pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Our Faithful God

Reading: Lamentations 1:1-6

Lamentations 1:5b – “Certainly the Lord caused her grief because of her many wrongs.”

Lamentations is a vivid and emotional account of the destruction of Jerusalem and her temple at the hands of the Babylonians. Jeremiah is likely the primary author. The prophet worked long and hard trying to call the leaders and the people back into right relationship with God. But they chose to ignore his words of warning, instead choosing to trust in idols and foreign nations. Lamentations primarily deals with the consequences of these sinful choices but also offers hope in God’s love and faithfulness.

Lamentations personifies Jerusalem as a woman, present in the great destruction, sitting in the ruins. In the first verse we read, “She sits alone, the city that was once full of people.” When I first read this line, my brain read “promise” instead of “people.” Then I thought, yes, once Judah relied on and trusted in God’s promises. Their choice to trust in their own power and efforts has led them to become “slaves” sent away into exile. Maybe my brain read it this way because sadly at times this is our choice too. We choose self over God and/or neighbor, becoming a “slave” to our sin, exiling ourselves from God’s presence.

The author believes that Judah’s tears and mourning and grief are the direct result of her sinful behaviors. In verse 5 we read, “Certainly the Lord caused her grief because of her many wrongs.” While we do not subscribe to the ancient Jew’s understanding of faith as “do good, be blessed… do evil, be cursed,” we do experience tears, mourning, and grief at times as the practical outcomes of our sinful and selfish choices. While we do exile ourselves at times, God always remains present. Our faithful God listens to our painful laments while allowing us to be refined and to grow in faith because of our hard lessons. In this we find hope – as the author of Lamentations does as we turn to chapter 3 tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God, while we are far from perfect, your perfect love never wavers, never fails. While we wander and separate ourselves from you, your steadfast presence is always right there, ready to redirect, to teach, to forgive, to welcome us back into right relationship. Thank you God!! Amen.


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The Way of the Lord

Reading: Isaiah 35:5-10

Isaiah 35:10 – “The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads.”

Isaiah 35 speaks of God’s restoration of Israel. Likely proclaimed while in exile, the words of the prophet would give hope to those living as foreigners in a pagan land. Our passage begins with promises of healing for those with physical suffering: the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk, the mute will sing. God will restore all to wholeness and well-being.

God will also restore the land. What has become dry and harsh will become green pastures with flowing waters. Israel’s collective last memory of their homeland was the destruction left behind by the Babylonians in the north and the Assyrians in the south. They had ravaged the land. God will restore it. The exiles will return to a new version of the Promised Land.

In verses 8-9 Isaiah begins to lay out a vision of Israel’s actual return. God will make their path like a highway – smooth and easy to travel upon. Only the faithful will walk “The Holy Way.” No predators and no evil persons. Only the redeemed will walk on it. There will be joy and happiness. There will not be grief or groaning. In verse 10 we read, “The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads.” How the Lord will forgive, restore, and return Israel to wholeness and faithfulness!

While these words were originally written to a nation living in exile, the promises are true today because the character of God does not change. If you or someone you know is in exile – suffering, alone, struggling with health or a difficult situation – God wants to bring wholeness and joy to your life, to their life, to all of our lives. Our God wants to ransom us all from our places of exile and thirst. The invitation to walk the way of the Lord is always there. We just have to step upon the “highway.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the vision and reminder of who and what you are and if who and what you want us to be. Help us to walk in your ways, to step into the plans you have for us, into who you call us to be. Walking with you, ransomed by your love, we will be restored and made whole. Draw each of us to walk in your ways. Amen.


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A Simple Choice

Reading: Matthew 7:24-27

Matthew 7:25 (or 27) – “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house.”

We all live in a broken world where evil, illness and disease, violence, death, and all the -isms cause hardship, trial, and suffering. Add to this our proclivity to sin, which only increases the challenge of living faithfully in this broken world. These things are true for all people: Christ followers, Muslims, atheists, agnostics…

For Jesus, in today’s passage, there are two choices with two distinct outcomes. One can choose to hear and put into practice his words and example, or one can hear and choose not to allow his words to shape and guide one’s life. It is a simple choice: obey or disobey.

And there is an outcome of effect of one’s choice. In our broken world, “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house.” Sin, evil, sickness, prejudice, injustice, pride… will rain down on our lives. The guilt, the stress, the shame, the suffering, the doubt – they will flood into our heart, mind, soul, and body. They will beat against our faith or against our psyche, depending on the choice we made to trust self or to trust God.

