draw near to those on our hearts who need you today. Pour out your love and healing so that they too may praise your name. Amen.


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All Around Us

Reading: Acts 5:27-32

Verse 29: “We must obey God rather than men.”

Photo credit: Josh Calabrese

As we return to Acts 5 today we look at the apostles’ basis for their actions. When asked why they continue to teach in Jesus’ name when they’ve been ordered to stop, they reply: “We must obey God rather than men.” For the religious leaders, in general, they would agree with this statement. In fact, it was the basis for some of their interactions with the Romans. The place of conflict with this statement in this situation is with where it intersected with their authority and power. It is the same today with those in power in both secular and religious institutions: practicing or exercising ones faith is fine as long as one still follows their rules. It is when faith conflicts with established laws or norms or rules that it can become controversial, dangerous, costly.

Today and tomorrow millions will go to churches, synagogues, mosques… to worship, to pray. No religious leader or civic authority will bat an eye. Many will be pleased. In a generic way, religion is a community-positive thing. It teaches conformity, respect for rules, doing good for others. This was how the Romans saw Judaism. So how does faith create conflict or tension within a community or in larger levels of society?

In happens when faith shifts from passive to active. It is often a subtle shift. Faith can compel us to help a neighbor or one in need. Maybe it begins with helping a single mother with her electric bill. All are happy, pleased. That interaction leads to bringing food and some clothes for the children. All are happy, pleased. Once there, in the home, seeing the poor conditions, one is moved to intervene, to speak out, to try and remedy the situation. Not all are happy. Someone is upset that those Christians are poking around in their business. There is tension and conflict. This is but one simple example. It is one way that obeying God and living an active faith can lead to a place of conflict and tension.

So, a question to ponder today: what are the conditions, circumstances, or situations in your neighborhood or community that need addressed, changed, redeemed?

Prayer: Lord God, lead your church to engage in our communities and with our neighbors. Guide us to those who need a voice or a hand, or maybe both. Give us a willingness to obey your love, your justice, your ways. Give us the courage to choose right and just over comfortable and easy. Let it begin with me. Amen.