pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Open Eyes, Shining Light

Reading: Isaiah 42:5-9

Isaiah 42:6 – “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant… as a light to the nations.”

Photo credit: Devin Avery

Today we return to where we began the week, turning again to Isaiah 42. Our verses for today are still about the servant, but God’s role is also a focus. Verse 5 establishes who God is: the creator and the giver of breath to all who walk on the earth. These words remind us of God’s power and of God’s control over the world. This power is extended to humankind in the next verse, where we read, “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant… as a light to the nations.” This echoes our chosenness found in verse 1 and it fleshes out how God’s spirit works in our lives. The Spirit leads and protects us as we step forward in faith, seeking to be a light to those around us.

Verse 7 begins with “to open blind eyes.” While this is primarily about being the light to others, sometimes it is our own eyes that need to see. We can overlook our own failures, we can ignore the one God is leading us to, we can be so busy or preoccupied that we don’t see the need right in front of us. At other times we do go where the Spirit is leading us and we are part of God’s work that frees those in prisons and brings light to those in darkness. This seeing and freeing can be from physical places but can also be from emotional, relational, and/or spiritual things. These imprisoning factors are often intertwined and connected. This can complicate the situation or compound the need, but we need to always remind ourselves that nothing is impossible when God is leading, guiding, and working in someone’s life.

Our reading closes with a reminder that while God has done much in the past, God is still at work and will remain at work in our lives and in our world. The “new things” of God are the promise that God will continue to grasp our hand, to guard us, to open blind eyes, and to send us out as a light to the world. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, first we ask you to shine your light into the dark pockets in our hearts and lives. Open our eyes to the things that need to die in us, then grasp our hand as we work to uproot these evils. Once made right with you, send us out to be light for others, opening the way for your love to bring healing, making them whole. Amen.


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The Spirit of God

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4

Isaiah 42:1 – “But here is my servant… I’ve put my spirit upon him; he will bring justice to the nations.”

Isaiah 42 has been identified since the time of Jesus as one of four Servant Songs found in Isaiah. The New Testament writers used these songs as messianic prophecies, identifying Jesus as the servant who suffers. At the time of their writing, though, the aim of these songs was to help Israel understand its servant role, even in the midst of suffering and exile.

In this first Servant Song, the servant is chosen by God. His or her role is defined this way: “I’ve put my spirit upon him; he [or she] will bring justice to the nations.” It is important to note that the spirit of God is much different than the spirit of the world. God’s spirit and the power that it brings works to bring justice to the world. This spirit doesn’t shout and demand respect. This spirit does not trample over others but cares for the weak and the marginalized – the “bruised reed” and the “faint wick.” With compassion and care this spirit will bring God’s justice to the world. This gentle yet strong spirit of God works steadfastly to build a just and loving world.

The spirit of the world cares little for this way of kingdom building. Those with the spirit of the world recklessly force their way, seeking personal gain and glory above all else. In their wake we find suffering and harm. Justice is a good thing, yes – unless it gets in the way of accumulating more and more. The goals of the spirit of the world are more power, more wealth, more status. These aims are about as far from “humble servant” as one could get.

In Isaiah, in any other prophet’s words, and in the New Testament witness, the people of God are called to humble service, gentle leadership, compassionate care for the vulnerable. The spirit of God calls us to be bringers of justice. May we choose to walk as a humble and sometimes suffering servant of God today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, outside of your word and outside of our faith communities, so much of what we hear and see is guided by the spirit of the world. Although not easy in our current world, lead and guide us to be people of your spirit – humbly serving, seeking justice, protecting the least of these. Chosen by you, use us to shine your light and love into the darkness of this world. Amen.


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So Welcome ____

Reading: Romans 15:7-13

Romans 15:7 – “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

A leper, a tax collector, a prostitute, a demon-possessed man, a blind man, a foreigner, a crippled man, a criminal. A homeless person, a recovering alcoholic, a single mom, an ex-con, a transgender person, a refugee, an immigrant. Which list would be welcomed by Jesus into his presence? Which list would Jesus offer grace, love, mercy, welcome to? “Both” would be the answer for the Jesus that we see and read about in the gospels. Is it the same for you and for me?

