pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Do as I Do

Reading: John 13:12-17 and 34-35

John 13:15 – “I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

After washing the disciples’ feet, all twelve pairs, Jesus returns to the table. He asks them, “Do you know what I’ve done for you?” Jesus is not going for “washed our feet.” Acknowledging his role as Teacher and Lord, he calls them to also be willing to wash each other’s feet. A disciple was to model the sacrifices made by their teacher, to follow their example. Jesus reiterates this cultural norm when he says, “I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.” Do as I do.

Now, this is just an example. Foot washing isn’t the only act of service Jesus calls his disciples to. He intentionally chose the lowest, most menial task in their present setting to illustrate his call to serving one another. We will all face unpleasant, menial, low-level tasks and situations. Will we humbly and willingly choose to serve or will we look around to see who we can force to do said task…? Jesus says: do as I do.

Jesus then elevates the call as we get to verses 34-35. I, you, we can go through the motions. We can do the hard thing when others are watching. Here Jesus calls his disciples to an always command to “love one another.” Fleshing this command out, he says, “Just as I have loved you, so you must love one another.” His love was unconditional covenant love. It is a love that remains committed and obedient no matter what. Of this kind of love, Jesus says, do as I do. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it would be easier to just kinda love like you love. Maybe we could pick and choose? Oh, but you loved Judas. You washed his feet, just like the rest. And Peter’s too. If there were any not to pick that night… Lord, help us to do as you do, to love as you love. Guide us to live out the love that you modeled 24/7. Help us to love this way. Amen.


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He Is the Lord

Readings: 1st Samuel 1, 1st Samuel 2, 1st Samuel 3

1st Samuel 3:18 – “He is the LORD. He will do as he pleases.”

Photo credit: Nathan Lemon

As we turn to 1st Samuel we see that much of the feeling of Judges carries over. Israel is still a place of suffering, pain, and sin. God feels silent. Our reading opens with the birth story of Samuel. Elkanah has two wives. Hannah is barren and Peninnah, the secondary wife, has many children. There is great tension. On one of the yearly pilgrimages, Hannah pours out her heart to God. She is so distraught, Eli the priest assumes she is drunk. But after hearing her heart, Eli blesses her. God does too. After he is weaned, Hannah brings an offering and gives Samuel to the Lord. They worship and Hannah lifts a song to God.

We then learn that Eli’s son’s are “despicable.” They steal from the Lord’s sacrifices (by force if necessary) and they have sex with the women serving at the meeting tent’s entrance. Eli confronts them but they don’t change. God has a change already in the works. Samuel continues to grow up, becoming “more and more liked by God and by the people.” Then a “man of God” visits Eli, telling him of the utter downfall of his house. His sons will die and God will establish a “trustworthy priest.” Eli seems to simply accept this.

In chapter 3 we read about Samuel’s call. God’s word and visions were rare at that time. God was mostly silent. While lying down in the temple, God calls out to Samuel. He thinks it is Eli calling. After the third time, Eli realizes that it is God calling Samuel. He responds as instructed: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” God reveals the downfall of Eli’s house. Samuel does not want to share this news, but does, showing his metal as a prophet. Eli knows what is happening. His response to this news: “He is the LORD. He will do as he pleases.” Eli knows his own failures. He knows the depravity of his sons. And he knows the truth that the chapter closes with: “All Israel… knew that Samuel was trustworthy.”

Prayer: Lord God, we continue today with the good and the bad: Hannah and Peninnah, Samuel and Eli’s sons. Your presence is revealed in the good. There we find faithfulness and obedience to you. Guide us to walk in your ways too. There we will experience your presence and your goodness. Amen.


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Who Will Rescue?

Reading: Romans 7:15-25

Verse 21: “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.”

Photo credit: Mahdi Bafande

Today’s “do” and “don’t” phrases are a lot to work through. There is great honesty, though, as Paul reflects on the state of his soul. Even though we are created in the image of God, and even though we have the spark of the divine in us, and even though we, like Paul, “have the desire to do good,” we too “cannot carry it out.” We are prone to sin. It is our human nature.

