pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: eternal


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Rooted in Belief

Reading: John 6:25-35

John 6:29 – “Jesus replied, ‘This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.'”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In today’s gospel reading Jesus redirects the peoples’ focus. The day before, this crowd had been part of the miracle known as “the feeding of the 5,000.” They have followed the disciples to Capernaum, hoping to find Jesus there, hoping for more bread. He quickly points out that they missed the work of the divine within the feeding miracle. All they “saw” was the food. Jesus tells them to quit working for that temporal “food” and instead to seek “the food that endures for eternal life.”

We too need to hear these words of Jesus because we often strive after temporal things. Even in our lives of faith, our striving can become like checking boxes. Yup, went to church on Sunday. Read my Bible this week. Check. Prayed for my neighbor in need. Check that one too! Hearing the call to the eternal, the crowd asks Jesus what we can ask: “What must we do?” Jesus’ response is a redirect. It’s not about doing at all. Jesus says to the crowd and to us: “This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.” Faith starts with belief in Jesus and it grows from this foundational place.

Even though Jesus’ direction seems clear to us, the crowd again asks, “What sign will you do…” A million miracles in themselves will not lead to faith. The choice for faith, again, begins with belief in Jesus as the one who is “the bread of life,” the one who satisfies our eternal hungers and thirsts. In time, yes, faith through belief will lead to experiencing God’s power and presence in ways that feel miraculous and will lead to service in the kingdom of God. But faith must always be rooted in our belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we can do easily get caught up in striving after things, in checking boxes to assure ourselves of our progress. Help us to understand that it is not in the doing that “things” happen. Instead, lead us to trust that you alone are the one “doing” the work, even when we are serving you and others. Grounded in our belief in you alone, may our faith in you witness to your powerful presence in our lives and in the world. Amen.


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But as For You…

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:6-16

1st Timothy 6:11 – “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

Photo credit: Caleb Jones

As we turn to 1st Timothy today and tomorrow, we see that idolatry is still a struggle for the people of God. The situation is no different today. In Paul’s day, false teachers were trying to get rich instead of trying to save souls. They bickered with one another because their motivation was selfish. In verse 7 Paul writes this eternal truth: “We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it.” In Paul’s day, just as it is today, many who were trying to get rich were falling into all kinds of temptations. This sad reality leads Paul to this observation: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” We could easily substitute power, status, popularity… for the word “money.”

Starting in verse 11, Paul presents a different way of living. In this verse he commands Timothy (and us) to this way of living: “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.” To live in the will and ways of God contrasts sharply with living in the ways of the world. Instead of seeking personal gain in many forms, a life of faith leads us to first love God and then to love neighbor. The focus on self is minimalized as we pursue righteousness, holy living… Paul goes on to encourage Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To live counter to our human tendency towards selfishness is indeed a fight. To give oneself in humble service to God and others – yes, it is a fight. But it is a fight that yields contentment in this life and joy in the life to come. May we daily choose to fight the good fight of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, so many voices, so many things tell us to gather, to hoard, to accumulate. Yet it is so clear that these behaviors do not bring peace or contentment or joy or anything else truly good to our lives. You alone are the giver of all that is truly good. Guide us, O Lord, to pursue you above all else, leading us to walk faithfully in your will and ways. Amen.


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Stewarding Well

Reading: Luke 16:1-9

Luke 16:2 – “Give me a report of your administration because you can no longer serve as my manager.”

Today’s parable follows another parable about wasting what we’re given. In chapter 15 a young man wasted his place in the family and then wasted his inheritance. He does eventually recognize his selfish and sinful behavior, coming home to receive grace and forgiveness. In today’s parable a rich man finds out that his household manager “was wasting his estate.” He was not stewarding well what he had been entrusted with. I wonder, how often does God look at us and see that we are wasting the good gifts and blessings that we have been given by our heavenly Father?

Knowing his time as mangager was limited, the man acts quickly – “cleverly.” One by one he calls in those who owe his master oil or wheat or whatever. The manager treats wealth as if it had no intrinsic value, benefiting others in the present moment so that he will be benefited in the future. The master recognizes how well the manager has stewarded his gift, just as others who belong to this world do in the present.