Those who choose to hear and obey are the “wise” who chose life and faith. These lives are “firmly set on bedrock.” Jesus is our bedrock, our firm foundation. Those who choose the ways of the world are the “fools.” They are building on sand. It is a simple choice: God or self? Our choices determines if we can withstand the storms of life. May we choose to build our lives upon Jesus Christ, our rock.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of the world is wise and easy and it leads to destruction. Your way is narrow and hard but it leads to abundant life. Surrounded by the voices and other influences of the world, it is hard to stay on your path. The storms of life only increase this challenge. Lord, be near us in all things, at all times. Amen.


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Treasured and Strong in the Lord

Reading: Daniel 10:8-19

Daniel 10:12 – “From the day you first set your mind to understand things and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.”

In today’s passage Daniel is encouraged by an angel sent from heaven. Daniel needs some encouragement because he has just been told of the future destruction of Jerusalem. The temple and city were destroyed about 70 years ago, when Israel’s exile began. Since then he has been praying for rebuilding. Daniel was told that, yes, it will be rebuilt. His prayer will be answered. But it will be destroyed again. This is the news that drove Daniel to mourn, fast, and pray for 21 days. As he is encouraged, Daniel needs strength for the next vision about to come to him.

As Daniel’s encounter with the man from heaven begins, he falls to the ground. Both the encounter and the fast have sapped his strength. Daniel is helped us and then hears these words: “From the day you first set your mind to understand things and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.” The angel has come in response to Daniel’s prayers. But it was not an easy journey. This angel fought with “the leader of the Persian kingdom” for 21 days – the length of the fast. Unable to defeat this power of evil, the angel Michael came and took over this cosmic battle, freeing the unnamed angel to go on to Daniel. This cosmic battle between good and evil remains an ever present reality.

After admitting that he was troubled by the previous vision, Daniel is again strengthened, both physically and spiritually. The angel tells Daniel, “Don’t be afraid. You are greatly treasured. All will be well with you. Be strong!” With these words and renewed strength, Daniel is ready to hear the next vision about the future.

In times when we are weak or troubled or struggling, may we recall these words that are true for all who are faithful to God: You are treated by God. All will be well. God is with you.

Prayer: Lord God, there will be times when the future looks cloudy or when the days at hand are really hard. In these moments or seasons, touch us, give us strength and courage. Assure us of your presence, leading and guiding us according to your good plans for us. Amen.


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Was, Is, Will Be

Reading: Luke 20-21

Luke 21:36 – “Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”

We begin today with the religious leaders questioning Jesus’ authority. He responds with a question for them, asking about John the Baptist’s authority. Trapped, they refuse to answer. Jesus then tells them a parable that reveals his authority. The tenants are greedy. They abuse those sent to collect fruit owed to the owner. Finally they kill the son whom the owner dearly loves. In response the owner destroys the tenants. Jesus then quotes from the Psalms, referencing the stone rejected. It becomes the cornerstone. The religious leaders recognize that the parable is about them. They want to arrest Jesus but fear the people.

In an attempt to orchestrate a charge, the religious leaders take turns trying to trap Jesus with questions about paying taxes and marriage in the resurrection. Pay taxes? Yes, but more importantly give to God what belongs to God. Marriage? Yes, here and now, but not in the age to come. We will all be God’s children in the resurrection. There, God is as here: the God of the living. In response to their falsehood, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their longing for recognition and honor and for the unfair burdens placed upon the people. He tells them that they’ll be “judged most harshly.” The widow’s gift is then lifted up as both a great example of trust in God and of how the religious leaders’ greed leads people into vulnerability as they struggle to meet the religious leaders’ expectations.

Verses 5-28 of chapter 21 deal with three events. Two sections reference the actual destruction of the temple and city. One part references the time of persecution that will soon occur. And one part references Jesus’ return. Two of three will unfold just as Jesus says. We await his return. Our reading closes by addressing how we are to wait. We are to be aware of the signs and we are to “Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, today we’re reminded that there’s always been a plan. Since the beginning you were spoken of and destined to come in human form. You came and revealed love lived out. You called us to follow your example. You spoke of a future that we eagerly await. You call us to be love lived out as we wait. Empower, encourage, and strengthen us to daily follow your example. Amen.


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Not Far

Reading: Mark 10:46-12:34

Mark 12:14 – “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is.”

Blind Bartimaeus sits beside the road as Jesus passes by. He shouts, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” Shushed by the crowd, he shouts louder. Today, who is crying out to Jesus that we are trying to shush? Seeing him as worthy, Jesus heals him. Going on, Jesus enters Jerusalem, triumphally riding on a colt as people shout, “Hosanna”! In Mark, Jesus looks around the temple and goes to Bethany.

