pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Choose God

Reading: Jeremiah 32:1-3a and 6-15

Jeremiah 32:2 – “The army of the Babylonian king surrounded Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah was confined to the prison quarters.”

As we turn to Jeremiah 32 things look bleak for Jerusalem. To the north, Nebuchadnezzar’s army had surged through Israel, defeating the northern kingdom swiftly and completely. The wave of terror and destruction then turned south, aiming for Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. The Babylonians buzzed through the towns and smaller cities north of Jerusalem in short order. During this time, the prophet Jeremiah spoke the word of the Lord to Judah’s King Hezekiah. Jeremiah’s words of accountability and doom landed him in prison. This is the context as we read, “The army of the Babylonian king surrounded Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah was confined to the prison quarters.” It was a very dark time for Jeremiah and for Judah.

In the midst of this difficult time Jeremiah receives a word from God. He is told that a cousin is coming to sell him some land. The instructions from God: buy it. Judah has just watched Israel get decimated and hauled off into exile. Buy land? Now? That’d be like buying land on the Florida coast as a category 6 hurricane draws close to shore. But the cousin shows up and Jeremiah buys the land. This is an act of faith. His actions enact the word of God that Jeremiah speaks next: “The Lord proclaims: Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” The winds are really picking up and the rain has started falling, but all will one day be okay. God is in control. This storm too will pass.

Jeremiah reminds us today that even in the darkest times, God is present and God is in control. When the enemy surrounds us, when the storm clouds build, we can choose to find shelter in the Lord. Yes, fear, doubt, worry… – they rise up in us. Yet in those moments, we can choose to turn to God, to allow the power of God’s presence to bring peace and strength, light and hope to our hearts. May this be our choice. May we trust into the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, draw close to us in those moments when fear rises, when hope feels lost. Through your presence assure and encourage us. Bring us under the shadow of your wings. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Treasure in Heaven

Reading: Matthew 19:16-22

Matthew 19:22 – “But when the young man heard this, he went away saddened, because he had many possessions.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

In verse 16 a man approached Jesus and wanted to know what “good thing” must he do to get him into heaven. What must I do? The good part of this question is that the man has a concern about eternal life. In reality, I think everyone wants to go to heaven. But there are two issues here. First, the man believes it only takes so much to enter heaven. No, it requires surrendering our whole life to the will and way of God. Second, he thinks getting into heaven is about doing something good or even doing a lot of good things. No, there is no great balance scale that determines our merit for entry into eternal life. Living an earthly life worthy of eternal life is much more about being than doing. We are called to be Christ to the world.

Jesus responds by telling the man to keep the commands. Revealing the depth of issue one from above, the man asks, “Which ones?” In other words, keeping how many of the 600+ commands enables entry into heaven? Jesus lists six. The young man has kept these six commandments. But sensing there must be more to this than Jesus is letting on, he asks, “What still am I missing?” Addressing the reality of issue one in the man’s life, Jesus begins with, “If you want to be complete…” If you really want to surrender your life to God, then here is what you, in particular, must do.

Jesus tells the man, “Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor.” This kind of life surrender will store up treasure in heaven. Not money in the bank, but humility and generosity and compassion in the heart. These are the treasures of heaven – in this life and the life to come. But, alas, the man’s love of his “stuff” is too great. In the last verse we read, “But when the young man heard this, he went away saddened, because he had many possessions.”

For the man in this teaching, his possessions were on the throne of his heart. Maybe the same is true for you. Maybe this story felt convicting. Or maybe possessions are not your struggle. If it were me, for example, Jesus would say something along these lines: “John, give up that need to be in control, surrendering your pride as you trust others more.” Empowering others to be in service, building up their gifts, would be treasure in heaven. What is it that you need to work on surrendering in order to draw closer to being Christ in the world?

Prayer: Lord God, I ask that you would continue to work in me, chipping away at my pride, chiseling away at those other things that keep me from fully surrendering all of who I am to you. Do the same, O God, refining and transforming the hearts of all who desire to walk more closely with you. Empower each of us to more fully be Jesus’ hands and feet and hearts in the world. All for your glory. Amen.


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Pursuing God

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:5-12

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.”

As Paul closes his first letter to Timothy he lays out the difference between being faithful and wanting to look faithful. We see this today in our world as people claim to follow Jesus and then say and do things that Jesus would’ve never ever said or done. There is “constant bickering” in these circles and there is a constant desire for “more money” and for more power, more control, more… Paul’s words in verse 5 still ring true today.

