pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: evil


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Focus on the Good

Reading: Romans 16:17-20

Romans 16:19 – “But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil.”

As Paul closes his letter to the Romans, he returns to a familiar topic: Christian unity. On one level, in our age where the church has split into literally 100’s of denominations, this passage applies to individual churches. Yet on the larger level I can’t help but think that all these divisions grieves the heart of God. At what point do genuine theological differences divide and at what point is it personal preference or opinion that leads to division?

Taking broad strokes today, Paul warns us to “watch out for people who create division and problems against the teaching you heard.” Paul is talking about a core set of theological understandings about Jesus and what it means to truly follow him. My mind goes to the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets… that we used to wear. This question still makes a great filter for Paul’s warning. Paul continues to advice concerning these folks, writing, “Keep away from them. They are serving their own feelings.”

We all know and see people and leaders who regularly choose selfish ambition over humble service to the common good. We see people in positions of power using “smooth talk” to justify the things they are doing and saying that would make Jesus cry and weep if he were present today. In the midst of all this Paul turns to the individuals that make up the church, saying, But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil.” In the midst of a world focused on self, you focus on the good. Love God and love neighbor. Let that be your guide. Be well aware of the evils and stay innocent of these things. And trust. Yes, trust that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan.” Lord Jesus, come soon. Come soon.

Prayer: Lord God, as churches and as believers, we have so much in common in our theologies and understandings. Use these primary matters to create more unity in the family of God. Help us to understand that secondary and tertiary matters do not have to divide us. Lead us to make better choices, to model Jesus’ love better. Gather your church to be the witness that you desire us to be. Amen.


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Love – Boldly and Completely

Reading: James 2:1-4

James 2:1 – “My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Photo credit: Shane

The letter of James focuses on Christian identity – what it means and looks like to live as a believer as a pilgrim in a foreign land. Christians were a very small minority, whether amongst the Jews in Israel or amongst the pagans in the Roman world. The pressures and challenges of living faithfully in these settings were great. The need for close community, unity within that community, and love amongst the brothers and sisters of Christ were all essential for James and for the churches that he wrote to.

For James, Jesus was the model of faithful living. Jesus set the example of love and he redefined who was welcome in the family of God. As we turn to chapter 2, we do so with these things in mind. In verse 1 James writes, “My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These first few words remind the believers (and us) of their deep familial connections to Jesus and to one another. This impacts how one treats and acts towards others. James continues, condemning the practice of showing favoritism. This practice is counter to Jesus’ example, therefore it is counter to being a part of the family of God and to being a part of a church community.

Treating one who is well off differently than the one who is poor is simply not what Jesus modeled. To give the one in fine clothes a preferential seat while yelling the poor person to go stand far off or to sit at other’s feet – that is becoming an “evil minded judge.” It is allowing stereotypes and prejudices to impact how we practice loving our neighbor. It is wrong in every way. It denies the image of God in the other and in ourselves. All are beloved of God. All are worthy of our love. In thought, word, and action, may we love boldly and completely.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be tempting to show preferential treatment to one person or group. Our humanity is quick to evaluate potential gain and to evaluate potential cost. In the times when we are tempted, remind us of your love for all people, especially for the least of these. With this Holy Spirit reminder, guide us to act faithfully in the way of love. Amen.


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Word by Word

Reading: James 3:1-10

James 3:6 – “The tongue is a small flame of fire, a world of evil at work in us.”

James 3 begins a section of his letter that addresses our innermost character. Who we really are is most fully on in the words that we speak. Words are so powerful. They have the power to cultivate and build up relationships. They have the power to damage and destroy relationships.

Chapter 3 begins with a word of warning to “teachers.” In his context, James is speaking to himself and to his fellow leaders in the Jesus movement. Today this concept would extend to anyone in leadership and to anyone with a public platform. In our modern world this very much includes social media. James correctly notes that those with influence will be judged more strictly. For these folks – and really for all of us – the goal is “full maturity.” Connecting to yesterday’s Wesleyan ideas, this is “going on to perfection.”

James uses two great metaphors to further describe the power of the tongue. He first compares the tongue to a tiny rudder. Both have the power to set our course, though both are small. James then connects the tongue to a small flame that can start an entire forest on fire. He writes, “The tongue is a small flame of fire, a world of evil at work in us.” Yes, with just a few words our tongue can contaminate our whole life.

