pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: comfort


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Tears of Grief

Reading: Jeremiah 8:18-9:2

Jeremiah 8:21 – “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

In today’s passage from Jeremiah it is difficult to determine if God is speaking or if it is Jeremiah speaking. Our verses today seem to be a mix of the two, with both God and prophet expressing their grief over Judah’s fate. For many years, God’s people have been unfaithful to their God. Their choice to abandon God has led to God’s choice to abandon them to their sin. At times we too can choose to separate ourselves from God. We too grieve God’s heart this deeply.

God seems to be the speaker in verses 19-21. The people are asking a question and implying another that are common in times of loss and pain and grief. Directly they are asking where the Lord is: “Isn’t the Lord in Zion?” This is a question often asked in grief. The second question is implied: Why, why is this happening to us? This is a question that we can ask when lost in our sin as well. When our sin that consumed us leads to a place of pain and suffering, we can forget that our choices brought us to this place. In the disorientation of grief, we do ask “Why?”

For God’s people , the answer is given: idol worship has led to this place. As the prophet that worked to turn Judah back to God, Jeremiah grieves too. In verse 21 we read, “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.” The tentacles of grief surround the prophet. He laments alongside the people who are far from God. This is a place we will also find ourselves. Walking alongside others in grief, feeling and taking on some of their pain and sorrow. Our tears join their tears as we offer love and comfort in the midst of their hurt and despair. Doing so, we bring God’s presence into the darkness and despair.

Prayer: Lord God, times of grief and suffering are sure to come – to ourselves, to those we love, to our neighbors. In these times, may we sense your presence and may we lean into your love and strength, whether for ourselves or as we walk with others. Be with us in our tears, O God. Amen.


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Contagious

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 7:5-7

2nd Corinthians 7:6 – “God comforts people who are discouraged, and he comforted us by Titus’ arrival.”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

As Paul and his companions arrive in Macedonia there is no rest for the weary. There are problems – “external conflict… internal fears.” For Paul and his coworkers these trials and hardships could be barriers to ministry. But God has other plans. In verse 6 we read, “God comforts people who are discouraged, and he comforted us by Titus’ arrival.” At just the needed time, God sends Titus, bringing along the encouragement that he has received himself in Corinth. In turn, Titus encourages Paul and others there in Macedonia.

When one lives out their faith it often inspires others to live out their faith too. This isn’t just true for comfort. It also works this way with peace, joy, trust, generosity, assurance, grace, humility, mercy, contentment, forgiveness… The practices of our faith are contagious!

Titus also brings a personal message for Paul. The church in Corinth longs to see Paul. They want an opportunity to express their regret for what happened during his last visit. On that second visit Paul was deeply hurt. The church has dealt with this person but still wants to apologize and receive forgiveness face to face. This news brings Paul much happiness. To mend a relationship, to offer care and concern, to restore what was broken, these things bring us much joy and happiness too.

Where do we need to bring comfort through our words of reconciliation and grace? Where do we need to respond to the brokenness in our lives or in the world?

Prayer: Lord God, guide our lives, leading us to be people who live out a contagious faith. May the light and love of Christ in our hearts be cast wide in the world, bringing healing and wholeness to our relationships and to other’s lives. Amen.


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Be the Light

Reading: Matthew 5:14-16

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.”

Throughout the scriptures light is connected to and associated with good, with holiness, with God. When Jesus declared to his followers, “You are the light of the world,” he was and still is telling his followers that they are to be God’s goodness and holiness in the world. A believer’s faith is the ‘light’ within them. As Jesus continues, he tells us that our light should not be hidden. It is not just to reside in our hearts (and maybe to peak out on Sunday mornings.) it is to be just the opposite: “put it on top of a lamp stand.” Lift up your faith, Jesus says, let it shine out into the whole world!

For a Christ-follower in today’s world, what does it mean to shine our light? It begins simply, with how we live our day to day lives. Following Jesus’ example, we are to be people of peace and joy, of hope and comfort, of service and generosity, of love and grace. These qualities have the power to stand out or to shine in our world today. When we live in these ways, our peace, joy, hope… spreads into others lives.

