pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: death


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The Day of the Lord

Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9

Isaiah 25:9 – “Let’s be glad and rejoice in his [God’s] salvation.“

Photo credit: Fuu J

In Isaiah 25 the prophet celebrates the salvation that God will bring. In verses 1-5 Isaiah speaks of God saving Israel from their enemies. Isaiah then celebrates how God has been (and will be) a refuge for all in need. In verses 6-9, our passage for today, the prophet envisions the day when God will bring this age to a close. Isaiah sets the scene “on this mountain,” referring to Zion, God’s holy mountain. On Zion the Lord will prepare “a rich feast” for all peoples. It will feature “choice wines” and “select foods.” It will be the feast of all feasts. Almost all readers or hearers in the ancient world would likely envision the best wedding banquet they’d ever been to – times ten!

Isaiah next writes of God swallowing up “the veil that is veiling all people.” It is unclear what this veil is. Is it the veil that casts evil over humanity’s eyes? Is it the veil that keeps people from fully seeing God? Whatever the case, all people will see clearly, seeing as God fully intends us to see.

In verse 8 Isaiah tells us that death will also be swallowed up. Eternal life will reign. Tears and people’s “disgrace” (sin) will be removed. This day will be a day of celebration and thanksgiving. All people will exult the God who saves. The joyful people will declare, “Let’s be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” What a day that will be! We wait with eager anticipation for the coming day of the Lord!

Prayer: Lord God, we see into your plans today. We see the prophet’s vision for the day when you make all things new. Many have stepped into this vision and more will likely enter their rest before the final day comes. We give thanks for your faithfulness. Fill us with the same faith, allowing us to live out your light and love as we await the day of our eternal salvation. Amen.


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Life Beyond

Reading: Genesis 5:18-24

Genesis 5:24 – “Enoch walked with God and disappeared because God took him.”

Photo credit: Timo Volz

Today’s reading jumps way back, back to the generations that came after Adam. If one scans backwards, one reads of very lengthy lifespans – Adam lived 930 years, Enosh lived 905 years, Jared lived 962 years. The fate of all but one of these men listed in Genesis 5 is the same: “he died.” Running throughout this chapter and throughout the Bible is this common truth: our time on earth will run out and we will die. The question we wrestle with is where we will go.

For Adam, Cain, Abel, and so on, the end of life brought death. There was simply a cessation of life. That was that. For people today without faith, death remains final. There is no hope, no future possibility. Death has the final, final word.

In today’s text, Enoch has a different fate. Enoch’s story is different than the other’s stories. In his story alone we read that he “walked with God.” Enoch was faithful to God. So unique is this fact, it is in two verses. Because he walked with God we also read that he “disappeared because God took him.” Enoch did not taste death. Death does not always have the last word.

This is the first time in the Bible that it hints at what we would call “heaven” as a destination. Enoch clearly experiences something other than physical death. There is something beyond what we now know in our mortal bodies. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, from early on in your story you’ve pointed to something more, to something better, to something lasting. Thank you for the reminder today, for this first glimpse. Continue to walk with us this week as we delve into your story of life. Amen.


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Mercy and Grace Persist

Reading: Genesis 3

Genesis 3:9 – “The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Continuing on from chapter 2, where we saw God’s desire to care for, to provide for to be in relationship with humanity, today we read of temptation and sin and of the broken relationships these evils produce. The snake, long identified with Satan, “tricks” the woman and man into eating from one of the forbidden trees. The woman initially resists, but the snake persists. Using a half-truth the snake tempts the man and woman enough. They both eat and they see their nakedness. Their initial shame leads them to cover this condition.

Later the man and woman hear God walking in the garden. In verse 8 we read, “The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God.” Their continuing shame leads them to try to hide from God. Yet God calls out. Death could have come the moment they ate the forbidden fruit. But here our God of mercy and grace calls out. Yes, there are consequences to their sin, as there often are in our lives. Yet God is right there, fully present to the man and woman. Death will come, eventually, as they are sent out of the garden, seemingly forever away from the tree of life – the tree that would allow them to live forever.

