pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: baptism


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Rescuer, Deliverer, Redeemer

Reading: Luke 1:76-79

Luke 1:77 – “You [John] will tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins.”

As we continue in Zechariah’s prophecy today we read about the role that his son, John the Baptist, will play in the coming of the Messiah. We also learn more about who and what this Messiah will be. John will go before the Lord “to prepare his way.” Zechariah is channeling his inner Isaiah here, as John will also do during his ministry. Out there in the wilderness, along the Jordan River, John will “tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins.” Calling God’s people to a baptism of confession and repentance, John will prepare people’s hearts to receive the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

With these words, Zechariah is looping back around to the Savior who delivers and rescues God’s people from their enemies. John calls folks to battle with their sins, the enemies within. This call will next be echoed by Jesus. And after sending his Spirit, this call will be echoed down through the generations of believers, echoed in our hearts. This call is the “light to those sitting in darkness.” Whether from John, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, the call to live out the covenant of love shines a light on our sins and the darkness that they create in us and in the world. This light and the change of heart that it leads to guides us to step out of “the shadow of death.” Freed from the power of sin and death through Jesus Christ, we are guided to walk on “the path of peace.” Thanks be to God for our Savior, deliverer, and redeemer!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the voice that calls out to us, inviting us to come before you, confessing and repenting of our inner darkness, committing to walk on your path of light and peace. Keep our hearts ever open to your still, small voice that whispers words of love. Free us, O Lord, to be people whose love helps others to know the Savior. Amen.


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Today? Yesterday? Last Thursday?

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-10

2nd Thessalonians 3:7 – “You need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As is often the case at the end of Paul’s letters, he closes 2nd Thessalonians with general exhortations. Today and tomorrow we focus on Paul’s words about living a disciplined faith and life. There are some do’s and don’ts and examples to follow.

Paul begins by telling these communities of faith to “stay away” from those choosing to live an undisciplined faith. In essence, Paul is advising these followers of Jesus to exclude those who are not contributing to the community. This is a simplistic example but imagine if this Sunday, as we were preparing to go into Fellowship Hall to enjoy some coffee, lemonade, and treats, if I clearly invited ONLY those who had brought treats in the past two years to join us.

Continuing, Paul writes, “You need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you.” Paul reminds those in these churches of how he and his companions worked and pulled their own weight when they were among them. In a community where much was pooled for the common good, Paul was drawing a firm line. If you didn’t add to the pool, you shouldn’t dip into the pool.

Today’s words draw me to the vows we take at baptism and/or when we join the community of faith. As United Methodists we commit to support the church with our “prayers… presence… gifts… service… and witness.” I believe these should apply to all faith communities. So I ask, Did you pray for your community and its leaders today? And yesterday? Will you tomorrow? Who did you witness to yesterday and the day before? How and when were you present in a time of need or during a celebration? What gifts and service did you offer on Monday? And how about last Thursday?

Prayer: Lord God, you call us daily to an active and living faith. You invite us into community so that we can encourage and build up, so that we can give and receive. Open our spirits to both generosity and to humble service, O God. Lead us to pour ourselves out for you and for others, all for your glory. Amen.


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Loving Others, Giving of Self

Reading: John 19:25-27 and 33-35

John 19:34 – “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

On the day of Jesus’ death there are a handful of women and “the disciple whom he loved” at the foot of the cross. The women include Jesus’ mother, her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John is there too, the beloved disciple. Looking down from the cross, Jesus employs a Jewish law, entrusting his mother’s care to John. Jesus created not only a new family but also the community of faith. Loving and caring for one another as a family does will be a mark of the early church. It is the mark of Christ-following communities today.

In the second part of our reading the soldiers are making sure that Jesus is dead. The religious leaders were concerned that the killing of an innocent man was completed before sundown – so that they could properly honor God and the Sabbath. In verse 34 we read, “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John, a gospel rich in symbolism and meaning, keeps Jesus’ legs unbroken, an unblemished lamb slaughtered for our sins. The water and blood that flow – like the living water of Jesus Christ that we experience in baptism and throughout our journeys of faith. The blood, like the blood poured out for many, cleansing us of our sin.

