pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Christ


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Jesus Calls

Reading: Luke 19:1-10

Luke 19:10 – “The Human One came to seek and save the lost.”

Today we read the story of Zaccheaus, the height-challenged tax collector. In addition to being looked down upon physically, he was also looked down upon socially and religiously. Zaccheaus worked for the occupying force, collecting taxes to fund their empire. As the story goes, one day Jesus is passing through Jericho. Zaccheaus wants to see this Jesus, just to watch him pass by. He climbs a tree to do so.

When Jesus gets to the place in the road by the tree, he stops and engages the one whom everyone else avoids. Then, to the great dismay of the crowd, Jesus invites himself into the home of Zaccheaus. I wonder, where could I go, where could you go, that would upset our good, upright friends and family?

Zaccheaus is moved, both physically and spiritually. He climbs down out of that tree, leaving the safe place, up high and at a distance. He is also moved in his heart. All it took was Jesus stopping and engaging him, inviting him to begin a relationship. Zaccheaus commits to becoming a generous giver and a righter of wrongs. He will use some of his wealth to do good, to love his neighbors in need. Zaccheaus will also use some of his wealth to correct wrongs, repaying those he held power over and cheated as a tax collector.

Jesus continues to call people out of their safe, far off places. He continues to change hearts, once people draw near. You and I are living examples of this. We are living proof of verse 10: “The Human One came to seek and save the lost.”

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for our rescue. Thank you for calling us near, for changing our hearts, for empowering us to be people of generosity and reconciliation. Use us today to model these things when called upon. Guide us to live out our faith in ways that lead others to hear your call. Amen.


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A Long Line

Reading: Ephesians 1:11-23

Ephesians 1:13 – “You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation.”

Photo credit: Anne Nygard

Paul first reminds us in today’s passage that we who believe have “received an inheritance in Christ.” Paul sees this outcome as a part of God’s plan for all people. If God were to have God’s way, all people would be disciples of Jesus Christ. That is God’s plan for all people as we are created in the womb. But we do have a choice in the outcome. Sometimes people choose to live by their own way and not God’s way.

For those who have chosen God’s way, choosing to follow Christ, we are called to bring God glory through the living out of our faith. We do this by living as Christ lived. In this living we take our place in a long line of disciples who have shared the faith with others. On this All Saints’ Day we recall those who have lived as Christ, teaching and modeling for us what living a life of faith looks and feels like. In turn, we teach it to and we model it for others – in our homes, in our church, in our workplace, in our community…

We can do so because we have “heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation.” Accepting this good news we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Paul describes this constant presence of the Spirit as a “down payment on our inheritance.” This is a foretaste of being in glory in eternity. The Spirit in us keeps us connected to God. Deposited in our hearts, we are empowered by God. Through this power at work in and through us, we can pass on the faith to others, to the next generation of saints. May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, today we pray for one another as Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus. Lord, give us “a spirit of wisdom” so that we can know you more and more. Open the “eyes of our heart” so that we can live out the hope that we find in Christ Jesus. Lead us to spiritually kneel before Christ, the head of all things. Amen.


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Worthy in His Power

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12

2nd Thessalonians 1:11 – “We are constantly praying for you for…”

Turning to our second part of this week’s passage from 2nd Thessalonians 1, we read Paul’s prayer for these model churches. For Paul, this is like the many prayers that we lift up each day. As an example, every morning I pray for my whole family, each by name. Paul’s prayers for these churches are like our prayers in another way: he prays for specific things.

Paul first prays that “our God will make you worthy of his calling.” In these faithful and enduring churches, each person has been called by God to follow Jesus. Without God’s call being felt in their hearts or heard in their spirits, they would still be wandering in the darkness of this world. Without this call they would be lost in their sin. All who come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ have received this call from God. At one point we each heard or felt the call and responded by committing to walk in a personal relationship with Jesus.

Next Paul prays that God will “accomplish every good desire and faithful work by his power.” Paul reminds the believers in these churches (and us today) that these things will be accomplished only by and through God’s power. It is not by our power that we move a mountain or comfort a grieving neighbor.

