pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: faithful


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A Good Shepherd

Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12 and 20-31

Ezekiel 34:27 – “They will be safe on their fertile land, and they will know that I am the Lord when I break the bars of their yoke.”

Photo credit: Ronnie Khan

Chapter 34 begins with the denouncement of Israel’s current leaders. What was the case before exile has continued in exile. God through Ezekiel pronounces doom on these poor leaders for living in luxury while ignoring the weak, the sick, the injured, the strays, the lost. There are many injustices so the flock scattered and then became prey. God promises to hold these bad shepherds accountable.

Beginning in verse 11, God offers the remedy. Here God proclaims: “I myself will search for my flock and seek them out… I will rescue them…” God will gather the scattered and care for the weak, the sick, the injured… As we continue in our reading we see that God will judge between the “fat and lean” sheep – between those living in luxury and those who struggle to survive.

God promises restoration, a new era. A David-like ruler will be appointed and a new covenant of peace will be established. Rains of blessing will pour down. Oppression and injustice will be no more. In verse 27 we read, “They will be safe on their fertile land, and they will know that I am the Lord when I break the bars of their yoke.” Without the yoke of oppression and injustice, there will be peace. There will be no famine; there will be no disgrace.

While the bad shepherds ignored these words of judgment, these words would offer great hope to the weak, the sick, the injured… to those living on the margins and edges. These words feel very relevant today. As injustices scatter people, as oppression sits heavy on others, as callous acts increase hunger, the people of God long for a good shepherd – not just for ourselves but also for the least of these among us. God’s children long for the rains of blessing and for a time of peace and grace. O God, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you’ve always, always, always had a heart for the weak, the sick, the injured… You’ve always, always, always called for the faithful to join you in your care for the least of these. Lord, bridge the huge gulf between our reality and your preferred future. Use us to be a part of that bridge, each in our own ways caring for the weak, the sick, the injured… for the scattered and the oppressed. Amen.


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The Way of the Lord

Reading: Isaiah 35:5-10

Isaiah 35:10 – “The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads.”

Isaiah 35 speaks of God’s restoration of Israel. Likely proclaimed while in exile, the words of the prophet would give hope to those living as foreigners in a pagan land. Our passage begins with promises of healing for those with physical suffering: the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk, the mute will sing. God will restore all to wholeness and well-being.

God will also restore the land. What has become dry and harsh will become green pastures with flowing waters. Israel’s collective last memory of their homeland was the destruction left behind by the Babylonians in the north and the Assyrians in the south. They had ravaged the land. God will restore it. The exiles will return to a new version of the Promised Land.

In verses 8-9 Isaiah begins to lay out a vision of Israel’s actual return. God will make their path like a highway – smooth and easy to travel upon. Only the faithful will walk “The Holy Way.” No predators and no evil persons. Only the redeemed will walk on it. There will be joy and happiness. There will not be grief or groaning. In verse 10 we read, “The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads.” How the Lord will forgive, restore, and return Israel to wholeness and faithfulness!

While these words were originally written to a nation living in exile, the promises are true today because the character of God does not change. If you or someone you know is in exile – suffering, alone, struggling with health or a difficult situation – God wants to bring wholeness and joy to your life, to their life, to all of our lives. Our God wants to ransom us all from our places of exile and thirst. The invitation to walk the way of the Lord is always there. We just have to step upon the “highway.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the vision and reminder of who and what you are and if who and what you want us to be. Help us to walk in your ways, to step into the plans you have for us, into who you call us to be. Walking with you, ransomed by your love, we will be restored and made whole. Draw each of us to walk in your ways. Amen.


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Pursuing God

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:5-12

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.”

As Paul closes his first letter to Timothy he lays out the difference between being faithful and wanting to look faithful. We see this today in our world as people claim to follow Jesus and then say and do things that Jesus would’ve never ever said or done. There is “constant bickering” in these circles and there is a constant desire for “more money” and for more power, more control, more… Paul’s words in verse 5 still ring true today.

Paul reminds Timothy that there is great profit in our faith. It is just not profit as the world defines this idea. Paul invites Timothy (and us) to be happy or content with what God has provided, whether food or clothing or whatever. This frame of mind helps to guard our hearts against loving and pursuing the things of this world. This contrasts sharply with those trying to “get rich” or to accumulate others things of this world. There folks easily “fall into temptation” as they become trapped in the endless cycle of “more!” Some of these have even “impaled themselves with a lot of pain” in their pursuit of earthly things.

