pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Open Hearts

Reading: Matthew 10:5-23

Matthew 10:7 – “As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.'”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

Having named and empowered the twelve, moving forward in chapter 10, Jesus gives the disciples instructions for when they go out into the world. The first is this: “As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.'” We recall how Jesus did this in the ordinary, daily living of his life. In all that he said and did, Jesus proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God. His vocation was prophet, preacher, and healer. For some of us, ministry may be our vocation too. But for many it is not. Many are bankers or construction workers or nurses or stay-at-home parents or… Yet make no mistake, all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are called to proclaim and to bring near to others the good news with our lives. While I do offer a message on Sundays and teach a small group here and there, much of the work of my witness to the world occurs outside of the physical church building.

As the passage continues to unfold, we note how Jesus tells us to go. Don’t take a bunch of stuff with you – all you need is in your heart. Don’t expect everyone to instantly commit their lives to Jesus Christ – maybe a few will but it is a process for most. Expect to be harassed and maybe even abused. The good news convicts sin. Change is hard. Move from place to place, person to person. Be present and meet needs – physical, emotional, spiritual… Trust that the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say in the moment. Trust that your compassion and love will touch many hearts, opening the door for Jesus to enter those hearts. As we work to bring near and to build the kingdom in our time and place, may the Lord bless the harvest!

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts to your presence. Fill us with your Spirit and open our eyes to see those you place in our lives. Seeing, give us the words to say and show us the steps to take so that the list may be drawn to you. Use us today to bring the good news to the world. Amen.


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Experiencing God’s Power

Reading: John 11:1-16

John 11:4 – “This illness isn’t fatal. It’s for the glory of God so that God’s Son can be glorified through it.”

Leading into John 11, Jesus has withdrawn from Jerusalem. He has clashed sharply with the “Jewish opposition.” These religious leaders have threatened to stone Jesus. While Jesus and the disciples are spending time on the other side of the Jordan, away from danger, Lazarus becomes ill. Jesus is close to Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. He frequently stays at their home in Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem. The sisters send word to Jesus about Lazarus’ illness. Mary and Martha then sit and wait, like the psalmist, hoping for the Lord to show up. They have sent for Jesus because they believe that he can heal their brother.

Jesus shares this with his disciples: “This illness isn’t fatal. It’s for the glory of God so that God’s Son can be glorified through it.” This glory will come later, outside the tomb near Bethany. This is why Jesus delays two days. Meanwhile, Mary and Martha sit by Lazarus’ side, praying for God’s mercy, waiting for Jesus to show up. They wait with hope. When Jesus decides it is time to go to Bethany, the disciples question his decision. They know the very real threat that sits in Jerusalem. Thomas is even willing to go along so that they may die with Jesus. Jesus is not afraid. He knows his hour has not yet come. It is now time to go to Lazarus, to “wake him up.” Clarifying for the disciples, Jesus tells them, “Lazarus has died.” Jesus notes that this is unfolding in this way “so that you can believe.” Much teaching, learning, and growing unfolds as we finish this story of resurrection and life on Friday.

When has an experience deepened your belief in Jesus? While a few of us have experienced a “near-death” encounter or a “miracle cure” from cancer, most of us experience God’s power in the ordinary of life: the “door” that opens, the whisper or nudge that leads to redemption or reconciliation, the peace in the storm. Each time that we experience God’s power and notice the encounter, our faith deepens and grows. Today, may we pause and reflect on our own “God moments,” giving thanks for the many, many ways that God is good.

Prayer: Lord God, there was purpose and meaning in all that Jesus did and said. The same is true for all that you and the Spirit do and say in our lives today. Open our eyes, hearts, and minds to your power at work in, through, and around us. Guide us to believe in your power, even to bring life from death. Amen.


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Loved, Seen, Heard

Reading: John 4:4-42

John 4:14b – “The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

In this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus meets a woman at the well. They are different in many ways. Some of these differences typically create barriers between folks like them. The man-woman and Jew-Samaritan distinctions that creates division in most cases is not present for Jesus. This woman is seen by Jesus and is loved by Jesus. He draws her into conversation, hearing her express the differences that have been barriers in her life. Jesus works past these barriers that she brings up and is aware of. He offers her the gift of abundant life: “The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life.”

The woman at the well is drawn to Jesus – love and welcome and invitation will do that. She returns to town and offers an invitational question to the townspeople: “Could this man be the Christ?” Could this man be the one Jews and Samaritans have been waiting for? Could this man be the one with the power to change your life? Her “come and see” question is an invitation, an evangelistic prompting.

In this story Jesus sets for us an example to follow. He treats this woman as a friend, building a relationship with her. There is no flashy miracle or amazing parable or teaching. Jesus makes her feel loved, seen, and heard. May this be the pattern and example we follow as we meet folks. Doing so, may others come to believe in the Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us today to truly live with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Open our eyes to see the belovedness in all people. Open our hearts to love all of those created in your image. Open our lives to relationships and conversations that draw people into your love for them. Amen.