Paul reminds Timothy that there is great profit in our faith. It is just not profit as the world defines this idea. Paul invites Timothy (and us) to be happy or content with what God has provided, whether food or clothing or whatever. This frame of mind helps to guard our hearts against loving and pursuing the things of this world. This contrasts sharply with those trying to “get rich” or to accumulate others things of this world. There folks easily “fall into temptation” as they become trapped in the endless cycle of “more!” Some of these have even “impaled themselves with a lot of pain” in their pursuit of earthly things.

Timothy is encouraged to “run away from these things.” Paul encourages him to pursue the things of God: “righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, gentleness.” These are the things we too are to pursue. Paul then implores Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To deny self, to not pursue the things of this world, it is a fight, a battle. In my study Bible the commentary notes, “In the end we will become not what we own but what we do.” Pursuing God, may we be transformed more and more into God’s image and character, day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, fix our eyes and hearts on you. By this same power, guard our eyes and hearts against those things that our culture values. Lead us to find peace and contentment, joy and pleasure in all that you provide. Amen.


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With Us Always

Reading: Psalm 91:9-16

Psalm 91:10 – “No evil will happen to you; no disease will come near to your tent.”

Psalm 91 is a liturgy of divine protection. The psalmist is expressing his or her belief in God as protector. They express an absolute trust in God. In verse 9 God is declared to be a place of refuge, the place of residence. The Psalm closes with God’s promise to fill them with “old age” and to “show you my salvation.” Throughout the Psalm we see the Jewish belief that living a godly life will result in being blessed by God. There will be rescue, protection, answered prayer, saving.

In verse 10 we read, “No evil will happen to you; no disease will come near to your tent.” This is backed up in verse 11, where we read that God will order the angels to protect us “wherever you go.” In verse 12 we read that we won’t even “bruise a foot” because the angels will carry us. With God’s protection we’ll be able to “march on top of lions and vipers.” These words express trust and faith in God. These words were written in a time when all things were seen as under God’s control.

As the biblical narrative unfolds, we see a shift in understanding. God created and designed the world and set it into motion. God does not, however, micromanage the world. Evil, free will, selfishness, greed… – these are part of the human condition. Nobody teaches a young child, for example, to want that toy just for themselves. They must be taught to share. Illness and death are also part of the human condition. Our bodies are amazing, complex creations of God. We are not, however, bulletproof, fireproof, illness-proof… These realities of life bring oppression, injustice, pain, grief, suffering. God desires to be with us in these hard moments. Calling upon God in faith and trust, our God of relationship will walk with us always.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for always being with us when we call out. Lead and guide us to have a deep trust in your love and care for us. Impart upon us also an understanding of the realities of the human condition. In moments of goodness and joy, in moments when evil or illness or when poor decisions impact our lives, draw us to you, be present in our trials, walk with us in all of life. Amen.


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All Are One

Readings: 1st Timothy 2:11-12, 1st Corinthians 14:32-35, Ephesians 5:22-25, Galatians 3:26-28

Galatians 3:27 – “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself in Christ.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

As we wrestle with the challenging parts of the Bible this week, today we turn to Paul’s words about the place or role of women in the community of faith. As we do so, it is important to remember that these words were written in a specific context and culture, in a time different from our own. This filter can help us greatly in our understanding and application of these words.

In 1st Timothy 2:11-12 Paul begins by stating that women should “learn quietly with complete submission.” This is followed by a prohibition against a wife teaching or controlling her husband. These words are rooted in two beliefs of Paul’s day: women’s minds are weaker than men’s and it was Eve who caused the original sin to occur. Clearly the men should lead and be the decision-makers. Within this context and time.

1st Corinthians 14 echoes these themes. Women are to be quiet in church and to ask their questions at home. Most of the Ephesians 5 passage sounds similar: wives submit to your husbands in everything. These parts of these passages have been and are still quoted in patriarchal settings. Dig deeper though. In Corinthians this is Paul’s practical response to a specific issue in an individual church: the women are curious, they are asking questions as they seek to grow in their faith. The questions, however, are disrupting worship. In Ephesians Paul is talking about submitting to Christ. These verses today apply this to marriage too. The overall theme: submit to one another as you submit to Christ. Don’t miss or skip verse 25: Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church, giving yourself up for her.

In Galatians 3:26-28, Paul declares total equality between male and female in God’s church. All baptized into Christ are clothed in Christ. All means all. That’s clear as Paul goes on to remove all lines and barriers, including the statement that there is “no male and female” in Christ. All are one in Christ. May this be so in all ways – in our homes, in our churches, in our society and culture.