When we live lives that are worthy of the call of God, it is then that Christ is honored, as Paul prays. Note that Paul adds a second honoring: “you will be honored by him.” Christ living in us will honor our faithful walk, bringing us hope, joy, peace, strength, courage… May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we submit to your will and way, to your presence and power. In humility we ask that you would lead and guide us to live faithfully this day, seeking all that you desire for us and for our world. Bless our works towards this goal, empowering us to share the good news with those who don’t yet know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Amen.


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Marks of Faithful Discipleship

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-4

2nd Thessalonians 1:3 – “Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you.”

2nd Thessalonians is Paul’s second letter to the churches in and around Thessalonica, a city in what is now Greece. This second letter is not Paul’s second interaction with these believers. Paul visited here on his second missionary journey, likely establishing these churches. He returned on his third journey, likely bringing encouragement and more teaching. Paul’s letters were continuing education and encouragement. It is believed that this second letter is written in response to a letter from these churches. Amidst the persecution that has ramped up, they seek assurance and more encouragement in their battle against fear and doubt.

Paul opens the letter in typical fashion, with a greeting followed by a blessing. The blessing is also a reminder: grace and peace are already yours. These gifts from God and Jesus will remain present in their communities of faith as long as Jesus remains their focus, their centering presence. Next Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you.” Although struggling under some heavy persecution, these churches remain models for other Christian communities. Paul wants to elevate and celebrate their faithfulness and love.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul lifts up three ways that these churches are living out their faith. First, their faithfulness is “growing by leaps and bounds.” They are maturing in faith, growing closer to Christ. Second, their love for one another is increasing. They are becoming more intimately connected. And third, they are faithfully enduring the “harassments and trouble.” As the world beats against their faith, their are holding fast to their faith as they stand firmly on the rock of Jesus Christ. These three markers identify faithful discipleship. May these be the daily marks of our lives too!

Prayer: Lord God, in this world we will have trouble. In this walk of faith, it will get difficult. Challenges will arise. Doubt and fear will creep in. By the power of your Holy Spirit in us, lifted by your grace and peace, strengthen and encourage our daily walk with you. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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The Glory Forever and Always

Reading: 2nd Timothy 4:16-18

2nd Timothy 4:18: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me for his heavenly kingdom.”

Our reading today begins with Paul sharing a challenging time in his life. In verse 16 he shares that when he had to stand trial before the Roman judge (likely Caesar,) he had to stand alone. No one stood by his side. He felt abandoned, much as Jesus must’ve felt as the disciples fled into the night as he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. There have been, maybe are, and will be times when we feel abandoned by our friends and perhaps even by our families. We can relate to what Paul felt as he stood trial.

But Paul wasn’t alone. He shares, “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.” God entered into his aloneness and encouraged Paul. This was so Paul’s witness to the gospel could be fully shared. In his final hours, God walked with Jesus too, empowering him to walk faithfully through a very difficult time. The Lord will do the same for us. When we seek to draw near to God in our times of need, God will draw near to us.

Turning to the long game of a steady walk with God, Paul writes, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me for his heavenly kingdom.” Paul knows that another court date lies ahead. It might be his last trial in this life. Maybe more will come. Whatever the case, Paul knows that at the end, heaven awaits. As we face trials in this life, may we too choose to trust in God’s present and eternal promises, assured that the Lord our God will save us. Living with this trust, our lives will declare as Paul’s did, “To him be the glory forever and always!”

Prayer: Lord God, when we are abandoned by everyone who should stand by our side, remind us that you are still right there. Guide us to turn to you, the one who will never abandon or forsake us. In your presence and strength, use our witness to bring you all the glory. Amen.


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Three Questions

Reading: 2nd Timothy 4:6-8

2nd Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

In verses 6-8 Paul is reflecting on his life of service to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He begins by noting that his life has been “poured out like a sacrifice to God.” What a beautiful image this is. It is a great way to illustrate what it is to love God with all of our mind, heart, soul, and strength. These words make me pause and ask: Am I allowing myself to be poured out in this way?