Jesus then encourages his followers to use their wealth (and gifts) in the same way – to do good for others in the present world. He tells them that doing good in this world, using well what they’ve been given, will one day reap a future welcome into “eternal homes.” For us, maybe wealth is a blessing that we can steward well here and now. Or maybe we have a gift for teaching or caring for others or a talent in music or administration… These gifts are things that we can steward well to benefit others in this present age. If we choose to waste (or to hoard) what we’ve been given by God, then we too will one day hear, “Give me a report of your administration because you can no longer serve as my manager.”

Prayer: Lord God, give us pause today and lead us to look within, to reflect on how we are using the gifts and blessings that you have given to each of us. Guide us to steward well these talents or wealth to benefit others now, building your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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All of the Glory

Reading: 1st Timothy 1:12-17

1st Timothy 1:13 – “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith.”

Photo credit: Matt Botsford

Paul, as Saul, was one of those anti-Christian people. As he recollects in the first part of verse 13, he used to speak against Jesus and used to attack Jesus’ “people.” Saul was proud of his religion – Judaism. Connecting to yesterday’s idea of “practical atheists,” this is how the early Christians would have seen Saul. He did not understand or even accept Jesus. Saul’s actions and words strongly opposed Christ and his disciples.

Then Saul had his “come to Jesus” moment. In his words, “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith.” Christ changed his heart. Looking back on his past life as a Pharisee, Paul now sees himself then as “the biggest sinner of all.” This view is from Paul’s new understanding of what faithful living is. He recognized how Jesus came, lived, and died both to set and example of how to live a faithful and righteous life and to save people from their sins. Christ’s “endless patience” was demonstrated in Paul’s life and conversion. Now he lives to be an example of Christ so that others will come to believe in Jesus.

Paul is very grateful that Jesus saved him. This is what leads Paul to offer these words of praise: “honor and glory to him forever.” The gift of relationship that Paul now knows, the gift that that leads to eternal life, is offered to all people. To the Saul’s of the world and to the practical atheists – even those inside of us at times – Jesus Christ still offers new life. As disciples of Jesus Christ, may we bear witness as Paul did, bringing the Lord our God all of the glory.

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to walk in relationship with you, work in our hearts so that we live in ways that bring you glory and honor. Use us as conduits of grace and mercy, opening others to the possibility of new and eternal life. Amen.


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Treasure in Heaven

Reading: Matthew 19:16-22

Matthew 19:22 – “But when the young man heard this, he went away saddened, because he had many possessions.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

In verse 16 a man approached Jesus and wanted to know what “good thing” must he do to get him into heaven. What must I do? The good part of this question is that the man has a concern about eternal life. In reality, I think everyone wants to go to heaven. But there are two issues here. First, the man believes it only takes so much to enter heaven. No, it requires surrendering our whole life to the will and way of God. Second, he thinks getting into heaven is about doing something good or even doing a lot of good things. No, there is no great balance scale that determines our merit for entry into eternal life. Living an earthly life worthy of eternal life is much more about being than doing. We are called to be Christ to the world.

Jesus responds by telling the man to keep the commands. Revealing the depth of issue one from above, the man asks, “Which ones?” In other words, keeping how many of the 600+ commands enables entry into heaven? Jesus lists six. The young man has kept these six commandments. But sensing there must be more to this than Jesus is letting on, he asks, “What still am I missing?” Addressing the reality of issue one in the man’s life, Jesus begins with, “If you want to be complete…” If you really want to surrender your life to God, then here is what you, in particular, must do.

Jesus tells the man, “Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor.” This kind of life surrender will store up treasure in heaven. Not money in the bank, but humility and generosity and compassion in the heart. These are the treasures of heaven – in this life and the life to come. But, alas, the man’s love of his “stuff” is too great. In the last verse we read, “But when the young man heard this, he went away saddened, because he had many possessions.”

For the man in this teaching, his possessions were on the throne of his heart. Maybe the same is true for you. Maybe this story felt convicting. Or maybe possessions are not your struggle. If it were me, for example, Jesus would say something along these lines: “John, give up that need to be in control, surrendering your pride as you trust others more.” Empowering others to be in service, building up their gifts, would be treasure in heaven. What is it that you need to work on surrendering in order to draw closer to being Christ in the world?