Prayer: Lord God, as we read, ponder, think and wrestle through these passages, help us to do so within the overarching core tenets of our faith: love, grace, peace, hope, humility, service. Guide us then to understand how culture and norms influence writing, as does context. Center us always on the calls to love you and others above self. Amen.


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Believe

Reading: John 11 and 12

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Lazarus is the focus of most of chapter 11. He falls ill and Mary and Martha send for Jesus. He stays where he is at. Only when Lazarus has died does Jesus head for Bethany. Many Jews come to mourn. As Jesus nears, Martha hears and goes out to meet him. She says as Mary will later say, “Lord, if you had been here…” They believe that Jesus could have healed their brother. While true, there is a greater plan at work. Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” To believe in Jesus leads to eternal life. We will all die in the physical sense as our body passes into death. After weeping with Mary and Martha, Jesus calls for the stone to be removed. This is a test of their faith. Do they believe that Jesus’ power can reach beyond the stone of death?

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Many come to believe. But typical of the division in John, others go to the Pharisees with the news. They fear that a miracle like this will lead to a loss of control, which will lead the Romans to take action. The religious leaders know that Jesus would not play their game. So they decide that Jesus must die. Jesus withdraws to a secluded place for a time.

As the Passover nears, Jesus goes to Bethany. At a dinner at Lazarus’ house, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, preparing him for burial. A greedy Judas protests. The next day Jesus enters Jerusalem. A great crowd celebrates his humble entry. The Pharisees lament, “Look! The whole world is following him!” This kingship is different. Jesus speaks of a single seed falling and dying. Only then can it “bear much fruit.” Jesus reminds the people that he came to be light in darkness and that he came not to judge but to save.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to believe when we have not seen. The signs – we can read about them and trust that they happened. Your words is true. Lord, touch us and our lives with your presence and with your Spirit. May we feel the light and life within us, leading us to believe. May we walk daily with your Holy Spirit. Amen.


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Surrender and Live

Reading: Jeremiah 34-38

Jeremiah 36:3 – “Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I intend to bring upon them, they will turn from their evil ways, and I will forgive their wrongdoing and sins.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Our reading opens with King Zedekiah inquiring about the future. Jeremiah tells him that Jerusalem will fall but that he’ll live. He’ll be taken to Babylon where he will die in peace. Zedekiah then makes a covenant to release all Hebrew slaves. This is done but is quickly reversed. God declares that Judah will be freed instead: free to “die by the sword, famine, and disease!” Judah will become a wasteland.

In chapter 35 we find a great contrast. God sends Jeremiah to the Rechabites. They are a nomadic family group that has long kept the commands given to their ancestor. God asks Judah, “Can’t you learn a lesson?” No, they can’t, won’t, don’t. God will bring disaster on Judah, blessing in the Rechabites.

God directs Jeremiah to record all of his words in chapter 36. Perhaps Judah will hear them and turn from their evil ways. Baruch is the scribe. Because Jeremiah is in confinement, Baruch reads the scroll in the temple. It’s then read to some officials, who tell Baruch to hide with Jeremiah. The scroll is read to King Jehoiakin, who burns the scroll piece by piece as it is read. God directs Jeremiah to make a new scroll. Jehoiakin will die without heirs.

In chapter 37 Judah gets false hope. Egypt marches our. Babylon withdraws from the siege on Jerusalem to face this threat. Egypt will return home. But Jeremiah takes the opportunity to try and see his new land. He is arrested as he exits the city and is accused of defecting. He’s beaten and imprisoned. He repeats Zedekiah’s fate to him. It provided an opportunity to ask for a prison upgrade. But there he continues to call for surrender. This leads him to be put in a muddy cistern, where he sinks. Ebed-Melech rescues him from this. The message remains the same: surrender and live, refuse and die. The message remains the same today. May we choose to surrender to God and live.

Prayer: Lord God, surrender – such a hard thing. We like control, power… We think we’re the master of our own destinies. How wrong and sinful we are. Help us to hear anew today the call to surrender to your will and way. There we find true life. Loosen our grips, open our hands to you. Amen.


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God Is Our Hope

Reading: Isaiah 1-4

‭Isaiah 3:8-9 – “Yes, Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen… like Sodom, they display their sins in public.”

Today we begin with the prophets. Isaiah kicks off almost six weeks with the five “major” prophets. The original Isaiah ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Chapters 1-39, known as First Isaiah, were written around 700 BCE. Second and Third Isaiah pick up around 545 BCE. Today, in chapters 1-4, we find both judgment and hope. This balance is typical of the whole book of Isaiah.

