pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Christ


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Need ___, go to ___.

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1:7-10

1st Thessalonians 1:8 – “And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to all people everywhere.”

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Returning to Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, we read about the results or impact of their faithful works, loving deeds, and enduring hope in Jesus Christ. In a day when there was no mass media, nevermind the Internet or cell phones, this small group of believers was becoming “an example to all the believers in Greece.” A whole region was being influenced. Paul gives evidence of this impact in verses 8 and 9. In verse 8 he writes, “And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to all people everywhere.” Through the Thessalonians’ witness, faith in Jesus Christ is growing all over the place. The word is ringing out!

Imagine for a moment if the people in your community were talking this way about you or about your church! Imagine if this was how your neighbors spoke of you. Nevermind your whole state or nation – just think about your immediate sphere of influence. What if someone at the grocery store or at the soccer field or in an online space were to naturally encourage a person in need to go to you or to your church? Need help with ___, go to ___. Want someone to walk with you through ___, go to ___. What would it feel like for the average person in your local community to naturally talk about you or your church in these ways?

Yes, it would feel great. It should be this way. And if it is not, we must ask: Why isn’t this our reputation?

Prayer: Lord God, oh to be known as people who love, care for, walk alongside, stand for, lift up, serve… This is your desire, Lord, for all who call on you as Savior. So stir up in each of us an active and passionate faith, one that is noticeable, one that stands out, one that makes a positive difference. Amen.


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Filled with Faith, Love, and Hope

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1:1-6

1st Thessalonians 1:3 – “As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church opens with greetings from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. These three traveled together for much of Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul and Silas had recently been to Thessalonica, where they founded this new church and started to encourage them in word and deed. But some Jews had stirred up trouble, forcing Paul and Silas to flee in the night. Wanting to check in on these new believers, Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica. He found them faithful and unified, even in the face of suffering and persecution.

After the greeting and expression of thanksgiving and prayers for the church in Thessalonica, Paul adds, “As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Thessalonians are living out their faith in active ways, holding onto hope, trusting in Jesus Christ. Reading on we discern how and why these new Christians can be shining lights of faith. Yes, they heard the good news and, yes, they had Paul and Silas’ example. But even more importantly, they received the power of the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Spirit in their hearts brought both assurance and joy – even in the sufferings.

The indwelling presence and constant power of the Holy Spirit is what fills the Thessalonians with the faith to do good works, with the love to practice good deeds, and with the hope to endure sufferings and trials. It is the Spirit that fills each believer with faith, love, and hope. In their everyday lives and in the times of great need, the Spirit is right there with them. We who believe have this same Spirit in us. May faith, love,and hope overflow from our lives as well!

Prayer: Lord God , thank you for the work of Paul and others that first shared the good news and opened hearts to receive Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit. Thank you for the work of those that did the same in our lives. In turn, O Lord, may Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit lead and guide us in faith, love, and hope, using each of us to build the kingdom of God in our time and place. Amen.


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On the Edges

Reading: Matthew 22:1-14

Matthew 22:9 – “Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.”

Continuing his response to the religious leaders’ questions about his authority, Jesus tells a third parable. This one is more directly about Israel and the kingdom of God. The “king” sent servants to invite people to a wedding banquet for his son. But the people ignored Elijah, Jeremiah, and others. Some were beaten and some were killed. So God sent others – Daniel, Amos, Micah… The people of God continued to ignore and sometimes abuse God’s servants. The Assyrians and then the Babylonians destroyed cities, setting much on fire. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, both calling the people of God to the great wedding banquet. The chosen people mostly ignored and eventually killed these prophets too.

The focus of the king’s invitation shifted as the people of God proved unworthy of the call: “Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.” Stepping outside the circle of those who thought themselves already chosen, the apostles and disciples of Jesus went to the edges – to Samaritans and other Gentiles, inviting them to the party. Many came. They were mostly good and genuine but not all were. Yet today some show up every Sunday morning but one wouldn’t know it if one observed their Sunday afternoon through Saturday night. Those who refuse to truly clothe themselves in Christ will one day be tossed into the eternal darkness.

