pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: blessing


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Rebuilding

Readings: Ezra 4, Ezra 5, Ezra 6

Ezra 6:16 – “Then the Israelites, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles joyfully celebrated the dedication of this house of God.”

The rebuilding of the temple is not universally viewed as a joyous and good event. The local people do not like seeing the Israelites reestablishing themselves. The “enemies of Judah and Benjamin” come and offer to “help” with the rebuilding of the temple. These are likely the people who were relocated to the Promised Land by Assyria. They were taught to worship the “local god” (2nd Kings 17.) Their help is flatly refused. So they begin to cause trouble, trying to frustrate the building. A letter is sent to King Artaxerxes, pointing out the danger of rebuilding this “rebellious and wicked city.” The king stops the rebuilding of the temple.

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage those in Judah with a word from God and the rebuilding resumes. Tattenai, the local governor, questions this and sends a letter to King Darius. Unauthorized building could be treasonous. Darius searches the archives and finds Cyrus’ decree. Darius tells Tattenai to allow the temple to be rebuilt and he tells him to pay for anything the Jews need. A harsh punishment for any who disobey the directions is also included. Rebuilding resumes.

In the sixth year of Darius’ reign the temple is completed. It took just over 40 years to rebuild. A joyful celebration follows – with lots of entirely burned offerings and 12 purification offerings. The priests and Levites are assigned to their duties in the temple. The people then celebrate the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The Israelites are joyful because the Lord changed the attitude of the king. They recognize that God is in control. All Israel celebrated this blessing.

Prayer: Lord God, in the times when you are clearly present, it is easy to be joyful and to walk faithfully with you. But in times of trial or suffering, in moments when we face opposition, it isn’t always easy to cling to you. We want to do something. We want to take action. In these moments, Lord, remind us of your steadfast love and of your complete power and authority. Draw us into who and what you are so that our walk remains steadfast and true. Amen.


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Filled with Wisdom and Spirit

Readings: Deuteronomy 31, Deuteronomy 32, Deuteronomy 33, Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you.”

Today, on the 50th day of our plan to read through the Bible in a year, we close out the book of Deuteronomy. This is the close of the Torah, or the Law. Moses has been the central character and the driving force. We have been walking with Moses since day 16. That’s just over 200 pages in my Bible!

In chapter 31 Moses announces his death. Joshua is commissioned to lead next. The words above, spoken over and to Joshua, will guide his life and his leadership. Moses then stipulates that the Instructions (the Law) must be kept by the covenant chest and must be read every seven years so that all Israel will hear it and learn it. God then foretells the downfall of Israel. This couldn’t have been a surprise to Moses – he’s walked long with this stubborn and rebellious people.

God then commissions Moses to speak a poem to all of Israel. It is a witness against them, a warning to be remembered, taught, and heeded. Poetry is the format – it is both memorable and memorizable. Memory is key to obedience. The poem is part history, part promise of God’s mercy and compassion.

Moses then speaks from his own heart as he offers a blessing to Israel. In chapter 33 Moses gives blessings to almost all of the tribes and to all of Israel. The blessings are material and militaristic with some about faithfulness and God’s continued presence. This feels like a fitting end to Moses instruction of Israel.

Moses then climbs the mountain and sees the whole land that Israel will possess. Although still healthy and vigorous, Moses dies and is buried by God. The people mourn. Joshua is filled with Moses’ wisdom and spirit. He is ready to lead. To close, a poignant note from John Wesley’s commentary on Moses’ death: “God’s servants must die, that they may rest from their labors, receive their recompense, and make room for others.” So it is in the great cloud of witness and in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, what a life of faith Moses led. He was not perfect but he was an exemplary model of faith and trust. May we too walk faithfully, teaching by word and example, raising others up, passing along the faith. Amen.


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Choose God, Find Life

Readings: Deuteronomy 26, Deuteronomy 27, Deuteronomy 28, Deuteronomy 29, Deuteronomy 30

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – “Now choose life… by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.”

Chapter 26 begins by establishing a solemn oath to be taken when entering the Promised Land. The oath recalls the past and celebrates all that God has done. It reminds them of the important role that they will play upon entering Canaan – to obey God’s word. If Israel lives this way they will be God’s “treasured people.”

Moses instructs the people to set up giant stones and to write the Law upon them once they cross the Jordan. There is then a blessing-cursing ceremony in which Moses reviews a sampling of the Law. Failure to keep these brings curses. This is then followed by “future blessings.” If Israel carefully keeps all of God’s commandments, blessing will come in many ways. The other nations of the world will be in awe of Israel.

Next comes a long section on the curses that will come if Israel does not obey God. Death and destruction, plague and oppression and death, exile – it will be horrific. Much of this will come to pass. Chapter 29 halts this bad narrative and invites the people into a covenant relationship with God. The good and the bad have been laid out. Chapter 30 returns to reality. The sin cycle will be fully lived out. The curses will befall Israel. But… when you turn back to God, you will be restored. Israel will be gathered back up.

