pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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With Authority (and Grace and Gentleness)

Reading: Acts 2:13-21

Acts 2:21 – “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Turning to the second half of our Acts 2 reading, Peter takes center stage. This is not even the same Peter that spoke with and saw the risen Jesus ascend into heaven ten days ago. No, this Peter has been filled with the Holy Spirit. All of the believers gathered there that day have been indwelled by God’s Spirit. It’s not just the leaders. It is all people that have been filled with the Spirit. It is with this new power and presence within that Peter and the other eleven disciples stand up to address the surprised and bewildered crowd. Peter is ready to do what he encourages all believers to do: defend your faith with grace and gentleness.

Peter begins by inviting all present to hear his words. Claiming authority, he declares, “Hear this! Listen carefully to my words!” With his audience’s attention, he dismissed the simple explanation of wine. Drunk? It is 9 am. “Rather,” he says, what has happened is what the prophet Joel spoke of long ago. Quoting Joel is wise. The people gathered there would be very familiar with the prophet Joel. Peter states that what has just happened right there is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophetic words. He then reminds them of Joel’s words. God has poured out the Spirit. They have just witnessed it. Those in the house – sons and daughters, young and old, and even male and female servants – they have been filled with the Spirit and have spoken in languages they do not know. Yes, God is clearly at work here. Verse 21 is both closer and invitation: “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

You and I, my friends, are filled with the same Spirit, the same power, the same presence. Through these indwelling gifts we are equipped and empowered to speak of God’s love for all people, telling our story of faith as a witness to God’s love. May we speak as Peter spoke: with authority and with grace and gentleness.

Prayer: Lord God, fill us with your Spirit and with your power and presence. Filled, guide us to trust in you, to step into the opportunities you present, knowing that we are both equipped and empowered to share the good news that changed our hearts and lives. Move in and through us, O Lord, drawing others into your saving and life-changing love. Amen.


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What If?

Reading: 1st Peter 3:13-17

1st Peter 3:15b – “Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it.”

For most of my years as a Christian I have not suffered for my faith. There have been moments, here and there, and a really hard period a few years ago when I could maybe use the term “suffer.” But that has changed a bit recently. In our country, the word “Christian” has been claimed by some that do not look or sound like followers of Christ most of the time. The choice to name this and to push back against it has come with a cost. Now, this is absolutely nothing compared to what Peter and his contemporaries faced. It is extremely minor when set beside what happens today to Christians in a handful of places around the world, where people literally die for their faith in Jesus.

So as we read and consider Peter’s words of hope and encouragement today and tomorrow, we know that his audience and many today read these words much differently than we do. Even so, Peter and other followers of Jesus held and hold an attitude of “happiness” when they suffered for their faith. They were and are being counted as worthy of Jesus’ example. Verbal confrontations and physical threats were common. When Peter writes, “Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it,” this was everyday advice. Imagine if we lived out our faith in real life in such a way that this was an everyday occurrence for us as well. What if we lived our faith with such holiness and righteousness, with a “good lifestyle in Christ,” so that people regularly asked us to speak of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ? What if?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the moments when we do get a chance to share of the hope that we have in you. Lord, open our eyes and hearts to the opportunities you give us every day to spread your love and to share the good news. Inspire and empower us to live in ways that increase our opportunities to speak of our hope. Amen.


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Unleashed

Reading: Matthew 26:6-13

Matthew 26:7 – “A woman came to him… very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ head.”

At the start of chapter 26 we see that the plotting to arrest and kill Jesus has begun. Our passage flows out of this context. While at Simon’s house for dinner, “A woman came to him… very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ head.” The disciples are upset. They think the worth of the perfume could be put to better use. How often have you or others thought a similar thing? One possible example in my life and ministry might be the time I spend with youth and children. Some in the church might think this 8-10 hours a week could be better spent.

Jesus defends and elevates this woman’s act of love. In a slightly different version of this event, John’s gospel names Mary as the woman present at Lazarus’ house. Jesus declares that her act of love will be remembered “wherever in the whole world this good news is announced.” In our world, where diamonds and new phones and cars and bonuses at work capture our attention, it is significant that Jesus elevates this simple act of love.

