pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: fulfill


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Here and Now

Readings: Luke 17:20-21 and 22:14-20

Luke 17:21 – “Don’t you see it? God’s kingdom is already among you.”

In Luke 17 some Pharisees ask Jesus when God’s kingdom is coming. Maybe they hope Jesus will turn into the kind of Messiah they’re looking for: strong, powerful, able to defeat the Romans. Or maybe they hope that since Jesus claims to be the “Son of Man,” then he’ll be able to tell their when their Messiah will come. Inviting these religious leaders into the present reality, Jesus says, “Don’t you see it? God’s kingdom is already among you.” Open your eyes and hearts, it is here and now.

This can be a question Christians can ponder too. One can think that accepting Jesus will be a cure for all that ails us. One can think that life will only be blessed because we’re following Jesus. No, all of life still happens. Jesus will and does walk with us, bringing peace and hope in the storms, comfort and strength in the trials… In turn, we offer these to others. This is the kingdom of God at work here and now.

Almost a week later, Jesus gathers in Jerusalem with his disciples. It is Passover and they are gathered around the table. Jesus shares two interesting things with the disciples. First, he “earnestly desires” to share this meal with them. Second, he tells them, “I won’t eat it until it is fulfilled in God’s kingdom.” Little did they know, this would be the next day. Jesus then share the bread as his “body… given for you.” Then the cup is shared as the “new covenant… poured out for you.” After Jesus fulfills these words and their promise, completing this act of sacrifice, followers of Christ will remember this gift by celebrating Holy Communion. Each time, in that moment, God’s kingdom is here and now.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your presence with us and through us. When we experience or share your light and love, your grace and peace, your hope and strength, the kingdom of God manifests itself here and now. We are reminded of the depth of your light and love… in the sacrifice you made on the cross. When we remember this act, we are made new again, here and now. Thank you for this gift. 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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Blessings and Peace

Reading: Luke 19:28-39

Luke 19:38 – “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”

As our passage begins, Jesus prepares to enter Jerusalem. He is just east of the city itself. He gives instructions to two disciples to go and get a colt. Following Jesus’ directions, all unfolds just as Jesus said it would. Even this is a demonstration of his power.

In verses 35-38 we see the actions of others taking over. It is the disciples who place their coats and then Jesus on the colt. It is the disciples who place clothes on the road and rejoice as they near Jerusalem. The crowd begins to praise God because of the “mighty things they had seen” Jesus do. They begin to shout, “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” Why do they do and say all of these things?!

The disciples, the crowd, the Pharisees, and even Jesus – they knew the scriptures, the words of Isaiah, the Psalms written for such a day as this. Prophecy was being fulfilled. Their actions, their words – they were following the script. These events, this fulfillment brought joy and excitement to the people.

Another entry also occurred, on the other side of the city. Each year, at the Passover and other major festivals, Herod would ride into Jerusalem. He would ride in on a mighty warhorse with an entourage of Roman soldiers. This demonstration of force was a reminder to Jerusalem and its leaders: Rome is the power. The counterpoint is Jesus. He brings blessings and peace. What a contrast between the ways of the world and the way of Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the way of Jesus – the way of joy and blessing, of humility and peace. This stands in such stark contrast to the ways of the world: force and power and might. This divide continues today. O God, give us the courage and the faith to go into places of darkness and evil, empowered by the light of Christ, challenging these harmful and destructive ways. May our light be fueled by love, bringing blessing and peace. Amen.


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Together

Readings: James 5:13-18 and Galatians 6:1-2

James 5:16b – “The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.”

As we wrestle with the practice of prayer this week, today we receive guidance on how, when, and why. In James we read of when to pray: when suffering, when sick, when struggling with sin. This list is, of course, not all-inclusive but illustrative. There are many other situations that call for the power of prayer.

James encourages us to be a part of our prayers too. We are to pray together. We are to gather with other believers and to anoint the sick with the oil of blessing. We are to confess our sins to one another, and then to pray for each other. This adds both support and accountability to our walk of faith. For James, prayer should lead us to action when possible because prayer should move our heart. In the last part of verse 16 he writes, “The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.” This is because prayer works both in the life of the one prayer for and in the life of the one who is praying.

In Galatians 6 Paul also addresses the call to hold one another accountable when we fall short. Paul tasks the faithful with restoring one another. A spirit of gentleness should guide our actions. After a reminder to be cautious of the temptation that comes from being near sin, Paul encourages us to carry each other’s burdens. Doing so we “fulfill the law of Christ.” We carry and fulfill through both action and prayer, physically and spiritually strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, community is so important to our faith. Yes, we can walk in relationship with you by ourselves. But it is so much richer, so much easier, to walk with others in faith. Together we are stronger. Together we receive and give to one another, encouraging, supporting, lifting, sharing. O Lord, guide us to live our faith together in community. Amen.


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Bold Words

Reading: Matthew 26

Matthew 26:35 – “Peter said, ‘Even if I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.’ All the disciples said the same thing.”

In Matthew 26 we move into Jesus final days. He announces that in two days he will be handed over and crucified. Matthew notes that the chief priests and elders don’t want it to happen during the feast – they fear the people’s reaction. But it will happen as Jesus said and as God has planned.

That night at the house of Simon (formerly the leper), a woman anoints Jesus’ head with very expensive perfume, preparing him for burial. The disciples see it as a waste, but Jesus commends her actions. Judas then goes and agrees to betray Jesus. The next day Jesus and the disciples celebrate the Passover meal. Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him and Judas is eventually identified. Jesus then offers the first communion. Judas is still there. They sing some songs and then go to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus tells them that they’ll all fall away that night. Peter says he’ll never stumble. Jesus tells him that he’ll deny Jesus three times that night – “before the rooster crows.” Boldly Peter says, “Even if I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.” The others echo this sentiment. Jesus moves to the area known as Gethsemane to pray, inviting the disciples to “keep alert” as they join him in prayer. They sleep. Jesus wrestles with the suffering to come but ultimately prays to God that this will be “what you want.” Awakening the disciples, Judas and the crowd arrive.

