pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Christ


by Leave a comment

Living Together with Christ

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:6-11

Verse 10: “Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”

Photo credit: Sophie Walker

Thessalonica was a city under Roman control. The political leaders and many of the religious leaders were trying to curry favor with the Romans. This upstart church refused to play this game. The tension created by this eventually sept into the church, creating division there too. They began looking at one another, questioning the other’s faith. The polarization of the world was beginning to creep into the church. The “us” and “them” mentality was negatively affecting the church and its witness, both from the outside and from the inside.

Paul begins to address this by encouraging the church to not be like those who are asleep – those without faith in Jesus Christ. Instead, he encourages them to “be alert and self-controlled.” Notice when the world is creeping in, keep the focus on Jesus. Make the choice to control your tongues and your bodies. To help these efforts, Paul invites them to put on “faith… love… and the hope of salvation.” Putting on and living out faith, hope, and love will allow them to be light in the dark world and peace in a world of division. These actions, of course, must begin within and then spread outside the church. We must first practice and model what we believe before we can preach or share these things with the world.

Paul closes with a reminder and then with an encouragement. First, in verse 10, he writes, “Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” Christ died for all – for those inside the church and for those still outside the church. The mission remains to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Second, Paul invites the church to “encourage one another and to build each other up.” Support and love one another, lift each other up. Being hope, love, and faith in the world is not often easy. We need one another. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us together. Make us one in you and one with each other. Let love and hope and faith guide all that we do and say, especially within the family of God. After we’ve learned to do this well, send us out to share these blessings with the world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Alert and Ready

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:1-6

Verse 2: “You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

This week’s Epistle reading continues with the themes of holy living and being ready for Christ’s return. Chapter 5 in 1st Thessalonians begins with Paul reminding the faithful in Thessalonica that they don’t need to know “dates and times” because they are ready. He also reminds them, “You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” If you are not ready already, Paul says to us, then it will be too late. The thief will take you unaware.

Paul continues, telling the church that those who are saying and living in what they think is “peace and safety” will suddenly experience “destruction.” Many people in Thessalonica, including some of the religious leaders, were cozying up to the Romans. Because of this relationship, these folks did enjoy a certain level of privilege and prosperity. In these things of the world they felt a sense of peace and safety. There are many in our world today and even some in the arena of religion who feel a sense of security and safety in their wealth and status and in their connections to those with political power. Paul is warning against the entanglements of such relationships.

Instead Paul encourages the believers to be “alert and self-controlled.” Be aware of the dangers of these entanglements. Live as children of the light and as “sons of the day” so that the coming of the Lord will not surprise them. Live out your trust and faith in the Lord Jesus. Do not trust in the things and ways of the world. This focus and trust in Christ leads to holy living and to a daily readiness to stand face to face with the king of kings and lord of lords. May we too choose to walk daily in faith, always ready for the day of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, there are so many voices that tell us to put our lives in the hands of other things – popularity, success, wealth, status… All of these voices are one form or another of darkness. This path leads to destruction. Lead us to trust in you alone and to invest time and energy into our relationship with you. Guide us to walk and live as children of the light. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Rested and Ready

Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

Verse 6: “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Today’s parable comes in a section that Matthew has put together addressing the kingdom of heaven. In today’s teaching Jesus talks about the time of his return and of what is required of us. This day the parable rests upon the connected ideas of rest and preparation. The interconnected nature of preparation and rest brings me back to a study and retreat that a men’s group did on “margin.” If we are to be able to say “yes” when God calls, then we need to build space into our lives so that we have the capacity to respond. We learned that in order to have time to do these unplanned but important things, we have to guard against busyness and against filling every single moment of every day with items that we place on our calendars.

In our parable today ten bridesmaids (or virgins, depending on your translation) await the coming of the bridegroom. Five come prepared and five do not. The bridegroom is delayed and the night grows long. Rest becomes necessary. At midnight a cry is heard: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Those who were prepared spring into action, trimming their lamps, readying themselves to escort the bridegroom to the wedding feast. They enter the great feast with the bridegroom. The five who were unprepared (but rested) miss out. When they come late to the party the bridegroom refuses them entry, saying, “I don’t know you.” They did not journey with him.