Mary’s act of love itself is worth far more that the cash value of this precious perfume. The act also transcends the moment. Jesus feels loved, attended to, cared for. Love has the power to do that when we too choose to live God’s love out loud. The smile of a third grader when you wave to them from the bleachers, the way they lean in when you hug a struggling teenager – the love transcends the simple showing up and being present. The same is true, by the way, when one shows up at a shut-in’s residence. We all need love. Who will experience the love of Christ in you today as you unleash it in the world?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to see today the small opportunities that you provide for us to love well on others. Seeing, move us to doing and being love lived out loud. Guide us to be love in this broken and hard world. Use us to make others feel loved and cared for today. Amen.


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Hope Even Then

Readings: Jeremiah 21-24

Jeremiah 23:3 – “I myself will gather the few remaining sheep from all the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back.”

Today’s words from Jeremiah and God are mostly addressed to the kings and priests – the leaders. Zedekiah asks Jeremiah to go to God on their behalf because Nebuchadnezzar is besieging the city. God’s response is that God will join in the fight against Zedekiah and Jerusalem. God will send a plague, destroying them from within the city. They are told that surrender is the only way to live. Almost all will die instead.

Jeremiah elevates the correct behavior of kings. Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the oppressed. Don’t mistreat the refugee, immigrant, orphan, or widow. Don’t spill innocent blood. Defend the rights of the poor and needy. Care well for the flock. Be fresh, good figs. Instead, the leaders chose to be evil, selfish, greedy, willful. God’s efforts will join theirs in scattering the flock.

Jeremiah also addresses the priests or “prophets.” They are telling lies and selling false security. They commit adultery with idols and teach in the name of Baal. God declares them no better than Sodom – a city completely destroyed by God because of their sin. The prophets have “destroyed the very word of God.” They too will join the kings and other leaders in exile, becoming objects of disgrace and shame.

We also find hope within these oracles and judgments. God still longs for the people to know and to love God. God’s love for them remains strong and steadfast. In 23:3 we read, “I myself will gather the few remaining sheep from all the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back.” Thanks be to God for unfailing mercy and unending grace.

Prayer: Lord God, I am grateful for your standards and expectations. You call us to justice and righteousness, to mercy and compassion. You call us to love all people. You ask us to be who you are. It is good. Amen.


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Inner Strength

Readings: Psalms 137-140

‭Psalm 138:3 – “On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength.”

Psalms 137 and 138 offer lament and then raise up thanks and trust. These two represent much of what we find in the Psalms and in all of life – highs and lows. In Psalm 137 the psalmist laments a hard experience in exile. Their “tormentors” wanted them to sing a joyful song. How could they sing joyfully in exile? The response, instead, is a plea for Babylon’s (and Edom’s) downfall. In Psalm 138 we see a better choice. The psalmist turns towards Jerusalem and the temple. Here we read, “On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength.” God is faithful. God hears and responds. The Psalm closes with this plea to God: “don’t let go.”

Psalm 139 expresses a deep connection with God. The psalmist recognizes that God knows them inside out. This is at first overwhelming, “too much for me.” There is nowhere the psalmist could go to avoid this overwhelming knowing. Even darkness would be no relief. In verse 13 there is a shift. The psalmist realizes that God knit them together and that God has good plans for them. After a brief dive into hating evil and seeking their destruction, the psalmist returns to self, inviting God to know him or her even more.

Psalm 140 is a plea for protection. For those who plot evil,“spider poison is on their lips.” The psalmist cries out to God for help, hoping for evil’s downfall. In the end, the psalmist knows deep down in his or her heart, “those who do right will live in your presence.” Through all of the highs and lows, for all in between, may this too be our daily choice: to live right, to be in God’s presence.

Prayer: Lord God, through all of life’s ebbs and flows, you are there. Walk with us daily, keeping us from evil and defending us when it arises in our lives. Grow in us a trust in you as our knowledge of you grows in us. Grant us an inner strength in the trials and sufferings, a strength that clings to you. Amen.


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What a Turn!

