pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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An Invitation to All

Readings: Mark 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-21

Mark 14:24 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

In both passages that we read today, we see Jesus instituting the sacrament of communion. This event is set within the context of the Passover meal. This meal was an annual event in which the Jews would remember and celebrate how God saved them as the angel of death passed over their houses. This final plague led to Pharaoh releasing Israel from bondage and slavery.

Mark and Luke both present Jesus offering the bread as symbolic of his body, broken for them and for us. Jesus’ body will be broken on the cross. In using the common element amongst the rich and the poor and all in between, Jesus takes the everyday and connects bread to himself and to us all.

Both gospels present the cup – representative of Jesus’ blood – as poured out for many, establishing the “new covenant.” Mark recalls these words of Jesus: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” The new covenant is wrapped in mercy and grace, in forgiveness of sins. This common element of wine – again Jesus connecting the ordinary to his extraordinary gift.

In Mark’s gospel they sing a few songs and head to the Mount of Olives. But in Luke’s gospel, Jesus says, “But look! My betrayer is with me; his hand is on this table.” Jesus celebrates the first communion knowing that Judas will betray him. This is an invitation to us all – sinners each of us – to come to the table of grace. There we too will find welcome and forgiveness. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we humbly thank you for the gift of grace. Your Son did for us what we could not and cannot do for ourselves. It is only because of and through Jesus’ sacrifice that we are forgiven and made new, freed from the bonds of sin and death. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.


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All Together

Reading: 1st Corinthians 10-12

1st Corinthians 10:31 – “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory.”

Paul begins today’s readings with a warning from the “wilderness generation.” They all passed through the sea, they all followed Moses, they all drank from the rock – and most sinned and were struck down in the wilderness. Paul is telling the church: don’t do what they did. He then encourages them, telling them that God will see them through and will provide a way out of temptation. He next re-emphasizes the danger of idolatry. One cannot split allegiances.

Paul then elevates the other over self. While all is permitted, all isn’t always beneficial, all doesn’t always build up. Paul instructs the Corinthians to first look out for one another when making choices and decisions. The overarching guidance should come from this admonition: “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory.”

In chapter 11 Paul addresses proper worship. Both of these sections lift other over self. Paul encourages proper dress in worship. Here Paul cites cultural norms as the guide for dress. He also points out that men and women are equal in the Lord. He then addresses the fellowship meal and the Lord’s Supper. One person overindulges and another goes hungry. This is not elevating other over self.

Spiritual gifts are the focus in chapter 12. All gifts are from the Holy Spirit and all gifts are given for “the common good.” Again, all above self. Paul then equates the church to the human body. All parts are needed and necessary. All gifts matter. God puts the body together in this way so that there is a “mutual concern” for one another. Accordingly, all suffer together and all celebrate together. May this mutuality be fully present in our lives and in our communities of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, again and again, in way after way, we hear the calls to love you and to love neighbor more than self. We’re reminded that you walk with us, strengthening and equipping us for the tasks and challenges. Thank you for your love and your presence, both abiding in our hearts in the Spirit. Amen.


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Steadfast

Reading: Acts 24-26

Acts 26:6 – “Today I am standing trial because of the hope in the promise God gave our ancestors.”

In today’s readings we cover Paul’s trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. In the trial before Felix the Jewish leaders accuse Paul of being “a ringleader of the Nazarene faction.” Paul declares that he is indeed a follower of “the Way.” He professes faith in the Law and in the Prophets. This is his common ground with the Jews. Two years pass and Festus becomes the governor.

On a tour Festus goes to Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders again press their charges against Paul. A new trial is convened in Caesarea. Charges are brought but nothing can be proved. Paul claims his right to be tried in “Caesar’s court” and appeals to Caesar. Festus declares, “To Caesar you will go.”