In verse 21 Paul honestly writes, “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” This too is our unfortunate reality. Temptation and sin are never far off. There is an almost constant battle that rages in us between good and evil. In our hearts we too “delight in God’s law.” And we also “have another law” that is at work within us, always trying to separate us from God. This can range from a simple snide comment or judging others in our mind to lust and greed to theft or adultery or worse. In verse 24 Paul candidly admits, “What a wretched man I am.”

Before we feel that it’s impossible or that all is lost, Paul reminds us of the truth and promise that we find in Christ. He asks, “Who will rescue me?” And in response he writes, “Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus can and will rescue him. Jesus can and will rescue us. Thanks be to God indeed!

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen my inner being. Attune my ears and heart better to your Spirit. Build up the good and encourage me as I seek to resist evil. Day by day root me in Christ. Help me to grow more and more each day into who you made me to be. Amen.


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To Know One…

Reading: John 14:7-14

Verse 9: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

Photo credit: Alexander Gray

In the second half of our John 14 passage Jesus makes some connections and a promise that comes from these connections. He begins by asserting that “if you really knew me, you would know the Father as well.” Here Jesus is affirming that he is the incarnation of God – God come in the flesh. As one of my devotionals put it this morning: “they are two separate but interconnected persons of one essence; to know one is to know the other” (Tanya Marlowe, Disciplines, page 45.) For the disciples this was a hard concept to wrap their heads around. In their Hebrew scriptures to physically see God brought death; to touch the ark of the covenant, the place God dwelt, brought death. To equate that God to this walking and talking Jesus was hard for them.

Jesus presses on, stating, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus’ life, teachings, example – all came from the essence of God within him. He points to the miracles as further proof of this connection. Having experienced all this for almost three years, they must’ve been connecting some dots. And then Jesus hints at more, beginning to push the essence of God a step further. In verse 12 Jesus tells the disciples, “anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing… even greater things.” There is a hint of the Holy Spirit here – the third separate but interconnected persons of one essence. This will lead to Jesus in them, to Jesus in us. Their (and our) knowledge of God will grow deeper and stronger as this new connection takes up residence in them.

And lastly comes the promise: “I will do whatever you ask in my name.” We cannot stop after six words. We can ask for anything, yes. But if it is not done in and through the indwelling presence of God within us, then it is not of Jesus. Again, here Jesus points to connection – God in Jesus, in the Spirit, in us. May we ever be led by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, be in me today as the Father was in you: fully, completely, totally. In all I say and do and think, lead and guide me. With this connection may I reflect you to the world this day and every day. Amen.


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Do Good

Reading: Galatians 6:1-10

Verse 9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

As Paul draws the letter to the Galatians to a close he focuses in on “Doing Good to All.” That’s the title given to this section by my Bibles translators. Paul opens by encouraging believers to restore one another when someone sins and to carry each other’s burdens. He invites them to have an honest appraisal of themselves and to strive to carry ones own load. These ideas connect back to Paul’s analogy of the church being one body, woven together as God intended.

Paul pivots slightly in verse 7, reminding us that God sees deeper than easily observable actions. Here Paul writes, “A man [or woman] reaps what he [or she] sows.” Paul fleshes this out in verse 8. If we sow to please our sinful nature, we will reap destruction. If we sow to please the Spirit, we will reap eternal life. An example: if we help a brother or sister in their struggle with an addiction to make ourselves feel better or to gain some gossip fodder, then we sow with evil intent and will reap destruction. If we instead help with a pure heart and an honest desire to restore this person, then we will receive eternal rewards from God.

In verses 9 and 10 Paul recognizes a reality of the Christian life. What we reap isn’t always immediately identifiable. In verse 9 he writes, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Paul is calling us to trust God with the outcome. Do what is right and good and holy and then trust God with the results. Paul then closes this section by encouraging us to do all the good, whenever we can. He says take every opportunity that we are given to share the love of Jesus Christ with the world. May it be so for you and for me this day.

Prayer: Lord God, grant me a willing spirit today. Give me energy to spread your love abroad in any way that I can today. Amen.


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All We Do

Reading: Isaiah 12: 2-6

Verse 4: “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what God has done.”

Today’s words from Isaiah are titled “A Song of Praise.” This is an appropriate title and great content for this time of year. During the Advent season we focus on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our world is more aware of faith in this season. In the previous chapter in the book of Isaiah the prophet details the coming of the branch of Jesse – the one who “will stand as a banner for all peoples.” In this chapter Isaiah celebrates the justice and righteousness that will typify Jesus. Today’s words are a song of praise in response to God’s gift of Jesus Christ.