In the last few verses we find two more key points. First, the tongue is difficult to tame. It is a “restless evil.” Just when we think we have it under control, it is then that we have a “I can’t believe I just said that” moment. James then observes that we bless God and then curse our fellow human beings with the same tongue. James notes, “It just shouldn’t be this way!” Indeed, it should not be this way. Word by word, may we work at taming our tongues. It holds the power of life and death.

Prayer: Lord God, what power is held in such a small body part. We have a choice in which words we speak, in what we allow into our hearts. By your Spirit, O God, help us to harness the power of our tongues. Lead us to speak words that bring life, hope, joy, comfort… Empower us to hold words that lead to death, harm, hurt, insult… May our tongues, word by word, reflect a heart that is fully yours. Amen.


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Mighty King

Reading: 1st Peter 5:6-11

1st Peter 5:10 – “The God of all graces, the one who called you into eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.”

In this world, Satan seeks to steal our faith, to destroy our love of God and neighbor, to separate us from the peace, the contentment, the joy that we find in Christ. The evil one uses many tricks, traps, snares, lies, and half-truths to lead us into sin. In 1st Peter 5, Peter offers some thoughts on how to combat these attacks of the devil.

First, Peter encourages us to humble ourselves under God’s power. This means submitting our will to God’s will and surrendering having our way to living by God’s ways. Second, Peter invites us to throw our anxieties up on God, as well as our doubts, fears, worries… We can do so because God cares for us and wants to help us, bringing relief, assurance, confidence, and presence, easing our negative thoughts.

Peter calls us to be alert and clear-headed. The devil is always on the “prowl,” ever seeking to “devour” us with our own sin. We are encouraged to “resist him, standing firm in the faith.” We can do so with the God of love and power on our side. Yes, Peter acknowledges, we may suffer for a time or even for a season, but, “The God of all graces, the one who called you into eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.”

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to walk faithfully with you, we face so many challenges, so many tests. The voices of this world are so loud and so convincing, so tempting. As darkness rises or even begins to creep into our hearts, shine your light into our hearts, guide our steps, protect our hearts. Thank you, O mighty king. Amen.


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Choices

Reading: Isaiah 1:15-20

Isaiah 1:19… 20… – “If you agree and obey… But if you refuse and rebel…”

Isaiah was a prophet called by God to speak God’s word to Judah, the southern kingdom. Isaiah called Judah, particularly its leaders, to a radical trust and faith in God and away from their sinful behaviors. Judah is characterized at the start of Isaiah 1 as children who have turned away from God. The nation outside of Jerusalem is ravaged and the cities burn as Assyria wages war against Israel and Judah. But still Judah refuses to turn towards God. Yes, they are going through the motions of worship but their hearts are far from God. In fact, God calls all of their offerings “worthless.”

Because their worship is full of hypocrisy, God’s eyes refuse to see their extended hands. God’s ears are closed to their lengthy prayers. All because Judah’s hands are “stained with blood.” God even implores them, “Wash! Be clean!” Yet it is not the blood of warfare that stains their hands. The blood comes from within Judah. God instructs them, “Put an end to evil; learn to do good.” What good? To champion justice and to care for the oppressed, the orphan, the widow.

As if in a courtroom setting, God says to Judah, “Come now and let’s settle this.” With promises of their scarlet sins being made white as snow, God tells Judah, “If you agree and obey you will eat the best food of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” Choose God or idols. Choose good or evil. Choose life or death. The same choices lie ever before you and before me.

Prayer: Lord God, since the beginning of creation these have been our choices. Until Jesus comes in final victory these will be our choices. Just as Isaiah spoke words of warning and words of life, may your Word and your Spirit guide us to faithful obedience. Lead us to walk your path in faith and trust, O Lord. Amen.


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God of Truth

Reading: Psalm 52:1-5

Psalm 52:3 – “You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right.”

Psalm 52 is from David. These words he writes tell of a time when a powerful man spoke lies against him. It was during a time when King Saul was struggling – mentally and to hold onto the kingship. Doeg the Edomite saw an opportunity to better his own situation. David was caught in the cross hairs. In life we may find ourselves here. At the very least we see this kind of behavior at work in the world.