Our reading closes with words of encouragement. To obey – it’s not too difficult. These words, this God – “in your mouth and in your heart.” Life and death, blessing and curse, they have been set before Israel – and before us.“Now choose life… by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you lay out the reality before us – life with you versus life without you. It is not a promise, though, of everything being good if we’re obedient. The promise is your presence. There we do find good in all things, even in the defeats and exiles. Thank you for being our constant God. Amen.


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Do This So That…

Readings: Deuteronomy 13, Deuteronomy 14, Deuteronomy 15, Deuteronomy 16

Deuteronomy 14:29b – “Do this so that the LORD your God might bless you in everything you do.”

Chapter 13 concludes the laws that pertain to unpacking the first two of the Ten Commandments. This chapter is aimed at prohibiting the inclusion of foreign gods. If a prophet or even if a relative tries to lead you or others into worshipping a foreign god, they are to be executed. And if a town is led astray and begins to worship a foreign god, all people and animals are to be killed and everything is to be burned. God is serious about no other gods or idols. Imagine if we were 1/100th as serious when others (or ourselves) tempt us with wealth or power or status or…

The third and fourth commands of the Ten Commandments are the focus of chapters 14 and 15. Keeping God’s name holy includes avoiding local religious rites for the dead. It involves eating only food that is holy or clean. These dietary laws also function as a way to differentiate Israel from its neighbors. In verse 22 we shift to the fourth commandment. The main idea here is that the Sabbath is not exclusive to just one day. The same is true for us: we are not Christians just for that one hour on Sunday morning. Our faith, as it was with the Hebrews, is to permeate all of our days and lives. Generosity is the defining characteristic in this passage. Yearly give one-tenth to God. Every three years give a tenth at the city gates for the Levites and for the poor. Cancel debts and free your servants every seven years – if it is a fellow Hebrew. This is an adaptation of what was given in the Law in Exodus. Running throughout chapter 15 is a concern for the poor and vulnerable. Generosity and a right spirit are essential to this care. It is at the end of chapter 15 that we find the overarching “why” – “Do this so that the LORD your God might bless you in everything you do.”

In chapter 16 we shift to the three yearly festivals. To remember what God has done is a part of worshipping the Lord, of living out the Sabbath. Our regular festivals – Easter, Christmas, communion… – they too remind us of who and what God is and of who and what we are called to be. In verse 18 the focus shifts to the fifth of the ten commandments. Here the idea of honoring father and mother is extended to include justice and honor for all people. Justice and care for the vulnerable is a core characteristic of God. May it be so for you and for me as well.

Prayer: Lord God, open my heart and my hands to those that you open your heart and hands to. Create in me a spirit of generosity and a sense of fellowship and community with all people. In all that I do and in all that I am, may everything be an act of worship that brings you glory. Amen.


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Abiding Faith

Readings: Genesis 46, Genesis 47, Genesis 48, Genesis 49, Genesis 50

Genesis 50:24 – “God will certainly take care of you and bring you out of this land to the land he promised to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

Photo credit: Niko Photos

Today we conclude the book of Genesis. In these 15 days we’ve covered the first half of the early story of God’s people. As chapter 46 begins Israel and his entire household move to Egypt, settling in Goshen, “the land’s best location.” There is a joyous reunion with Joseph and a sincere and respectful welcome from Pharaoh. This reflects the place of honor that Joseph has risen to in Egypt.

The famine worsens. The people have given all of their silver for grain. The next year they give their livestock and in the next year they give their land. All now belongs to Pharaoh. Joseph gives the people seed to plant the land. 1/5 of the crops will go to Pharaoh. The people will keep and live off the remaining 4/5.

Chapter 48 begins with Israel blessing Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. He makes them equal to all of his other sons – Reuben, Simeon, Levi… Israel also blessed Ephraim over Manasseh. Ephraim will be greater. Joseph is also blessed. Israel gives him an extra portion of the promised land. Then, in the next chapter, the “blessings” continue. Judah, the fourth son, is elevated to the place of firstborn son. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi’s misdeeds have disqualified them. Judah will be the leader and the line that produces kings. The chapter closes with Israel expressing his wish to be buried with his ancestors.

The final chapter in Genesis begins with the grand burial of Israel in the cave that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. His death triggers a fear in Joseph’s brothers. So they concoct a lie, trying to protect themselves. Joseph assures them of his love and care. But even moreso, he reminds them of God’s hand guiding it all. Joseph also reminds them of the covenant promise made “to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Joseph expresses his wish to be buried in Canaan, in the Promised Land, before he dies, closing out the book of Genesis . What great faith Joseph expressed in God. May our lives reflect this abiding Faith too.