In Romans 14 and 15 Paul is addressing how the church should welcome each other as Christ would. Since the beginning of the Christian movement the call has been to be like Jesus. Love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, welcome like Jesus, extend grace, mercy, hope, peace… like Jesus. Fighting this call is the whole “we’re God’s chosen people” thing. This implies “you are not” to many people. Now, Paul, he was once a Pharisee amongst Pharisees. Back then, he drew the in/out line thick and with permanent marker. Through his conversion experience Paul knows that Jesus removed the line. Jesus welcomed Paul. That line? Seeing through Jesus’ eyes, you can’t even tell that there ever was a line.

Our reading today begins with “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.” Pretty clear. But the church still sees the line. So Paul quotes from four Hebrew scriptures that show that the Gentiles (all people outside the old line) are included in God’s plan of salvation. All people. All people.

Go back to the two lists at the start of this devotional. Which one(s) made you pause? Now, insert that name into verse 7. For example ,”So welcome the immigrant in the same way…” Repeat this line again and again for any name that you paused at. Again and again. Do so until “the God of hope” fills you with “all peace and joy” through “the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to understand that Jesus welcomes one and all just like he once welcomed me. Whatever lines I’ve been taught, whatever in/out ideas I’ve derived – erase them, obliterate them. Fill me to overflowing with your hope, love, peace, and joy. Then, by the power of the Holy Spirit in my heart, guide me to welcome all people into your family. Amen.


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Stand Firm, Hold On

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 2:13-17

2nd Thessalonians 2:15 – “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions we taught you.”

Photo credit: Emma Gossett

Reading the second part of this week’s passage from 2nd Thessalonians, we encounter Paul’s prayer for these churches. This prayer begins with thanksgiving. Paul is first thankful that these churches are loved by God. This love is revealed in their being chosen by God to be “the first fruits of the harvest.” Paul is thankful that God’s plan included these churches as early models of the faith. From their witness, more fruit is surely to come. Their faith, along with belief, has brought salvation to the followers who accepted and are now living out the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul is thankful for their connection to Jesus that empowers their faithful living.

Moving into verse 15 we see Paul inviting those in these churches to remember why all of these things matter. In verse 15 we read, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions we taught you.” These things that Paul is thankful for? Hold onto them, use them to help you stand firm in the faith. The false teachers? The persecution and abuse? All the other noise that the world makes? Hold fast to the good news of salvation, trust in God’s love, stand firm on all that you have been taught and have come to believe.

Paul closes by reminding the believers that in love and grace God has given them “eternal comfort and a good hope.” These blessings cannot be taken by the world. They were not given by the world. Therefore, Paul says, be encouraged and receive strength for all that you do and say. Standing on and holding fast to our faith in Jesus Christ, may we do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminders today that we are loved by you, chosen by you, and saved by you. In this place of love and care, encourage and strengthen us to live faithfully amongst the noise and challenges of this world. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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The Source of Life

Reading: Romans 11:17-23

Romans 11:18 – “If you do brag, be careful: it’s not you that sustains the root, but it’s the root that sustains you.”

Photo credit: Emma Gossett

Paul is writing to Gentile Christians. There was a great struggle in the early church around their place in the family of God. It was believed that the Messiah would first come to all Israel. Once the Jews accepted the Messiah, then the outside world would stream to Israel, coming to faith in the Christ. When most Jews rejected Jesus, alive and then resurrected, the church began to spread into the Gentile world.

In today’s text the branches broken off represent the Jews who rejected Jesus, choosing to not connect to the “root.” The branches grafted in are the Gentile Christians. Paul warns the believers in Rome not to brag about this role reversal. It can be tempting to feel superior or even to act arrogantly when you have supplanted the ones who were chosen first by God. This can happen when the outsiders become the insiders.

Paul seeks to counter this human tendency, writing, “If you do brag, be careful: it’s not you that sustains the root, but it’s the root that sustains you.” This reality check reminds the early church that Christ remains the source of life, his Spirit giving them the power to remain faithful. Paul warns that they too can be cut off if they get this relationship backwards. All of this remains true for us today. Therefore, through the kindness of God, may we daily walk humbly with Jesus, our source of life.

