pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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The Great Commands

Reading: Matthew 22:34-40 and 7:9-12

Matthew 7:12 – “Treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you.”

Photo credit: Shane

In Matthew 22 the Pharisees get together and decide to test or trap Jesus. Their religious rivals, the Sadducees, have just been left speechless after their attempt to trap Jesus in his words. The Pharisees send one forward to test Jesus with a question: What’s the greatest commandment? The Law has 613 (or 623) commands. Which is the most important one Jesus?

Quoting from the Law, Jesus identifies the Deuteronomy law to love God with all that you are. He quickly adds one from Leviticus: “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” For a devout Jew these are the two core commands. These two verses form the heart of a prayer offered each and every day, both morning and night. While the concept of loving God and neighbor is easy to understand, the actual execution of these commands can be very hard. To date, I believe that Jesus is the only one with a 100% success rate.

Jesus offers some practical application tips in chapter 7, verses 9-12. Here he uses parenting as the analogy. If your child asks for bread or fish because they are hungry, who would give them a rock or a snake instead? Well, no good parent would. Jesus then reminds us that the one who loves us as children will do the same and even more. He then generalizes this teaching on loving well to others, adding, “Treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you.” Give that person in need not just bread but some water too. Give that stranger not just a fish but a place to stay too. Just as the Lord our God is good and loving and generous, Jesus says, you do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, the call is clear: love well, love deeply, love genuinely. You have modeled this and your son Jesus modeled it. We have no excuses. We can’t play dumb. Yet we sure can struggle to love you with all that we are and to love others as we love ourselves. Lord, encourage and empower us today to love as you call us to love. When we waver, strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Live in Love

Reading: 2nd John

2nd John 1:6 – “This is love: that we live according to his commands. This is the command that you heard from the beginning: live in love.”

2nd John is a short letter from “the elder” (likely John the apostle) to the “chosen gentlewoman” (likely a personification of a local house church.) The letter begins by expressing joy over some that are “living in the truth.” These believers are being faithfully obedient, living an active faith out in the world. This joy then becomes an invitation as the elder invites all in this community of faith to be love in action. In verse 6 we read, “This is love: that we live according to his commands. This is the command that you heard from the beginning: live in love.” This community of faith is being called to demonstrate God’s love for them to others – to those both inside and outside the church. This continues to be the call for all Christian communities of faith.

The elder also addresses false teaching. These false teachers, later known as Docetists, were teaching that Jesus did not come in a real body. They taught that Jesus just “appeared” to have a body. Imagine what this teaching would mean to the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and to recent readings about Jesus emptying himself, laying aside equality with God to walk with us. The elder warns the faith community about receiving or welcoming these teachers into their homes. To bring a false teacher into the place that the community of faith met would be to affirm their teachings.

The letter closes by stating that there is much more to say. The elder hopes to visit, to see this faith community face to face. Being present to one another is the best way to “live in love.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us today to be love lived out loud in the world. In all ways, may we seek to love you through loving neighbor and stranger alike. Guide us to walk in your truths. Protect us from falsehoods and the ways of the world. Amen.


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Light and Love to the World

Reading: 1st John 1-3

1st John 3:9 – “Those born from God don’t practice sin because God’s DNA remains in them.”

The opening of 1st John echoes the words and feel of John’s gospel: from the beginning, life was revealed, fellowship with the Father and Son. There is also his firsthand testimony to Jesus’ life. “We” have seen him, heard him, touched him.

John then launches into “living in the light.” Jesus is the light and in him there is no darkness. Living in the light we have fellowship with Jesus and with one another. Living in the light we find forgiveness of sins. John adds, “The one who claims to remain in him ought to live like him.” We should strive to emulate Jesus’ example. As we read on, John equates living in the light to two things: loving God/others and keeping God’s commands. If we love our brothers and sisters, then we remain in the light. But if we hate our brothers and sisters, then we are living in darkness (or sin.) Similarly, if we love the things of this world instead, then we are of the world, living in darkness.

1st John briefly addresses the “antichrists” that have come from within the faith communities. These false teachers have distorted the good news, denying God. John reminds the believers of the Spirit’s anointing that keeps them in relationship with God. This relationship is rooted in love. It was love that makes us God’s children. It is love that keeps us from sinning. In 3:9 John connects these dots, writing, “Those born from God don’t practice sin because God’s DNA remains in them.” The Spirit of God, dwelling in our hearts, empowers us to live and to keep the commands. Echoing James’ words, John encourages us to lay self down for others, loving in action and truth. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, as you have loved us, making us part of your family, may we love others, drawing them into the family. Empower us to love well as you guard our hearts against loving the things of this world. May we be light to the darkness of this world, love to the hate. Amen.