Soon King Agrippa arrives to welcome Festus to his new appointment. He discusses Paul’s case with the king, who wants to hear from Paul. Festus summarizes the Jews appeal to him and says that he has found nothing deserving of death. Paul begins his defense by recalling his way of life as a Pharisee and his opposition to the Way. He tells of his conversion and his mission to be Jesus’ witness and servant. He tells Agrippa, “Today I am standing trial because of the hope in the promise God gave our ancestors.” Paul is witnessing even as he defends himself. He still wants to draw all he meets into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. His steadfast faith is undeniable. Both Festus and Agrippa feel Paul is innocent. But he did appeal to Caesar. God’s plan continues to move forward.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul’s message, his testimony, his faith – they do not change or waiver. He is steadfast to you alone. Lord, empower us to have such a faith. No matter the situation, no matter the circumstances, Lord, walk with us in each moment, guiding us to always boldly proclaim our faith in you alone. Amen.


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We’ve Been Given Much

Reading: Luke 11:37-12

Luke 12:33 – “Make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

Today’s reading deals with authentic versus surface commitment to God. And it speaks into the worry and doubt and anxiety that is so common in our world today. These two topics relate to one another.

Our words from chapter 11 address the outward and superficial faith lived out by the Pharisees and legal experts. They tithe their herbs but neglect justice and love. They crave recognition and status. They place huge expectations on others but don’t help them and often get in the way of their faith development. These condemnations create deep resentment towards Jesus. But we must ask: Which would be addressed to the faith lived out by you and me?

Chapter 12 mostly focuses on trusting in God’s love and care instead of getting caught up in worry and fear or in the cares and concerns of the world. Jesus reminds us that God cares for and loves us much more than sparrows, ravens, and lilies. Each of these is provided for. How much more will God provide for us, God’s dearly loved children.

Jesus warns against greed, specifically against hoarding or storing up. These inwardly focused acts draw us away from compassion, empathy, and generosity. We are encouraged to release our “things,” to give to those in need. Doing so, we “make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out.” Nothing can take these eternal things away. Jesus sums up why it is so important to be selfless: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be too.”

Jesus also addresses our spiritual readiness. As servants of God we all have roles to play. We are to be diligent and faithful in how we use all of our resources – time, talents, gifts, wealth… “Much will be demanded from everyone who has been given much.” Friends, we have been abundantly and generously blessed by our God.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, you love us far beyond our understanding. And, yes, you care for us unlike any other. Yet worry and fear and earthly concerns can creep in. We can question you. In these moments, remind us of your truths and promises. Speak these into our hearts, Holy Spirit of God. Amen.


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Honest, Generous, Righteous

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Verse 4: “You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.”

Returning to the parable today we first recognize that the scenario played out in the market was very familiar to Jesus’ audience. Men hanging around hoping to be hired for seasonal work was the norm. Having people to fill this role was a necessity in their agrarian culture, much as it is today in that sector of our economy.

For those hired earliest, they agree with the owner on the usual daily wage. One denarius was the coin used to pay a Roman soldier and it was enough to feed a family of four for a few days. These day laborers would hope to work 2-3 days a week to provide for their families.

The owner offers a different deal to the rest of the workers. They accept his offer to pay them “whatever is right.” Although it turns out well for these workers, there is some trust required in this open-ended offer. Right is objective. One denarius is not. These workers choose to entrust their lives to the character or reputation of the vineyard owner. He is honest and generous and righteous. This sounds like someone that I’d like to work for. How about you?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being kind and generous and righteous with us. You do not demand a strict adherence to an agreed-upon set of rules. As it was impossible to keep the list in Jesus’ day, so too is it in our time. So thank you for your grace and mercy too. Amen.


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Whoever Has Ears…

Reading: Matthew 13:1-9

Verse 9: “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

For our last two days this week we turn to our gospel lesson from Matthew 13. This is a familiar parable to us and is a very familiar subject to his audience – at least on the surface level. Jesus often taught in parables. These were stories often framed in common settings, told like a story. This parable is about farming. It is told in such a way that some hearers would be drawn to delve deeper to understand what Jesus was really talking about. No farmer in his or her right mind would ever waste good seed on rocky or thorny soil, nevermind upon the path! Jesus’ upsidedown, inside out teaching style led some in the crowds to wonder what in the world Jesus was really talking about.