In Jesus’ teaching both rest and preparation are essential. Rest (or margin) provides us the energy (and space) to be ready and able to respond to the call when the kingdom of God draws near. Preparation is essential because it is what fuels and drives our ability to respond as Christ in the world. Whenever the call comes, may we be ready and prepared – both physically and spiritually.

Prayer: Lord God, prepare me, day by day, to have a heart that senses your call and to have a heart willing and able to respond to that need, to that ministry opportunity, to that person in distress. And grant me moments of holy rest so that I have all I need, built up in reserve, so that I can respond faithfully and with all the necessary effort and energy. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Glorious and Beautiful – One Day and Now

Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 (Link only partial. Sorry.)

Verse 9: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.”

As we turn to John’s book of Revelation we turn to a vision that gives hope for eternity, offers a picture of the kingdom of God, and calls us to a glorious kingdom here on earth. Our passage today and much of the book of Revelation is a “then, now, and will be” vision.

John sees a “great multitude” gathered in heaven – far too many to count. In this vast crowd there are people “from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” Oh how the religious leaders of yesterday’s text must’ve cringed when they first heard of this vision of heaven! But what a beautiful picture of heaven it is! One day we will be gathered with a representation of all of humanity. To John’s audience this was a reminder that they do not suffer alone. Many all around the world suffer alongside them. To us it is a reminder to work to make our churches and faith communities look more like the actual community all around us.

The scene in our passage is filled with worship. The multitude, the angels, the elders, and the four living creatures all worship God and the Lamb. They joyously offer praise and thanksgiving and adoration. This scene is “church” at its finest and most glorious. Next an elder identifies those in “white robes” as those who have gone through the “great tribulation” – the suffering and persecution and trials of this life. The passage closes by contrasting this life with the life to come. In glory there will be no hunger or thirst, no oppression or suffering. God will “wipe away every tear” and the Lamb will lead us “to the springs of living water.” What hope these words gave to John’s audience. What hope these words give to all who long to one day be redeemed by Jesus Christ. Oh what a glorious and beautiful day that will be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the hope that today’s passage gives. Thank you for the seed of what will be. But, God, help us to see that this vision is also a vision for today and an understanding for our time now. As we hold onto our hope for eternity, guide us to expand the kingdom here and now. Use us to satisfy hunger and thirst now. Use us to end oppression and suffering now. Use us to make our churches and communities more like the kingdom to come. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Saints!

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

Verse 10: “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.”

Today is All-Saints’ Day. This church holiday focuses on both the saints who have gone onto heaven and upon the saints who are still serving Jesus Christ here and now. Those who we can call “saints” run a wide gamut – from people like Mother Teresa and MLK, Jr., to people like your 3rd grade Sunday School teacher. There are a great many more saints that fall into the second category.

In our passage today Paul is writing to the church. He is talking about his ministry among them, not as a way to brag but as a way to remind and encourage. This is why we celebrate today’s holiday too. Paul begins by reminding them and us of the toil and hardship inherent in ministry. Ministering to others certainly has moments that are difficult and challenging. Next Paul unpacks the traits or characteristics of a minister of the gospel. It begins with how one conducts oneself: holy, righteous, blameless. He then moves onto the actions needed: encouraging, comforting, and urging the believers to “live a life worthy of the gospel.” This is, of course, circling back around to holy, righteous, and blameless. For Paul and for all other saints past and present, this life of faith is built upon the word of God. A close, personal, intimate relationship with God is the starting point for all believers, saints included.