Timothy is encouraged to “run away from these things.” Paul encourages him to pursue the things of God: “righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, gentleness.” These are the things we too are to pursue. Paul then implores Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To deny self, to not pursue the things of this world, it is a fight, a battle. In my study Bible the commentary notes, “In the end we will become not what we own but what we do.” Pursuing God, may we be transformed more and more into God’s image and character, day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, fix our eyes and hearts on you. By this same power, guard our eyes and hearts against those things that our culture values. Lead us to find peace and contentment, joy and pleasure in all that you provide. Amen.


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A Big Love

Reading: John 13-31-35

John 13:34b – “Just as I have loved you, so you also must love one another.”

Jesus is nearing the cross at this point in John’s gospel. Judas has just left to betray Jesus. Soon, through his death and resurrection Jesus will be glorified. He has spent his life, especially the last three years, glorifying God through how he lived. This process of mutual glorification is a part of the life of a Christian. Our faithful living brings glory to God. This is the building of the kingdom here on earth. In the end, our faithful living will result in our place in God’s glorious heaven.

For Jesus, the return to God’s side is rapidly approaching. He plainly tells the disciples, “I’m with you for a little while longer.” They will want to remain with Jesus, but for now this is not to be. Jesus, however, will remain a part of their lives. In spirit, Jesus will continue to be present to his disciples.

Beginning in verse 34, Jesus tells them how to continue this relationship. Giving what he calls a “new command,” Jesus tells the disciples to love one another. This command to love neighbor has been around for thousands of years. What’s ‘new’ is in the details: “Just as I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” Like Jesus’ “You have heard… but now I say…” statements, this new command takes Leviticus 19:18b to a whole new level. As disciples the call isn’t just to live as the good Samaritan loved. No, the call is to love as Jesus loves: unconditionally, without limit, completely. This is a big love. When we love this way, all will know that we are a disciple of Jesus. May this be the love that we practice always.

Prayer: Lord God, this is not an easy-to-accomplish call. To love others as you love us? That is a deep and rich and layered love. It is a love often with a cost. Lord, work in our hearts, open them wide so that we can practice and live a love that reflects your love. Guide us to be your love lived out in the world. 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.


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Faithful Love

Reading: Psalm 118:1-2 and 19-24

Psalm 118:22 – “The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone!”

Psalm 118 is a song of praise that celebrates God’s deliverance. Originally used as a song that was sung after the Passover meal, it celebrated Israel’s exodus from slavery in Egypt. These words, however, also carry a broader meaning. This song extolling God’s love and goodness can be applicable at other times.

Verses 1 and 2 would’ve been used call-response style. The leader would declare verse 1: “Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.” The gathered people would respond: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” What a great reminder as one begins to offer a response to the Lord.

Skipping to verses 19-24, the scene shifts to the temple entrance. The writer asks for the gate to be opened. The response reminds the people that only the righteous may enter the Lord’s gate. Qualifying and entering the temple, the psalmist thanks God for answering his or her prayers. This prayer is about restoring Israel. In verse 22 we read, “The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone!” Restoring what was once held in slavery and oppression, Israel is once again God’s people, living in the Promised Land. Israel rejoices in and celebrates this time of salvation.

These verses also connect to Jesus. On this Holy Saturday we can rejoice and celebrate that the one who was rejected and killed by Israel’s religious leaders has become the cornerstone. In and through his death we’ve been freed from our slavery to sin. Tomorrow we celebrate the salvation given to us through his resurrection. Thanks be to the God whose faithful love lasts forever and ever!

Prayer: Lord God, we celebrate and rejoice in your great love for us. Walk with us and draw us into your righteousness. Lift our voices in praise and our lives in faithful witness to your saving grace. Amen.


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Our Great High Priest

Reading: Hebrews 10:19-24

Hebrews 10:19 – “Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the Holy of Holies by means of Jesus’ blood.”

Hebrews 10 begins with a description of Christ’s “once-for-all” sacrifice. The author explains that Jesus, through his sacrificial death, put an end to the old sacrificial system. This system was unable to “take away our sins.” In addition, the mechanics of the system prevented a personal connection to God. The priest heard your sin and offered the atoning sacrifice on your behalf. There was also a second barrier to God. The Holy of Holies, the space which held the ark (God’s presence,) was separated off by a huge curtain. The high priest alone entered this most intimate and sacred space just once a year, seeking forgiveness and blessing for the people of God.