One can sense the elation in verse two: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid… the Lord is my strength and my song.” Yes! God is our salvation. God’s no matter what love allows us to live with trust and without fear. God gives us strength in moments of need and gives us words of praise in times of thanksgiving and worship. It is both wonderful and beautiful to acknowledge all that God does for those who love and follow the Lord.

We turn to our evangelical charge in verse four. Here we read, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what God has done.” As disciples we call on God to help us make Jesus Christ known. We are to share with the world what Jesus Christ has done and does for us – how Jesus changed our life and continues to change our life. Our good news of Jesus Christ is good news to share with the world so that others can come to know the Lord and Savior. May all we do “shout aloud and sing for joy” of the good news of the “Holy One of Israel” and of all the world.

Prayer: Lord God, may I raise my voice in praise and my hands in service. In all I do and say may others be touched by your love and power. Use me to reveal your love for all of humanity. Amen.


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Hearing and Doing

Reading: James 1: 22-27

Verse 22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

In today’s part of our James passage for this week, we dive into one of the realities of the faith: following Jesus all of the time is hard. There are many voices and many interests competing for our time, our attention, and our devotion. Faith is but one of them. As a couple of small examples, how many times have you caught yourself mid-sermon thinking about your to-do list or next activity for Sunday afternoon? Or… have you ever heard a message about God’s love and grace only to scream at the innocent but rambunctious children on the drive home?

In verse 22 James says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Don’t show up for an hour on Sunday and forget all you’ve heard as you exit the church. Don’t get up early to read your Bible if you do not allow the words you read to change you. Don’t ‘practice’ your faith without applying it to your real life. Don’t fool yourself or others into thinking you’re all ‘religious’ when you’re just going through the motions. James’ illustration is the man who looks in the mirror then immediately forgets what he looks like. Sometimes, though, we don’t even get this far. Sometimes we don’t want to look, to allow our faith to speak into our lives because we either won’t like what we see or we don’t want to make that change. Other times we just look quickly, not really wanting to truly see. We don’t want to address that wrong or we don’t really want to deal with that person just then.

James calls us to look “intently into the perfect law” so that we can really hear and actually do God’s will, being blessed in the process. This is because there is a freedom to fully living out one’s faith. There are no stones left unturned, no ‘other shoes’ to drop. Living faithfully, there are no woulda-coulda-shoulda regrets. To really commit to who we are in Christ and then to go for living into that – it’s freeing. Cares and concerns for the things of this world fall away. Again, it is not easy, but how it is freeing!

Our passage closes with a frequent topic for James: the tongue. He really delves into it in chapter three. Today’s context comes within the framework of doing, not just hearing the word. To fully live into our faith we would take great care in how we talk to others. When we fail to be kind and gentle in our speech, we do harm. If we allow our tongue to harm others, then we are deceiving ourselves, our “religion is worthless.” By our very words we should set ourselves apart from the world. Deceiving ourselves and others is not how God calls us to live. James reminds us of part of our call: to care for the helpless and to remain unstained by the world and its ways.

In word and deed, may all we say and do bring glory to God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is so easy to drift spiritually, to allow the things of the world to creep in, to let those words slip from our lips. We are called to a walk of faith that is 24/7. It is not a walk of convenience or comfort. So gird up my heart, fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit, keep me ever true to you, O God. May it be so. Amen.


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His Plan

Reading: 2nd Samuel 7: 1-14a

Verse 2: “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent”.

Photo credit: Erik Van Dijk

As King David has time to reflect – God has settled him in the palace and has given him “rest from all his enemies” – he thinks of his home and God’s home. David lives in a beautiful palace of cedar and God Almighty lives in a tent. This strikes David as wrong. Consulting with Nathan the prophet a decision is made to build God a proper home. Then, in the night, God says, ‘Hold on a minute’.

Have you ever been down this road? Have you ever thought you’d do something nice for God – without asking God? God speaks to Nathan in a vision and he relays it to David. God basically says, ‘When did I ask for a house’? The short answer is ‘never’. God then turns the tables, reminding David that God is in charge. He’s the one who took David from shepherd to king, from pasture to palace.