In the next verse Paul offers one of his best one-verse gems: “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” Paul has stayed at it, both during the good days and the really hard days, always remaining faithful to his Lord. He has walked the long, slow, steady walk of faith, drawing near to the end of a life well lived. Paul looks forward to receiving the “champion’s wreath” given to the righteous. A second question: Can I truly say these things of my life and the way that I live it?

Paul concludes this farewell reflection with words of encouragement to Timothy and to all who will read and meditate on these words. He reminds us that all people can receive this “award.” Paul states that it will be given to “all who have set their heart on waiting for his [Jesus’] appearance.” Whether in this life or in the life to come, have I set my heart upon seeing Jesus? A good third question to ponder.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul is a great example of faith. He did so much for you, bringing so many to the faith. Maybe this is what you have in store for us. Or maybe it is just living daily with a heart set on loving you and loving those you send our way. Whatever your plans, great or small, Lord help us to walk daily with you, slow and steady, faithful and true. Thank you, God. Amen.


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May Your Kingdom Come

Reading: Joel 2:28-32

Joel 2:32 – “But everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved.”

Moving from yesterday’s suffering, sin, repentance, and hope, today we move into and beyond the ‘now and not yet’ of Joel 2. Once God has brought the exiles home and returned abundance to the land and to the people of God… or at some point in the future… God says, “After that I will pour out my Spirit upon everyone…” For Joel and his audience, this would be when the Messiah came, inaugurating a new era with a new heaven and earth.

Just proceeding that new era, sons and daughters, old men and young men, even slaves, will receive the Spirit. They will speak of and dream of this new coming kingdom. On that day, when it comes, there will be “blood and fire and columns of smoke” and it will be a “great and dreadful day.” And there is a ‘but.’ In verse 32 we read, “But everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved.” God’s faithful will be saved.

As the story of the Bible continues, thoughts on this day evolve and develop. When Jesus arrived, he brought a dramatic shift in the understanding of the new kingdom. Jesus is clear that Joel’s (and other’s) visions of the new heaven and earth will indeed be glorious on that day, but… But, Jesus said, the kingdom is here now. Jesus taught us disciples to pray, “may your kingdom come… may your will be done… on earth as it is in heaven.” The time that Joel speaks of? Jesus is clear: the time is now. All people – men, women, young, old, slaves, free, rich, poor… – all people can receive the Spirit. All people are invited to live in and to be a part of God’s kingdom here on earth. All who call on the Lord’s name will be saved. O Lord, may your kingdom come and may your will be done! And may it begin with us.

Prayer: Lord God, open wide the doors of our hearts and of our churches! Opened wide, use us to build this kingdom where all are welcomed, where all know that they are beloved of you, and of us. Opened wide, use us to declare that each person, created in your image, one and all, are invited to your table of grace. Use us, Lord, to make this beautiful kingdom a reality here and now. Amen.


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“Preach” Always

Reading: 2nd Timothy 3:14-4:5

2nd Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.”

Paul’s encouragement to Timothy begins with an invitation to stay focused on the word of God. Timothy began learning the word as a young child and has grown in his understanding of the scriptures. Paul reminds him that all scripture is useful – sometimes for teaching, other times for correcting, sometimes for training, other times for showing mistakes. As our guide to faith, scripture will equip the faithful “to do everything that is good.”

Shifting to chapter 4, Paul commissions Timothy “in the presence of God and if Jesus Christ.” The heart of his commission falls mostly in verse 3, where we read, “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.” While the formal preaching most often happens on Sunday morning, the most impactful sharing of the good news occurs outside of that 15-20 minutes. The bold and powerful witness, the sure and steady faith – this is how we “preach” our faith. Putting heart, voice, hands, and feet to service in the kingdom of God is the best possible way to preach the good news.

Paul warns Timothy that there will be challenges and suffering. He speaks of a time when people will “collect teachers who say what they want to hear.” Truth will be sacrificed for personal comfort and personal gain. In the midst of this, Paul emphasizes the importance of Timothy’s choices, advising him to “keep control of yourself in all circumstances.” Don’t engage in the ugly, don’t get caught up in the division. Prudent advice for our day too!