Many are invited but few are chosen. Following the way of Jesus is hard and requires sacrifice and humble service to God and neighbor. To practice grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and kindness is to live out our faith. To love, welcome, draw in, include, and invite is the call of our faith. May we daily clothe ourselves in Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, for many people the allure of “fields” and “businesses” is great. At times we too are drawn to the things of this world. In these moments we ignore your word and the Spirit. Come and meet us on the edges, invite us back to the table again and again. And as we experience your neverending invitation, may we become truly invitational – inviting, welcoming, and including all people. Amen.


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Power and Might, Love and Mercy

Reading: Exodus 32:11-14

Exodus 32:12 – “Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people.”

Yesterday we read about the creation of the golden calf. The Israelites were quick to return to what they learned during 400 years in slavery: the golden idols of their enslavers. To return to the familiar was easier than trusting in a God who called them “chosen.” God was furious. God was ready to destroy them all – except Moses.

Turning to today’s reading, Moses first pleads with God on behalf of the people of God. Moses reminds God of the relationship that far exceeds their time in slavery. He reminds God of the ways that God has just begun to rebuild and renew the relationship through the revelation of “great power and amazing force.” Then Moses’ pleading turns to direction as he says to God, “Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people.” Moses invites God away from the feelings of anger and rage. From a better place of heart and mind, Moses reminds God again of the long relationship and of the promises that God made to these people. God relents. God will not destroy the people of God.

This is the first of four times that Moses will intercede on behalf of God’s people. As Moses has walked closely with God, he has come to know not only God’s power and might, but also God’s love and mercy. This second part is what Moses appeals to in today’s text. At times, this is the role that we are called to play. Sometimes through prayer, sometimes through words and/or action, we intercede on behalf of others. Sometimes it is on behalf of those who do not yet know God and sometimes it is on behalf of the powerless or downtrodden. Sometimes it is on behalf of a brother or sister in Christ. Whatever the case, may we always be people who call upon God’s power and might and upon God’s love and mercy as we stand for and with others. Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the immediate moment of need, give us the courage to pray or to speak or to act. Guard our hearts against judging or wanting to fix the situation first. There will be time to learn and grow and maybe even to change later. But in the moment, use us to intercede for others, relying upon your power and might and upon your love and mercy. Amen.


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False Gods and Idols

Reading: Exodus 32:1-10

Exodus 32:7 – “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything!”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

In our Old Testament reading today and tomorrow, Moses is up on the mountain receiving instructions from God. Starting in chapter 25, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the tabernacle and for observing the Sabbath. Moses has been with God for forty days. So at the start of chapter 32 the people come to Aaron, unsure about ever seeing Moses again, and ask Aaron to make them a “god.” The one left in charge gives in to the crowd and forms a golden calf. Two of the popular deities in Egypt were represented by a bull. Aaron does try to turn their focus to God by holding a festival to the Lord. But in the end, the people worship the golden idol. With their only connection to the one true God gone forever, the people turn to a false idol – one they can see and touch and can shape or manipulate with their own hands.

God sees what is happening and says to Moses, “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything!” God’s plan is harsh. We find a hint as God calls them “your people.” With these words, God is rhetorically rejecting Israel. God’s plan is to allow the fury to burn and to devour these stubborn and faithless people. Then God will start all over with Moses!

I wonder if God ever feels this way in our day. I wonder if God ever looks down at our way of living and feels anger rising up inside. Do the false gods and idols that we chase after when we’ve lost our connection to God make God feel like “devouring” us? In these moments I remember that, like Israel in the wilderness, we are still a work in progress. We are yet becoming who God created us to be. In tomorrow’s reading, Moses will intercede for the people. For you, for me, for our world today – we too have an intercessor. The risen Christ stands between us and God, interceding on our behalf. Jesus walked among us. He understands our struggles and temptations. Thank you, Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, when we drift and our connection with you feels lost, the things of this world seem brighter, shinier, more attractive. In these early moments, when we’re looking towards other “gods,” draw us back to you. Whisper in our hearts, reminding us of your love. May this be what captures our attention, our focus, our worship. Amen.


