pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Worthy of the Call

Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7

Ephesians 4:2 – “Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other in love.”

Chapter 4 of Ephesians begins with Paul’s call to “live as people worthy of the call” of God. We can see this as the summary statement for what follows in the next few verses. Paul’s focus overall is the unity of the body of believers. The “church” should reflect to the world the love, grace, mercy… of God. To fail to do so greatly damages the church’s ability to witness to the world. If the world cannot see God and Christ in the church and in her actions, then the world will never listen to her words.

With these thoughts in mind, Paul gets down to specifics: “Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other in love.” Practicing these four virtues or behaviors on a regular basis will work to bring unity to the body of believers. Humility works against pride and judging – two primary dividers of any group of people. Gentleness guides our words, our thoughts, our actions, steering them away from gossip, critiquing, and harsh words and actions. Patience raises our levels of understanding concerning our differences in thought, belief, and practice, and it makes us take pause before speaking words that might cause harm or hurt. These first three virtues guide us to accept one another in genuine love, bringing peace and unity to the body of Christ.

When we as individuals and we as the church live out these Christ-following virtues, the oneness that Paul speaks of becomes evident in our lives and in our churches. This draws others towards Christ. Living a life and a faith worthy of our calling matters for us personally and it matters for the watching world. Therefore, in all things may we lift high the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, living out these virtues – humility, gentleness, patience, acceptance – can be challenging. So, Lord, when we’re tempted to be less than you call us to be, whisper your words of love and grace, peace and unity into our ears. Bring before our hearts and hands the example of Christ. Empowered by these reminders, use us to build your kingdom in our hearts and here on earth. Amen.


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This Jesus

Reading: Luke 19:1-6

Luke 19:6 – “So Zacchaeus came down at once, happy to welcome Jesus.”

“Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he.” Did your brain jump to the next line? The children’s song and the story are familiar to most followers of Jesus. While we only read the first part of the story in today’s text, we know what happens when Zacchaeus comes down out of that sycamore tree.

One day Jesus was passing through town. The chief tax collector is curious. He wants to see this man that lots of people are talking about. Wild stories of healings and of profound teachings circulate amongst the Jews in Galilee and beyond. Zacchaeus was short – both physically and in statute amongst the local people. Collecting the burdensome taxes for the hated occupying force did not win him any friends. So he has to resort to climbing a tree so that he can simply see this Jesus as he walks through Jericho.

We will encounter people like Zacchaeus – sinned and flawed like us, curious about this man they’ve heard about. We are other believers are the stories the curious have heard and seen. The abnormal kindness, the ever present grace and peace, the contentment, the care and concern for those others ignore or shun – there is something attractional about this Jesus we follow and strive to emulate. This Jesus noticed, stopped, and talked with Zacchaeus. In verse 6 we read about the results: “So Zacchaeus came down at once, happy to welcome Jesus.” May we too be willing to engage those seeking, opening the door of their hearts to welcome this Jesus home.

Prayer: Lord God, first, walk with us daily, filling us with your Spirit and your presence, empowering us to be a good example of your love, grace, compassion… Second, prepare us for the conversations that come with living our lives for you and for others. By the power of your Holy Spirit, give us the words to say to those seeking, drawing them deeper in their curiosity about this Jesus, the life changer. Amen.


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Be the Light

Reading: Matthew 5:14-16

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.”

Throughout the scriptures light is connected to and associated with good, with holiness, with God. When Jesus declared to his followers, “You are the light of the world,” he was and still is telling his followers that they are to be God’s goodness and holiness in the world. A believer’s faith is the ‘light’ within them. As Jesus continues, he tells us that our light should not be hidden. It is not just to reside in our hearts (and maybe to peak out on Sunday mornings.) it is to be just the opposite: “put it on top of a lamp stand.” Lift up your faith, Jesus says, let it shine out into the whole world!

For a Christ-follower in today’s world, what does it mean to shine our light? It begins simply, with how we live our day to day lives. Following Jesus’ example, we are to be people of peace and joy, of hope and comfort, of service and generosity, of love and grace. These qualities have the power to stand out or to shine in our world today. When we live in these ways, our peace, joy, hope… spreads into others lives.

