pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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God’s Dominion

Reading: Psalm 114

Verse 7: “Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord.”

Psalm 114 speaks of the deep and intimate relationship that God has with the chosen people. The psalmist writes of three of God’s nights act on behalf of the people. Remembering how God parted the sea, turned back the Jordan, and brought water from a rock in the desert reminds Israel of both God’s power and might AND of God’s provision for them. In response the psalmist calls out to the world, saying, “Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord.” The invitation is to recognize that God is not just their God, but is the God over all of creation.

At times in our lives God will act or intervene or guide in powerful and awesome ways. Think back over your life. When have you felt God’s presence or guidance? When has God encouraged or strengthened or even carried you? And when have you been a part of something that God has done? Was it in your church or at an event or on a mission trip? These God moments remind us of God’s power and might, of God’s love and care. They remind us that God is the Lord of our life.

In verse 2 the psalmist writes, “Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel God’s dominion.” This is the writer’s way of saying that God was present to the chosen people. As we fast forward in the big story of God’s people, we have now entered that family through our relationship with Jesus Christ. God is our sanctuary, our lives are God’s dominion. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you remind us again and again of your love for us. You touch our lives in so many ways – some big and powerful, some small and almost beyond noticing. You are always there, always watching over, always providing, always ready to respond or act. Thank you for your great love. Amen.


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God Can and Will

Readings: Genesis 29:15-28 and Psalm 105:1-6

Verse 2: “Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.”

Today we pair yesterday’s reading from Genesis 29 with Psalm 105:1-6. By doing so we see a broader picture of God’s love and goodness and faithfulness. The Psalm is a corporate encouragement. It invites all of God’s chosen people to remember what God has done and to praise God: Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” The psalmist invites his readers then and us today to remember the wonders and miracles as well as the judgments of God, connecting all the way back to Abraham and Jacob, two of the greats of the Hebrew faith and story.

Abraham and Jacob were two of many people that God used who were far from perfect. We could include Sarah and Rebekah and Laban in this list. They too were flawed and human, sinful and selfish. When these imperfect people’s stories are read alongside Psalm 105, we are reminded once again that God’s plans and purposes can be and will be accomplished through very human people. That’s good news for you and me!

As we considered Leah and Rachel yesterday, thinking of how their role in God’s story might have affected them, today we recognize that God chose them specifically for this part of God’s story. And we recognize that God continued to work in their lives, long past the place we find them at in Genesis 29.

If God chose and used and blessed men like Jacob and Laban and women like Leah and Rachel, then God definitely can and certainly will choose, use, and bless people like you and me. If you love the Lord and praise God for all that God has done and will do, then there is a place for you in God’s ongoing story. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, I am grateful that you choose anyone to be a part of your story. It reflects your love for all of us – even for those who maybe don’t know you well or even at all when you choose them. The width of your love is amazing! Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Declare

Reading: 1st Peter 2:9-10

Verse 9b: “Declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

As we continue in 1st Peter 2, he explored what it means to be living stones. Peter’s main audience, as were most Christians at that time, came from the lower classes. The early church was made up mostly of women, servants or slaves, and other basic laborers. These groups were looked down upon and had almost no rights. Hear verse 9a from this perspective: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” For people of low status in society, their standing in God’s eyes couldn’t be any higher.

In the rest of verse 9 we hear their task: “Declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” These new believers are to declare their testimony. They are called to praise God for what has been done in their lives. They are to tell of how God brought them from dark to light. They are to declare to the world how they received mercy. In short, these folks thought lowly by society, these folks who faced much persecution, Peter is calling them to live their faith out loud, boldly declaring Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

As readers and recipients of these words nearly 2,000 years later, we are spoken to as well. You and I are chosen as priests belonging to God. You and I have received mercy upon mercy, grace upon grace. You and I have walked out of darkness and into God’s marvelous light. In response may we boldly declare our praises of the God who saves.

Prayer: Lord God, walking in your marvelous light is so wonderful. Even though I step off the path now and then, you continue to guide, to bless, to love, to pour out your mercies. Use me today to declare my witness to those still walking in darkness. Amen.


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Living Stones

Reading: 1st Peter 2:2-8

Verse 5: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

As we look at this week’s reading from 1st Peter 2, Peter begins by addressing their faith. From verse 2 we can glean that many are just beginning their walk of faith. Here he refers to these believers as newborns, encouraging them to “crave pure spiritual milk” so that their faith can grow. He also touches on their love of God. He reminds them that they have “tasted that the Lord is good.” It is a tangible and sure reminder for the hard times that they live in.

Peter names Jesus “the living stone.” He settles on this title because it connects into the words and images used in the Hebrew scriptures to describe the Messiah. Peter quotes from Isaiah 28 and 8 and from Psalm 118, identifying Jesus as the cornerstone, the capstone, the rock. He identifies Jesus as the one who was “chosen” by and is “precious” to God. He then connects these exiled followers of Jesus into all of this by saying, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” They too are chosen and precious. They too are to be living rocks of faith. All of this applies to us too. We are chosen and precious. We are to be living stones.