The apostle’s closing advice to Timothy is complete: endure suffering, do the work of sharing the good news, serve fully. Give God all that you are and all that you have. May this be our daily goal.

Prayer: Lord God, you ask for all of us – our energy, our resources, our time, our gifts and talents, our prayers, our love – given in witness to the good news of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Guide us, Lord, to preach always. Strengthen us when we’re weak. Encourage us when we’re challenged. Comfort us when we’re suffering. In all ways and at all times, use us to build the kingdom of God. Amen.


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Surrender All in Prayer

Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Philippians 4:6 – “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all your requests to God in your prayers… along with giving thanks.”

Our words today come from a section titled “Stand firm in the Lord.” Paul encourages us to be people who are faithful in all moments in life. He writes twice in the opening verse, “Be glad!” Allow the joy we find in Christ to be evident in our lives. Be that something different that others notice. Paul then encourages us to be gentle in how we treat all people. This includes ourselves. This too will be noticed by others.

In verse 6 we read, “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all your requests to God in your prayers… along with giving thanks.” There will certainly be times when anxiety (and fear, doubt, worry, stress…) are present in our lives. An unwanted change, an unexpected loss, an unwelcome diagnosis, an unwarranted injustice will happen. This is life. In these moments, Paul reminds us, we have a choice: anxiety… or take it to the Lord in prayer. Bring our anxiety or our whatever to God, surrender that feeling to God, and God will bring us a peace that comes from beyond ourselves. Paul also reminds us to ever be thankful. When we thank God for other times when God brought us peace… in the past, then we are assured that our compassionate and loving God will bring us peace… once again.

Continuing, Paul invites us to focus on all that is excellent and admirable – all that is true, holy, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. In other words, focus on Jesus and on the gifts that come through our relationship with him. And, Paul says, if you need a more present reminder, remember what Paul and his fellow ministers taught and lived out. Like these faithful men and women, when we live faithfully, when we trust into God’s presence, when we surrender all to God in prayer, then God’s peace will be with us. May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the peace that comes when we enter your presence and surrender to you our anxiety and other emotions that can separate us from you and from others. Fill us with your peace that passes understanding so that we can walk with you through all that life throws our way. And even in the midst of the trials and struggles, remind us to be grateful and gentle, just as you are with us. Amen.


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Rooted in Belief

Reading: John 6:25-35

John 6:29 – “Jesus replied, ‘This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.'”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In today’s gospel reading Jesus redirects the peoples’ focus. The day before, this crowd had been part of the miracle known as “the feeding of the 5,000.” They have followed the disciples to Capernaum, hoping to find Jesus there, hoping for more bread. He quickly points out that they missed the work of the divine within the feeding miracle. All they “saw” was the food. Jesus tells them to quit working for that temporal “food” and instead to seek “the food that endures for eternal life.”

We too need to hear these words of Jesus because we often strive after temporal things. Even in our lives of faith, our striving can become like checking boxes. Yup, went to church on Sunday. Read my Bible this week. Check. Prayed for my neighbor in need. Check that one too! Hearing the call to the eternal, the crowd asks Jesus what we can ask: “What must we do?” Jesus’ response is a redirect. It’s not about doing at all. Jesus says to the crowd and to us: “This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.” Faith starts with belief in Jesus and it grows from this foundational place.

Even though Jesus’ direction seems clear to us, the crowd again asks, “What sign will you do…” A million miracles in themselves will not lead to faith. The choice for faith, again, begins with belief in Jesus as the one who is “the bread of life,” the one who satisfies our eternal hungers and thirsts. In time, yes, faith through belief will lead to experiencing God’s power and presence in ways that feel miraculous and will lead to service in the kingdom of God. But faith must always be rooted in our belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we can do easily get caught up in striving after things, in checking boxes to assure ourselves of our progress. Help us to understand that it is not in the doing that “things” happen. Instead, lead us to trust that you alone are the one “doing” the work, even when we are serving you and others. Grounded in our belief in you alone, may our faith in you witness to your powerful presence in our lives and in the world. Amen.