pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Christ


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Interceding

Reading: Exodus 32:11-14

Verse 13: “Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel…”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As we continue in the Exodus passage for this week Moses seeks God’s favor, interceding on behalf of the people. This is not the first or last time that Moses will do this. Nor is he the first prophet to do this. This practice is not limited to prophets either. The practice of interceding on behalf of one another is at the core of the community of faith.

Using the same language as God, Moses doubles down, asking, “Why should your anger burn against your people?” Moses reminds God that it was actually God who brought the people out of Egypt. This is a type of prayer that we pray too. We remind God of what God has done in the belief that God will do it again. Moses wants God to rescue them not from Egypt but from their sin this time. Moses also reminds God of the relationship and its foundations. First, Moses says, “Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel…” Moses then reminds God of the promises. Yes, we too pray both of these prayer types too. We invoke our relationship (or another’s relationship with God) and we recall the promises found in the scriptures both as a reminder to ourselves and to God as well.

Can we change God’s mind with our prayers? Perhaps? Is God just using such prayers to reinforce our faith and trust? Maybe? While we do not know the answers to these questions, we do know that we are brought before God regularly and divinely. The Spirit interceded for us, often in groans and always in ways aligned with God’s will (Romans 8:26.) Christ himself also intercedes for us as he sits at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34.) I believe the content of these prayers comes from his time on earth.

May we too choose to stand in this long line of faith, interceding for one another, lifting one another before the throne of God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being for us. Thank you for the ways that you, the three-in-one, intercede on our behalf – evidence of your great love for us. We know that you have good plans for us and that you seek to work these out. Help us to be a part of this today. Empower us to be a part of this great prayer effort today, both for ourselves and for one another. Amen.


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Press On!

Reading: Philippians 3:4-14

Verse 8: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

As we begin reading today’s passage perhaps we feel a common ground here with Paul. He begins by addressing our tendency to put “confidence in the flesh.” Paul lists his accomplishments and accolades – and in the religious culture of Israel at that time, it is quite the list. The tendency to define who and what we are by our job title or by our degrees or by some measurable worldly success is one we always need to be aware of.

The old Saul described in verses 4-6 has been born anew as Paul the apostle. In verse 8 he writes, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” All those titles, all that he did before – gone! He even goes so far as to call all of that old life “rubbish.” Paul has come to understand that faith in the Lord who wrote the Law is far better than the religion of simply checking the boxes that came with following all of those laws. Paul has come to live out a faith that has opened him up to the power of resurrection and to the joy of “sharing in his sufferings.” It is counter cultural to cast aside all that the world holds dear. To our old self, it feels upside down to lay all of that aside in order to live out “the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” Yet this is the “goal” and the “prize” to which all followers of Jesus Christ are called to.

I love the language and imagery that Paul’s words create in verses 12-14. This is what it means to be in love with Jesus. He “presses on” to “take hold” of Jesus Christ. He “strains” towards the goal “to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ.” What a beautiful goal! What a glorious effort! May this too be our “one thing.”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to fully find my identity in you. May the things of this world fall away on account of knowing you as Lord and Savior. Give me the courage and strength to daily press on towards that heavenly prize, walking humbly with Jesus day by day. Amen.


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A Disconnect

Reading: Matthew 21:33-46

Verse 46: “They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.”

This week’s gospel lesson is a parable about some tenants who reject, refuse, abuse, and even kill the messengers sent to them. This parable is an extension of Jesus’ answer to the chief priests and elders question: “By what authority are you doing these things?” (Matthew 21:23) In this second response Jesus and the religious leaders take center stage. In the parable the tenants refuse to listen to messenger after messenger. They even refuse to listen to the landowner’s son. They kill him, thinking they can take the inheritance (the vineyard) for themselves. Asking those who have killed the messengers and prophets what should happen to these tenants, the religious leaders answer, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end.” Trap set, bait taken.

