pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Following Jesus

Reading: John 14:1-7

John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

As we close this week, we turn to John 14. In verses 1-7, Jesus again speaks of his upcoming death. This is not the first time the disciples have heard Jesus speak of his death and resurrection. Yet it is a subject that disturbs and worries them each time. I think we’d feel the same way. Death is a difficult and uncomfortable subject.

In verses 1-4 Jesus offers the disciples and us some comfort and hope. He begins with a reminder to trust in God and in Jesus himself. This will help with the worry and other troubles. Jesus then speaks of heaven as a place with “many rooms” and of returning so that “where I am you will be too.” In this hard and broken world, it is good to know that we have a wonderful place prepared for us. It is a place that we get to know a bit as we live out our faith here on earth.

Thomas wants more information. They don’t fully understand what Jesus is talking about. Sure, they understand death, but this “in three days” stuff? Into his questioning, Jesus tells them and us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is the way to build the kingdom here on earth so that we will one day be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. He is the truth that leads us as we discern the path to walk in this broken and hurting world. And Jesus is life – full and abundant now, glorious and eternal one day. Knowing Jesus, we know God. Following Jesus’ example, we draw closer and closer to God. Day by day, may this ever be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for sending Jesus, our example of your love and grace fully lived out. Although we often fall short, continue to call us to more. Redeem us and draw us closer and closer to your heart. And use us, O Lord. Use us to build your kingdom of love here on earth. Amen.


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God Remains

Reading: Psalm 42: 6-11

Verse 8: “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is within me – a prayer to the God of my life”.

Psalm 42 is an honest Psalm. The psalmist looks deep within and admits the hurt and pain and then asks God, why? Why must I be downcast? Why must my soul feel so disturbed? Where are you God? These are honest, heartfelt questions. They are questions we have all felt like asking before. In fact, if we are feeling like asking them now we can be sure that there are people around us who feel this way.

Even though there is no shortage of hurting in our world, we are reluctant to bring this to light with our friends and especially with our God. We do not like to share what we feel is bad news. We do not want to reveal our cracks and weaknesses. We fear driving away our friends. So we try and hold it in. We try and bottle it up. And then there is God. God is the God of love and light and hope. How could I bring this to God? We can and do seek relief or guidance, but to lay our hurts and pains bare before God feels as if we are being too exposed, too vulnerable, too weak…

In verse 8 we read, “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is within me – a prayer to the God of my life”. The psalmist chooses to remain connected to God day and night. Even though he is struggling and is full of questions and hurt, he stays connected. In the prayer that is the Psalm, he asks the questions. Why God? Why? And God’s response? God listens. God hears. There is no immediate resolution, no quick answers. But there is a connection to God, a relationship that is alive and well. God wants to walk with us always – whether we are full of joys, lost in sorrows, or anywhere in between. This is the message of Psalm 42.

The psalmist closes with hope. He is in the valley and has invited God into the valley. God is there. He also knows that the eternal God will remain. “I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God”. We are never alone. God remains.

Prayer: God, for those who feel disconnected and troubled today, help me to enter their valley and to be present. Help me then to be love and light and hope. Guide me to share your abiding presence with another today. Amen.