Verses 19-24 are a summary of what Christ’s sacrifice means for us. In the first verses we read, “Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the Holy of Holies by means of Jesus’ blood.” As Christ breathed his last breath the curtain in the temple was literally torn in two, top to bottom. The physical barrier was removed. Christ opened the way, “a new and living way,” so that we could have a personal relationship with God. Christ is our new “great high priest” that invites us to draw near to God with a genuine, cleansed heart. Forgiveness and cleansing are ours every time we confess and repent of our sins. Jesus’ blood was and is the “once-for-all” sacrifice that stones for our sin. Hebrews also reminds us that we can “hold onto the confession of our hope,” because Jesus is faithful. We have confessed Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is only in and through him that we can remain faithful too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the new covenant, one written on our hearts because Christ’s Spirit dwells in our hearts. This personal and intimate connection is a great gift. You are with us always. Lord, lead and guide us to live out our faith, encouraging one another in love. May this love lead us to be and do good in the world, drawing others into the new and living hope that we have in you. 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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Sure and Strong

Reading: Psalm 42:1-8

Psalm 42:8 – “By day the Lord commands his faithful love; by night his song is with me.”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Psalm 42 is a song of lament. It is attributed to the Korahites, the clan from the tribe of Levi assigned to lead temple worship. As the song begins, the psalmist expresses a deep thirst for God. The thirst is so deep it has become a craving. A thirst this deep is expressed only here and one place in Joel. As tears have become his or her only food, there is a great longing to be in God’s presence once again.

In verses 4-6 there is a hope that flickers as the psalmist recalls times in God’s presence. Even as they “bare my soul” the writer recalls being in God’s temple, worshipping with joy and thanksgiving at one of the great festivals. Counting on experiencing this again, the psalmist declares, “Hope in God!… my saving presence.” In our moments of feeling separated from God may we too recall times when God was a sure and strong presence in our lives.

Verse 7 is an interesting verse. How we read it depends on perspective. If we read with the first few words of verse 6 then it feels Noah-like, as he sank into the depths of the sea. However, if we read it with the rest of verse 6 and with verse 8 then it feels like it is God’s faithful love washing over the psalmist, wave after wave. I choose the second reading. It then leads to the declaration: “By day the Lord commands his faithful love; by night his song is with me.” God is present even in the hard and difficult of life. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of your constant presence in our lives. In the moments when we feel like the psalmist – down, alone, anxious – bring to our minds those other moments, times when your presence and love were sure and strong in our lives. Lift our spirits up into your power, fill our hearts with your song. Amen.


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A Heart Tuned

Reading: Micah 6:6-8

Micah 6:7 – “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil?”

“What does the Lord require?” That is the title for the section of scripture that we read today. We learned yesterday, from Luke 10, that a good answer is to love your neighbor. It becomes a great answer when we understand that our “neighbor” is anyone in need. Loving God with all that we are was the other part of the legal expert’s “correct” answer to the same basic question. Today we read Micah’s thoughts on this question. The prophet focuses on both sides of the love God, love neighbor concept.

Micah begins with the “religiously correct” answer. Sacrificial offerings were the culturally acceptable response to your God/god, whether you were Hebrew or Moabite or Canaanite. Although Israel’s understanding was not quite as transactional as this process was with pagan gods, there was certainly an element of checking the box at this point in Israel’s history. Their going through the motions disgusted God. That is why Micah, tongue-in-cheek, asks, “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil?” Speaking to the pagan practices and to the point he is making, he next asks, “Well, then, how about my oldest child instead?”

The real answer to the title question comes in verse 8. It is a heart tuned fully to God. That is what is “good.” That is what God “requires.” This is because a heart tuned to God will naturally be a heart tuned to our neighbors. In the last part of verse 8 the prophet reveals what this heart looks like: “to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” To work to make things right, to be faithful in our relationships with God and with one another, to humbly allow God to transform us, day by day, more fully into God’s image. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we are much like the people of Micah’s day. Just tell me when I have to show up for church, just take my offering, just let me check the box. We want the easy. That leaves more for us. Yet you want so much more. Yes, worship and giving are important. But you want our heart, not our things. You want our unconditional love, not our passing attention. Lord, tune our hearts to yours. Lord, teach us what humility and justice and faithful love truly look like. Remind us of Jesus. Amen.