pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: faith


by Leave a comment

A Faith Witness

Reading: Psalm 116:1-2 and 12-19

Psalm 116:13 – “I’ll lift up the cup of thanksgiving. I’ll call on the Lord’s name.”

Psalm 116 is part of a collection of Psalms known as the Hallel. These songs were used in the Passover celebration. Psalms 113 and 114 were sung going up to Jerusalem. These two songs celebrate God’s power, might, rescue, and protection. Psalms 115-118 would be sung after the Passover meal. In the Christian tradition, this meal would occur on Maundy or Holy Thursday. These songs celebrate who and what God was and is and they witness to the peoples’ faith and commitment to God.

Psalm 116 begins with the psalmist declaring his or her love for God. This love is founded on God hearing their prayers for mercy. Because God hears, they will always call out to God. We can relate. When we feel like God is answering our prayers and is close to us, our faith soars and our love for God grows.

Verses 12-19 offer the psalmist’s response. Gratitude and acts of thanksgiving dominate these verses. In verse 13 the author writes, “I’ll lift up the cup of thanksgiving. I’ll call on the Lord’s name.” This cup overflows with God’s blessings. Lifting it and calling on God’s name are acts of worship. Keeping the promises made to God, done so publicly, reveals the psalmist’s strong commitment to God. This public witness encourages others in their faith. As we walk through Holy Week may all that we say and do “Praise the Lord!”

Prayer: Lord God, we join the psalmist in gratitude for your presence in our lives. We are so grateful that you hear our prayers. We celebrate the fact that you are on our side. Your love for us calls us to respond with acts of love towards you. May we witness well to our love of you this day and every day. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Professing Faith

Reading: John 19:38-42

John 19:42 – “Because it was the Jewish preparation day and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus in it.”

Even though the disciples, the 11 men who had spent three years with Jesus, were hiding behind closed doors for fear of the Jewish religious leaders, two men step up in faith. The first is Joseph of Arimathea. He was a man of wealth. He was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He was a man of status and power. Up to this point he was a “secret disciple” of Jesus. In a profession of faith, Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body.

Nicodemus was also there. He also has wealth, status, power. Nicodemus first met Jesus back in John 3, when he came under cover of night. Then he did not want to risk much, but he was drawn to Jesus. Although he left that conversation likely more confused and conflicted, Jesus must’ve continued to work on Nicodemus’ heart. Here he is now, in the light of day, professing his faith in Jesus as he brings myrrh and aloes to begin to prepare the body for burial. 75 pounds is extravagant – a gift fit for a king.

Beginning the process for a proper Jewish burial, Joseph and Nicodemus wrap the body in linen clothes, along with myrrh and aloes. Time was an issue. Sunset and the start of Sabbath were drawing near. Joseph and Nicodemus laid the body in a nearby tomb, planning to return on Sunday to finish the burial process. Two men, recently declaring their faith in Jesus, did what they could in the moment to honor their Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the brave witness of Joseph and Nicodemus. They risked much as they stepped forward to care for Jesus’ body. Joseph has the platform to gain an audience with Pilate. Nicodemus has much to lose too. May we see in these men an example of faith without fear of the world, of faith filled with trust in you. Lead and guide us, O Lord, to live out loud this kind of faith. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Loving Others, Giving of Self

Reading: John 19:25-27 and 33-35

John 19:34 – “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

On the day of Jesus’ death there are a handful of women and “the disciple whom he loved” at the foot of the cross. The women include Jesus’ mother, her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John is there too, the beloved disciple. Looking down from the cross, Jesus employs a Jewish law, entrusting his mother’s care to John. Jesus created not only a new family but also the community of faith. Loving and caring for one another as a family does will be a mark of the early church. It is the mark of Christ-following communities today.