Today, as we remember the palm parade, joyously celebrating the Messiah, the one who came in the name of the Lord, let us also remember this Jesus in the cross, the one who died as he lived: loving others, giving of self.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the faithful witness of John, for his presence in these moments and so many others in Jesus’ life. He testifies to the truth and shares his Jesus with others. May we do the same, O God. Amen.


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More Is Better

Reading: John 13:1-9

John 13:7 – “Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.”

The scene today is the celebration of the Passover meal. Present are Jesus and the twelve disciples. This is the fourth time in four weeks that we’ve read about this night. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke the focus is on the sharing of the bread and the cup, on the establishment of the new covenant. In all three the story then moves to the garden and on to arrest. In John’s gospel there is no bread or cup. John places the meal about half way through his story. Much is spoken by Jesus before his arrest happens in John 19. This is but one example of John’s disregard for time and historical sequence.

As chapter 13 begins we see that Jesus’ knows that “his time had come to leave this world.” Ever the one to love and serve, Jesus leaves the disciples one more tangible example of both. The meal is under way. Jesus knows that Judas will betray him. Jesus gets up, takes off his robes, and begins washing and drying the disciples’ feet. There is great symbolism in Jesus’ act. Taking off his robes is symbolic of taking off divinity to dwell in the flesh. Kneeling and performing this lowly, menial task is symbolic of how we are to serve others. The washing itself is symbolic of baptism, where our sins are washed away.

When Jesus comes to Peter, he protests. Jesus replies, “You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.” We also experience this is our faith journeys. Only later, through prayer or study or through the Holy Spirit’s presence do we come to understand what Jesus did for us. After some back and forth, the all-in Peter asks Jesus to wash his hands and feet too. If a little Jesus is good, more is better. While this is true, often it is only later that we, like Peter, truly understand what it is that we are asking for.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you first for the call to love and serve. It is who and what we are called to be as followers of Jesus. Grant us the courage and the willingness to do even the lowest things in our efforts to love and serve the other. And, Lord, lead us to seek to be more and more like Jesus. Empower us to do whatever you place before us. Amen.


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With Us, Every Day

Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Matthew 28:20 – “Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Matthew closes his gospel with Jesus commissioning to disciples to carry on his work. There is no ascension here. Matthew is intentional in how he ends his gospel. Perhaps he picked up this idea from Mark. The abrupt end to Mark invites us to be the continuation of the story, to be the church. Matthew’s ending offers the same invitation.

Eleven disciples go to the mountain in Galilee. The women who met the risen Lord remind them of this planned gathering. In what feels curious to us at first, some disciples worship Jesus and others feel some doubt. But we too find ourselves here at times. We can feel some doubt even as we seek to cling to our faith.

Being given all authority in heaven and on earth, Jesus tells the disciples first to go. They are to go out into the world just as Jesus was out in the world. He spent also all of his ministry hours out in the world. Once our in the world, the disciples are to make new disciples. A disciple is one who repents of their sin, who trusts in Jesus for salvation, and who obeys Jesus’ teachings. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a public act of faith in and of surrender to Jesus Christ. Following baptism, the disciples are to teach new believers all of Jesus’ commands. This faith in and obedience to Jesus, to his teachings and example, this is the mark of a Christian and of the church.

This commission must’ve felt like a lot to the disciples. It feels like a lot to us. So may we too hear the promise Jesus makes to the disciples as his promise to us: Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to live into our commission. Use us to draw others to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. When the task feels big, help us to hear the guidance of the Holy Spirit, your promised presence with us. Walk with us, carrying us along as needed. Amen.


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Hearts Turned

Reading: Mark 9:11-13

Mark 9:13 – “Elijah has come, but they did to him whatever they wanted.”

Following the transfiguration (when Peter, James, and John saw Jesus changed into a more divine form who chatted with Moses’ and Elijah’s spirits) the “inner three” ask Jesus about the second coming of Elijah. Here they are connecting with their Jewish upbringing. In Malachi 4 the prophet writes about Elijah coming back “before the great and terrifying day of the Lord.” The understood purpose of his return? To “turn the hearts of the children to their parents” and vice versa.