This rebellion in the garden is just the first of many. Countless sins have led to countless breaches in our relationship with God. And equally countless offerings of mercy and grace have reconciled these breaches. This struggle with sin is and will be our reality. The struggle, as John Wesley wrote, “will continue while there is a godly man on this side of heaven, and a wicked man on this side of hell.” Grace and mercy will likewise persist and will eventually triumph on the final day. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be easy to read this chapter and to look down on, to judge, to compare. And there sin is again, knocking on the door of our heart. Help us to see ourselves fully present in this story, in the struggle. There we recognize and appreciate and ready ourselves to receive the grace and mercy we so often need. Thank you, Lord, for always having more mercy and grace. Amen.


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Come, Lord Jesus!

Reading: Revelation 21-22

Revelation 21:5 – “Then the one seated on the throne said, ‘Look! I’m making all things new.'”

As we conclude our Bible Year reading plan with Revelation 21 and 22, it is a wonderful end to this project and to the words of scripture. These two chapters give us a sneak peak into eternity. God and Jesus Christ are victorious. All evil is no more. Everything focuses on worshipping God and the Lamb.

Chapter 21 begins with the new heaven and earth becoming one as the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven. In this heavenly city, God will once again dwell with “his people.” There will be no tears, no death, no mourning, no pain. The one in the throne declares, “Look! I’m making all things new.” In his fourth spirit-led trance John gets a tour of this new city of God. It is 1,500 miles on each side. It was twelve gates, each made out of a huge pearl, each gate with the name of one of Israel’s twelve tribes on it. The city has twelve foundations, each made of a different previous stone, each bearing the name of one of the twelve apostles. There is no sun or moon. God’s glory is the light and the Lamb is the lamp. The river of life flows from the throne of God. On each bank is a tree of life. The trees bear twelve fruits and the leaves bring healing. God’s servants gather around the throne, worshipping God and the Lamb.

The epilogue begins in 22:6. An angel declares these words “trustworthy and true.” John states that he heard and saw these things. He is told not to seal the scroll because “the time is near.” Jesus, the “root and descendant of David… the bright morning star,” is coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Prayer: Lord God, we long for the day. We long to see the new heaven and earth. We long to dwell in your presence. Today we pray, come Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Almost Done

Reading: Revelation 18-20

Revelation 19:9 – “Write this: Favored are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.”

Chapter 18 details Babylon’s fall. An angel announces the fall, calls out any who are faithful, and pours a double portion of God’s wrath. Deadly disease, grief, and hunger strike her and then fire consumes Babylon – all in a day. The kings of the earth, merchants, and seafarers mourn and weep. The seafarers invite the saints, apostles, and prophets to rejoice. Then a powerful angel hurls a huge stone into the sea, bringing complete destruction: “It won’t be found anymore.”

Heaven celebrates the fall in the first half of chapter 19. A huge crowd, the elders, and the four living creatures celebrate God using “royal power.” Then an angel says to John, “Write this: Favored are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.” Oh to be in that invitation list!

Heaven then opens and Christ emerges. He is “Faithful and True,” “Word of God,” and “King of kings and Lord of lords.” An angel invites the birds to be ready to devour flesh. The beast and its allies draw up for battle. The beast and false prophet are thrown forever into the “fiery lake” and the rest die by the sword in Jesus Christ’s mouth.

An angel comes down from heaven holding the key to the abyss and a large chain. Satan is thrown into the abyss for 1,000 years. Those who were martyred reign with Christ. Satan is released and gathers all that he can deceive. Fire consumes the army and Satan is thrown forever into the lake to fire and sulfur. Then comes the final judgment. Death and the Grave are thrown into the fiery lake along with all whose names are not written in the book of life. It is almost done.

Prayer: Lord God, evil is defeated and sent forever into the lake of fire and sulfur. All the faithful join you for the great wedding banquet. It is an either/or day. To take the long walk of faith – it is not easy. Daily lead and guide us to walk faithfully with you, or… Amen.


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A Great Crowd

Reading: Revelation 6:1-8:5

Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and there was a great crowd that no one could number… from every nation, tribe, people, and language.”