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A Clean Heart, A Faithful Spirit

Reading: Psalm 51:1-17

Psalm 51:10 – “Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!”

Today’s Psalm is believed to be David’s response to Nathan confronting him about his great sins around Bathsheba. When he realized the depth of his sin, David became deeply remorseful. While adultery and murder are serious sins, we must keep in mind that any and all sin separates us from God. There are no levels or degrees of separation from God’s view.

David seeks God’s mercy and cleansing. Only God can offer these means of grace and newness. David longs to be made clean so that he can “hear joy and celebration again.” He wants to be restored. And he wants to be able to teach others – so they can return to God as well.

In the Psalm we see an acknowledgement of our human condition. David admits “my sin is always right in front of me.” Sin is ever knocking at the door of our heart. While our sins can certainly affect others, sin primarily affects our relationship with God. It is God alone that has the power to change our hearts and, in turn, to create the praise that comes from a heart tuned to God.

Because God desires truth and wisdom in “the most hidden places” (in our hearts,) David invites God to “create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!” God alone empowers us in our battle with sin. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can our “broken spirit” become a “faithful spirit,” the sacrifice that God desires. Dying to our old self, breaking that worldly pull, we open ourselves to living as a child of the light. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, bring us again and again to the place where David is at in this Psalm. Bring us to the place of honesty with ourselves and with you, to the space where we can lay all of our sin before you, begging to be made new again. Walk forward from there with us, O God, encouraging and empowering us to be Spirit-filled creations, living joy, bringing you glory and praise. Amen.


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Worthy is the Lamb

Reading: Revelation 3-5

Revelation 5:5 – “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.”

Chapter 3 concludes the messages to the seven churches. The church in Sardis looks good on the surface but is really dead. They need to remember what they first learned, changing hearts and lives. If so, their names will be declared in heaven. The church in Philadelphia has little power but they have stood strong. They will be pillars in heaven, names written there. And Laodicea… neither hot nor cold, just lukewarm. This church is perhaps most relevant today. Jesus is about to “spit them out.” They are “miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, naked.” Yet Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If they hear and open the door, he will come in and be with them. If they emerge victorious, they will sit with Jesus on his throne in heaven.

Chapters 4 and 5 shift to heaven as John enters his second Spirit-led trance. At the center God sits on the throne. 24 elders on thrones surround God. There are seven torches and four living creatures before the throne of God. The creatures have six wings and are covered all over with eyes. They never rest but praise God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” The elders join in the praise, declaring God to be the one worthy of glory, honor, and power.

John then noticed that there is a scroll in the hand of God. He weeps because no one is worthy to open it. Then an elder says, “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.” The Lamb, Jesus Christ, comes and takes the scroll. The elders, the living creatures, millions of angels, and all of creation praises and worships the Lamb, the one who was slain. What a glorious day it will be!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reality check as we began today. Draw us out of the comfy middle ground. Empower us to stand boldly for you. And thank you for the peak into heaven, for the reminder of your majesty and power, for the reminder of who and what the Christ child will be and become. All praise and honor and glory are yours! Amen.


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Narrow and High

Reading: Luke 13-14

Luke 13:24 – “Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and won’t be able to.”

Today we largely center on Jesus’ call to “change your hearts and lives.” He begins by describing God’s patience. An owner wants to cut down an unproductive fig tree. The gardener asks for one more year – to tend to and fertilize the tree. The tree might produce fruit the next year. Faith is like a mustard seed or some yeast. It grows or spreads almost without notice. Patience is required. Yet the walk of faith is not easy or for the half-hearted. In 13:24 Jesus says, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and won’t be able to.” Then, in 14:33, he adds, “None of you who are unwilling to give up all your possessions can be my disciple.” The gate is narrow because the requirement is hard. God must be #1 in all aspects of our life.

Twice Jesus demonstrates that love and compassion trump the rules established by man. He heals two people in the Sabbath. We too will be asked to disregard man-made rules or expectations at times if we are to keep God #1 in our life. This “cost” – like the tower project – is necessary to keep in mind as one chooses Jesus as Lord and Savior and as one continues to walk as his disciple.

Jesus drills down on the superficial “faith” of the religious leaders. They jostle for the best seats at the table. Jesus preaches humility. They invite people just like themselves to their own parties. Jesus preaches inviting the lost and broken. Jesus laments over those who refuse to come to him. The hand, the invitation, it is always open, always extended. Until the door is closed. At that point our fate is decided.