In verse 1 we learn that Doeg is powerful. And evil. The words he speaks are meant to bring destruction to David. Doeg’s tongue causes deception. In verse 3 we read, “You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right.” Through lies and deceit Doeg seeks favor with Saul at David’s expense. His words create chaos and problems for David. Maybe in our lives and certainly in our world, spoken words hold power. When someone chooses to use lies for dishonest gain it can have very negative impacts on us or on those we know.Finding himself in a messy situation, instead of retaliating or seeking revenge, David trusts in God. He believes that his good God will deal with this evil. Choosing faith and righteousness, David relies on the God of Truth, the one who will “uproot” evil from “the land of the living.” God is in control. God is with David. God will be with us in the trials of this life. Thanks be to God.Prayer: Lord God, when evil, false accusations, lies… assail us and our reputations, remind us of your love and your all-powerful protection. Even though life can be messy, when we trust in you, we can be assured that good will triumph over evil, truth over lies. Empower us to trust you always. 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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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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Live “Out Loud”

Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Matthew 5:13 and 14 – “You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world.”

Following the Beatitudes, Jesus turns to this metaphor about living as salt and light. This call to stand out from the world, to live faith in ways that are fully present in the world – they read very differently according to time and context. These words of encouragement, for example, would have been received differently in real time versus in the days right after Jesus’ death or centuries later when the Roman persecution of Christians was really ramping up.

Jesus first declares to all disciples, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt was essential to life in Jesus’ day. Salt was used to cleanse, to preserve, to seal covenants, to flavor food. A Christian’s faith can function in all of these ways. Faith cleanses away the sin of this world. Faith preserves what really matters: the way of God. It makes our relationships steadfast and unconditional. Faith flavors all areas and aspects of our lives.

Next Jesus declares: “You are the light of the world.” Faith is not to be hidden, but is to be used to light our way and to show others the life that brings glory and honor to God, not to self. As light, faith calls us to illuminate the evils of our world. Our faith is not to be private or secret, but is to “shine before people” and is to “shine on all who are in the house.” The world is our house.

Disciples today are still called to be salt and light. We are still called to live our faith “out loud.” Today that perhaps feels a bit more like it must’ve felt under Roman persecution. It feels like speaking against evil and against the powers of this world might be costly. Yet this personal cost pales in comparison to the social cost of silence in the face of injustice and other evils, both to our faith and to the lives of those being targeted. With this in mind, may we be salt and light to our world in need.

Prayer: Lord God, fill us with your love and mercy, with your grace and strength. Filled, empower us to stand for the marginalized and for those without voice, without power, without place. Build up in each of us a will to love and live as Jesus loved and lived. And, Lord, may it begin with me. Amen.


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A Harmonious, Symbiotic Relationship

Reading: Genesis 2:4b-9

Genesis 2:7 – “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life into his nostrils.”

In Genesis 2 this creation narrative places humanity at the center of a beautiful garden. Before God created plants or crops, before God sent rain upon the earth, “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life into his nostrils.” God creates someone to care for, to tend to, to dwell with God in God’s next creation: “a garden in Eden.” Perhaps this is the order because God wanted the human to see the garden’s creation. Understanding that the garden and all in it were created by God would shape how the human saw and interacted with the garden.

The word “Eden” translates “delight.” That is what the garden was. Where else would God dwell with humanity? The trees are beautiful and they bear edible fruit. This food will nourish and sustain humanity. They care for the garden and the garden cares for them. There is a symbiotic relationship here. This idea can be extended to God and humanity. We are at our best when we live in a harmonious, symbiotic relationship with God.

In the center of God’s garden are two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The first tree is though to yield unnaturally long life or even immortality. The second tree is thought to give cognitive enlightenment or to give humanity insights that only God was to have. God will set these trees apart, intending to keep humanity from them.

Prayer: Lord God, we are intended to walk in a close, personal relationship with you. That was and is your plan. Lord, enable us to choose love and obedience daily so that we can experience your presence in our lives daily. Guide us to be faithful stewards to all of your creation. Lead us to treat all of your creation as we wish to be treated by you. Amen.