In the second part of our reading the soldiers are making sure that Jesus is dead. The religious leaders were concerned that the killing of an innocent man was completed before sundown – so that they could properly honor God and the Sabbath. In verse 34 we read, “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John, a gospel rich in symbolism and meaning, keeps Jesus’ legs unbroken, an unblemished lamb slaughtered for our sins. The water and blood that flow – like the living water of Jesus Christ that we experience in baptism and throughout our journeys of faith. The blood, like the blood poured out for many, cleansing us of our sin.

Today, as we remember the palm parade, joyously celebrating the Messiah, the one who came in the name of the Lord, let us also remember this Jesus in the cross, the one who died as he lived: loving others, giving of self.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the faithful witness of John, for his presence in these moments and so many others in Jesus’ life. He testifies to the truth and shares his Jesus with others. May we do the same, O God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Saving Faith

Reading: John 20:24-31

John 20:29 – “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

On the first Sunday, when Jesus came to the disciples, Thomas was not with them. After the disciples tell Thomas about it, he declares, “Unless I see the nail marks…” Thomas wants physical proof. We’ve been there. We’ve heard something that was too amazing to believe. In response, we say or think, “When I see it with my own eyes…”

A week later the disciples are gathered , still hiding behind closed doors. It is again a Sunday. (At this point, in their culture, they counted that day too.) Jesus enters into their midst – a sign of Jesus’ divinity and his risen nature. After greeting the disciples, Jesus offers Thomas his hands and side. It is the physical proof that Thomas demanded. Jesus then says to Thomas, “No more disbelief. Believe!” Thomas responds with a confession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas connects to the human and divine natures of Jesus, recognizing both as worthy of following and worshipping, respectively.

Jesus, speaking to those present, to us today, and to all who will read this story, says, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” Generation after generation will come to faith in one not physically seen. In summary, in what some scholars believe to be the original ending to John’s gospel, he writes, “These things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that believing, you will have life in his name.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, even though we do not physically see Jesus, his presence can be “seen” everywhere in our lives. As we love our neighbors, as we serve those in need, as we walk with one another through the valleys, evidence of your Son’s presence is manifested in and through us. Use our witness to draw others to a saving faith. Amen.


by Leave a comment

More Is Better

Reading: John 13:1-9

John 13:7 – “Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.”

The scene today is the celebration of the Passover meal. Present are Jesus and the twelve disciples. This is the fourth time in four weeks that we’ve read about this night. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke the focus is on the sharing of the bread and the cup, on the establishment of the new covenant. In all three the story then moves to the garden and on to arrest. In John’s gospel there is no bread or cup. John places the meal about half way through his story. Much is spoken by Jesus before his arrest happens in John 19. This is but one example of John’s disregard for time and historical sequence.

As chapter 13 begins we see that Jesus’ knows that “his time had come to leave this world.” Ever the one to love and serve, Jesus leaves the disciples one more tangible example of both. The meal is under way. Jesus knows that Judas will betray him. Jesus gets up, takes off his robes, and begins washing and drying the disciples’ feet. There is great symbolism in Jesus’ act. Taking off his robes is symbolic of taking off divinity to dwell in the flesh. Kneeling and performing this lowly, menial task is symbolic of how we are to serve others. The washing itself is symbolic of baptism, where our sins are washed away.

When Jesus comes to Peter, he protests. Jesus replies, “You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.” We also experience this is our faith journeys. Only later, through prayer or study or through the Holy Spirit’s presence do we come to understand what Jesus did for us. After some back and forth, the all-in Peter asks Jesus to wash his hands and feet too. If a little Jesus is good, more is better. While this is true, often it is only later that we, like Peter, truly understand what it is that we are asking for.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you first for the call to love and serve. It is who and what we are called to be as followers of Jesus. Grant us the courage and the willingness to do even the lowest things in our efforts to love and serve the other. And, Lord, lead us to seek to be more and more like Jesus. Empower us to do whatever you place before us. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The King of…

Reading: John 12:12-19

John 12:13 – “They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, ‘Hosanna!'”