On the way back to the temple, Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree – symbolic of the temple. Returning to the temple, Jesus clears it of all connected to their fruitless sacrifices. These rituals are not reflected in changed hearts and lives. Coming back into the city Jesus had encouraged the disciples to have faith in God. He told them, “Whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you.” Faith and belief leads to fruit.

The religious leaders question Jesus’ authority. He traps them in a question about John the Baptist’s authority, revealing their lack of faith in God. Jesus then tells the parable of the tenants, taking full aim at these religious leaders. The vineyard represents Israel and they are the tenants. These tenants abused and/or killed this sent to collect fruit. Soon the son was sent. They kill him, claiming the inheritance. Prophet after prophet and then finally Jesus was sent to Israel. Destruction is promised for these tenants. The stone rejected will become the cornerstone.

After a couple of attempts to trap Jesus using the hot topics of paying taxes, divorce, and resurrection, a legal expert asks Jesus a real question. He recognizes truth in the flattering words spoken earlier: “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is.” He deeply appreciates Jesus’ answer about loving God with all our being and loving our neighbors as self. The expert correctly deems these two commands “much more important than all kinds of… offerings and sacrifices.” Yes, faith in God demonstrated through love lived out – these matter more than anything. With a faith like this, we too won’t be far from God’s kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a faith that is alive and active, bearing fruit for your kingdom as we seek to bring your love to bear upon our world. Open our ears to the cries of those in need. Open our hearts to respond as Jesus would’ve. Draw us closer and closer to your kingdom – here and now, one day in your divine presence. Amen.


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So It Will Be with Us

Reading: Matthew 24-25

Matthew 24:46 – “Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes.”

Chapter 24 is almost all about the signs of Jesus’ return. The end of chapter 24 and most of chapter 25 is about being ready or prepared for that day. Chapter 25 closes with the consequences of our decisions and actions leading up to that day. The conversation begins outside the temple, where Jesus predicts its destruction. This leads the disciples to ask about the end times when Jesus will return in glory.

Jesus says there will be many things that will happen. There will be false prophets and false christs. There will be war, famine, earthquakes, great suffering, and persecution. Many will fall away. Then the sun and moon will go dark and the planets will shake. Christ will come on the clouds in great splendor and power. The angels will gather the chosen ones. Jesus then reminds us that no one knows the day or hour. It will come upon the earth just as the flood came upon the people of Noah’s day. The message is clear: stay alert, always be prepared for the day.

From 24:45 through 25:30 we find three parables that describe what it looks like to be alert and prepared. In the first parable we read, “Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes.” The bad or unfaithful servants will be cut to pieces and thrown into hell when the master returns unexpectedly. In the second parable the wise bridesmaids had plenty of oil (faith.) They will enter the wedding (heaven) when the late groom (Christ) arrives. The door will be closed. The foolish or unprepared will hear, “I don’t know you” when they try to get in. In the third parable the faithful who have put their gifts to work will hear, “Come, celebrate with me.” The lazy and evil will be thrown into the “furthest darkness.”

We close with the parable of the sheep and the goats. This summarizes the results of how one lived. The sheep lived for others, feeding the hungry, visiting the prisoners, welcoming the strangers. They did so in the name of Christ. Eternal life is their final reward. The goats ignored the hungry… Their final reward is eternal punishment. So it will be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, how we live day by day matters. Keep us faithful in the small things, attending to all that you place before us, using the gifts and blessings you have given us to bring your kingdom to fruition. Amen.


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Jesus’ Power

Reading: Matthew 7-8

Matthew 7:14 – “The gate that leads to life is narrow and the road difficult, so few people find it.”

Jesus first addresses our tendency to be judgemental as we begin chapter 7. He asks why we’re concerned with a splinter in our neighbor’s eye when we have a log in our own eye. It is so true. We’ve all been here – again and again and again… His advice? Take care of the log first. Then maybe, just maybe, you can help your neighbor with that splinter.

From this great challenge, Jesus next brings encouragement. Ask, search, and knock and you will receive, find, and have the door opened. God wants to give good things. In the same way, treat others as you wish to be treated. Simple words to hear and comprehend, challenging to live out daily. That’s why Jesus next says, “The gate that leads to life is narrow and the road difficult, so few people find it.” By contrast, the gate to destruction is broad and the road is wide. Many walk this path.

Jesus then teaches about false prophets and false faith. Both are evident by their bad fruit or by their lack of fruit. “Fruit” is the good done in the world. This kind of fruitful faith comes from our foundation. Are we building faith on the bedrock of Jesus Christ or on the shifting sands of the world? On the rock, our faith will not only produce good fruit, it will also withstand the storms of life.