Beginning in verse 42, Jesus unpacks the parable. Quoting from the Old Testament he speaks of a “marvelous thing” that God has done and of the rejection that he, “the capstone,” is currently experiencing. Speaking even more directly, he point blank tells the religious leaders that the kingdom of God (the vineyard) will be taken from them and given to those “who will produce fruit.” The religious leaders are stung by these words and their truth. They do not see the disconnect that has grown between their faith and the way that they live out their religion. Instead, they begin to think about how they can arrest and eventually eliminate the vineyard owner’s son.

Moving to today, I ask: Are we and are our churches producing fruit? We are good, I believe, at tending to our buildings, to our worship services, to our sheep. But are we producing fruit? Are we making new disciples of Jesus Christ? In the parable, the religious leaders wait to arrest Jesus because “the people held that he was a prophet.” There is not a disconnect here with the people. There continues to be a crowd out there that holds Jesus as a prophet, as an important part of their lives. And there is a disconnect between their faith and the institutional church. Once again, are we and are our churches being fruitful? Put another way, have we hunkered down inside the walls or are we stepping out into the world, seeking to make disciples of Christ, seeking to form a new connection? Have we, as followers of Jesus Christ and as churches, in essence rejected the model of the one who went out into his world, loving far beyond the walls of the temple and synagogues?

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes and our heart to the commission given by the capstone. Send us our, seeking to engage and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Move us beyond the comfort of our walls, out into the world, out where Jesus found the harvest to be most plentiful. Amen.


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The Love of God

Reading: Philippians 2:1-13

Verse 3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

Paul opens this section on imitating Christ’s Humility by reminding those in the church of the encouragement, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion that they receive from Christ. These gifts draw the church together. These gifts power unity and connection. Paul invites the followers of Christ to “be one in spirit and purpose.” Is Paul inviting us to be one with Christ or one with each other? The answer is “both!”

To that end Paul gives this directive in verse 3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Paul is really encouraging us to be like Jesus. Now, for Jesus, this was a very intentional choice. Jesus could calm the sea and restore someone to life. He could heal diseases, brokenness, and slavery to sin. He could chat with Moses and Elijah and he could rain down power from above. If anyone had the ability to pursue selfish ambition or had the accolades to be conceited, it was Jesus. But instead Jesus chose the role of humble servant. He chose to put God above all else and to place others needs above his own. We are called to this one purpose and spirit.

What made it possible for Jesus to walk daily in full obedience to God? What empowered Jesus to live out the role of humble servant? It was love. The love of God for all of creation flowed throughout Jesus’ whole being. This love found worth in all he met. This love elevated the other above self. It focused his life on living out God’s will and purpose. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, fill me with your love. May that love first lead me to give my heart, soul, mind, and strength to you. From there, Lord, may that love lead me to pour self out for others, covering them in your love. Guide me in your ways, O God. Use me for your purposes. Amen.


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Humility and Obedience

Reading: Philippians 2:5-13

Verse 8: “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!”

Our Epistle reading carries the title “Imitating Christ’s Humility” in my Bible. In verse 5 we are invited to have the same attitude as Jesus Christ. Then, in verses 6-11, Paul quotes an early Christian hymn that wonderfully describes Jesus’ humility and obedience. It begins with the reminder that Jesus laid aside infinite power and glory to become “nothing” as he took on “the very nature of a servant.” Jesus became human. Moving on we read, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” Though excruciatingly painful, Jesus took the nails for you and for me. It was God’s solution to our arrogance and disobedience. Jesus lived out God’s plan for his life. Our call is to live with this same attitude.

Because Jesus was humble and obedient, God “exalted him to the highest place.” Jesus rose to resume his place at God’s right hand. In response to Jesus returning to this rightful place of power and glory, every knee should bow at his name and every tongue should confess, declaring that “Jesus is Lord!” That is the correct and just response. But because of our arrogance and disobedience, many choose not to make this declaration. This is a sad but real choice that many people make.