Prayer: Lord God, I ask that you would continue to work in me, chipping away at my pride, chiseling away at those other things that keep me from fully surrendering all of who I am to you. Do the same, O God, refining and transforming the hearts of all who desire to walk more closely with you. Empower each of us to more fully be Jesus’ hands and feet and hearts in the world. All for your glory. Amen.


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Our One Foundation

Reading: 1st Corinthians 3:10-17

1st Corinthians 3:11 – “No one can lay any other foundation besides the one that is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

During his missionary journeys, Paul planted many churches. As he moved on to other communities others took over the leadership of these new churches. In our passage today, Paul speaks into this transition. Paul reminds these new leaders that at the start of each church he “laid a foundation like a wise builder.” A wise builder would lay a foundation that was true and square. A good foundation is essential – it provides a stable and solid base for the next phases of building.

Paul then speaks to the continuing work of building the churches in Corinth. First, he writes, pay attention to what you are doing. Keep the focus. In verse 11 he writes, “No one can lay any other foundation besides the one that is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the true foundation, the truth that anchors the church. Keep the focus on Jesus.

Next Paul speaks to the quality of the building of the church. He makes a distinction here. Some apparently are teaching things equivalent to “wood, grass, or hay” – things that will not sustain the church and people’s faith, things that aren’t eternal truths, things that will “go up in flames.” Instead, teach those truths which are eternal, things of spiritual worth. Paul speaks of this kind of teaching akin to “gold, silver, precious stones” for the soul.

Our passage closes as Paul addresses the church – both corporately and individually. Those who seek to destroy the church, Paul says, will themselves be destroyed. To counter these efforts, Paul reminds them that each member of the church is holy, as are we. The Spirit will guide those in the church to remain holy as God is holy. Living this way, the church will be supported and sustained. May this be true for you, for me, and for the church.

Prayer: Lord God, walk with us daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Keep our eyes and hearts focused on Jesus Christ, our one foundation, the source of life and love and faith. Fill us with the teachings, truths, and promises that sustain and build our faith. Guard our hearts and minds against the things that lead us away from you. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Don’t Be Afraid

Reading: Matthew 10:26-31

Matthew 10:31 – “Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Photo credit: Saad Chaudhry

Today’s passage begins with “Therefore,” a great connecting word. Jesus has just finished talking to his disciples about standing firm, even though they will be persecuted for their faith. While persecution in this sense is not a true reality for most of us, there are costs to following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Choosing the path of discipleship means choosing not to live according to the ways of the world. While not usually physical, the costs to being a follower can be felt in other ways – financial, social, political…

Jesus begins by telling us not to be afraid of “those people” – the ones who persecute. We are reminded that in the end, all things will be brought into the open. In the final accounting, good and evil will be sifted. Encouraging us to be bold in our faith, we’re invited to be light in the darkness of our world, announcing our faith “from the rooftops.” Here we are being invited to live a life of faith that all can see and hear.

Returning to the final accounting, Jesus tells us not to fear earthly powers but to fear heavenly powers. This life is temporary. Our “soul” is eternal. Our passage closes with a reminder of our all-powerful, ever-present God’s love. Not a sparrow dies without God knowing it. Each hair on our head is counted. This is Jesus’ personal and intimate way of saying, ‘God’s got you… “Don’t be afraid.” Thank you Lord!

Prayer: Lord God, when we wander towards the bright and shiny tempting things of this world, draw us back to you. Remind us once again of your eternal love – one that will never fade or rust. Guide us to live a transparent and living faith, being truth and love and light in our broken world. Amen.


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It Will Happen

Reading: Daniel 2:40-45

Daniel 2:44 – “The God of heaven will raise up an everlasting kingdom that will be indestructible… It will stand firm forever.”

Today’s reading holds Daniel’s interpretation of one part of one of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams. At the start of this dream, Daniel tells the king that his mighty kingdom will fall. In time, the Medes will overthrow Babylon. Then a third kingdom (Persia) will rule for a time. This kingdom too will fall. Starting in verse 40 Daniel begins to prophesy a fourth kingdom, “mighty like iron.”