Readings: Esther 5, Esther 6, Esther 7, Esther 8, Esther 9, Esther 10

Esther 9:1 – “On the very day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, the tables were turned against them.”

Photo credit: Justin Luebke

As the story continues, Esther goes to and is received by the king. He offers her anything she wants – “even half the kingdom.” She requests that the king and Haman come to a banquet first. Haman leaves the banquet in high spirits. But seeing Mordecai angers him. It is suggested that he has a 75′ pole built to hang Mordecai on. The pole is built. But that night the king can’t sleep. The royal records are read and he hears of Mordecai’s heroism. The next day, thinking it is for himself, Haman comes up with a grand plan to honor this man. He ends up parading Mordecai around the city. What a turn!

At the second banquet Esther shared her wish: “give me my life… and the lives of my people.” Haman’s cruel plan is unveiled and eventually he is impaled on that 75′ pole. What a turn! The next day Esther and Mordecai appear before the king. They receive permission to write an order that will “call back” the original order. The Jews are allowed to defend themselves. Mordecai is greeted with shouts of joy in Susa. Jews everywhere are elated. Yes, what a turn.

The fateful day arrives. “On the very day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, the tables were turned against them.” No one is able to stand up to the Jews. They win sweeping victories over their enemies. The days end in great celebration and feasting. What a turn! Esther and Mordecai make it an official day of celebration – the Feast of Purim. It is named after “pur” – the dice tossed to decide the day of the Jews’ demise. Yearly, though, it is two days of celebration and feasting, remembering God’s rescue. What a turn indeed!

Prayer: Lord God, what a grand story of rescue. Although behind the scenes, you were there at every turn – prompting, leading, guiding, orchestrating, making a way. We rejoice in you, our good, good God. And we humbly ask, O Lord, that you are present in our lives too. Show us, lead us, guide us, prompt us, rescue us, O God. Amen.


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Confident and Trusting

Readings: Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah 3, Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah 4:14 – “Don’t be afraid of them! Remember that the LORD is great and awesome! Fight for your families… sons… daughters… wives… houses!”

Nehemiah is the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. He lives a comfortable life in the palace of the Persian king. One day some Jews returning from Jerusalem bring him news from Judah: “The captives are in great trouble and shame.” Moved by his God, Nehemiah fasts, weeps, and prays for days. Returning to work, he is still visibly upset. The king notices and inquires. In the end, Nehemiah heads to Jerusalem with letters of protection and support from the king.

The local officials are unhappy that he has arrived to rebuild Jerusalem. After rest, he secretly inspects the walls and gates at night. Gathering the Jewish leaders he basically says, ‘We’re in trouble.’ He calls them to rebuild and they respond enthusiastically. Chapter 3 contains a long list of the families that took part. The team effort and sense of connection is evident. It is based upon their identity found in God.

Sanballat and Tobiah and others oppose the work. Making fun of them turns to insulting them and then it becomes a plan to attack the Jews. News of this comes to Nehemiah and he responds by organizing the workers into family groups. He gives them this encouragement: “Don’t be afraid of them! Remember that the LORD is great and awesome! Fight for your families… sons… daughters… wives… houses!” Half the men work while half stand guard, weapons in hand. The people stay in Jerusalem overnight instead of going back home, thwarting an attack at night. Work continues to progress.

Nehemiah leads well, trusting in the God who stirred his heart to go to rebuild his ancestral home. When God or the Spirit or the Word stirs our heart, may we be as confident and trusting in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, what a sure faith Nehemiah had. He heard and responded and was then guided by you. Give us ears to hear, O Lord. Open our hearts to respond. Encourage our faith as we seek to serve you. Bless the work. Amen.


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What Is Right and True

Reading: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Verse 1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?”

Photo credit: Darold Pinnock

This week’s Psalm begins with words of faith and trust in God. As you read these words, David’s faith oozes out, his trust shouts aloud. Moving into verse 4 we see the source of his faith and trust. Here David asks just one thing – to dwell in God’s presence all of his days. Even though an enemy may attack, even though an army may besiege him, David trusts that God will keep him safe and that God will “set me high upon a rock.”