Paul encourages us to make a better choice. In verse 12 he urges us to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Faith is an ongoing process that involves a holy and revenant attitude towards Jesus as Lord. When in humility and obedience we choose to live this way, we experience God’s work in our lives and we live according to God’s “good purposes.” God has a plan for our lives too. Like Christ, may we choose to surrender our life to God’s good plan.

Prayer: Lord God, give me the courage to live counter-culturally. Give me the strength to choose humility and obedience in a world that preaches the opposite. And give me the power to live out your plans, revealing to the world that Jesus is indeed Lord of all. Amen.


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A Manner Worthy

Reading: Philippians 1:27-30

Verse 27: “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

In the second half of our Epistle text, Paul encourages the Philippians and us to represent Christ and one another well. He begins by challenging us all to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” What does it mean to live a life that is “worthy” of Jesus and the gospel? In a general sense it means to live as Christ lived – obedient to God; generous with love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness; and, overflowing with humility and care for the needy.

Paul focuses on 3 more ways in today’s passage. First he calls us all to “stand firm in one spirit.” The unity of spirit was very important in Paul’s day. These early Christians were living in a pagan world as members of a small minority group. Sticking together in body and in spirit was essential to survival. The same is true today for us.

Paul then tells us not to be afraid of those who oppose us. These ‘opponents’ were many in Paul’s day (he was in prison, right?) and there are no less today. To have confidence in our eternal God battles the fear of these temporal threats. Lastly Paul encourages the Philippians and us to step into what has been “granted” to us as a privilege – to suffer for and with Christ. Nothing without cost is worth much. If we are not suffering a bit for our faith, then we aren’t fully conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ. If we are blending in and living like the world around us, let us return to the actual gospels for a refresher on the life of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to be a person of peace and unity. Use me to build connection and community – two things at the heart of faith. Remove any fears that I have and empower me to be bold in my faith. And as John Wesley said, put me to doing, put me to suffering. May it all be for your glory. Amen.


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Convinced

Reading: Philippians 1:21-26

Verse 25: “Convinced of this… I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.”

Paul writes to the Philippian church from prison. Being in a place like that can lead one to take stock of one’s life. Earlier in this chapter he notes that his current imprisonment has “really advanced the gospel.” He sees God’s plan at work and he embraces his role in that plan – even if he finds himself in chains. Picture that as we read and consider these words today.

Our text opens with Paul writing, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” In prison, his life hangs in a delicate balance. He has been and is being used to advance the gospel. He also knows that to die is to gain heaven and to be in his beloved Christ’s presence once again. Paul is torn between the two. Going to be with Jesus “is better by far.” To remain on earth, however, “is more necessary for you.” Have you ever felt this tug of war in your soul?

Understanding his place in God’s plan, Paul writes, “Convinced of this… I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” He chooses God’s will over his own will. The needs of this church (and probably other new churches and Christians) takes priority over Paul’s desire to see Jesus Christ in eternal glory. The connective tissues of community and the call to serve God and one another is what convinces Paul of this commitment. Like Paul, we too have a role to play in God’s plan to advance the gospel. May we too be convinced of and committed to our role as we seek to build the kingdom of God in this time and place.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to better sense the call, as Paul so clearly did. Lead me to know your plans more assuredly and to step into them more fully. Use me day by day to build up your kingdom here on this earth, O Lord. Amen.


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Accountability

Reading: Romans 14:1-12

Verse 10: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?”

Photo credit: Ditto Bowo

Our Epistle reading begins with the directive to accept others without passing judgment. I’m not sure if the first or second is harder to adhere to. Maybe both are an equal struggle as they are so closely related. This seemed to be the case for the church in Rome. It remains a big struggle in many of our churches today.

In what Paul terms “disputable matters” these Christians are struggling to allow for understandings and practices that are different from their own. The Gentile Christians thought their faith was “stronger” because they didn’t have to follow all of these rules to maintain their relationship with Jesus. Thus, they viewed the Jewish Christians as “weak.” The Jews, for example, only ate vegetables as a way to keep the Jewish food purity laws concerning meat. It was hard to find meat that they were sure was kosher in that pagan culture of Rome. The Gentile believers saw this as a weakness of faith because they themselves could eat anything and still be right with God.