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God’s Upward Call

Reading: Philippians 3:4-14

Philippians 4:14 – “The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Our Epistle reading begins with a list of accolades and accomplishments. These are the titles and things that would impress the religious people of Paul’s day. Modernizing the list, it might read: “I’m a Christian… an American… an elder at my church… I do no wrong…” Outside the church, one might say, “I’m a billionaire… I’m the CEO of ___… I’m an All-Star… I won a Grammy…” These status symbols matter in certain circles. But for Paul, when Jesus found him, he “wrote them off as a loss for the sake of Christ.” As Paul walked with Jesus, the things of this world became unimportant. Paul’s identity was in Christ.

Paul came to understand that because Christ was in him, his righteousness was “not my own.” It had been before. In his old life, Paul knew an outward righteousness based upon what he did. In and with Jesus, Paul came to know an inward righteousness – one based on faith alone. Because it is grounded in Christ’s faithfulness, this inward righteousness is not tied to the things of this world. With Christ in his heart, Paul strove to live in right relationships with God and with his fellow human beings. Through faith in Christ, we can strive to live this way too.

In the last few verses, Paul lifts his spirit and his thoughts heavenward. First recognizing that he has not yet “been perfected,” Paul declares that he is still pursuing eternal life. Forgetting his past, Paul looks forward and upward. In verse 14 we read, “The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.” Living faithfully day by day, loving God and neighbor, trusting in the power of Jesus Christ, Paul presses on for the prize: perfect fellowship with Jesus in glory. Day by day, may we press on for the prize.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your Holy Spirit in us, lead and guide us to live a good and just and righteous life. Fill us with your love so that love guides all of our thoughts, words, and actions. As we walk in faith each day, drawing ever closer to eternal glory, use our life and witness to bring more of heaven to earth. Amen.


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“I Am the Lord”

Reading: Exodus 20:1-4

Exodus 20:3 – “You must have no other gods before me.”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

For the first three days this week, we will work through the Ten Commandments. While very well-known, these commands are foundational to faithful living. In the story of God’s people, they arrive at Mount Sinai and set up camp. Up on the mountain there is thunder and lightning and a great cloud. God is present. Moses goes up the mountain to hear from God. In today’s verses we read the first two commandments.

Moses’ encounter with God begins with this declaration: “I am the Lord your God.” This statement is followed by two commands that focus on living into this declaration. The first is this: “You must have no other gods before me.” Command two is like an addendum: “Do not make an idol for yourselves.” In our day, when we think of “gods” as imaginary beings in the sky, these ideas seem almost silly. But for the Israelites, living in a time when all the other nations worshipped many different gods, these commands set Israel apart – radically and completely. But Israel would long struggle with the worship of false gods. Again and again they sought to be like those around them and to fit in rather than to stand out or be set apart for God.

This is precisely where these commands hit home today. While far from the gods of Moses’ day, we can treat status, beauty, wealth, popularity, and such like a god that we worship, love, and trust. And while not carved from stone or wood, we can place possessions and titles and other things of this world on the throne of our hearts. It is not difficult to find “gods” to chase after, to prioritize, to hoard, and even to worship. Yes, we too need to be frequently reminded: “I am the Lord your God.” O Lord, may it be so day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, we know the charge is to set our minds on Christ, to focus daily on imitating Christ with our lives. Yet we can turn from this time together, opening an app or turning on the television, and temptation is right there. The call of the world and the allure of its ways are ever before us. O Lord, strengthen and encourage us. Be present within us. Lead and guide us to walk faithfully with you. Amen.


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Deep Unity

Reading: Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 2:2 – “Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with one another.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

As we turn to our Epistle reading for this week, Paul invites the people that make up the church in Philippi to imitate Christ. He is writing to a group of people that he knows well. On his first missionary journey he founded a church there, sharing Jesus with them. He stopped in during his second missionary journey a few years later, offering further teaching and encouragement. Chapter 2 begins with an “if” statement. Having spent so much time with these folks, this is more of a reminder than a guess. Paul knows that they have been encouraged and comforted by their faith. He knows that they have shared food and other resources with one another.