This fourth kingdom will be powerful and will smash all in its path. But it will also be a divided kingdom. Under Alexander the Great, Greece will rule the known world, including Palestine. Parts of the kingdom will be mighty, remaining loyal to Greece. Other parts will be fragile, turning away from Greece. The fragility will eventually bring down this mighty empire too.

The dream and interpretation suddenly jumps to the time when “The God of heaven will raise up an everlasting kingdom that will be indestructible… It will stand firm forever.” Unlike the Babylonians, Medes, Persians, Greeks, and the Romans… God’s kingdom is not of this earth. This eternal kingdom will be built upon “the stone,”one cut “not by hands.” This stone will be a “mighty mountain” and will fill “the entire earth.” The story line has jumped to the time when all things will be made new. In our frame of reference, this will be the time of Jesus Christ’s return.

To later read these words – during the reign of the Greek or Romans or during our present time – these words offer hope. Then and now, as people suffer under “power over” leadership, these words remind us of a kingdom yet to come, of a kingdom of love and grace, of mercy and reconciliation. As we read today, it “will happen in the future.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, today there is much division and hate, great fear and suffering. Power is loaded over those who are ‘different’ or are perceived as ‘outsiders.’ In response to this reality, we pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Be that in your second return or in sending us out to stand for you, may it be so. Amen.


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He Came to Save

Reading: John 3:13-17

John 3:17 – “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

As we turn to the gospel of John for the week ahead, today we read one of this gospel’s most well known verses: “God so loved the world…” This verse is seen on signs at ball games, on T-shirts, on artwork in homes and houses offices. It is an important reminder of the depth of God’s love for us and of the gift that Jesus’ sacrifice was for you and for me.

In verse 13 we’re reminded of the incarnation, itself a sacrifice. Paul reminds us that Jesus emptied himself, giving up his divinity to come to earth in the flesh. Coming from heaven also allowed Jesus insight into what he would die for: so that we could one day join him there.

Connecting to the healing and life that the Israelites received in the wilderness when Moses lifted the golden serpent (Numbers 21,) Jesus declares that he must be lifted up for us to receive eternal life. Is he referring to being lifted up onto the cross, being lifted up out of the grave, being lifted up into heaven, or all three?

Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin and death. We are forgiven and raised to new life through these actions of Jesus on our behalf. In verse 17 we read, “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus did not come to judge or to condemn. He came to save – to save us from ourselves, from the lies of the world, and, yes, from the powers of sin and death. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your great love for us. It was revealed first in your taking on flesh. It culminated in sacrificing that flesh as the atonement for our sin. All so that you could save us. What a deep love you have for us, your sons and daughters. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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The Battle with Self

Reading: Galatians 5:13-21

Galatians 5:17 – “A person’s selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one’s selfish desires.”

In Galatians 5:13 Paul reminds the believers that they have been “called to freedom.” Having committed themselves to Jesus Christ, they have died to their old self and have been made new in Christ. They were freed from their old ways and from the power of sin and death. Through grace they are forgiven and made right with God – again and again. Paul warns the believers against returning to their selfish ways. Grace was and is not given so that one can indulge and indulge. Instead Paul calls them away from selfishness and into service through love. This call will fulfill the command to love neighbor as self.

Paul then draws a sharp contrast between living in the way of the Lord and living in the ways of the world. These two ways stand in opposition to one another. He puts it this way in verse 17: “A person’s selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one’s selfish desires.” We know from our own life experiences that this is a constant battle. Our inherent selfishness is always calling us to love self. The Spirit is always calling us to love God and other. The Spirit calls us away from doing “whatever you want to do.”

Paul gives us quite the list of things we do when motivated by selfish motives. This list of 16 behaviors reveal many issues in our world today. We see many of these selfish actions on display each day. And, if we’re being honest, there are several on Paul’s list that we struggle with daily. This is why surrender of self is so important. Guided by the Spirit, we will be called to  selflessness instead of selfishness. Living the way of Jesus, we will build the kingdom of God both in this time and place and in our hearts. Doing both, we await our eternal inheritance. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we ask for your Spirit presence in the battle between self and the call to love you and neighbor. On our own we struggle so. The impure thoughts, the unkind words, the selfish actions – they rise up so quickly. Counter this, O God, with the power of the Spirit. Moment by moment, call us to your will and ways. Amen.