Entering into Holy Week in the gospel of John, we begin the passion of the Christ with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Unique to his gospel, John gives a reason for the large crowd that celebrates Jesus. People were buzzing over Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb after being dead for four days. In 12:10 we read of the jealousy caused by this miracle: “The chief priests decided that they would kill Lazarus too.” This jealousy shows out in verse 19 too, where the Pharisees pettily says, “Look! The whole world is following him!”

In verse 12 we read that the “great crowd” in town for the Passover festival heard that Jesus was coming. So, “They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, ‘Hosanna!'” The word “hosanna” translates to “save us, we pray!” Also from the Psalms, the crowd offers blessings to “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” The crowd identifies Jesus as “the king of Israel.” Mid-story Jesus finds a young donkey and begins riding it. He too claims the title of “king,” quoting from the prophet Zechariah.

John admits, in verse 16, that the disciples didn’t connect the dots at first. John and his fellow disciples wouldn’t understand the meaning and connections until after Jesus died and rose. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit would help with this. In the same way, the Holy Spirit leads and guides is in our faith if we are willing to listen and obey.

Prayer: Lord God, we see a crowd caught up in the miracle Jesus offered. They cheer and shout. We too can do these things. We can come to Easter and shout “He is risen!” Then the Monday after is like any other Monday. Lord, may it not be so. Draw us deeper into our faith. Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, bring us understanding and obedience too. Lead and guide us to see and follow Jesus as the one who sits on the throne of our hearts. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Even in the Valley

Reading: Psalm 13:1-2 and 5-6

Psalm 13:6 – “Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.”

Psalm 13 begins with a plea for God to remember and rescue. David is beset by an enemy. This could be physical – like when Saul was pursuing him or when Absalom rebelled. It could be emotional – like when he prayed to God to spare his son born of Bathsheba. David cries out to God: “How long?” In his dire situation he feels alone, like God is nowhere to be found.

At times we feel what David feels. The causes can be physical suffering, emotional battles, relational struggles, spiritual conflict. Addiction, illness, loss, grief… can also place us in the valley. Each of these circumstances and/or emotions can feel isolating. We, like David, can cry out “How long?” to God. In these days or even seasons, it can be hard to hold fast to our faith and to trust in God.

David’s thoughts turn in verse 5. He recalls times when he has trusted in God’s faithful love. We too can recall when God was real and present to us in our time of need. David then declares his faith, stating that his heart “will rejoice in your salvation.” We too can declare God’s promises and claim them as our own. In verse 6 David writes, “Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.” Yes, even in the valley we too can raise a song of praise to the Lord our God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when we feel all alone, when we cannot sense your nearness, whisper your promises into our ears. Jog our memories and nudge us to recall how you’ve been faithful again and again and again. From this place of faith and trust, put a song in our heart. Thank you, eternal one, for always walking with us. Amen.


by Leave a comment

With Us, Every Day

Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Matthew 28:20 – “Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Matthew closes his gospel with Jesus commissioning to disciples to carry on his work. There is no ascension here. Matthew is intentional in how he ends his gospel. Perhaps he picked up this idea from Mark. The abrupt end to Mark invites us to be the continuation of the story, to be the church. Matthew’s ending offers the same invitation.

Eleven disciples go to the mountain in Galilee. The women who met the risen Lord remind them of this planned gathering. In what feels curious to us at first, some disciples worship Jesus and others feel some doubt. But we too find ourselves here at times. We can feel some doubt even as we seek to cling to our faith.

Being given all authority in heaven and on earth, Jesus tells the disciples first to go. They are to go out into the world just as Jesus was out in the world. He spent also all of his ministry hours out in the world. Once our in the world, the disciples are to make new disciples. A disciple is one who repents of their sin, who trusts in Jesus for salvation, and who obeys Jesus’ teachings. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a public act of faith in and of surrender to Jesus Christ. Following baptism, the disciples are to teach new believers all of Jesus’ commands. This faith in and obedience to Jesus, to his teachings and example, this is the mark of a Christian and of the church.