On this All-Saints’ Day remember the saints who shaped and formed and walked with you in faith. Remember those who are living saints, still guiding you on your journey of faith. Bring your praise and thanksgiving to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many saints that have blessed my life and encouraged my faith. Some led by example long before I was born. Others have poured into me in my youth and have passed on to glory. And others still lead and guide and walk with me in adulthood. We are a community, connected together with you and with one another, all for the building of the kingdom of God. Praise be to God! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Our Whole Life

Reading: Matthew 22:41-46

Verse 42: “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”

In yesterday’s first half of our gospel reading the religious leaders asked Jesus a question to test him. The Pharisees were experts in the Law. They knew the scriptures inside-out. Keeping the letter of the Law and honoring all of the traditions was their focus. They were great practitioners of religion. So when they asked Jesus a letter of the Law question, they were likely surprised when he gave them a spirit of the Law answer. The idea of summing up all of the Law into just two commands had to have gotten their heads spinning. If one’s life has been dedicated to keeping each and every of the 600+ laws, what would it be like to consider really keeping and living out just two?

In today’s text, Jesus pushes the conversation further, deepening their new state of unease. It is his turn to ask a question. For the Pharisees, answering “Whose son is he?” should be as easy for them as answering 2+2=? is for us. Yet they have no answer. The answer is not explicitly found in their scriptures. It is there if one digs and goes deeper: the Messiah is Christ, the son of God. But the religious leaders cannot see or even fathom God coming in the form of a baby now grown into this man standing before them. This did not fit their strict and narrow reading and interpretation of the scriptures. Jesus’ question left them with an even great feeling of unease.

We too can find ourselves in this place at times. We can fall into being experts at following the rules or checking the boxes. We can be really good at practicing our religion yet fail to live out our faith. Both are important. Both should answer the question of who Christ is to us. We too can find unease when these two cross paths. Our religion, for example, calls us to love our neighbors. It tells us to give the hungry person $10 to buy lunch. Our faith tells us to buy our lunches and then to sit down at the table with our neighbor. Unease.

As we ponder Christ’s total call on our lives, may we, like David, understand the Lord to be the Lord of our whole life. And, from there, may we live it out with all that we are and all that we have to offer.

Prayer: Lord God, guide me to not only know the word, but to be the word lived out. Guide me to not only help others to know Christ, but to experience Christ in me. Guide me to be not just faithful and obedient, but also to be compassionate and generous. As I seem to grow into you, Lord, grow in me. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Love Lived Out

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:1-8

Verse 8: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica is the focus of today’s passage. Paul, Silas, and Timothy preached the good news of Jesus Christ “with the help of our God.” In spite of opposition they spoke boldly. While the fruit of their faithfulness was converts to Christ, Paul clearly states that their ministry was offered to please God alone. And in order to best minister there, in order not to be a “burden,” Paul’s habit was to find work in each community, allowing him to care for them in the best way possible.

While we may feel like we live in a much different time than Paul and company lived, the principles and practices shared in today’s passage are very relevant to our faith and to our witness. Paul’s primary focus was to share Jesus. All he did and said and thought was aimed at this focus. Do we use all that we are and all that we have to share the good news? They spoke boldly, not fearing whatever opposition that may come. Do we speak boldly of our faith or do we worry more about what others might think or say about us? Do we allow the “cost” to sway how we go about witnessing to our faith?

And, perhaps most importantly today, are we “gentle” and caring with all of those that we encounter and engage? In a world that often sees Christianity in a negative light, do our words and actions always help people to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ? Do those we witness to feel that we are doing our “job” or do they feel what people felt when they met Paul or Jesus – our desire to be in relationship, to share our lives as well?

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly be your love lived out today. When others look at us, when they talk with us, when they spend time with us, may they feel like they have been in your presence. Guide us, Lord, to be gentle and kind with all we meet. And empower us to be bold in our sharing of the good news. In all of these things may others come to know your love and our love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Newsworthy

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1:4-10

Verse 8: “Your faith in God has become known everywhere.”

Photo credit: Vanilla Bear Films

Continuing in our Epistle text for this week, Paul recognizes that the Thessalonians have been chosen by God. The gift of the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction by which they live their faith is the proof that God has indeed chosen them. His words alone do not have that power. It is the power that comes through the Holy Spirit of God that changes hearts and lives.