Each parable that Jesus taught usually had a main theme or point. But some of the time there are multiple ways to read or interpret just what that main point is. Most parables raised lots of questions and prompted lots of thinking if one was willing to go past the surface level. This can be one of those parables. In addition to the “no farmer in…” statement above, we can ask, is this more about the soil or is it about the sower? Which one are we? Are we both? Could the seed sown in the illogical places still produce a crop or a harvest? Is Jesus saying that it is good or that we are to sow in these hard, rocky, and thorny places? When…? How…?

These and more are the questions that can come up as we read and ponder and wrestle with the parable of the sower. As we do, may we do so with Jesus’ blessing: “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Prayer: Lord God, as we wrestle with and ponder over your word, open not only our ears but our hearts and minds as well. Reveal your truths to us and guide us to apply them to our lives. Amen.


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The Common Good

Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:4-14

Verse 7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

Photo credit: Ditto Bowo

In this week’s Epistle reading Paul speaks to us about the gifts of the Spirit. There is a list of 9 gifts in verses 8-10. You may recognize one or two of your gifts in that list. Or maybe your gifts aren’t listed here. The 9 are a partial list. There are many other gifts of the Spirit. Counsel, piety, teaching, exhortation, generosity, mercy, and leadership are gifts listed in Isaiah 11 and in Romans 12. Some have the gift of ministering to the grieving or with children. Some have the gift of music. There are many gifts of the Holy Spirit.

In verse 7 Paul writes, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” There are two parts of this verse that I’d like to highlight today. First, “to each one.” The gifts of the Spirit aren’t given to just the select few or even to a handful of people. No, every single one of us has been given gifts by the Spirit. Second, “for the common good.” There are two aspects of the common good. Within the body of faith our gifts are to be used to build up and enrich the body of Christ. The common good here would be growing deeper in Christ. Outside of the body our gifts are to be used in the world, yet for the same overall purpose: to build up the kingdom of God. Using our Spirit-given gifts in the world enhances the common good of everyone. This happens as we strive to live out and to live up to Jesus’ example, loving God and loving neighbor.

Each of us, using the gifts that we have each been given by the Spirit for the common good, is essential, needed, vital, necessary, important. Without you using your gifts, we are less than we could be. Imagine your body without a brain or without a heart or without lungs or eyes or blood vessels or… That is the body of Christ without you and your gifts. May we all use our gifts for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide me today and every day to use all the gifts that your Spirit has given to me. Whether for just one or for a group, use me to enhance the common good and to build up the kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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The Common Good

Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:1-11

Verse 7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

Chapter 12 in 1st Corinthians is the beginning of the portion of Paul’s epistle that speaks of unity in the body of Christ. Paul begins by reminding those in the church of who they used to be: “pagans… led astray by mute idols.” It was not a good place to be. I can see heads nodding in agreement. Then Paul 180’s them with “Therefore…” Therefore, quit reverting to what you once were, quit being a curse to the community of faith.

Paul reminds them that, yes, there are different gifts, different ways to serve, different activities that allow us to live out and exercise our faith. He reminds them that these all come from the same Spirit/Lord/God. Getting to why this all matters, Paul says, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” First, each has been given gifts – the manifestation of the Spirit in them. Not some, not most, not a few. Each and every one has been given gifts. And the purpose of the gifts is for the common good.

This “common good” term is a bit foreign in this modern world, just as it appeared to be so in the church in Corinth. When one chooses to focus on the common good it is an intentional choice to be selfless, to elevate others above oneself. A person with the gift of healing, for example, would not just heal themselves nor would they charge others to receive this gift, gaining personal wealth. Instead, this person would generously share the gift with others, bringing God all the glory and attention. Doing so, this person would be a blessing to God and to their community. Each person, generously using the gifts that the Spirit gave, would grow together in faith and love. This was and is the ideal. For each of us, may we do our part to make this a reality.