When have you felt like doing something for God because God has blessed you or because you were comfortable? Or… when have you thought you should do something for God because you felt guilty about the above? It is a fine line, isn’t it?

I think David’s heart was in the right place. Realizing all that God had done for him, he wanted to express his thanks. We find ourselves here too. Sometimes we will be moved by the Spirit to offer an act of kindness or some other expression of gratitude. If not and we feel as David did, let us begin with prayer, seeking the will of God. It will then be according to his plan, not ours. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, keep me closely connected to you. Whisper to me through the Holy Spirit, respond to bended knee. Lead and guide me to do your will. Amen.


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Expressing Love

Reading: Romans 12: 9-21

Verse 17: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody”.

In our passage today Paul is speaking of how to live as a Christian. He does not separate how to live within the faith community from how to live in the world. How we act and speak and do within our faith communities should be how we act and speak and do out in the world. In this letter, Paul is speaking to the church in Rome. They are a diverse church, just like many of our churches. Our bodies of Christ represent many ages, occupations, politics, and so forth. In an ideal world, our church would reflect or match our community and vice versa.

As he gets down to the actual practice of love, Paul encourages the church to share with those in need and to practice hospitality. He encourages them to walk through life together – weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who are rejoicing. Paul lifts up the goal of living in harmony with each other. He warns them not to be proud but to associate with everyone. These are all ways that we express or demonstrate the genuine and sincere love that he spoke of at the beginning of this section. While some of these can be challenging or can stretch us a bit, they are all things we can accomplish for our family and friends and fellow church members. But Paul is not concerned just with how we treat this group of people.

Sprinkled into today’s passage are also some exhortations that we might prefer to read past. Paul exhorts us to bless those who persecute us and warns us about our responses: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody”. He also cautions us against seeking or taking revenge. Paul is directing us to love sincerely those who are not showing us love but disdain, dislike, and even hatred towards us. This can be quite the challenge. There is ample proof of this on many social media platforms. Instead of walking the road of evil, Paul encourages us to love and care for our enemies. Mirroring Jesus’ words concerning heaven-worthy behavior, Paul directs us to feed our enemies when they are hungry and to give them a drink when they are thirsty. The burning coals are the angst they will feel inside about giving poor treatment to the ones who show them love.

“As far as it depends on you”, may we heed Paul’s words, seeking today and every day to “live at peace with everyone”. As far as it depends on you… In our own little worlds, it all depends on us. May we each be the light and love, the hands and feet, the eyes and hearts of Christ each day.

Prayer: Loving God, guide me to be obedient to you in all ways and at all times. May who I am at home and at church and at the ballgame… be the same. May I be your love lived out in all ways, in all places, and for all people. Help me to treat one and all with your same love and compassion. Amen.


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Do Not Worry

Reading: Matthew 10: 1-23

Verses 19-20: “Do not worry about what to say or how to say it… it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit”.

Yesterday we read and heard about the harvest being plentiful but the workers being few. Today Jesus gathers the twelve disciples and sends them out to the towns and villages to minister to the Jews. Jesus empowers them to preach that the kingdom is near and to heal and to drive out demons. The disciples are to travel light and to rely on the hospitality of worthy persons. But Jesus also warns them of the hardships to come. Some will not accept the disciples’ teaching and they will be like sheep among wolves – not an imaginary scenario anyone would want to step into. As modern day disciples we can relate to what Jesus is talking about. We too can experience these hardships when we try and share our faith. The way of the Lord is often rejected and the messengers endure criticism and rejection and worse. We can feel like we too have been drug before the authorities.

Just as the twelve were probably about to start questioning their assignment, Jesus reassures them that they do not go alone. He says to them, “Do not worry about what to say or how to say it… it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit”. Jesus in Spirit will go with them. He will strengthen and encourage them. He will give them the words to speak and will show them how to best present the message. Jesus also reminds them that “he who stands firm to the end will be saved”. No matter what they face out there in the world, Jesus will be with them. Trust as you go today and Jesus will be with you as well!

Prayer: Leading God, as I seek to stand firm and to share the good news of Jesus Christ, strengthen and encourage me by the power of your Holy Spirit. May the words I speak be your words and may the actions I take reflect and shine the love of Christ into the world. Amen.