pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Our Covenant God

Readings: Exodus 22, Exodus 23, Exodus 24

Exodus 24:7 – “They responded, ‘Everything that the LORD has said we will do, and we will obey.’”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

The first part of today’s reading contains more of the instructions found in the covenant scroll. The first instructions cover the proper use and treatment of other’s stuff. We are still called to live by the ideals found here. If I break a tool I’m borrowing, for example, then I buy a new one and return that to the lender. Then the instructions shift to personal responsibilities, to how we are to treat and care for and interact with each other. Several verses touch on how to treat the immigrant, widow, and orphan – the vulnerable and powerless. We are to treat them well. God extends doing the right thing even to our enemies. Taken as a whole, these instructions reveal “God’s subtle yet steady work of grace.”

The Israelites are then reminded to observe three yearly festivals. The first is from the Passover – God’s great rescue of Israel. The other two center on the harvest and on giving God thanks for God’s provision. Then the text leads us into the provision of the Promised Land. A conflict in the text struck me today – “wipe out… completely destroy” and “I’ll drive them out… little by little.” There is a faith concern: mixing in with the locals will threaten Israel’s fidelity to God. And there is a practical concern: the Israelite population will not be large enough yet to properly care for the whole Promised Land.

These instructions are written into the covenant scroll and read to the people. It is sealed with burned offerings and with blood. The people declare, “Everything that the LORD has said we will do, and we will obey.” Moses and the elders are then brought into God’s presence. They worship and celebrate their covenant God. They see God and they do not die. Then Moses goes up the mountain to receive the stone tablets and many more instructions. Moses will be with God for a long time – 40 days and nights. He leaves Aaron and Hur in charge.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the grace and love that flows throughout your instructions. You remind us to care for the vulnerable and to treat even our enemies with love and grace. May we read these words and also declare our intent to walk in your ways as we seek to witness to your love and grace in the world. 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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Lift Our Praises!

Reading: Psalm 96

Verse 7: “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!”

Psalm 96 begins with a call to sing to the Lord, to praise his name and to declare his glory. This call fits well with this season of Advent. In our carols and praise songs we find much joy in our singing this time of the year. The next stanza is a reminder. The psalmist warns of the idols of other nations. This too is a good reminder in this season when we can overspend and overindulge.

In verse 7 we read, “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!” To ascribe is to “regard a quality as belonging to.” Glory and strength, splendor and holiness – certainly qualities that are central to God’s character. It is always a good thing to praise God for these qualities and to offer our thanksgiving for the ways that we can reflect these to the world. This too is an act of worship and praise.

The remainder of the Psalm mostly focuses on rejoicing and praising the Lord who reigns. The heavens, the earth, the seas and all in them, the fields, the trees – they all join in the celebration and worship. All of creation joins the chorus! Tucked within these last four verses are also reminders of God’s judgment. Yes, one day God will judge us all in equity and truth. These things too are part of the Advent season.

This day may we lift our praises to God. May we rejoice in our God who reigns over all of creation!

Prayer: Lord God, we praise you first because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We rejoice in your goodness and grace, in your love and mercy. Guide us to live these out today and every day as one of our acts of worship. Amen.


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Building Faith

Reading: Psalm 126:1-3

Verse 3: “Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.”

Today the psalmist writes of a faith practice that we too must include in our faith practices. The psalmist looks back on a difficult time that God has rescued them from. The Israelites had been in exile in Babylon for a long time. Finally God heard their cries and rescued them. In today’s Psalm the writer recalls that when “the Lord brought back the captives,” suddenly their future was bright and filled with hope. The people dreamed dreams and they celebrated life back in Palestine. The Israelites were “filled with laughter” and there was joy upon their tongues.

Can you recall a time when God rescued you or when God restored you in some other way? Did you stop and laugh as God’s actions filled you with joy? It is so important to recognize and to remember those times when God has turned our sadness into joy, our hardship into blessing. These interactions and moments are important to celebrate in the here and now. And they are important to recall the next time we are in a struggle. They build up our faith and trust in God. They prepare us to turn first to God in moments or seasons of trial and hardship.

As the psalmist looks back on what God has done there is a recognition that other nations have noticed. There is a recognition of God’s power and might. Then our section for today closes with these words: “Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.” May it be so for you and for me as well.

Prayer: Lord God, you are faithful and steadfast to us, the sheep of your pasture. You watch over us and guide us; you provide for us and you nourish us. And in times of trouble, you rescue us. Your love never fails. Thank you, most faithful and loving God. Amen.