Prayer: Lord God, when we are tempted to feel special or to brag about our place in the family of God, remind us that faith is a gift. When we are tempted to judge those who have not yet chosen Jesus as Lord, remind us that we were once there too. With gratitude and joy, lead us to live faithfully and to witness generously, drawing others to the source of life. Amen.


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Diligent and Intentional

Reading: 1st Timothy 4:7b-12

1st Timothy 4:10 – “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.”

Today’s reading comes from a section where Paul is instructing Timothy about spiritual leadership. In today’s verses and throughout this section Paul consistently connects the message and the messenger. For Paul, this life of faith was 24/7. The character of the message and of the messenger were integrally connected. This is why Paul exhorted Timothy to “Train yourself for a holy life.” To ‘train’ is to give focus and attention, to be diligent and Intentional about the condition of one’s soul.

Paul then focuses in on the mission: “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.” The work, the mission, the example Paul and Timothy set – it is to reveal their own hope and faith AND it is to help others to come to know Jesus Christ, the Savior, the source of our living hope. Paul encourages Timothy to “Command these things. Teach them.” This happens two ways. First, in his role as church leader. Second, in his daily living of a holy life. Again, these two sides of Timothy are inseparable. It is the same for you and me.

The apostle then addresses Timothy’s age. Paul reminds him and is that it is not about how old or how young you are. It is not about how much or how little religious education you have. It is not about your wealth or your poverty, you family history or lack thereof… To witness to our living hope, it is simply about your faith and living a holy life. For each of us, we know that God has chosen us and equipped us to share Jesus, our hope and our salvation. Knowing this, may we be diligent and intentional about sharing our faith with others.

Prayer: Lord God, please lead and guide us, strengthen and encourage us today to live a holy life, bearing witness always to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In all we do and in all we say, may our lives draw others towards the hope and saving grace that we find in you, our living God. Amen.


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Standing on Promises

Reading: Acts 28:1-10

Acts 28:5 – “Paul shook the snake into the fire and suffered no harm.”

Photo credit: Markus Spiske

Entering Paul’s story at the end of Acts, he is on his way to Rome. This will be his last physical missionary workplace. Over the next two years, as he awaits trial before Caesar, Paul will write letters, have faith conversations, and witness to God’s power and love. On the way to Rome, Paul is shipwrecked, along with 275 others. Today’s passage picks up this story.

The rain from the storm continues. The inhabitants of the island of Malta welcome them and build a fire. Paul, in typical fashion, joins in the work, gathering dry sticks for the fire. As he puts them in the fire, a poisonous snake bites him. The locals assume he’ll die but Paul isn’t bothered at all, just as he wasn’t when the ship was falling apart. Why?! An angel of the Lord has assured Paul, saying, “You must stand before Caesar” (Acts 27:24.) Trusting God’s word, Paul does not fear shipwreck or venom. He’s standing on this promise.

As the story continues, a wealthy man provides lodging. Once there, Paul heals Publius’ sick father. Word gets out and, soon enough, Paul heals all the sick people on the island. Here too Paul is standing on God’s promises. In Acts 9:15 Paul is identified as the one “chosen to carry my name to Gentiles, kings…” Paul heals these Gentiles in Jesus’ name, bringing glory to God, carrying the name and power of Jesus to the island of Malta.

God will call and equip each of us too, just as God did with Paul. The call is a promise; equipping is the proof. As we are given opportunities to share our faith and Jesus with others, may we too claim our call as we stand on God’s promises to us.

Prayer: Lord God, as you call into our hearts, inviting us to witness to our faith, encourage and empower us to stand in your promises and our call to share you with the world. Go with us in the Spirit, giving us the holy confidence to draw others into your love. Amen.


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Anointed for Service

Readings: Leviticus 8:10-12 and 1st Samuel 16:6-13

1st Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.”

During the high priest’s ordination Aaron is cleansed and then dressed in the tunic, robe, vest, chest piece, turban, and gold flower ornament. Dressed for service to the Lord, Moses first anoints the Tabernacle and all in it – the altar and its equipment, the basin and its base. As Moses anoints these items, they are made holy. Lastly, Moses pours anointing oil on Aaron’s head, making him holy. This anointing proclaims Aaron’s special standing before the Lord on behalf of Israel.