From there, our light shines in places of darkness, hurting, and suffering. In times of conflict, when many would engage in the fight, a Christian brings a Spirit of reconciliation. When wrongs are done a Christian offers healing and wholeness, redemption instead of condemnation and judgment. In places and situations where other evils exist, a Christ-follower brings a light that shines on and into that darkness, bringing safety or standing as an ally or being the voice that leads towards an end to the injustice or abuse or prejudice or…

It is not always easy to be the light. Our own lives are sometimes hard or difficult. Being joy or comfort or whatever is challenging then. To stand against the evils of this world, it is risky and it can be quite costly. Even so, our calling remains this: “Let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.” O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us out into the world, where there is plenty of darkness. You invite us to shine our light of faith into people’s lives and into difficult situations. God with us, lead and guide us, O Lord, so that others can come to walk in your light. Amen.


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Followers and Practicers

Reading: Matthew 5:1-12

Matthew 5:5 – “Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.”

The Beatitudes are our focus today. This list mostly of “Happy are…” sayings lay out Jesus’ desires for his followers. As I read this list over and over, trying to settle on a key verse, to be honest, it was hard to pick one. In our current world, there is not only a great need for humility but also for righteousness, mercy, peace, hope.

Jesus begins with spiritual matters. Happy are those who are without hope and who recognize their need for Jesus. Also very likely poor economically, trusting in God will bring a joy or happiness to their lives. Those who grieve the spiritual condition of the nation, they will be made glad (or will be comforted) as they come to recognize that God is in control.

Happy are the humble because they are part of the kingdom now and will one day be part of the new creation. Those who seek and long for righteousness will be filled with faith. Yes, God is faithful and true! Living with a pure heart, one will be closely and intimately connected to God.

Those who practice mercy will receive mercy. Those who are makers of peace will be known as children of God. Definitely happy places to be. But all will not be “easy.” In verses 10-12 Jesus acknowledges a reality. Living in these ways are counter-cultural. Therefore, followers and practicers of the way of Jesus will be harassed, insulted, slandered… here on earth. Take heart though! In the end, the kingdom of heaven will be yours. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the joy and blessing we receive walking faithfully with you. In all ways, help us to be obedient and steadfast, even in the trials and sufferings. Fill us with your word and Spirit. Fill us with your peace, mercy, and love. Guide us to walk in the humble servant’s footsteps of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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He Will Be There

Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Matthew 14:25 – “Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake.”

Our passage begins with “Right then…” This sudden shift follows and is connected to what has just happened. Chapter 14 begins with the death of John the Baptist. Jesus hears the story from John’s disciples. Jesus tries to find solitude but the crowd follows. He heals the sick. As evening nears, filled with compassion, Jesus feeds 5,000 men plus women and children from two fish and five loaves. It is right then that Jesus sends the disciples across the lake. He dismisses the crowd and finally finds some alone time with God, time to grieve for John. This pattern is typical for Jesus and is our call too: care for others before self, but still take time to care for self. One simply cannot pour into others from a place of exhaustion and emptiness.

In verse 25 we read, “Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake.” Seeing him, the disciples are terrified. Yes, the Old Testament speaks of God making “a way in the sea” (Isaiah 43:16,) but this has never been done by a human. Of course they think Jesus is a ghost. Quickly he reassures them, offering encouragement, identifying himself. Peter asks for proof: “If it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says, “Come,” and Peter begins to walk on the water. When have you observed someone doing something amazing, been encouraged to join them, and started doing what they’re doing? Although likely not walking on water, when willing we can do what we thought beyond ourselves when encouraged to believe that we can.

Unfortunately Peter gets distracted and sinks back to the base line. Fear overtakes his faith. So too is it with us. Our human weaknesses impact our faith. Just as Jesus was there for Peter, he will be there for us too, reaching out a hand, helping us back to our place of comfort, calming our storms. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, when and where will you call us out of the boat today? How will you move us beyond where we think we can go? Lord, when you do, make us ready and willing. Trusting in you, guide us to step forward. Amen.