Experiencing this moment on the mountaintop, hearing talk about Messiah and death and resurrection, it is natural for the disciples to try and make some sense of all of this. They do the natural thing: they try to connect this new information to what they already knew. To help do this, they ask about the second coming of Elijah. The understanding was that Elijah would return to “restore all things.” Jesus pushed back a bit. If one held to the fullest way that this could happen, he asks, then why would he have to suffer and die? This is Jesus’ question in verse 11. Clearly there is some disconnect or misunderstanding.

Answering their question, Jesus says, “Elijah has come, but they did to him whatever they wanted.” Preaching and baptizing in the wilderness, John the Baptist did change hearts. Through his baptism of repentance the children of God’s hearts were turned back to God’s heart and vice versa. John’s work of restoring all things was cut short, though, like many of the prophets who came before him. The pagan powers arrested and beheaded John. Not all Jewish hearts turned to God either. Many rejected John’s invitation and Jesus’ as well, “just as it is written.” In spite of humanity’s selfish and stubborn hearts, God’s plan will continue to unfold as Jesus walks the path to Jerusalem and to the cross.

Prayer: Lord God, we, like the people of Jesus’ day, know the scriptures, can see the signs unfolding, and still choose not to believe. We can cling to our selfish and evil ways, refusing to confess and repent. When our eyes are mostly closed and our hearts are pretty hard, once again empower your indwelling prophet, the Holy Spirit, to open our eyes, to soften our hearts. Bend us to your will and way. Amen.


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Fill Us, O Lord

Reading: Colossians 2:6-12

Colossians 2:11 – “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands… stripping away the old self dominated by sin.”

Paul begins our encouragement for today by imploring the believers to “live… in the same way you received him.” Harkening back to the day they came to faith, Paul implores the believers to keep up the same fire, the same zeal. Paul encourages them to remain rooted in Jesus and to build up their faith, establishing themselves in Christ. This process, Paul writes, will lead to an overflow of thanksgiving and joy. These are good reminders for us too.

Next Paul invites them to be wary about falling back into our being drawn into the ways of the world. Potential dangers include new philosophies and false teachings that are counter to Christ’s teachings. Perhaps if even greater danger is conforming back to their old ways, back to the selfish and sinful ways of the world.

Paul reminds the believers that they have been “filled” with Christ. He reminds them that “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands… stripping away the old self dominated by sin.” The physical act of circumcision that sets the Jews apart from the world has become a spiritual act that sets the Christian apart from the world. The old self was “buried” in the waters of baptism. The new self emerged and was “raised up” through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Now the power of God resides in Spirit in the believers.

So what must we do to walk daily with and in the Lord? It goes back to the opening verses. Seek to live “in Christ” – to live as Christ lived, following his example. Pour into your faith – build it up, deepen your roots in Christ. Allow the joy of faith to fill your heart to overflowing – share your faith. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open wide our hearts today and fill us with your love. Open wide our minds today and fill us with your Spirit. Open wide our hands today and fill us with your strength. Then, in all things, use these things, allowing them to flow out of us and into the world, bringing you all the glory and praise. Amen.


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Love = God

Reading: 1st John 4-5

1st John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God.”

Photo credit: Freestocks

1st John 4 begins with an invitation to test the spirits. If one confesses the incarnate Jesus as God’s son, it is from God. By holding to this spirit, God’s children can overcome the world because “the one in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” In verse 7 we shift to love – loving God and one another. Although a relatively short book, 1st John uses the word ‘love’ more than any other book in the New Testament.

John declares that love is from God and that all who love are born from God and know God. Love was truly revealed when God sent Jesus into the world as “the sacrifice that deals with our sin.” Because God loved us this way, John argues, we ought to love one another. When we love God and others, then God remains in us. We can live daily and look to eternity with confidence because there is no fear in love. Because of this truth, I believe it is good and right to err on the side of love. It is far better to love too much than to love too little.

Chapter 5 develops love into proof that we are born of God. Love, for John and many others, is the key indicator of being “born again.” Because we love God, we strive to keep God’s commands. Although the one who is in the world is strong, through faith we are able to defeat the world. John then offers testimony about Jesus. He is the one who came through water (baptism,) through the blood (cross,) and through the Spirit (God’s presence in our hearts.) Through him we find eternal life.