Peter calls these followers living as exiles and sojourners in foreign lands to be built into a community of faith and to live as “a holy priesthood.” The community is the necessary source of strength and support, of help and provision, of love and encouragement, of praise and prayer. This community, this family, is essential to them and us being “a royal priesthood.” Without our brothers and sisters in Christ it is really hard to be living stones in this hostile world. So we begin here, with hope and encouragement. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for calling me, for seeing me as precious and as worthy of a place in the family of Christ. Use me as one who ministers to others, helping them too to know that they are chosen and precious, beloved and worthy. Amen.


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God Has Chosen You

Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7

Verse 3: “You are my servant… in whom I will display my splendor.”

The words of Isaiah that we read this week speak to a people in utter defeat. Jerusalem lies in ruins, many have died, and most of the rest of Israel has been driven into exile. Our passage begins with a call to the “distant nations,” to those feeling isolated and alone. It is a call to remember that Israel was God’s “before I was born.” It is a reminder that they are still the people of God, even in the midst of the current darkness.

As the current people of God we too will have times when all feels like it lies in ruins, when it seems pretty dark. We will lose a job or a loved one. We will suffer illness or persecution. We will sin and separate ourselves from God and one another. Our church or our denomination will experience a tearing apart. There is no shortage of the hardships and trials that can and will befall us.

Into Israel’s darkness God promised a return, a redemption, a rescue story. God will be their reward and their strength. God will gather them back from exile. God promises, “You are my servant… in whom I will display my splendor.” This world and its troubles – they are temporary. God is not. On the other side of this darkness – whatever it is – there is light and hope and salvation for Israel and for you and for me. God is faithful and true. “The Holy One of Israel… has chosen you.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder that you are every bit as present in the darkness as you are in the light. You have chosen me, you have chosen all of us to be blessed as we walk in the light of your love. Remind us again and again of this truth as we seek to walk as a light to the Gentiles of our day. Amen.


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A Light to All, for All

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7

Verse 6: “I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.”

This week we will focus on baptism – both by water and by the Holy Spirit. In our text from Isaiah the prophet points towards Jesus Christ, the “chosen one” in whom God “delights,” the one that God “will put my spirit on,” the one who will “bring justice to the nations,” and the one who is the foundation of both of our baptisms. The prophet also points to the vastness of God’s love revealed in and through Jesus Christ. In verse 4 Isaiah refers to Christ as the one in whom “the islands will put their hope.” Some other translations render ‘island’ as “all nations.” Jesus is the hope of all the world.

Verses 6 and 7 really speak of Jesus! Verse 6 begins with God declaring that God will call Jesus in righteousness and will take Jesus by the hand. What a powerful example of the intimate relationship that God desires to have with all the world. Continuing in verses 6 we read, I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.” What love and vision we find in this verse. God will “keep” Jesus – God will be right there every step, leading, guiding, protecting. God will make Jesus a “covenant” – an everlasting model of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness. Many celebrated this promise yesterday as we celebrated Holy Communion. And God will make Jesus “a light for the Gentiles.” The term ‘Gentiles’ referred to all who stood outside the faith. Again, this means that Jesus extends or offers the covenant and the light to all the world, to all people.

As we read and consider these words and our Lord Jesus Christ, let us not ever forget that we are both “God’s people” and we are “Gentiles.” At times we are the light of Christ to others and at times we are in need of the light of Christ ourselves. Sometimes we “open eyes that are blind,” sometimes we need the Spirit to open our eyes. Sometimes we partner with the Holy Spirit to “free captives” and to release those “sitting in darkness.” Sometimes we are in need of freeing and release from our own sin and darkness. In faith and trust may we both give and receive the light of Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, humble me so that I can recognize where I need your light to shine into my heart. Reveal what needs surrendered, what needs given up. Guide me to yield all this up to the light of your refining fire. Free and release me from all that holds me back from receiving and from being the light to all people. Amen.


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Good News of Great Joy

Reading: Luke 2:8-12

Verse 10: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

Photo credit: Dan Kiefer

The shepherds are living out in the fields, keeping watch over the flocks of sheep. The shepherds fill a role in society that not too many want to fill. They live outdoors most of the time. Society looks down on them. Yet it is to these outsiders that the angel of the Lord appears. Suddenly the night sky is illuminated by the glory of the Lord. The shepherds were terrified.

The angel says to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” The shepherds would be rejected by the religious leaders if they showed up at the temple fresh out of the fields. But God sends an angel to these shepherds. The angel doesn’t tell them to go home, to get all cleaned up, and then to meet up at the temple or synagogue so that they can hear the news. No, God comes to them where they’re at. The shepherds are chosen as they are. They are loved by God and are invited to be a part of God’s plan. Yes, indeed, this “good news of great joy” is truly for all people.

The angel gives two signs so that the shepherds know it is true. The place is Bethlehem and the child will be “wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.” The shepherds will accept the invitation to be a part of God’s plan. They will go and find all as the angel had said it would be. Filled with this promised great joy, these simple folk will become the first witnesses, praising and glorifying God for all that had been done. This day may we too be filled with great joy, sharing the good news of what God has done!