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The Upside-down Kingdom

Reading: Luke 16:25-26

Luke 16:25 – “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things.”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

Today we step into the middle of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. We read two verses from the middle of the story. If unfamiliar with this parable, for greater context please read verses 19-31. Today, though, we focus on the two verses that speak to the nature of God’s upside-down kingdom.

Speaking to the rich man who is being tormented in hell, Abraham says, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things.” Abraham’s referring here to the rich man’s wealth and all the fine things that entrapped the rich man, blinding him to the beggar outside his door. That beggar, Lazarus, lived a terrible life on earth. He begged for his survival. He suffered illness. Now, by Abraham’s side, Lazarus is being comforted.

Of this parable John Wesley writes, “It is no more sinful to be rich than to be poor. But it is dangerous beyond expression.” In the kingdoms of this world, wealth and extravagance are valued, sought. This can lead to greed, hoarding, selfishness. These tend to isolate one from the world right outside ones gated properties. It was easy for the rich man to ignore Lazarus and his desperate needs.

In verse 26 Jesus addresses the impassable separation between heaven and hell. There is absolutely no crossing over. Having wealth – or power or status or anything else the world values – is of no consequence in God’s upside-down kingdom. Having a heart that feels and eyes that see and hands that respond to the other – these are what matter to God. These absolutely matter in God’s kingdom – here and in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord God, so many of us are richly blessed. We have the “conveniences of life” that Wesley warned of. Lord, ever turn our hearts and eyes away from our stuff. Ever guide us to see and respond to the immediate needs right before us. Lead us to live daily as your love expressed in the world. Amen.


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Here and Now

Readings: Luke 17:20-21 and 22:14-20

Luke 17:21 – “Don’t you see it? God’s kingdom is already among you.”

In Luke 17 some Pharisees ask Jesus when God’s kingdom is coming. Maybe they hope Jesus will turn into the kind of Messiah they’re looking for: strong, powerful, able to defeat the Romans. Or maybe they hope that since Jesus claims to be the “Son of Man,” then he’ll be able to tell their when their Messiah will come. Inviting these religious leaders into the present reality, Jesus says, “Don’t you see it? God’s kingdom is already among you.” Open your eyes and hearts, it is here and now.

This can be a question Christians can ponder too. One can think that accepting Jesus will be a cure for all that ails us. One can think that life will only be blessed because we’re following Jesus. No, all of life still happens. Jesus will and does walk with us, bringing peace and hope in the storms, comfort and strength in the trials… In turn, we offer these to others. This is the kingdom of God at work here and now.

Almost a week later, Jesus gathers in Jerusalem with his disciples. It is Passover and they are gathered around the table. Jesus shares two interesting things with the disciples. First, he “earnestly desires” to share this meal with them. Second, he tells them, “I won’t eat it until it is fulfilled in God’s kingdom.” Little did they know, this would be the next day. Jesus then share the bread as his “body… given for you.” Then the cup is shared as the “new covenant… poured out for you.” After Jesus fulfills these words and their promise, completing this act of sacrifice, followers of Christ will remember this gift by celebrating Holy Communion. Each time, in that moment, God’s kingdom is here and now.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your presence with us and through us. When we experience or share your light and love, your grace and peace, your hope and strength, the kingdom of God manifests itself here and now. We are reminded of the depth of your light and love… in the sacrifice you made on the cross. When we remember this act, we are made new again, here and now. Thank you for this gift. Amen.


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Don’t Be Far

Reading: Psalm 22:1-2 and 7-11

Psalm 22:11 – “Please don’t be far from me, because trouble is near.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

This week we’ve explored the biblical witness to the reality of heaven (and hell.) As believers there are many times when we experience heaven on earth. We find joy in living with love and hope. We demonstrate our love of God by loving neighbor. We experience blessing through fellowship in the faith community and through God’s presence in Spirit. And there are also times when we feel like David feels in Psalm 22. In a moment of trial or suffering we feel separate from God, experiencing something more like hell on earth.

Verses 1 and 2 express the separation that we feel at times. Where are you God? Why have you left me alone? Why don’t you respond to my pleas and prayers? These are questions we’ve asked and will ask again. They are an honest admission of a very uncomfortable feeling.