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Be Encouraged!

Reading: John 15 and 16

John 15:19 – “I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.”

“I am the vine; you are the branches.” We live in connection with Jesus. Without this connection we cannot produce fruit. Without connection we are trimmed and thrown into the fire. With connection we are nourished and fed and are able to produce much fruit, doing acts of love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, generosity… – actions that grow the kingdom and make new disciples.

These actions are guided by the new commandment: “Love each other just as I have loved you.” Chosen by Jesus, filled with his Spirit, we are promised whatever we ask in his name. Yet following is not easy. There is a cost. In 15:19 Jesus says, “I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.” Because we are not of this world, we will be harassed, abused, persecuted. But we are not alone.

The Companion or Holy Spirit comes to us and speaks truth unto our hearts. It reminds us that we belong to God. These things empower us to speak words of truth to the world. Jesus promises that the Spirit will “take what is mine and proclaim it to you.” When the world harasses… the Spirit will strengthen and encourage us. This process will bring us joy.

The Spirit will come because Jesus is leaving. One’s physical presence will be replaced by the all-present Spirit. Yes, a time of desertion will come when the world strikes the shepherd and the sheep scatter. We too have times when we wander. So we too need to hear verse 33: “In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” Because this is so, we too can conquer all things. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, empower us to remain in you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, defend and protect us from the lures and temptations of the world. With that same power, send us out into the world to share your love, building the kingdom, bearing much fruit. Amen.


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Effort Matters

Reading: Ecclesiastes 9-12

‭Ecclesiastes 10:10 – “If an ax is dull and one doesn’t sharpen it first, then one must exert more force.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

As we conclude Ecclesiastes today we begin with the remainder that the deeds of the righteous and wise are in God’s hands. Even so, death awaits us all. Chapter 12 alludes to our general decline as we age. The sun and light grow dark, people become afraid, and then “the human goes to the eternal abode.” The Teacher recognizes that there is a finality to this life.

But during our lives, the advice is to eat joyfully, to drink happily, to have oil for our heads, and to enjoy our “dearly loved spouse.” Even though all of our days are pointless, it is our part to play. So whenever we can, we should do these things with “all your might.”

The Teacher also recognizes that much is out of our control. The swift don’t always win the race. “Accidents can happen to anyone,” says the sage. When tragedy suddenly befalls us, we are like “fish caught in a net.”

Even so, we are encouraged to take pleasure in all of our years. Yes, there will be dark days. Yes, one day we’ll be called into account by God. And, yes, our deeds matter. The lazy – the cloud and wind watchers – won’t sow or harvest. Effort matters. In 10:10 we read, “If an ax is dull and one doesn’t sharpen it first, then one must exert more force.” Seek wisdom and knowledge and skill. Life will be better. Maybe, says the Teacher.

Ecclesiastes closes with a reminder to worship God and to obey the commands. It is what everyone must do, because, remember, judgment is coming. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in the grand scope of life, lead us day by day to enjoy life and all it has to offer. Put joy into the work of our hands and obedience into our hearts of faith. Amen.


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God Gets It

Reading: Proverbs 7-8

‭Ecclesiastes 7:14 – “When times are good, enjoy the good; when times are bad, consider: God has made the former as well as the latter.”

Chapter 7 begins with a reality. “The day of death is better than the birthday.” At the end of life one can reflect on the person’s good name. Death is all people’s fate so we should all “take it to heart.” Along these lines the sage notes that the end (or completion) of something is better than its beginning. Then we are reminded, “When times are good, enjoy the good; when times are bad, consider: God has made the former as well as the latter.” But, alas, sometimes it is still pointless too. Sometimes the righteous die young and the wicked enjoy long life. And then come some true words of wisdom: remember, there is no one so righteous that they never make a mistake (sin.) How true, how true.

Chapter 8 begins with the questions, “Who is wise? And who knows the meaning of anything?” Hope follows: keep the commands and meet no harm. The wise know there is a right time and place for everything. Yet human misfortunes are overwhelming because we don’t know when they will happen.

In verses 11-14 it feels like we’re spinning. Wrongdoers sin and sin but still live long lives. It’ll go well for those who fear God. It will not go well for the wicked. The righteous get what the wicked deserve and vice versa. The Teacher is right, “this too is pointless.”