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Recalling Faith and God

Reading- ‭Psalms ‭85:1‭-‬2‬ ‭- “LORD, you’ve been kind to your land; you’ve changed Jacob’s circumstances for the better. You’ve forgiven your people’s wrongdoing; you’ve covered all their sins.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Psalm 85 is a song of remembrance. Although we only read portions today and tomorrow, the whole song remembers both the good and the bad of Israel’s relationship with God. It recalls times of joy and times of sorrow. It thanks God for God’s presence and it begs God for God’s presence. In the general sense, then, it mirrors most of our lives of faith – the days when we are close to God and the days when we feel distant, the times of joy and the times of sorrow. These emotions and feelings are amplified in the holidays.

Like many Psalms and other books of the Bible, Psalm 85 reflects on the story of faith. Today’s two verses celebrate when God’s “favor” was shown, restoring the peoples’ lives. The restoration centers on the forgiveness of their sins. Sin is often what creates the separation and sorrow. God’s love and grace remedy this division. As a people of God and as persons of faith, it is important to remember that God always restores us – both in particular instances and in the continual mercy and grace that always abounds in our lives.

In the spirit of the Psalm, what stories of God’s presence do you recall? What special moments happened at this Christmas or at that family gathering? It is important to also reconnect to the moments when God has been tangibly present in Advent or Christmas Eve worship. Take some time to recall these God moments and the blessings of God for you and your family. And in doing so, be assured that God is with us now and will be with us in our future.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many ways that you have touched our lives and our faith. As we’ve recalled these moments, we now rejoice in your love for us and for our place in the family of God. We are grateful for our place and for the love and presence that will continue to walk with us each and every day. Thank you, Lord God. Amen.


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Remember and Celebrate

Reading: Exodus 12:1-14

Verse 8: “Eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast.”

The lamb or goat and the meal shared together are the central focus of the Passover. The giving of life to protect and insure life is a foreshadowing of what Jesus will do for us on the cross. The blood and bread that are part of Passover also foreshadow the meal that Jesus will share with his disciples in the upper room as his crucifixion nears. We continue to hold these events sacred in our Christian traditions.

Each year at the end of Christmas Eve services we light the candles, turn out the lights, and sing “Silent Night.” Just reading these words evokes memories. This tradition is practiced in many churches. Each of these elements connect us to not just that time and place. It connects us to other Christmas Eves. Some remember a loved one not present that year. Others remember a child’s first Christmas Eve or a special memory from another year. The words of the song touch us at our core. They remind us of that which we celebrate – the silence, the waiting, the birth and what it all means for us and for the world.

The meat roasting over the fire, the blood of protection spread on the door frames, the bitter herbs, the bread baking, the family gathered, the words – together they remember and celebrate what God has done for them. Remembering also helps them to look and move forward, knowing that God will be present to them then and there too. Our moments and remembrances connect us to God and to one another. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the God of all time – past, present, future. You connect to us in so many ways, reminding us of our intimate relationship again and again. Thank you. Amen.


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What Are Your Moments?

Reading: Exodus 12:1-14

Verse 14: “For the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord — a lasting ordinance.”

a handful of many…

This week’s Old Testament reading is one of the core stories of the Jewish faith. The Passover is an event celebrated and remembered each year – much like Easter and Christmas for the Christian church. As we would not ever make a decision to skip one of these key events of the Christian faith, so too are the Israelites committed to this “lasting ordinance” of God. Ever since the day that the Lord passed over their homes, sparing the firstborn from death, the Jewish people have celebrated and remembered this event, this act of God.

To mark, to remember, to celebrate – these are part of our faith story. Whether Passover or Christmas or Easter or holy communion, people of faith are strengthened and encouraged when we remember what the Lord has done for us. While these are corporate remembrances, I believe that it is at least as important for us to personally remember the stories of what God has done for us.

For me there’s that time in the Promise Keeper’s prayer room, that time in the church balcony, that time on that mission trip… These are some of the key moments in my life when God drew near, when God acted in my life. What are your moments, your encounters?

Prayer: Lord, help us to remember the core events of our faith journeys and to regularly celebrate these divine encounters. By remembering we are strengthened and built up in our faith and in our relationship with you. By offering our thanks to you, we are humbly bowing before you in praise and adoration. To God be the glory! Amen.


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God Moments

Reading: Genesis 28:10-17

Verse 16: “When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.’”