Yes, the road is narrow and the expectation or requirement is high. For those who carry their cross daily, keeping God as their only priority, “Happy are those who will feast in God’s kingdom.” This is true now and in the kingdom to come. May it all be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, what do you require of us? It’s simple: keep you as the only occupant of the throne of our hearts. It’s also very difficult: keep you as the only occupant of the throne of our hearts. Lord, guide and encourage us daily as we seek to walk “the narrow way.” It is only possible with your presence. 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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God with Us

Reading: Genesis 4, Genesis 5

Genesis 4:10: “The Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.'”

Chapter 4 contains the story of Cain and Abel – Adam and Eve’s first two sons. Living outside of the garden because of their parents’ sin, Abel works as a shepherd and Cain as a farmer. These two brothers bring an offering to God. Cain brings some of his crops and Abel brings the firstborn, including their fat portions. God sees Abel’s offering as “favorable,” angering Cain. At times we all come to this place that Cain came to – realizing that our offering to God was less than what it could or should have been. Maybe it was a half-hearted effort with that neighbor. Maybe we came to worship with a really poor attitude. When the realization comes that we fell short, we too can get angry. It’s always harder to look within.

Even though God warns Cain – “sin will be waiting at your door ready to strike” – Cain still allows his anger to smolder, leading him to murder Abel. God knows yet asks, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” God is not searching for the answer but for remorse and repentance. None is found. Cain even doubles down, denying any knowledge of what has happened to Abel. As a result, Cain is moved further from community. He is to be a wandering nomad. Punishment at least brings a hint of remorse. Even here, God’s grace remains present. Isolated, alone, vulnerable, God marks Cain with a sign, protecting him from harm. Like Cain, as bad as we can become, God remains with us.

Chapter 5 brings a list of descendants. Many are just names. They lived a long time before the flood – 930, 912, 962… All but Enoch died. He was “taken up,” presumably because he walked faithfully with God. As sin continues to grow, this rapidly becomes less common. The list of singular descendants branches out at Noah. Each of his three sons will have a role in the ongoing story of God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for always being with us, even in our sin. Thank you for not giving up on us and for always trying to work us towards your good plans. Please forgive us when we go astray, pursuing other things. Thank you for your love and grace. Amen.


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Stepping Forward

Reading: Exodus 14:19-31

Verse 22: “The Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.”

In our time with this passage yesterday we focused on God’s role in the story. Today we shift to the Israelites. This focus allows us to enter the story too.

The Israelites have been slaves in Egypt for 400 years. Many generations have come and gone since Joseph brought his family there to survive a famine. Slavery in Egypt is all they now know. It is a hard life, but it is home, and there is routine. It is the only home and life that any have ever known. Now they find themselves out in the desert, trapped. Have you ever felt like you were in a similar situation, trapped?

Their leader, Moses, stretches out his hand and parts the sea. The water walls up, a path in the middle forms. In our difficult situations, God can open a door or show us a path to walk. To move forward, to find peace, to begin anew – it requires a step of faith. Those walls of water – standing tall against every fiber of logic – those are what the Israelites must walk through. Imagine what that would be like!

When we are called to move forward, it often feels like this. Like it was with the Israelites, these difficult steps are taking us to someplace new, to a place that is unknown and unfamiliar. And like the Israelites, may we step forward in faith and trust, knowing that the Lord our God goes with us, leading us forward in love.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for always being there, for joining me where I am at. Thank you for coming alongside me, helping and guiding me to move forward. Thank you for the strength and courage. Thank you for the faith and trust. Continue to be our God of provision and of love. Amen.


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TBTG

Reading: Romans 11:1-2a: “I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew.”

Rejection. This is something that we can easily do to one another. Human beings can quickly find all sorts of reasons to reject someone: they were mean to me… they lied to me… they didn’t do what they said they’d do… they are not like me… they see things differently than I do… they believe things that I don’t… The list could go on and on. We’ve both rejected others and we’ve felt the sting of rejection. This is an intimate subject.

A couple of the things on the list above (and probably a few more) have created division between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians in Rome. Paul spent all of chapter 10 discussing Israel’s unbelief. Most of the Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. They rejected him. The issue creating the rift and the question that Paul addresses today is this: Has God, in turn, rejected Israel? “In turn” is often why we reject someone – they don’t like me so I don’t like them!

Paul answers the question emphatically: “By no means!” Thanks be to God, right? Thanks be to God because God has every right to ask all those things listed above about you and me. Regularly. Yet rejection does not follow. Paul writes, “God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew.” The key here is “whom God foreknew.” God designed us, knowing we’re imperfect. God created us for relationship with God, knowing we’re prone to sin and failure. Is God “sad” that people reject a relationship with God? For sure! But the door never closes. It is always open. Again we say, thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, I am so grateful for your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. Without these I’d have been lost forever years and years ago. Guide my response to be to live and be in this world this way too – seeing everyone as worthy and beloved. Use me as an example of your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. Amen.