Our reading closes with the commendation to enjoy life: eat, drink, be glad. These things accompany hard work. But, alas, no one can grasp what happens under the sun. Even the wise cannot grasp it. God gets it. God gets us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, when it feels like it does for the Teacher, remind us of your presence, of your guidance, of your truth that we can find in and through the Holy Spirit. When life makes no sense, when it does seem unfathomable, hold us tight, maybe even carry us. Thank you for your constant and abiding loving presence always. Amen.


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Antidotes

Readings: 1st Kings 1, 1st Kings 2, 1st Kings 3, 1st Kings 4

1st Kings 2:3 – “Guard what is owed to the LORD your God, walking in his ways and observing his laws… commands… judgments… testimonies.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As 1st Kings opens David is failing. A beautiful young woman, Abishag, is brought in to care for David. Sensing an opportunity, Adonijah gathers support from Joab the general and Abiathar the priest and declares himself king. Nathan and Bathsheba respond quickly to establish Solomon as the king. David makes it happen. Adonijah’s support disappears.

David then speaks to Solomon. He instructs him to be strong. He then instructs him to be faithful, saying, “Guard what is owed to the LORD your God, walking in his ways and observing his laws… commands… judgments… testimonies.” Obey God and it will go well. Oh, and by the way, take care of Joab and Shimei. David then dies and Solomon follows orders. Adonijah asks to marry Abishag. This potential power move costs him his life as Benaiah murders him. Abiathar is then banished from the priesthood and from Jerusalem. Eli’s family is now fully removed. Joab dies next, also at Benaiah’s hands. Shimei is placed under house arrest. After two years he breaks his pledge and also pays with his life.

In chapter 3 God comes to Solomon in a dream and says, “Ask whatever you wish.” After remembering God’s loyalty and kindness to his father, Solomon acknowledges that he is young, inexperienced, and doesn’t know it all. So he asks God for a discerning mind to govern well. God is pleased. Solomon will be abundantly wise. Plus he will have fame and riches. And a very long life – if he is obedient to God. Solomon’s wisdom is demonstrated in the case of the two prostitutes. News of his wisdom grows and spreads.

Chapter 4 marks the high point of Solomon’s reign. His administration is vast. The population explodes and life is good. They eat, drink, and celebrate and there is peace. Abundance is the word of the day. It is also the other edge of the sword. It can lead to dangerous places. It can be a trap for us as well. Humility and obedience to God are the antidotes.

Prayer: Lord God, things are going great for Solomon – if one overlooks the murder and revenge and the accumulation of great overabundance. We know the dangers and trappings of these things. Yet we can also struggle with them. So, Lord, guide us by the power of your Holy Spirit; keep our focus on you and on walking in your ways. Help us to be strong and to be faithful. Amen.


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Complete and Correct

Readings: Deuteronomy 21, Deuteronomy 22, Deuteronomy 23, Deuteronomy 24, Deuteronomy 25

Deuteronomy 24:13b – “They will bless you, and you will be considered righteous before the LORD your God.”

While today’s readings might feel like a fire hose of disjointed and maybe unrelated laws and case studies, one can make sense of these passages by looking at them within the framework of unpacking the Ten Commandments. Today’s passages deal with commandments 6-9, laws that deal with how we are to live in right relationship with one another. This focus laid over all of these laws gives us structure to understand and even apply many to our lives and culture today.

Chapter 21 and most of 22 unpack the law “do not kill.” Chapter 21 begins with a process to remove blood guilt for unsolved murders. We then shift to foreign wives, oldest sons, and parents. These laws work against “killing” reputations and the rights of the firstborn. Chapter 22 deals mostly with caring for property and reputations. Helping others and defending a woman’s virginity are ways to love instead of harm.

22:23 through 23:18 deal with adultery – against one another and also against God. The topics range from literal adultery to who and what can (and can’t) be in God’s presence. There is even a protection in here about slaves who escape from cruel masters. Abuse, in this sense, is a form of adultery. The focus then shifts to “do not steal.” This section greatly expands this commandment way beyond simply taking something off the shelf at the store. Interest and oaths and pawning and kidnapping are included here as ways that we can steal from one another.

Beginning in 24:8 we turn to #9: “do not testify falsely.” Loans and worker pay and harvesting are regulated to protect the poor and the vulnerable. In this section we find a verse that in spirit arches over all that we read today: “They will bless you, and you will be considered righteous before the LORD your God.” This section closes with rules for honest business dealings. Weights and measures must be “complete and correct.” This is a wonderful way to look at how we should love our neighbors too. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today we work through unpacking such simple commands – do not kill, steal… and see that these simple commands affect so much of life. To love neighbor is a vast and wide ranging charge. Guide us each day to place the other before self. Lead us to live as humble servants of your great love. Amen.