In chapter 6 the Lamb opens 6 of the 7 seals. The first four bring the four horses and their riders. Death, war, violence, famine, and disease sweep across the earth. One-fourth of humanity dies. The fifth seal is broken and those who have been martyred for their faith cry out, “How long…?” Given white robes, they’re told to wait just a little longer. The sixth seal is broken, first bringing a great earthquake. Then the sun turns black and the moon red. The stars fall from the sky. All the people of the earth try to hide. They beg the mountains, “Fall on us!” They know that the great day of wrath has come upon them.

The seal of God is then placed upon the foreheads of the 144,000 – 12,000 from each remaining tribe of Israel. John looks back to heaven and sees a great multitude. In 7:9 we read, “After this I looked, and there was a great crowd that no one could number… from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” Wearing robes that have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb, holding palm branches, they worship God. They’ve gone through hardship. Now they will not hunger or thirst. God has wiped away every tear. The Lamb guides them to the life-giving waters. The seventh seal is broken and there is silence in heaven for half an hour.

Seven angels with seven trumpets take their places. Another angel holds a bowl with incense. The prayers of the saints rise in the smoke up to God. The bowl is then filled with fire from the altar. It is thrown down upon the earth. The angels are about to blow their trumpets.

Prayer: Lord God, over and over, Old Testament and New, we hear the calls to change hearts and lives. Today in our reading the outcomes of our choices become clearer and clearer. As we rejoice today in the coming of our Savior, remind us of his ultimate purpose at the end of this age. Lead and guide us, O God, to live lives worthy of our calling. Amen.


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The Pioneer

Reading: Hebrews 1-3

Hebrews 2:10 – “It was appropriate for God… to use the experience of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation.”

Hebrews begins by declaring that God first spoke through the prophets (the Old Testament) and then spoke through a Son (the New Testament Gospels.) Jesus is “the imprint of God’s being.” The Son then died to cleanse people from their sins, returning to glory to sit at God’s right hand. It is a powerful opening statement.

The author then exhorts the audience to pay attention to the good news they’ve heard lest they “drift away.” He or she asks, “How will we escape [hell] if we ignore such a great salvation?” Great question. This gift of salvation was announced by Jesus and confirmed by the disciples and apostles. God offered validity through “signs, amazing things, various miracles, and gifts from the Holy Spirit.”

Hebrews then turns to who and what Jesus was and is. First, he tasted death so that we can taste grace. Jesus also lived as a human. In 2:10 we read, “It was appropriate for God… to use the experience of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation.” Christ mediates for us based on experiencing what we experience. Jesus walked our road, experiencing suffering, when tempted. Through it all, Jesus was faithful to God. Because of his example and sacrifice, we can have hope and confidence. We can encourage one another every day so that one day we can “enter his rest.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for sending your Son, he who walked this earth as one of us. In those 30+ years he experienced what it is like to be human – the suffering, the temptation, the pain. Yet in living he also revealed your love and the joy, hope, peace, contentment, and forgiveness found in that love. Help us today to walk in step with the Spirit, sharing that love, bringing you all the glory. Amen.


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The New Nature

Reading: Colossians 3-4

Colossians 3:9-10 – “Take off the old human nature… and put on the new nature… by conforming to the image of the one who created it.”

Today we read about living the Christian life. Paul begins this portion of the letter reminding us that being raised in Christ should lead us to thinking about “the things above.” He encourages us to “put to death” the earthly parts of ourselves – corruption, greed, lust, anger, slander, foul language… Laying aside these behaviors, we “take off the old human nature… and put on the new nature… by conforming to the image of the one who created it.” This new nature is Christlike. Therefore, earthly distinctions also fall away. In Christ there is no Greek or Jew… “Christ is all things and in all people.”

The new nature is characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, and love. Love arches over all the others, forming “the perfect bond of unity.” This is yet another way of saying that the greatest of these is love. Paul also elevates the peace of Christ. This peace is rooted in love along with being thankful. An attitude of gratitude brings contentment, which yields peace in our hearts. Paul then once again grounds our relationships – husband/wife, slave/master – in Christlike terms. Summarizing this part Paul writes, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart and not for people… You serve the Lord Jesus Christ.” This too is an invitation into the new nature of Christ.