From there, our light shines in places of darkness, hurting, and suffering. In times of conflict, when many would engage in the fight, a Christian brings a Spirit of reconciliation. When wrongs are done a Christian offers healing and wholeness, redemption instead of condemnation and judgment. In places and situations where other evils exist, a Christ-follower brings a light that shines on and into that darkness, bringing safety or standing as an ally or being the voice that leads towards an end to the injustice or abuse or prejudice or…

It is not always easy to be the light. Our own lives are sometimes hard or difficult. Being joy or comfort or whatever is challenging then. To stand against the evils of this world, it is risky and it can be quite costly. Even so, our calling remains this: “Let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.” O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us out into the world, where there is plenty of darkness. You invite us to shine our light of faith into people’s lives and into difficult situations. God with us, lead and guide us, O Lord, so that others can come to walk in your light. Amen.


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Followers and Practicers

Reading: Matthew 5:1-12

Matthew 5:5 – “Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.”

The Beatitudes are our focus today. This list mostly of “Happy are…” sayings lay out Jesus’ desires for his followers. As I read this list over and over, trying to settle on a key verse, to be honest, it was hard to pick one. In our current world, there is not only a great need for humility but also for righteousness, mercy, peace, hope.

Jesus begins with spiritual matters. Happy are those who are without hope and who recognize their need for Jesus. Also very likely poor economically, trusting in God will bring a joy or happiness to their lives. Those who grieve the spiritual condition of the nation, they will be made glad (or will be comforted) as they come to recognize that God is in control.

Happy are the humble because they are part of the kingdom now and will one day be part of the new creation. Those who seek and long for righteousness will be filled with faith. Yes, God is faithful and true! Living with a pure heart, one will be closely and intimately connected to God.

Those who practice mercy will receive mercy. Those who are makers of peace will be known as children of God. Definitely happy places to be. But all will not be “easy.” In verses 10-12 Jesus acknowledges a reality. Living in these ways are counter-cultural. Therefore, followers and practicers of the way of Jesus will be harassed, insulted, slandered… here on earth. Take heart though! In the end, the kingdom of heaven will be yours. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the joy and blessing we receive walking faithfully with you. In all ways, help us to be obedient and steadfast, even in the trials and sufferings. Fill us with your word and Spirit. Fill us with your peace, mercy, and love. Guide us to walk in the humble servant’s footsteps of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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But I Say to You…

Reading: Matthew 5:21-22 and 38-39

Matthew 5:21 – “You have heard that it was said…”

As the Sermon on the Mount progresses, Jesus begins to address the Law, starting in verse 17. He begins by stating that he did not come to do away with the Law and prophets but “to fulfill them.” Jesus declares that teaching and keeping the Law will result in righteousness. Then, in verses 21-48, Jesus teaches on the Law, calling on his followers to go above and beyond the basic letter of the Law. Each section begins with “You have heard that it was said…” followed by “But I say to you…” Each time Jesus expands the Law, getting down to the heart of the matter.

Our first verses deal with “Do not murder,” one of the 10 Commandments. Yes, Jesus begins, murder brings judgment. Then he expands this idea, getting down to the root causes, adding anger as something that places one in danger of judgment. And if one speaks harshly or cruelly to another, we are “in danger of a fiery hell.” Jesus goes even deeper in the next verses, demanding reconciliation and forgiveness, steps leading to the restoration of right relationship. We are not simply to stuff down our feelings of anger or judgement. We are to eradicate them if we want to be righteous.

Verses 38-38 deal with another Old Testament Law. This Law was given in Exodus 21, just after the giving of the 10 Commandments. “An eye for an eye…” was a means of limiting revenge and punishment. By Jesus’ time this has mostly shifted away from physical to monetary compensation. Again, Jesus calls his followers to more. He calls for forgiveness not revenge, for blessing not punishment. Jesus calls his followers to forgive as God forgives us – freely, generously, graciously. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in each of these case studies of the Law, Jesus calls us to much more than the minimum. He calls us to stand out from the ways of the world, to rise up to the law of love in all situations. This is a call to surrender – to die to the human nature within us, to take on your nature. Lord, strengthen and encourage us in this pursuit of love. Be our guide. Be our power. Amen.