Paul reminds all of those in the church that “none of us lives to himself [or herself] alone.” Instead, he insists, “we belong to the Lord” – both in life and in death. With these truths in mind, Paul then asks these two pointed questions: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?” He reminds us that if Jesus submitted to the point of death on a cross, then we should submit to unity in spite of minor differences in understanding and practice. He closes with a sober reminder: one day we will all come before the judgment seat. May our accounting of how we treated our brothers and sisters in Christ bring glory to God.

Prayer: Lord God, it’s so easy to slip into judging and looking down on others. It’s an area of weakness for me. Jesus set the example – engaging others as equal, worthy, beloved, valued. Build up my inner being and remove my weakness so that I can better live like Jesus. Amen.


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Covered in Christ

Reading: Romans 13:11-14

Verse 12b: “So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Our passage today begins with Paul urging the Roman Christians to “wake up from your slumber.” He is calling them to have an urgency about their living. Paul reminds them that they are closer to their salvation than ever before. Driving Paul’s urgency was the belief that Jesus Christ was coming back any day. We too hold this belief but, apparently like his audience, we’ve become rather ho-hum about it. Most of us do not live like the day could be this day.

Paul spells out the choice concerning how Christians are to live in this world. He states that “the night is nearly over.” The time of darkness and evil is coming to a close. While it seems slow by our standards, in God’s time things may be moving along quickly. Not knowing the date of Jesus’ return, we should live like it could be today.

Our passage encourages us to “put on the armor of light.” The alternative choices are spelled out in some detail in verse 13. The light, simply put, involves this: “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” While this maybe feels simple and generic, it is not. Paul isn’t saying to be kinda like what’s-his-name. He is saying to become like Christ – literally to be so like Christ that we are indistinguishable from Jesus. Doing so we will not only be love lived out, but we will also be covered in the armor of his light. Jesus will be a hedge of protection all around us as we seek to be Christ to and in the world. Thanks be to God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, first, help us to live each day like our salvation will be realized that day. Second, give us the strength to really wear the armor of light – to deny the lures and temptations of this world, to live as aliens yet as examples of Christ’s love. Walk with us, encourage us, empower us today and every day. Amen.


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Sing a New Song

Reading: Psalm 149

Verse 1: “Sing to the Lord a new song.”

God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are the same then, now, and forever. The scriptures have existed in their present format for almost 2,000 years. When we read today, “Sing to the Lord a new song,” is the psalmist still speaking to us today?

Music has always been a part of the worship of God. Even before the Psalms were written and sung, God’s people were expressing their faith through music and song. The Psalms run the gamut of expression – from the laments to heartfelt prayers to the celebration of God’s presence and activity among the people of God. The tradition of proclaiming our faith has continued throughout the history of the church. Music – be they hymns or gospels or contemporary praise songs – it all teaches theology and offers shared experiences of our encounters with God through sung expression. When each of these works were written and shared, they were a “new song” to the Lord.

These new songs run the gamut of the Psalms. Many address what we Methodists call “social justice” and “social holiness.” Music centered on love and peace, hope and justice calls us and society to a better world, to a holier way of living and of treating one another. Some of the voices come from the edges, adding to this rich mix of music, expressing the pain of being ignored or shunned or marginalized, sharing the hope of truly being a part of the family of God. Through these new songs we can become more aware of and engaged with the needs of our day. These new songs are evidence of God’s Spirit at work. They are invitations to be a part of God’s growing kingdom here on earth. As people of God and as people of love, peace, hope, and justice, may we too sing these songs.

Prayer: Lord God, continue to bring to our ears the cries for justice and equality and fairness. Guide this music and these cries to trickle down to our hearts, moving us to be people who invite all into the circle of your family. Lead us to speak out and even to fight when it is needed to welcome others into the family of God. You created us all. You love us all. Amen.