Paul then commends them for becoming “imitators of us and of the Lord.” They lived out their faith joyfully just as Paul, Silas, and Timothy has: boldly even in the face of suffering. These disciples and this church were being Jesus to the world. They were sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. They model for us what it looks like to follow Jesus. Because of this, Paul is able to write, “Your faith in God has become known everywhere.” Wow!

Paul sees that their faith has “rung out” far and wide. What would it look like for your faith to “ring out?” How could your church engage the world in such a way that the church’s witness “rings out” in the community? This is what happens when we joyfully live out our faith and when we boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Our faith really can impact our world. It should impact our world.

For the church in Thessalonica, their faith was told of by others far and wide. Stories of turning from idols and of living for Christ were newsworthy. This is the end result of “work produced by faith… labor prompted by love… endurance inspired by hope.” May it be so for us.

Prayer: Lord God, enable and empower us and our churches, leading and guiding us to make your name known. Through our joy and through our boldness, may others come to experience the power of your Holy Spirit at work in their lives. May this be the witness that the Lord receives. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Striving as Light and Love

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1:1-3

Verse 3: “Your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope.”

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians begins much as his letters to the Colossians or Ephesians or to Timothy or Philemon. He greets them and then offers words of thanksgiving for their faith and for the ways that they are living out their faith. This usually connects them back to when they were physically present to one another. This reminds them of their relationship with Paul and of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

After thanking God “for all of you” and letting them know that they are in his prayers, Paul mentions three things that he thankfully remembers as he prays for the Thessalonian church. Paul first mentions “your work produced by faith.” This is the tangible outreach to their brothers and sisters in Christ and to the world beyond the church. This is the humble service offered to the other, modeled first by Jesus. Next Paul mentions “your labor prompted by love.” If the work produced by faith was the “what,” then this is the “why.” Love is the driving force of our Christian life and of our community of faith. God’s love drove Jesus, just as it drives and prompts us to labor for God as our joyful response to God’s great love.

Paul closes this verse by mentioning “your endurance inspired by hope.” This is the “how.” In a world that assails and persecutes the church and their faith, it is their hope in Christ that allows them to faithfully press on. They know the end of the story so they can work and labor for and with Christ, assured of their salvation. May it be so for us as well as we too strive to live as light and love in a dark and hurting world.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of faith, love, and hope, use me today to make your love known. Through your power, help others to know the light and love that you bring into my life. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Wedding Clothes

Reading: Matthew 22:11-14

Verse 12: “How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?”

Jametlene Respk

The wedding hall has been filled with guests – “both good and bad.” All we’re invited to come. As we continue in Matthew 22, the king comes and begins to mingle with the guests. Soon he noticed a man who was not dressed properly. The king says to the man, “How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?” While we might be puzzled by this question, Jesus’ audience would’ve known good and well that you dress (and act) for the occasion, especially if you’re invited by the king!

The man in question is bound and tossed into the darkness, where he will weep and gnash his teeth. This harsh metaphor is the reality that some people will face when they meet the King of kings. Then comes the point of the parable: “Many are invited but few are chosen.”

It can be tempting to respond to God’s invitation as this man did. He thought that he could just show up and be acceptable. Here is where some context is really important. Jesus is saying that there is a big difference between being called and being chosen. We are all called into a relationship with Jesus. Matthew’s audience would also understand that the wedding clothes were a metaphor for clothing oneself in Christ. To accept and live out Christ’s invitation into relationship was to put on Christ’s love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, compassion, hospitality… Understanding this, we can turn to our important question for today: Are you dressed in the proper attire for the great banquet of Christ?

Prayer: Lord God, day by day, as you call me into humble service, may I make the very intentional choice to clothe myself in Christ. Help me to soak in your word, to open my eyes and ears and heart to your Holy Spirit, and to find the strength and courage to live faithfully and righteously each day. Amen.