In this life we will face enemies and attacks. Last night at youth group we talked about doing the right thing. It is a moment when we sometimes falter, fearing what may happen to us, worrying about what others may say or think about us. Fear of the potential trial or of the cost of doing what we know is right and just can paralyze us. In David’s words we are reminded today that God is with us and that God has been and always will be both our helper and our defender.

Today we remember and celebrate one who lived these words and truths out. Today we remember and celebrate a pastor who chose to stand for justice and equality. Fear could have easily won the day many times. The threats and violence would’ve silenced many people’s voices. Day by day, Martin Luther King, Jr., clung to his light and salvation, to his stronghold, to the one rock upon which he stood. As his fellow saints who walk the same path of faith, may we too choose love instead of hate, trust instead of fear, and hope instead of defeat. God is still at work for the good in all things. In faith and trust may we stand for what is right and just.

Prayer: Lord God, what examples of faith. From the one who sought you with all of his heart to the one who trusted you with his very life, may we be encouraged and inspired. As we seek to trust in you, O God, and as we strive to be love to and for all people, deepen our faith in you, our rock and our light. Amen.


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Our Great and Glorious King

Reading: Psalm 72:1-7

Verse 6: “He will be like rain falling on a mown field.”

Today’s Psalm speaks of a leader. Justice and righteousness will be hallmarks of this king. Defending the afflicted and saving needy children will be regular practices. There will be prosperity in the land. Who is this king that Solomon describes?

In verse 5 we get another hint. Here we read that this king will “endure as long as the sun, as the moon.” Without using the word, Solomon tells us that this king will reign forever. Add in justice, righteousness, care for the poor and needy – who else could this be but Jesus Christ the Lord?

Within these verses we also see other sides of Christ. In verses 4 Solomon writes, “He will crush the oppressor.” Sin and death long held power over humanity. In his death and resurrection Jesus will defeat these two great oppressors of humankind. And we also have verse 6: “He will be like rain falling on a mown field.” In my mind I want it to read “gentle rain.” This would add to the sense of peace that I already feel in these words. I love this side of Jesus too. A kind and peaceful and gentle ruler – like rain falling gently on a mown field.

Psalm 72 reminds us of our great and glorious King. Today we rejoice as we close with the last two verses of the Psalm: “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with God’s glory. Amen.”

Prayer: God, you are the king of kings and lord of lords, one both now and forevermore. You reign in power and might. Yet your heart breaks for the least of these and for the lost and broken. You rain down peace, joy, love, and hope. Praise be to the Lord our God! Amen.


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Forever and Ever

Reading: Psalm 48

Verse 1: “Great is the Lord, and most worthy of our praise”.

Photo credit: Giuseppe Famiani

Psalm 48 speaks of God’s presence in Jerusalem, in the city of David. For the psalmist the city of God is beautiful and will stand forever atop Mount Zion. God is present in the city itself – in the citadels that protect her from foreign kings and in her temple, the place the people “meditate on your unfailing love”. For the Israelites, Jerusalem will be God’s home forever and ever. Zion will always stand as the fortress of God.

It was another time and place when the Psalm was written. It was a time when people from all around would move inside the city walls in times of danger. It was a place of constant threats from the outside. A great fortified city was of importance to the many kingdoms of the world. For Israel, though, God was at the center of their power. God defended them, kept their walls secure. Within those towers and ramparts the psalmist felt safe and secure, trusting in God’s presence.

In your world today, where do you feel safe and secure? For many of us, our home is one place of refuge and rest. It is a place we feel protected, a place we can trust. For many, God’s presence is felt in the sacred spaces – sanctuaries, chapels, cathedrals. There we feel safe, secure, loved. Yet God is not limited to these structures either. So, in your world, where else do you sense God’s presence? For me, I sense God’s presence out in the wilderness, where his glory is often on full display. There I sense God’s greatness and am drawn into praise. Wherever we encounter God, may we join the psalmist in declaring, “This God is our God forever and ever”. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Living God, you are present in so many ways. Your strength and care and protection surround me. In you I am loved. Be with me always, O Lord. Amen.