This commission must’ve felt like a lot to the disciples. It feels like a lot to us. So may we too hear the promise Jesus makes to the disciples as his promise to us: Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to live into our commission. Use us to draw others to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. When the task feels big, help us to hear the guidance of the Holy Spirit, your promised presence with us. Walk with us, carrying us along as needed. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Fear, Shame, Guilt…

Readings: Matthew 26:69-75 and 27:3-10, 15-26

Matthew 27:24 – “So he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

Today’s readings contain denial, betrayal, and giving in to social pressure. These actions are driven by fear, shame, guilt, regret, greed, power. These are actions and emotions that we too wrestle with as we try to walk faithfully with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Peter had followed the mob who had arrested Jesus – at a distance. He feared being caught up in what was happening. In the high priest’s courtyard, Peter is accused three times of being with Jesus. Each time Peter’s denial of Jesus grows stronger as the fear rises. His fear turns to shame as the rooster crows. When was the last time that you denied Jesus, either in word or deed? What “crowed” to lead you to tears?

Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Seeing that Jesus is condemned to die, Judas feels “deep regret” for betraying “an innocent man.” The religious leaders refuse to change course. Guilt and regret lead Judas to take his own life. When have you felt deep regret because you betrayed Jesus? How did you resolve your inner turmoil?

Pilate has the power of life and death in his hands. He tries to free Jesus. His wife tells him to “leave that righteous man alone.” Tension builds and Pilate gives in to the mounting social pressure. To try to relieve his guilt and regret, he “took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.” Pilate allows the power to slip through his fingers like the water slips through. We’ve all given in to the crowd, turning away from Jesus. What do you do to relieve your guilt and regret?

Prayer: Lord God, it is hard to admit, but at times we’ve played the roles of Peter, Judas, and Pilate. When we’ve failed you, we’ve felt what they feel. It is our human nature rising up to protect self, position, status… In our next moments of testing, Lord, raise up the voice of your Holy Spirit. May it be louder and stronger than our fear, shame, guilt… And when we fail, remind us of your unconditional love and endless grace. Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Spiritual Kingdom

Readings: Ezekiel 37:22-23 and Matthew 11:2-6

Ezekiel 37:23 – “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

The prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s word to those living with him in exile in Babylon. Both Israel and Judah were conquered and many people were relocated to this foreign land. It was hard to maintain their faith in this pagan place. Living in oppression in captivity, these words would spark hope in a hopeless people. God speaks of bringing them home, reuniting them as one people under one king. In this new reality the people of God will no longer pursue idols or other things that lead them into rebellion against God. They will be cleansed. God declares, “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

In Matthew 11:2 John the Baptist is in prison, arrested for speaking out against Herod’s immoral behavior. As news of Jesus’ work spreads, John sends his disciples to Jesus. They ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus responds with a report about what he’s been up to. The blind see and the crippled walk. The deaf hear and the dead are raised. The poor hear the good news. These words are from Isaiah 35 and 61. These words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah speak of a day when God would restore Israel.

The religious leaders and most of the people of Jesus’ day longed for a mighty Messiah to free them from Rome’s oppression. They read the words from Ezekiel 37 with this longing in mind. Slight problem. They forgot the context of these verses. These words follow and are connected to the vision of the dry bones – God’s vision for restoring Israel’s dry and dead faith. These words speak of a Messiah who will restore Israel’s faith, not their political might. Digging deeper, we see that Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too want you to be what we think we need. Because of our situation or circumstance we want you to be this or that. Help us, instead, to see with eyes focused on your kingdom, on your will and way. Guide us to know your heart, for there we find out who you truly are. Knowing you intimately and personally, you are our God and we are your people. From this place of connection, use us to be your good news for the world. Amen.