In verses 7-8 David shares the trouble that is near. He is suffering and God feels absent. Others ridicule him and his faith in this God who is clearly not rescuing him from this hardship. Then there is a shift in verses 9-11. David remembers his long walk with God – “from birth.” God has always been his God. Oh yes, you’ve always been David’s God. And you are always our God. So David prays, “Please don’t be far from me, because trouble is near.” It is an honest plea to again experience heaven here on earth. In our moments of hardship, may this too be our prayer to God.

Prayer: Lord God, there will be moments when we feel apart from you. Doubt, fear, worry, anger – they can all create this open space. In these moments, O God, remind us too of our long walk with you, of the many, many times when we’ve experienced your presence, hope, love, comfort… Guide us to lean into you, closing the space in between. Amen.


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God is with Us

Reading: Psalm 23:4-6

Psalm 23:6a – “Goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today we turn to one of the most well-known scriptures in the Bible as we wrestle with the idea of heaven this week. The 23rd Psalm is a staple during those sacred moments when we gather to celebrate a faithful life well-lived and to comfort and encourage the grieving. These words of David resonate with God’s presence in our lives and with God’s love and care for us.

Verse 4 reminds us that God is present in the “darkest valley.” As we walk through dark moments – pain, grief, loss, illness, unwanted change… – God walks with us. David speaks of having no fear. This comes partly from God’s presence but also from God’s role as protector. The “rod” keeps the physical enemies at bay while the “staff” keeps spiritual enemies at bay.

The idea of a great wedding banquet comes to mind again as we read verse 5. The oil of God’s blessing anoints the head and the cup spills over. Abundance is the norm at God’s table. This brings to mind one of our common understandings of heaven. It is the great feast spoken of by the Prophets and by Jesus.

The idea of heaven on earth flows through verse 6. God, here represented by “goodness and faithful love,” pursues us “all the days of my life.” God is always seeking us out. The Psalm closes with rejoicing. David rejoices over his daily dwelling with God. For us today, this dwelling has become an indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God is with us here and now. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are so grateful for your daily walk with us. We are thankful that you not only pursue us but also protect us, guide us, and draw us back to you when we wander. You bless us in so many ways. Thank you for your unending love and care. Amen.


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God’s Presence, Goodness, and Love

Reading: Psalm 19

Psalm 19:8 – “The Lord’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The Lord’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes.”

Psalm 19 celebrates God’s presence with us. David first recognizes God in the created world. The Psalm begins, “Heaven is declaring God’s glory.” This is evident in God’s “handiwork.” To take in the vastness of the stars, to feel that limitless power, is to sense and feel God. Yet God’s handiwork is also small and intricate, like a spider web or like a tiny seed that yields a beautiful flower. David also recognizes God in the passing of time. One day to one night, over and over again, reveals God’s good plans for our world. David acknowledges that the sun, moon, and stars do not literally speak, yet the presence of God in them reaches out “to the ends of the earth.”

Starting in verse 7 David turns to God’s “instruction.” He is speaking of the Torah, the collection of laws and commands that governed his life. Following these, David gains wisdom. They gladden his heart and give light to his eyes. The Law is true, worth more than gold, “sweeter than honey.” David finds great reward in keeping God’s will and way. This too is evidence that there is a God, one who ordered not only creation, but life itself. As a follower of Jesus, we also find joy in keeping God’s will and way. We find that doing so, we have a relationship with our God. Within this relationship we experience peace and hope, assurance and contentment, comfort and guidance. Loving God and loving neighbor yields a life centered outside of self, a life that truly reflects God’s goodness and love.

In the closing verses, David shares another way that he experiences God. Fallible and sinful as we are, God is overflowing in forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. This is because God created us to be in relationship – with God and with one another. Again and again God cleansed and restored David to right relationship. Our rock and redeemer will do the same for you and for me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your presence in the world – yes, in the heavens but also in the tides, in the spring growth, in the gentle snowfall. Thank you for pursuing us, for seeking us out, for desiring to be in relationship with us, and for being willing to do whatever it takes to keep us there, loving us unconditionally. This day may we honor you by reflecting your love and goodness into the world. Amen.