In the first verse of 1st Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to fill his horn with oil and to head to Bethlehem, adding, “I have found the next king.” In today’s second reading we join the story as Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house. Eliab begins the procession before Samuel. Tall, strong, the oldest – he must be the one. God says no. God tells Samuel that God looks past physical appearance and looks into the heart. Seven sons pass before Samuel. He anoints none.

I imagine an awkwardness settled over the room. Samuel has to ask Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” Well, no. The youngest is brought in from tending the sheep. God says, “That’s the one.” In the next verse we read, “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.” Anointed, David is filled with God’s presence, readied for service. Anointed, Aaron is able to stand in God’s presence. Today may we be anointed by God’s Holy Spirit, set apart for service in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, in days of old you called those you chose, anointing them with oil, claiming them as your own. In these days, pour out your Spirit upon us, your children. Empower and embolden us to live out our faith in the world, serving you and neighbor as we share your love with those in need, as we bring your light to those dwelling in darkness. Amen.


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Be Encouraged!

Reading: John 15 and 16

John 15:19 – “I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.”

“I am the vine; you are the branches.” We live in connection with Jesus. Without this connection we cannot produce fruit. Without connection we are trimmed and thrown into the fire. With connection we are nourished and fed and are able to produce much fruit, doing acts of love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, generosity… – actions that grow the kingdom and make new disciples.

These actions are guided by the new commandment: “Love each other just as I have loved you.” Chosen by Jesus, filled with his Spirit, we are promised whatever we ask in his name. Yet following is not easy. There is a cost. In 15:19 Jesus says, “I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.” Because we are not of this world, we will be harassed, abused, persecuted. But we are not alone.

The Companion or Holy Spirit comes to us and speaks truth unto our hearts. It reminds us that we belong to God. These things empower us to speak words of truth to the world. Jesus promises that the Spirit will “take what is mine and proclaim it to you.” When the world harasses… the Spirit will strengthen and encourage us. This process will bring us joy.

The Spirit will come because Jesus is leaving. One’s physical presence will be replaced by the all-present Spirit. Yes, a time of desertion will come when the world strikes the shepherd and the sheep scatter. We too have times when we wander. So we too need to hear verse 33: “In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” Because this is so, we too can conquer all things. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, empower us to remain in you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, defend and protect us from the lures and temptations of the world. With that same power, send us out into the world to share your love, building the kingdom, bearing much fruit. Amen.


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Alert and Ready and at Work

Reading: Mark 12:35-13

Mark 13:36-37 – “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”

We begin in the temple today as Jesus corrects the legal experts. The crowd delights in his teaching. He then condemns the religious leaders self-seeking ways: they wear long robes and say long prayers; they desire the best greetings and the best seats; and, they “cheat widows,” leaving them homeless. A sharp contrast to this arrogance comes in the next verses. A poor widow gives all that she has to live on. The rich give “out of their spare change.” This humble, faithful, trusting widow is the model.

As they leave the temple, one of the disciples points out the grandeur of the temple itself. Jesus predicts its demolition. Peter, James, John, and Andrew later ask him when this will happen… what will be the signs? Jesus warns them of deceivers. There will be wars, famines, and earthquakes. The disciples themselves will be handed over and persecuted (but the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say.) Then the war will culminate as the temple is defiled. People will flee to the mountains to escape the Romans. There will be great suffering.

Sometime after this suffering, the sun and moon will grow dark, the stars will fall, and the planets will shake. Then the “Human One” will come on the clouds in power and splendor. The angels will gather the “chosen people” from the corners of the earth. Jesus tells them that just as the fig tree’s new leaves tell them summer is near, so too will these signs tell the world that his return is near. Jesus tells them (and us), “Watch out! Stay alert!”

Jesus closes his teaching on the end times with a story. As an owner goes on a trip (perhaps back to heaven for a time?), he assigns tasks to his servants. For all disciples, the task will be to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus closes with this warning: “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!” Jesus is coming soon. May we be found ready and alert, working on our task as we strive to live a daily life that seeks to make disciples for the transformation of the world.

Prayer: Lord God, please walk closely in Spirit with us. Attune us to the charge you give each of us. Defend us from our human tendency to make it all about us. Lead us to walk as humble servants, seeking to be witnesses of your love and power in this world. Amen.