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Speaking and Living Truth

Readings: Numbers 22, Numbers 23, Numbers 24, Numbers 25

Numbers 22:38 – “I’ve now come to you. But I’m only able to speak whatever word God gives me to say. That is what I will speak.”

Most of today’s readings cover the story of Balaam. He is an Aramean seer. As Israel camps across the Jordan from Jericho, the Moabites are filled with fear. They are aware of what Israel just did to Arad, Sihon, and Og, seizing control of the lands east of the Jordan. So Moab’s king Balak hires Balaam to come and curse Israel. While traveling to Moab, Balaam has an encounter with his donkey and with the messenger of the Lord. Three times his trip is interrupted. God reiterates the command to speak for God. Upon meeting Balak, Balaam says, “I’ve now come to you. But I’m only able to speak whatever word God gives me to say. That is what I will speak.” Three times Balak tries to get Balaam to curse Israel. Three times Balaam blesses Israel and responds to an angry Balak by reiterating his command to speak the Lord’s words.

The blessings become greater as the story unfolds. It begins with ‘how can I curse what God doesn’t curse?’ Then the words speak of how Israel will rise like a lioness, devouring its prey. The blessing culminates as the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Balaam. He speaks three oracles that foreshadow Israel devouring specific Canaanite tribes. Clearly God is with Israel. Placed in a very difficult situation and tempted with wealth and status, Balaam remains faithful to speaking God’s words. We will find ourselves in situations where we feel pressure to go along with the crowd or to bow to the powers on hand. We’ll be tempted by what we can gain by not speaking God’s word. In those hard places may we remember Balaam and the trust and faith he displayed in the midst of worldly powers.

Our reading closes with a story that illustrates the dangers of succumbing to the ways of the world around us. Israelite men have sex with Moabite women. This leads to idolatry, to death, and to a plague. An Israelite man then brings a Midianite woman into camp to have sex. Phinehas responds violently. He is jealous for the Lord. The plagues ends. 24,000 have died. God instructs Moses to destroy the Midianites. Allowing ourselves to be negatively influenced by the world can pull us away from our faith too. But, is the trouble not really within us?

Prayer: Lord God, what stark contrasts we have today. Alone in the midst of the world, Balaam speaks truth. Intermingling with the world around them, Israel fails to live truth. Guide us, Lord, and empower us, O Spirit, to speak and to live the ways of truth. Amen.


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Holy and Just Lives

Readings: Leviticus 8, Leviticus 9, Leviticus 10

Leviticus 9:24 – “Fire flew out from before the LORD… All the people saw it. They shouted for joy and fell facedown.”

Today’s reading begins with the purification and ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. They are washed, dressed in their priestly clothing, and are anointed with holy oil. The tabernacle and all in it are also anointed as holy. On Aaron and sons’ behalf, Moses offers a bull as a purification offering and then a ram as an entirely burned offering. Aaron and sons place their hands on the heads of each sacrifice. A second ram is sacrificed as an ordination offering. The breast of the ram and some bread is offered as an uplifted offering. Aaron and his sons stay at the entrance to the tent of meeting for 7 days, as required by the Lord.

Next Aaron performs all of the sacrifices. This act is both symbolic and practical. Moses oversees it all. Aaron first offers a bull and then a ram as the priest’s purification and wholly burned offerings. He then offers the same for the people, followed by the people’s grain and well-being offerings. This completes the entire set of sacrificial rituals. Moses and Aaron then enter the tent of meeting. Emerging from the tabernacle, “Fire flew out from before the LORD… All the people saw it. They shouted for joy and fell facedown.” This is a sign of God’s validation. All has been done exactly as the Lord commanded.

Another act of disobedience occurs as chapter 10 begins. Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron’s sons, offer unauthorized fire before the Lord. Again fire flew out from the Lord. This time it consumes Nadab and Abihu. This is a sign of God’s disapproval. Aaron is stunned so Moses takes over. The bodies are removed and Moses gives instructions for mourning. He specifically prohibits two Canaanite mourning practices. After some instructions on priestly eating and drinking, Eleazar and Ithamar fail to eat their portion of a sacrifice. They erred on the side of caution and safety, so Moses anger relents.

Today we are reminded of the importance of living as the Lord commands. In our own calls to model and reflect God’s love and God’s holiness, may we strive to live holy and just lives.

Prayer: Lord God, by the power of the Holy Spirit lead and guide us to live lives that are pleasing to your sight. May our very lives be a pleasing aroma that brings joy to you, O Lord. Amen.