Paul then invites them to lean even more into these blessings of the faith so that they can know and experience a deeper faith. He writes, “Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with one another.” This community of faith will bring joy to their founder if they continue to grow in Christ, working together in their common mission and ministry. To live and be this way is essential as the world creeps in and as challenges arise – ridicule, persecution, isolation… If they stay united in Christ, having Jesus’ heart and mind, they will get through the hard times and the challenges, and they will be bonded together with stronger ties.

In verses 3 and 4, Paul focuses on the key to unity and to working together: humility. In times of challenge and trial, it is natural to first think of self-preservation and then to act on these instincts. Paul encourages another line of thought. He encourages those in the church to think of others first. Yes, you matter. But “watch out for what is better for others.” When we consistently put others before ourselves, we build bonds and relationships that can weather the worst of the inevitable challenges that will surely come. In this place of love, we become people willing to sacrifice for one another. From this place of deep unity, we can overcome all obstacles and we can do great things for Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your love, draw us together. As we live together in faith, draw us deeper into relationship with one another. As our relationships deepen, Lord, create in us a desire to lift the other, to care for the other, to give of ourselves to benefit the other. Walk with us and work though us, O God, to build the kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.


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Together

Reading: Philippians 1:21-30

Philippians 1:27 – “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.”

Paul writes the letter to the Philippians from prison in Rome. He awaits trial before Caesar. He has found opportunities to share Christ even there. His example of faithful witness has led other believers to speak more boldly and with greater courage. Paul hopes that this continues to be the case for him and for his ministry. And in this dire situation, there is no fear of death. There is no desperation to continue living this life. There is hope.

In verse 21 Paul expresses his wrestling with life, faith, and death: “Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better.” Yes, part of Paul longs to go to heaven, to see Jesus Christ face to face once again. As he unpacks this tension, Paul comes to understand that it is better for him to “stay in this world for your sake.” Through his ministry, the gospel is spreading. He is still effective. People in Rome, Philippi, and other communities are “progressing” in their faith and are finding joy in Christ.

Paul then shifts from himself to his fellow believers in verses 27-30. His summary statement comes in verse 27: “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” Paul is referring here to living like Jesus in their/our public, visible life. He is encouraging believers to allow their faith to be evident – not just in church but everywhere, all the time. The apostle is also stressing the importance of unity in the community of faith. We are to be unified with “one mind and spirit” (of Christ.) Living a connected faith, they and we are able to “stand firm” and together to experience the “privilege” of both believing in and suffering for Christ. The walk of faith is not always easy. But together – with Jesus Christ and with one another – we can experience the joys and the growth in our faith that come with striving forward side by side, day by day. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder to live a public, active faith. It is in community that we find the opportunity to practice grace, mercy, forgiveness, welcome… Work in and through us, O God, drawing others into a relationship with Jesus and into our communities of faith, where support, encouragement, connection, and accountability are found. Amen.


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Living for Jesus

Reading: Romans 14:7-12

Romans 14:12 – “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

Pressing on in Romans 14, Paul declares that we do not live or die for ourselves. While this becomes truer and truer the longer we walk with Christ, there was a time in my life and probably in your life when this was not the reality. Even though I grew up in the church, during my late teen and college years I lived for self. My time, energies, and priorities were focused on pleasure, desires, and other things of this world. Over time, though, God drew me back into relationship and reoriented my focus. Yes, there are still days when that old self rises up and I become less than God created me to be. But now I am quicker to hear the Spirit that has always been there, drawing me back to God.

Living (or dying) for Christ is the focus of a life lived in faith. All that we think, say, and do becomes focused on pleasing God and bringing God the glory. As Paul continues to work to combat the judging going on in the church in Rome, he reminds them and us that “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” While this is very true, as we walk with Christ, we find that our “motivation” is not fear of condemnation, but is the joy and peace, the hope and contentment found in living for and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With these as the outcomes of living for Jesus, the temptations of this world fade. So when judgment or desire or another sin rises up, the Spirit that lives within us has greater voice and more power. Thanks be to God for the power and presence within us!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your grace that brings us back into your presence when we fall short. Thank you for your love that pursues us when we are lost in our sin. And thank you, Lord, for your steadfastness. You are always there for us. Amen.