Prayer: Lord God, this part of the story ends yet points forward to the covenant promises. Throughout we see a deep faith in your plan. That plan and pointing yields the next stages in the Israelites’ journey. May our deep faith in you lead us on our continuing journey of faith as well. Amen.


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God’s Guiding Presence

Readings: Genesis 31, Genesis 32, Genesis 33, Genesis 34, Genesis 35, Genesis 36

Genesis 32:28 – “Your name won’t be Jacob any longer, but Israel, because you struggled with God and with men and won.”

Today’s readings begin with Jacob leaving Haran. God directs this move and watches over it. As Laban catches up to the escaping Jacob, God intervenes on his behalf. This leads to a “symmetrical covenant.” Laban and Jacob part ways peacefully and with God’s blessing. As his journey continues, Jacob prepares to and is prepared to meet Esau, the brother he stole from and deceived.

Jacob first sends messengers to Esau, who comes out to meet Jacob with 400 men. This terrifies Jacob. He splits all that he has into two camps. Then he prays a “reminder” prayer to God. He reminds both God and himself of the covenant promises made to Abraham and to Isaac and to himself. He then sends a very large gift of livestock to Esau, seeking to pacify him. That night Jacob wrestles with God. He is renamed “Israel” and he receives God’s blessing.

In the morning Jacob arranged his family strategically – servants then Leah then Rachel, each with their children. But then he goes in front to meet Esau. He bows low 7 times as Esau is approaching. Esau runs to greet him. It is an emotional and joyful reunion. Jacob sees the face of God in his brother’s grace.

In chapter 34 a terrible thing happens to Dinah – she is raped and humiliated by a local prince. Her brothers exact revenge, killing every male and looting everything in the town. They use deception to set it all up. They are Jacob’s sons. But now Jacob fears revenge too, so the family moves on. God protects them as they go. In the process God reiterates the name change as well as the covenant. Sadly, Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. Isaac dies too and is buried with his ancestors by Jacob and Esau together. Our reading closes with Esau’s genealogy.

Reflecting on today’s six chapters I am struck by God’s presence guiding Jacob’s life. Many things happen that remind me that God is with us no matter what – when we are faithful, when we are less than faithful. God is steadfast and true.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your hand ever guiding Jacob. Thank you for your hand that desires to guide us. As you work in our lives, shape and form us as you did Jacob – more and more into one who knew and loved you. Amen.


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A Twisted Tale!

Readings: Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 26, Genesis 27, Genesis 28:1-9

Genesis 27:27: “So he came close and kissed him. When Isaac smelled the scent of his clothes, he blessed him.”

Continuing with the rest of chapter 25 today, Jacob and Esau are about to be born. The violent fighting in the womb leads Rebekah to seek the Lord. God reveals to her two truths: the twins will be two nations and the older will serve the younger. This revelation drives the story going forward. Esau loves the outdoors, Jacob the indoors. Esau is loved by Isaac, Jacob by Rebekah. As the chapter ends, the heel-grabber takes advantage of Esau’s hunger, stealing the birthright for some stew. Esau is short-sighted. Jacob is calculating.

In chapter 26 a famine forces a move. Once in Gerar, Isaac lies about Rebekah: “She’s my sister.” Same lie, one generation later. King Abimelech discovers the rouse and prevents any curses. God blessed Isaac and the Philistines get very jealous, forcing Isaac to move away. There’s some fighting over wells but finally Isaac finds space and good water – signs of God’s blessing. Abimelech realizes this and comes and makes a treaty with Isaac.

Isaac has grown old as chapter 27 begins. As death nears, it is time to bless Esau, the oldest and his favorite. Going against cultural norms, Isaac invites only Esau to the blessing. But Rebekah overhears and schemes to steal the blessing for Jacob. Or is she just trying to make sure God’s revelation comes true…? The planning and execution are thorough – food, animal skins, clothing. It all works only after Isaac smells “Esau.” In verse 27 we read, “So he came close and kissed him. When Isaac smelled the scent of his clothes, he blessed him.” Afterwards, both Esau and Isaac are furious. Esau plots to murder Jacob. In response, Rebekah tricks Isaac into sending Jacob away to find a wife from their kin. In spite, Esau married yet another Canaanite woman, this time it is Ishmael’s daughter.

What a twisted tale we weave! Lies, deception, theft, anger, revenge. Or… is it all just God’s plan working itself out?… Before we dismiss these evil actions, let us realize that we too can go down these roads (or make similar evil choices.) As was the case long ago, in the midst of poor choices and evil actions God can and will work to accomplish God’s plans. For this unending grace and love that we too experience, we say thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, as it was with our ancestors, so it is with us. These evil traits displayed long ago are certainly alive and well in our world and even in our lives. Lord, first help us to see this in ourselves. Then bend us towards the good. Give us the patience to trust into your plans. Grant us the courage to be grace and love when others are unkind to or are deceitful with us. Lead us in the way that we should go. Amen.