Chapter 5 closes with some great tidbits. I can’t help wondering if John was out of ink or out of room on his parchment. In short order, John says to ask in God’s will, then you’ll receive. Pray for a brother or sister who is sinning. Guard yourselves from evil. And, oh yes, avoid idols!

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to love, love, love. Through your Spirit within us, lead us to be people who love well. Doing so, we reflect Jesus to the world. In love, empower us to walk faithfully in your will and ways. Draw us closer to you, deeper into your love – this day and every day. Amen.


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God’s Plan, Our Role

Reading: Ephesians 3-4

Ephesians 4:1 – “Therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, I encourage you to live as a people worthy of the call you received from God.”

In today’s reading Paul shares God’s plan for the church and then unpacks how followers are to be a part of that plan. In chapter 3 Paul shares that it has been God’s plan all along to include “every ethnic group” in the body of Christ. Paul declares that this “secret plan” has always been to include the “Gentiles” – a term often used by Jews to describe ALL non-Jews. This plan was accomplished through Jesus, who gives every believer “bold and confident access to God through faith” in Jesus. Paul then prays for the church, asking God to strengthen them through the Spirit and to reveal the power and enormity of God’s love. In these ways the believers “will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.”

In chapter 4 Paul unpacks what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. With chapter 3 in mind, he begins, “Therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, I encourage you to live as a people worthy of the call you received from God.” Paul calls the church to be people of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. He reminds them of what unites them: there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.” Paul also reminds them that each was gifted to be a part of “the working and building up the body of Christ.” Each has a role to play. We each have a role to play in this task.

Paul then calls the believers to a mature faith, away from living like the Gentiles (now meaning all those outside the faith) and into living as a “new creation” in Christ. Paul invites them to “clothe yourself” in the image of God. He is connecting here to their baptism, where they literally de-robed and then rerobed, symbolically taking off their old self and clothing anew in Christ. Paul closes the chapter with the call to be “kind, compassionate, and forgiving,” modeling what Christ did for them. This too is our role. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your love that reaches out to all people. We celebrate your grace that has no limits. Fill us with your presence this day and employ each of us for the building up of the body of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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Not Even My Life

Reading: Acts 18-20

Acts 20:24 – “But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.”

Moving on to Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, two believers forced out of Rome when Emperor Claudius expelled all the Jews. In Corinth, Paul teaches first in the synagogue on each Sabbath. Once Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul preaches daily. This leads to Jewish opposition which leads Paul to teaching only the Gentiles. Many come to believe in Jesus Christ. In a vision God encourages Paul to keep speaking, assuring him of God’s protection. This is evident as the Jews unite and drag Paul before Governor Gallio. He summarily dismisses them.

Paul leaves Corinth and works his way to Ephesus, preaching along the way. Apollos has been successfully teaching about Jesus in Ephesus. He meets Priscilla and Aquila, who teach him more about Jesus. They send him on to Achaia with their blessing. When Paul arrives he educates the new believers about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which they receive. Paul teaches first in the synagogue, until opposition arises. He shifts again to the Gentiles, teaching for two years in a lecture hall. The power of God at work is evident in amazing ways – towels and aprons touched by Paul bring healing to people.

We also read of a “great disturbance” stirred up by Demetrius. Paul’s work is threatening their livelihood and their god Artemis. Demetrius’ words lead to a riot. Paul is warned against going to speak – by city officials. The city manager goes and calms and then dismisses the crowd. Paul’s influence is wide.

Paul and seven others then make their way to Traos. Here he resuscitates a young man who falls asleep and then falls out of a third story window during Paul’s preaching. Moving on to Ephesus, Paul gathers the church elders. Reminding them of his faithful example, he encourages them to continue the ministry. He warns them of “savage wolves” and to “Stay alert!” He also speaks of prison and troubles that await him. As words of both encouragement and example, Paul declares, “But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.” Entrusting the Ephesian church to this same grace, Paul leaves these that he will not see again, heading for Jerusalem.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul continues his mission and ministry, place by place, person by person. He remains faithful to the mission of sharing the good news of your grace. Troubles come and your Holy Spirit guides his through. Lord, fill us with this same Spirit. Lead and guide us to walk in faith each day. Amen.