As he closes, Paul again uplifts the power of prayer: prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for his ministry. He sends Tychicus with the letter to encourage them and he offers greetings from and to many people. There is a feeling of family and community as he closes, a unity among the believers. May this be our spirit too.

Prayer: Lord God, help us this day to put on Christ, to be like him in every way. May these qualities be evident in our lives as we seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. Plant in our hearts love and peace, contentment and joy. In all that we do and say, may we shine light into the darkness of our world. Amen.


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A Life in Christ

Reading: Philippians 3-4

Philippians 4:13 – “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”

Chapter 3 begins with a focus on pursuing Christ. Paul first warns the believers in Philippi to be wary of those who do evil and who try to force circumcision upon them. He encourages them not to put confidence in the outer self but to do as he did: write off all the worldly titles and accolades. Lose them all, like Paul, “so that I [like Paul] might gain Christ and be found in him.” In Christ, Paul receives a righteousness that is not his own. It comes through faith in Christ alone.

Paul connects knowing Christ to bring conformed to his suffering and death. In this way, Paul hopes that he “may perhaps” attain the goal of resurrection. Paul pursues this goal – not because he is perfect but because Christ “grabbed hold of me.” Leaving all else behind, this goal has become Paul’s focus.“The upward call” of God in and through Jesus Christ is the goal that Paul pursues. This pursuit involves living a holy and blameless life, a life, like Paul’s, that is worthy of imitation.

In chapter 4 Paul encourages those in the church in Philippi to “stand firm” in the Lord. He urges unity within and gentleness in their interactions with all people. Rather than worry, bring your prayers to God. Then the peace “that exceeds all understanding” will fill their hearts and minds. He invites them to focus their thoughts on all that is “true… holy… just… pure… lovely… and worthy of praise.” Living a life in Christ, Paul encourages, will bring contentment in any and all circumstances. This is because “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” Walking daily in Jesus Christ’s strength, may we “give off a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God.”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us, strengthen and empower us today in our pursuit of you. Help us to lay aside the things that matter to this world so that we can focus on your will and way. Show us how to turn all our worries and fears and doubts over to you in prayer, receiving instead your peace and love. Amen.


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From One Degree to the Next

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 1-3

2nd Corinthians 2:16 – “We smell like a contagious dead person to those who are dying, but we smell like the fountain of life to those who are being saved.”

Today we begin Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church. It was written about 18 months after his first letter, written on the heels of a humiliating personal experience in Corinth. Of his 13 letters, this is Paul’s most personal letter. He wants to reestablish his place of authority as an apostle and he wants to restore his relationship with the church.

Chapter 1 begins with a declaration that God is the God who comforts us. God does this so that we can comfort others. We share in Christ’s suffering too. Paul speaks of the troubles “far beyond our strength” that God rescued them from in Asia. Because of this rescue, Paul and his companions have set their hope on God.

Paul then speaks of their conduct. It has been with “godly sincerity and pure motives.” They desire for the Corinthians to more fully understand their own faith. Paul wants to visit again, but has delayed the visit. He did not want to visit when still so upset. In fact, he wrote in tears with an “anxious and troubled heart.” Even so, he asks the church in Corinth to forgive and comfort the one who humiliated Paul. He states that he is testing them with this request – “to see if you are obedient.”

Next Paul talks of his ministry. He notes that it is like “the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.” It goes before then and “We smell like a contagious dead person to those who are dying, but we smell like the fountain of life to those who are being saved.” This is a powerful thought and image. It begs the question: What does our life and ministry smell like to others?

Chapter 3 connects the church to Paul. They are the letters of Christ, the fruit of his ministry. Christ is written on their hearts by the Holy Spirit. They represent the new covenant, established by Jesus, sustained by the Spirit. Daily they are being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, “from one degree of glory to the next.” What a thought! May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we receive comfort and at times we give comfort. At times we suffer and this equips us to comfort others in their suffering. We daily seek to write Christ more and more upon our hearts, deepening our faith and hope. As we do so, God, transform us more and more into the image of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.