Prayer: Lord God, first, thank you for the ways that the Spirit has blessed me. As my grateful response, guide me to be generous with others, giving to them as you lead me. Amen.


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Good and Evil

Reading: Psalm 14

Verse 5: “God is present in the company of the righteous”.

Photo credit: Tech Nick

Today’s Psalm is attributed to David. It speaks of the evil and corruption in the world. They seem to be in control. Yet over and throughout it all is God. Connecting to yesterday’s passage from 2nd Samuel 11, could David be reflecting upon his own behavior as he writes these words? In his secret heart could he be hoping that God is with Bathsheba?

The Psalm opens recognizing that the fool says, “There is no God”. The fool says I can do whatever I want – I am god! The fool is corrupt and vile. Didn’t someone ask if that wasn’t Uriah’s wife? In verse four David acknowledges that evildoers “devour” God’s people “as men eat bread”. Sexual appetites can certainly devour others like common food. A most powerful man can have his way and then dismiss his victim like she was a common peasant.

And yet David knows in his heart of hearts that God is bigger than the evil of the world and the evil inside of him. In verses five and six he writes, “God is present in the company of the righteous” and “the Lord is their refuge”. Even though evil has been done, David hopes that God is present to and comforting Bathsheba. Yes, the Lord draws near to all who are abused and oppressed, to all who endure injustice and violence.

The part of David still connected to God can still long for salvation to come to Israel. He can still long for a better world even though his ‘secret’ actions work against it. I too have been here before – doing wrong in the present yet still hoping for God to make me right in the end. Even then God is our ever present refuge. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord, I must admit that I, like David, am never too far from sin. The fleshy part of me is ever seeking glory or power or possessions. Yet the divine within me is always drawn to you. Thank you for the Spirit within. Raise up that voice in my heart, O Lord. Amen.


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Jars of Clay

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 4: 5-12

Verse 6: “For God… made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of… Christ”.

Photo credit: Freestocks

In our passage today Paul works out the idea that we have “this treasure in jars of clay”. Paul is using a metaphor that would have stood out and caught his audience’s attention. Clay jars were common, everywhere. It was the every day container for storing all sorts of things. Clay jars were cheap, easily replaced. So who would put their treasure in a jar of clay? It could be easily smashed, the treasure removed quickly.

In the metaphor we are the jars of clay. Our faith is fragile – easily broken by the cares of this world and by the temptations of the evil one. We are over seven billion strong – commonplace and too often treated as easily replaced. Just as no one would put their valued treasures in clay jars, why in the world would the God of the universe place his treasure in us human beings?

Well, the treasure is not gold or any other temporal, earthly thing of value. The treasure God places in our heart is the Spirit of his Son, Jesus Christ. Paul puts it this way in verse six: “For God… made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of… Christ”. This “all-encompassing power”, this treasure, gives us strength when hard pressed – so we are not crushed. It gives us the wisdom of God when we are perplexed – so that we will not despair. It gives us courage and support when we are persecuted, reminding us that God never abandons us. It keeps hope alive in us when we are struck down, whispering into our heart that nothing in all of creation can destroy our place in God’s family – here or in the time to come. This is but a short list of what the all-surpassing power of God does in our lives.

As we rejoice in what the power of God’s Spirit does in our lives, let us also pause to think of those we know who are jars of clay – perhaps a bit broken, definitely fragile, maybe seen as worthless or commonplace at best. As we think of these, how can this “light of Christ” within us shine into their lives, bringing that same strength, wisdom, courage, support, hope, sense of belonging… that we treasure?

Prayer: Lord God, I am so grateful for your presence in my life. The ways you touch and are present to me make walking a life of faith possible. May your light and love shine out of me, revealing your glory for all to see. Amen.