Jacob leaves Beersheba and begins his journey towards Haran, where he is to find a wife from amongst his own people, just as Abraham had done for Isaac. ‘Journey’ is probably not the right word. ‘Flight’ or ‘escape’ would be a better description. We remember that Jacob was sent on this mission to allow Esau’s anger to subside. Jacob had earlier stolen the birthright and now has stolen the blessing too. He needed to get out of town and to get out fast.

As Jacob went, he probably went along quickly, frequently checking over his shoulder. He was like one escaping from the scene of a crime. Traveling until it is dark, Jacob lays down for what was likely to be an uneasy rest. Is that voices and footsteps that I hear?! During his sleep, though, it is God who comes in a dream. Jacob sees God and receives blessings and promises from God. God will multiply his family and will give him these lands. God will be with Jacob, wherever he goes. He awakens and declares, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” God has been with him all along – ever since he left Beersheba, ever since he was born to Isaac and Rebekah.

While God is also ever present to you and to me, have you ever had a moment like Jacob did, when you suddenly realized that God was right there? Maybe it was in a hospital room or maybe it was at church camp. Maybe it was during a difficult trial when you were trying to do it on your own or maybe it was one morning in worship. God is always with us yet also blesses us with these God moments – times when God feels especially close to us. For these moments, we rejoice as Jacob did, declaring, thanks be to God!!

Prayer: Lord God, for those moments, often unexpected, when you have drawn close to me, thank you! These are touchstone moments – experiences I can return to again and again to celebrate your goodness and love. What gifts! Thank you, Lord Jesus! Amen.


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Look to the Heart of God

Readings: Genesis 1:26-31, 2:1-4

Verse 26: “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.”

Returning to the creation story today we turn to the last two ‘days.’ On what has been identified as the sixth day the three-in-one God creates humanity “in the image of God… male and female God created them.” These are such interesting terms. If we had 5 eyes and 2 mouths and wings but no hands and were half covered in scales, isn’t that how Jesus would have come to earth? And if Jesus came that way just a couple hundred years ago, would we portray him as he actually was or would we still warp him to look more like the dominant socioeconomic religious group?

So what if “in our image/likeness” wasn’t and isn’t about skin or eye or hair color or about where you were born or about your gender? What if being made in the image and likeness of God was about love, compassion, generosity, mercy, grace, hope, peace, justice, forgiveness, goodness, salvation…? We know nothing at all about the physical nature of God or even if there is one. So like God modeled with David, perhaps we too should look to the heart of God to understand who and what we were and are created to be.

Day 7 brings us another important part of God’s character, heart, soul. On this day God practices the sabbath. It was a holy day, a day of rest, a day without work. It is a day to look at the beauty and diversity and complexity of the world and of the creator and to celebrate, to worship, to be grateful for all of this. It is a day to see the holy in all of creation. It is a day to thank God for creating the world and us just as it and we are: beloved, unique, worthy, special. Thank you, creator God.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to see and love as you see and love. May we not see male or female but child of God. May we not see white or yellow or red or black or tan or… but child of God. May we not see rich or poor, professional or laborer, saint or sinner, but child of God. May it be so, Lord, may it be so. Amen.


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This Is THE Day

Reading: Psalm 118:1-2 and 19-29

Verse 24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118 is a great place to begin the week that leads to Palm Sunday. The bookend verses found in verses 1 and 29 capture the spirit of the palm parade: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” This is the spirit of those lining the parade route as they quoted from verse 26 as Jesus entered Jerusalem. This coming Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday. It reflects the passion of Christ for you and me that leads Jesus to the cross on Good Friday. In verses 21-22 we read, “You have become my salvation. The stone the builders have rejected has become the cornerstone.” Savior to some, enemy to others. This is one of the main narratives of the weeks ahead.

Today we focus on the palms. In his own way, Jesus will echo the words of the psalmist found in verse 19: “Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.” Jesus, as always, will continue to walk in righteousness, all the way to the grave. He will do so thanking God all the way – so great was his love for us. In verse 24 the psalmist celebrates with these words: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” These words must’ve echoed in Jesus’ heart as he rode into Jerusalem, even though he knew what lay ahead. You see, he knew the truth of verse 1 and 29. This spirit of joy, it carried Jesus along the parade route, through the last week of his life, and on through the grave to resurrection. It will carry you and me too, each day and every day. May we choose joy. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Prayer: Lord God, just as the words of this song echoed that first Palm Sunday in the voices of those there, a song echoes in my heart today! “In every high and every low… Lord, you never let go of me.” How true, how true! This day I rejoice in your daily and constant presence with me. Praise be to the Lord Almighty! Amen.