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Center Stage

Readings: Genesis 9:18-39, Genesis 10, Genesis 11

Genesis 11:4 – “Come, let’s build for ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves.”

Continuing in chapter 9 today we see that sin hasn’t left the world with the flood. Noah grows grapes and makes wine. He gets drunk then naked. Ham sees his father naked and instead of covering him up, he tells Shem and Japheth about it. They do the right thing and later receive Noah’s blessings. Ham, by contrast, is cursed because he did not honor his father.

Chapter 10 details the most of the descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. They are listed a variety of ways – names, families, languages, lands, nations. This creates a kind of early ethnic map of the ancient world. Shem’s genealogy is found again in chapter 11. But it diverges in verse 18 as it follows Peleg’s branch of the family tree. This branch ends with Abram and family in the land of Haran. Sarai and her barrenness is also mentioned. This is a sharp contrast to the long list of children and descendants found in chapters 10-11.

In the middle of these genealogical lists we find the story of the Tower of Babel. In this story we see that the human tendency towards pride and arrogance survived the flood. At Shinar the people begin to scheme, saying to one another, “Come, let’s build for ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves.” They want to build a tower that reaches to heaven. It could be to connect with God or it could be to be like God. It’s likely the second as they also desire to be famous, to be recognized for their skill. As a means to counter this pride and sin, God confuses or jumbles their languages and then dispersing this prideful bunch all over the earth.

When we try to take center stage for ourselves, how does this affect our relationship with God and with one another? How does God normally respond?

Prayer: Lord God, in my thoughts, my words, my actions, may I honor you and bring all the glory to you. When I’m tempted to bring the focus to me, remind my heart of you, my audience of one. Amen.


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In All of Life

Reading: Psalm 98

Verse 1: “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Psalm 98 is a song of praise and worship. The psalmist lifts up salvation and God’s righteousness and faithfulness as reasons to sing praises to the Lord. In our lives, we certainly can offer lots of praise and thanksgiving to God when we are experiencing these and other blessings in our lives. In the good days it is easy and natural to praise God and to lift our worship heavenward.

It is not always easy, though, to praise the Lord. When we experience unwanted change or loss, when we receive that sobering diagnosis, when we feel isolated or lonely – it can be hard to find joy and to have praise on our lips. Today I am reminded that worship or praise doesn’t always have to be loud or joyous or exuberant. It can be prayerful or quiet or meditative. It can be centered on our understanding that as a child of God, God loves us and has plans to prosper us and wants to bring good into our lives.

Yes, I am sure that God enjoys listening in on a good old hymn or a communal prayer. But our faith is also personal and intimate. A quiet moment, a heartfelt prayer, a stillness simply resting in God’s presence – these too are deeply pleasing to God. In and through all things, we know that God is in control. Praise and worship is sometimes simply reflecting this truth back to God. May our praise and worship reflect this in all of life.

Prayer: Lord God, in the days of sunshine and beauty, in the days of darkness and despair, in the days of intermittent clouds and the everyday of life – may I ever praise and worship your holy name. You are my constant in all of life. For that I can always rejoice. Amen.


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Where We Belong

Reading: Psalm 107:33-37

Verse 36: “There God brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle.”

As we continue in Psalm 107 we find a sharp contrast in the two parts of our passage. In the first two verses there is an evil that leads to negative outcomes. In the last three verses this is reversed and good things come to the faithful. We are not sure exactly what this evil/good situation connects to – the flood? a failure in the wilderness? something else? In any event, as is often the case with the living word, we find application for our lives today.

In verses 33-34 there is a “wickedness” present. Because of this, the earth dries up and the crops turn to waste. That which once flowed with life is now dry and thirsty. At times and even in seasons our life can mirror this situation. Because of our sin or busyness or idol chasing we can find ourselves far from God. In this place our soul becomes dry and fruitless. We feel empty as nothing satisfies in this wasteland.

The scene changes drastically in verses 35-37. God’s blessings and presence once again flow as the parched land welcomes flowing springs. In turn, the crops and vineyards yield a plentiful harvest. A return to walking with God brings a blessing – “a city where they could settle.” When we choose to turn from wickedness, when we choose to walk in accordance with God’s will and ways, then our life becomes more abundant, more fruitful. Life is not perfect – there will still be trials and hardships and we will still stumble at times. But walking with God we find hope and strength, peace and forgiveness. It is where we belong. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, at times I do allow my faith to become dry, to become consumed by the things of the world. Help me to realize this more quickly, to turn back to you more promptly. Once there, Lord, lead and guide me by the power of the Holy Spirit. Keep me true to you. Amen.