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I Am… or Maybe?

Reading: Mark 14:61-62, Matthew 26:63-64

Mark 14:61 – “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed one?”

Our two readings come from the same place in Jesus’ story. He has been arrested at night and stands trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This group leads under the power of the Romans. While this arrangement limits their power, the religious leaders still have a great amount of influence over the Jewish people.

For the first part of his trial, Jesus remains silent. He will not respond to false accusations. When the high priest, Caiaphas, asks, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed one?” Jesus answers. The question is worded differently in Matthew’s gospel, but the intent is the same. The hope is for Jesus to incriminate himself.

In Mark’s gospel Jesus responds, “I am.” It is a definitive answer. This aligns with the direct nature of Mark’s gospel and with his focus on encouraging the church to be thr church. Mark would like the church to respond to this type of question definitively. In word and action, Mark would like to see the church talk and act in ways that are easily identifiable as “Christian.”

In Matthew’s gospel the response is almost a non-response: “You said it.” Maybe. In both gospels Jesus adds that they’ll see the “Human One” sitting at God’s right hand and then coming on the clouds. In Matthew this feels like a “one day” statement: “One day you’ll know that I am the Messiah.”

As I read and ponder these two accounts, I wonder what kind of a follower I am. And I wonder what kind of a church we are. In my/our words and actions, do I/we state that I/we follow Christ as Lord and Savior? Or does our example say, “Maybe?”

Prayer: Lord God, encourage and empower me and my brothers and sisters in Christ to declare our faith in you in all ways. In the kindness, mercy, grace, love, care, compassion, generosity… that we live out, may the world know that you are Lord and Savior. Amen.


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Both Places

Reading: Mark 14:66-72

Mark 14:71 – “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'”

We turn from Peter’s bold profession of Jesus as Messiah in yesterday’s reading to his bold denial of even knowing Jesus in today’s reading. To his credit perhaps, Peter followed the action, wanting or needing to see what played out with Jesus. Perhaps Peter still held to his view of Messiah as a king like David. Perhaps he wanted to be an eyewitness to the legions of angels destroying all who opposed Jesus.

It is a servant who first says Peter was with Jesus. He denies it. And he tries to move away from her, going to the outer courtyard. As he does, a rooster crows. Apparently she follows him, saying, “He is one of them.” Peter denies it again. But soon the crowd he’s hanging with also accuse Peter of “being one of them.” His accent gives him away. He’s a Galilean. This time, though, we read, “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'” The rooster crows a second time, Peter remembers Jesus’ words, and he sobs. (Yes, the rooster crows two times in Mark’s gospel.)

What a sharp contrast we see in Peter. A handful of hours earlier Peter declared, “Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t.” Yet here in the courtyard Peter swears that he does not know Jesus. Before the Sanhedrin, before the powerful, Jesus declared, “I am,” when asked about his identity. Peter recoils in fear as the powerless servants question his identity as a follower of Jesus. We too will find ourselves in both places – before the powerful and before the powerless. Will we stand for Jesus in both and all places?

Prayer: Lord God, when we find ourselves in environments or around people where we feel fear rising up, remind us of your power and might. We know that while we are in this world we may be impacted by the powers of this world, but ultimately our home is with you. Be with us, strengthen and encourage us for this journey. Amen.


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Hearts to Receive

Reading: Mark 4:10-13

Mark 4:11 – “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables.”

Entering into today’s reading, Jesus has just told a parable to a large crowd. Jesus’ teaching of the parable of the soils ends with him saying, “Whoever has ears to listen should pay attention.” He is telling the crowd that their hearts must be attuned to God’s heart to understand these words that he speaks.

Our reading shifts to a scene where Jesus is alone with his followers. They ask him about the parables. In essence they are asking two questions. First, why do you speak in these parables, in these riddles? And, what are you trying to say to us? They want to understand Jesus’ teaching.

Jesus begins with assurance : “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables.” They know and follow Jesus. This daily connection is all they need. They’ve heard and believed. But to those still outside the kingdom, the kingdom will not simply be given. There is some effort required. There needs to be some “skin in the game.” In verse 12 Jesus is paraphrasing Isaiah 6:9-10. In this Old Testament context, God is directing the prophet to speak these words to point out how stubborn and resistant they are to following God’s will and ways. The same us true for many in Jesus’ day. The same is true today.