Prayer: Lord God, in the words of the angel and in the choice of the shepherds, I am reminded that your love knows no bounds. It is a love that desires to share peace, hope, and joy with all people. This day use me to share this good news of great joy. Amen.


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To All of Creation

Reading: Psalm 147: 12-20

Verse 12: “Extol the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion.”

Psalm 147 is a song of praise for all that the Lord has done. In the first half of the Psalm God is praised for “healing the brokenhearted” and for binding up people’s wounds. God is celebrated for the rains sent to water the earth and for the grasses that the livestock eat. The psalmist continues to lift up praise to the Lord for all that God does for Israel. The Lord strengthens them and grants them peace. The Lord satisfies them with “the finest of wheat,” echoing the words we read from Jeremiah 31.

The psalmist rejoices in God’s continuing provision in verses 15-18. With a word God provides water for the earth and for their crops and animals. Then, in verses 19 and 20, the psalmist reminds the people of their chosen status. God revealed the word to Israel – “to no other nation.” Early in the story of faith this was true. The chosen people were to be set apart, separate from all other peoples. But as the story evolves, the circle grows wider. Jesus himself ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well and to the Canaanite woman’s daughter – because of her great faith. He lifts up the Samaritan traveler as the one who stops to care for the injured man. As the New Testament continues, the circle gets drawn even wider as the resurrected Christ sends the disciples out to all peoples. Since then the word has been brought out to the ends of the earth.

God remains all-powerful. God continues to heal, redeem, restore. God continues to invite those who fear the Lord to partner up, offering our gifts, talents, resources, prayers, and service as we extol and praise the Lord. As faithful followers may we offer all of ourselves as we seek to be a part of the healing and restoration of all of creation. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, your word is no longer confined. It is not for just one group of people. Your chosen people are all people. The circle has been broken wide open. Let my love and faith be limitless too. Help me to see and to love as you see, O chooser of all people. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Forever Love

Reading: Psalm 89: 20-37

Verse 24: “My faithful love will be with him, and through my name his strength will be exalted”.

Photo credit: Pat Whelen

In our Psalm today God’s covenant with David and with Israel is celebrated. Early in his life David was identified by God and was anointed with sacred oil by Samuel the prophet. From that day on, the Spirit of God was with David. In most Christian denominations today, this idea of anointing is mirrored in our sacrament of baptism. As a baby in some traditions or as a believer in other traditions, we “anoint” a person with water, marking them as a child of God. We believe that the Holy Spirit becomes a part of that person’s life in and through the waters of baptism.

In today’s Psalm, the covenant is God’s steadfast and forever promise of his love. In verse 24 we read, “My faithful love will be with him, and through my name his strength will be exalted”. God’s love will endure, strengthening David and his line. In verse 27 we gain understanding of the ‘forever’ part of the covenant. Here God tells us that he will “appoint my firstborn” to David’s line and that his Son will be “the most exalted of the kings of the earth”. Jesus Christ is the one at whose name “every knee shall bow” (Romans 14:11). In and through Jesus, the “covenant with him will never fail”. Thanks be to God!

In the next few verses God acknowledges that David’s sons (and humanity in general) will “forsake my law” and will “violate my decrees”. Yes, God will punish the sin but he will not take his love away or betray his faithfulness. God reiterates that the covenant will remain forever. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are part of this covenant too. Sealed with the Holy Spirit at our baptism, we are marked as beloved and chosen sons and daughters of God. Again, today we say thanks be to God for his covenant, forever love of you and me.

Prayer: Lord God, like with David, you lay claim to each of us. Like with David, you declare unending love for each of us. The indwelling Spirit is the constant presence of our inheritance, our eternal place within your love. Thank you for choosing us as a part of your forever family. Amen.


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Choose Glory

Reading: Ephesians 1: 11-14

Verses 11-12: “In him we were also chosen… in order that we… might be for the praise of his glory”.

Photo credit: Jeremy Perkins

As we continue in Ephesians 1 today Paul begins by stating, “In him we were also chosen”. Other translations say “made heirs”. Paul is reinforcing the idea that we are adopted, made part of the family of God. Although we are created in God’s image, created to be in relationship with God, there still must be a choice made on our behalf. Because of how and why we were created, we have an innate sense of God, a natural desire to connect to God. Yet we still must make an intentional choice to live into and in that relationship.

Paul provides the argument for why the Ephesians (and us) should make that choice. In verse twelve we read, “in order that we… might be for the praise of his glory”. Choosing to live in relationship with God, we bring God the glory. The focus shifts from bringing self glory to bringing God glory. Instead of focusing on the things that falsely elevate self (titles, possessions, popularity…), we focus instead on things that bring God the glory (compassion, kindness, service, generosity…).

Paul also emphasizes that the challenge of living for God’s glory comes with assistance. When we believe, when we choose to enter into relationship with God, we are “marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit”. The continuing presence that Jesus Christ promised becomes a part of us, guiding us, leading us, redirecting us. Again, all of this is for “the praise of his glory”.

We are chosen. We are adopted. We are marked with a seal. We are part of God’s family, redeemed and forgiven. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you created every single one of us. You created us to be in relationship with you. Use me today to help those on the outside realize the place you have for them. Amen.