Chapter 8 begins with many healings. Central is the healing of the centurion’s servant. He knows that he is unworthy of having Jesus in his home. He also knows authority when he sees it. He knows Jesus has it. Jesus can say a word and healing will come. Jesus declares he hasn’t seen faith like this in all of Israel. A few are drawn to follow Jesus after the healings, but they have too many worldly concerns to really be a disciple.

The chapter closes with two different reactions to Jesus’ power. After calming the storm (and admonishing the disciples for their weak faith), people are amazed at Jesus’ power. After freeing two men of their demon possession, the townspeople are afraid of his power. They plead with him to leave. Today people have the same reactions when they brush up against Jesus’ power.

Prayer: Lord God, you invite us to love well – ourselves and others. You invite us to bring your healing touch – to ourselves and to others. You offer peace in the storms and relief from worry, doubt, fear – for ourselves and for others. May we know your power today, O God – for ourselves and for others. Amen.


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That Line

Reading: Nahum 1-3

Nahum 1:12-13 – “I won’t afflict you further, Zion. Now I will break off his yoke from you and tear off your chains.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

Nahum walks a fine line. The historical content of the book covers Assyria’s fall. The capital city, Nineveh, is the focus. In Jonah we saw a mighty God who was rich in mercy. In Nahum we read of a mighty God who pours out divine wrath on the Assyrians. In the long game, God will not tolerate any form of human pride or the existence of injustice. Here is where we get near that line. It can be tempting to rejoice in the downfall of an enemy. Is this not another form of pride?

Nahum describes God as “jealous… vengeful… strong in wrath… very patient… great in power.” The prophet declares that the world and all who dwell on it cannot stand before God’s indignation and fury. And he declares that God is “good, a haven in a day of distress.” In this spirit, Nahum assures God’s people. Though in exile now, God says, “I won’t afflict you further, Zion. Now I will break off his yoke from you and tear off your chains.” Hope is just around the corner.

From 1:14 through the end of the book, Nahum describes the great fall of Nineveh. God is against the city. The enemy’s sword will devour just as Assyria once devoured others. Assyria will become a spectacle. God declares there is “no remedy… your wound is grievous.” At the end we again come to the line. Nahum shares that all who had suffered under Assyria’s cruelty will “clap their hands over you.” To be relieved, even happy, when the yoke is broken,when the bully gets his or her due, – nearing the line. To be joyful and to celebrate someone’s utter destruction? Where did that line go?

Prayer: Lord God, we can sense your power and might today. We can feel your sense of justice and righteousness. You alone are the judge and the giver of just consequences. Help us to hold these things in holy awe. Curb in us the human tendency to find joy in another’s defeat. Keep us in our own lane. Focus us on our walk with you. Amen.


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Yes, There Is Hope

Reading: Isaiah 45-48

‭Isaiah 48:10 – “See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of misery.”

In today’s readings we see the movement towards the end of the exile. God has chosen Cyrus, king of Persia, to be the instrument of change. Even though Cyrus does not yet know God, he will be used by God. Some people must have questioned the choice of Cyrus. In verses 9-13 God addresses these doubters, asking, “Are you questioning me about my own children?” God then again asserts the right to use Cyrus as the method to end the exile.

The last part of chapter 44 and most of 45 remind Israel of the worthlessness of idols. The idol makers will be shamed and disgraced. The idols don’t respond to cries for help, they can’t save anyone from their distress. In contrast, God speaks truth and announces what is correct. God carries Israel – from the womb to old age. These worthless idols – they must be carried from place to place.

The dethroning of Babylon is announced in chapter 47. Yes, God was angry at Israel and Judah. Yes, God chose Babylon to punish them. But Babylon went too far. They took no pity on God’s children. The yoke was heavy. Babylon did not “stop and think… didn’t consider the outcome.” Now destruction is upon them.

Chapter 49 is a reminder of what could have been and hope for what may yet be. God reminds Israel and Judah that they are “stubborn,” with necks of iron and foreheads of bronze. Today we’d say they were selfish and really slow learners. If only they’d follow the commands… then well-being would flow like a river, righteousness would come in waves. If only… their descendants would be like the grains of sand. Yes, and God said in chapter 48, “See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of misery.” The time has come to try again. God will free Israel from Babylon. They will leave shouting, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob!” Yes, there is hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you offer us hope, love, relationship, mercy, blessing. You also remind us that we are prone to chasing after the things of this world as our selfish nature rises up. If only we ever chose you. If only we always were holy and faithful. Like Israel, we fail again and again. Yet with you there is always hope. You long to redeem us. You do so again and again. Thank you, God. Amen.