The parable Jesus just taught was about receptivity to his words. For some people then and now, Jesus’ words were foolishness. These are those with hard soil/hearts. Jesus invites his followers, then and now, to be the good soil, to have hearts that grow deep roots. It is a choice. May we have ears to listen, hearts eager to receive.

Prayer: Lord God , sometimes we too hear your words and wonder what they mean for our lives or for our world. In these moments open our eyes to see. Make our hearts willing to receive and make our spirits willing to engage. Help us to overcome our stubbornness and selfishness when these become obstacles. Guide us to be more fully yours. Amen.


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Equipped

Reading: Romans 15:14-20

Romans 15:14 – “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.”

Photo credit: Shane

At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages the people in the church in Rome to be patient with and to build up one another. He encourages them to have the attitude of Christ and to welcome others as Jesus did. Paul wants to see their hope and joy overflow into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we turn to verse 14, Paul is reminding the church that it is not just the pastor’s job to grow the church and the faith of those in the church and wider community.

In verse 14 we read, “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.” They have been shaped and formed into people that are equipped to minister to one another and to the world. They are ready to shape and form one another and any new disciples. He is reminding them “of what you already knew.” If they are to call themselves “Christians” then they need to model Christ. They too are to witness to their faith in God just as Jesus did. Paul has also set for them an example of what good ministry looks like. Bringing others to faith and growing their faith has happened “by what I’ve said and what I’ve done.” Paul has both encouraged and challenged the church, both built them up and called them out. And now the Roman church has been equipped to do the same. These words apply to us as well. As followers of Jesus Christ we have been equipped to help others know Jesus and to help one another grow in our faith.

Modeling Jesus with our words and actions is easy sometimes. Sharing joy and hope and love is not hard. The challenge comes when we are called to speak or act in situations where injustice or sin or some other wrong is taking place. To lift God’s will and way to the forefront and to challenge others to walk in this way can be hard and it can be costly. To fail to speak or to act will cause harm. Trusting in God, in the example of Jesus, and in the guidance of the Spirit, may we choose sacrifice and service to others.

Prayer: Lord God, there are times when it is easy to be a faithful witness in word or in deed. Encourage us to do so! And we also find ourselves in times and places when the Holy Spirit calls us to hold others accountable to who and what you call us all to be. Encourage and empower us to love you and neighbor even when it is hard and risky. All to your glory! Amen.


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Confessing Christ

Readings: Philippians 2:6-11 and Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:42 – “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

In our Philippians passage Paul encourages us to adopt the attitude of Christ. This is what a disciple or follower of Jesus seeks to do. In this “Christ Hymn” we find three attitudes that we can emulate. These and other parts of the hymn point to a fourth attitude that we are called to practice. First, “he emptied himself.” Jesus was willing to become like us so that he could relate to us. Second, “he humbled himself” – becoming willing to fully associate with us. Third, Jesus was fully obedient to God. While we likely will not be pushed to the point of dying, we are to seek to obey God always. These three attitudes and the actions the hymns speaks of point to the fourth attitude: love. It was love that drove the other three, that arches over the emptying, the humility, the obedience.

Turning to our Luke 23 passage we see these four attitudes lived out. The religious leaders, the soldiers, the crowd – they all mocked and taunted Jesus. He hung on the cross, nearly spent, perhaps one foot already in heaven. It would’ve been easy to just shut out all the noise, to close the eyes, to slip quickly back into heaven. “Easy” is too often our path. But here in this moment Jesus encounters a seeker. This second criminal defends Jesus. So Jesus connects to this man, emptying himself a bit further. Jesus humbled himself even more, meeting this criminal where he was at. Jesus remained obedient to God’s big command. In love Jesus responded to the criminal’s request, telling him that today he’d see Jesus in paradise. The man’s tongue confessed that Jesus was Lord, to the glory of the Father. May it be so with our whole lives this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us today to hold fast to the attitude of Christ. Grant us the courage and the will to elevate the other over self and to strive to live out your love in all we do, say, and think. Amen.