Chapter 1 begins by detailing Judah’s sin and disobedience. They have turned their backs against God. They have endured beatings yet remain unfaithful. There are frequent references to Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities utterly destroyed by God because of their great sin. God is also disgusted by their sacrifices – just going through the motions! In verses 16-17 Judah is invited to change her ways, to do good instead. To do so will bring blessing. To continue walking in disobedience will bring sword and fire.

Chapter 2 begins with a hopeful vision of their possible future. This picks up again in chapter 4. Zion will be lifted up high and war will be no more. Zion will be called holy. Instruction will flow from her and nations will stream to her.

In between this hope we find the sins of Judah. The land is “filled with idols.” Pride and arrogance is rampant, especially amongst the leaders. A day is coming, says Isaiah, when all will suffer as the poor and needy currently are. God asks, “How dare you crush my people and grind the faces of the poor?” Sadly, this behavior continues today. Yet hope also persists. God is still in control. There is still a plan. God is our hope.

Prayer: Lord God, the battle continues on: obedience or disobedience, good or evil? In our lives we so need you. The powers and temptations of this world remain great. Idols and the lures of wealth and power ever pull at us. God, strengthen us with your Spirit. Hold us in your love. Amen.


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Influences – Good and Bad

Reading: Proverbs 23

‭Proverbs 23:19 – “Listen, my child, and be wise! Keep your mind straight on the path.”

Today’s words of wisdom focus mostly on controlling our appetites and on who not to hang out with. These two focuses remain important in our lives today. The first warning today is against longing for the things of this world. In today’s text it is longing for the riches of the king’s table. In our lives it is the longing for a bigger house, a newer phone or car, a fancy vacation, a promotion with a fat raise… We must guard our hearts against these longings. On the other end of the spectrum, the sage says, don’t eat with stingy people. They only share what they’re unwilling to eat themselves.

We’re also warned about hanging out with sinners, gluttons, and drunkards. The primary concern is that they’ll influence us to become like them. We will end up “clothed in rags,” seeing “strange things,” and speaking “distorted words.” We’ll awaken one day and wonder how we got there. Instead, the wisdom writer says, “Buy truth… buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” Then one’s father and mother will rejoice.

The sages remind us, too, that we have a hand to play in being able to one day rejoice. We should not withhold either instruction or discipline from our children. I believe this applies to our children as well as to our friends. As we’ll soon read in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens a friend.”

Prayer: Lord God, help us to make wise choices. Guide us to choose our friends well. Guard us from temptations and keep our feet from paths that lead to sin and folly. Instead of being influenced by the things of this world, Lord, pour your wisdom and understanding into our hearts. Influence us towards you. May our words, thoughts, and deeds bring you joy today. Amen.


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Clean Hands, Pure Heart

Readings: Psalms 21-24

‭Psalm 22:19 – “But you, LORD! Don’t be far away! You are my strength! Come quick and help me!”

What a range we have in today’s four Psalms. Psalm 21 celebrates God’s protection of the king. Psalm 22 begins as a desperate plea for help and turns into praise. Psalm 23 is all about trusting in God’s care. Psalm 24 celebrates God’s control over all things.

Psalm 21 begins with thanksgiving for all that God has done to establish the king. There is a two-way street: the king will not stumble because he trusts the Lord. The psalmist returns to thanksgiving in verses 8-12. This thanks is for God’s protection against enemies. There are parallels with Psalm 23 abounding here in this Psalm. Praise be to God!

Turning to Psalm 22 the immediate question is, “Where are you, God?!” The psalmist cries out day and night. Although faithful since birth, the author is now “poured out like water.” These words and others in these four Psalms echo the scene of Jesus on the cross. The cry to the Lord is renewed in verse 19: “But you, LORD! Don’t be far away! You are my strength! Come quick and help me!” This cry, however, is quickly followed by words of praise and proclamation. It is as if the psalmist of verse 4 (“Our ancestors trusted you”) has reconnected to the Lord our God. Psalm 23 speaks deeply of this trust and connection. This Psalm reminds us of the thoroughly sufficiency of God’s care for us in all of life.

Psalm 24 takes the themes and ideas of Psalm 23 and makes them corporate. All is God’s. The God who walks with us “through the darkest valley” is also the God who is strong and powerful in battle. Psalm 24 reminds us that “only one with clean hands and a pure heart” can ascend to the mountain of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, how glorious, how mighty, how majestic, how powerful are you, O God. And yet you hear our cries in the night and our pleas by day. All-powerful yet personally intimate. You hold our hand in the valleys. Your hand anoints us with the oil of blessing. You are the king of glory! You are our God. Amen.