Identified with a kiss, Jesus is arrested. All is to fulfill the scriptures. All the disciples run away. Jesus is taken not to the temple but to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter follows at a distance. It is at a distance that he will boldly deny Jesus three times. The fake trial ends with the religious leaders hitting and spitting on a condemned Jesus. Funny how their literal actions mirror what the disciples did to Jesus, figuratively speaking. Sadly, at times, we do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, the sad but glorious ending begins to unfold. Human weakness, pride, jealousy, betrayal – all are present. Obedience, trust, faith, courage – all present as well. Lord, help us to be like you instead of like the religious leaders and like the disciples in their moments of fear. Lord, empower our faith and trust, our obedience and courage. May our words and our actions be bold. Amen.


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Complete Love

Reading: Matthew 5

Matthew 5:48 – “Just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.”

Chapter 5 begins with nine statements known as the Beatitudes. In these phrases Jesus describes those who are happy or blessed. The hopeless become happy because they find hope in God’s kingdom. The humble become happy because they know God’s presence. The disciples who are insulted or harassed because of their faith become happy when they realize their “great reward” in heaven. All nine statements frame a happy or blessed life in the context of faith and trust in God and in God’s plans for one’s life.

Jesus then reminds his disciples that they are to be salt and light. These things are no good if hidden or lost. They are to be lived out, to be shared with the world. In doing so, others will see the good we do and will praise God.

The balance of chapter 5 deals with the Law. Jesus begins in verse 17 by stating that he came not to do away with the Law but to fulfill it. To keep and teach these commands, Jesus says, will lead to being called great in the kingdom of heaven. Each teaching is framed in “You have heard it said… But I say to you…” language. In each case Jesus goes deeper or beyond the minimal following of the letter of the Law. He is getting at the matters of our hearts.

Don’t murder, they say. Jesus says don’t get angry and don’t use harsh words. Don’t commit adultery, they say. Jesus says don’t even look lustfully at another. An eye for an eye, they say. Jesus says, no, give them what they want or demand plus give some more. Love your neighbor, they say. Jesus says, yes, but love your enemies too. And pray for them! Verse 48 serves as a summary verse: “Just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.” May it ever be so.

Prayer: Lord God, with you we are truly happy and blessed – not because all things are rosy and good but because you are with us in all things. This too is our model. You call us to flavor the world with love, mercy, kindness. You call us to bring light into dark valleys and shadowy places. You call us to an exemplary walk, one that causes others to take notice of our unconditional love for all people. Lead and guide us to live completely and fully, just as you love us. Amen.


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Sense It

Reading: Isaiah 17-23

‭Isaiah 22:11 – “But you didn’t trust its maker; you didn’t consider the one who planned it long ago.”

Today’s seven chapters hold the remaining oracles against the nations around Judah as well as against Judah itself. Our readings begin with the fall of Damascus and Ephraim. Their attempt at an anti-Assyrian alliance angered God. In response, God will “harvest armfuls at a time.” God then proclaims, “They will be a wasteland because you forgot the God who saves you, and didn’t remember the rock who shelters you.” There is a sadness that we can feel in God’s voice. We can sense it because at times we too create the same sadness.

The oracles against Cush, Egypt, Babylon, Tyre, and even Judah herself follow. The foreign nations will be cut down and pruned, will be naked and barefoot and humiliated, will be defeated and trampled, will be destroyed and prostituted. The consequences for their sin will be great. Judah too will suffer. Judah and its leaders relied on self instead of on God. When God called for prayer and fasting, there was “fun and frivolity.” God declared, “But you didn’t trust its maker; you didn’t consider the one who planned it long ago.” Again, we can sense the sadness in God’s voice. And, yes, it is so because we too fail to trust in God at times.

We also hear words of hope in today’s reading. At the end of chapter 19 Isaiah speaks of God’s blessing on all who “swear loyalty to the Lord.” God will hear their cries and will “send them a Savior and a defender to rescue them.” In response, the faithful will “worship with sacrifices and offerings, making promises to the Lord and fulfilling them.” We can sense the joy for God in this faithfulness. May we too bring this joy to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, forgive us when we forget your gifts of salvation and shelter. Forgive us when we try to go it on our own, forgetting the one who created and planned our world and our lives. Remind us and draw us once again to our Savior, defender, friend. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Thorns…

Readings: Joshua 12, Joshua 13, Joshua 14, Joshua 15, Joshua 16, Joshua 17

Joshua 16:10 – “But they didn’t remove the…”

Our reading today begins with a summary of the kings defeated by Moses and by Joshua. Moses’ efforts have a lot more detail. This follows the pattern found in Deuteronomy. Joshua’s efforts are simply a list of 31 names. In chapter 13 we learn that Joshua is old and “much of the land remains to be taken over.” There are many pockets of Canaanite tribes remaining here and there. The land east of the Jordan is then allocated to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and to half of the tribe of Manasseh.

Chapter 14 begins the process of assigning land west of the Jordan. Joshua, Eleazar, and tribal leaders assign a “legacy” to the remaining 9 1/2 tribes by lot. Caleb comes forward and requests the land that Moses promised him 45 years ago. Zelophehad’s daughters are later given a legacy, fulfilling another of Moses’ promises.

Judah, Ephraim, and the other half tribe of Manasseh are assigned legacies, determined by lot. It is interesting that Judah’s legacy is thoroughly detailed – it includes the names of 94 individual cities. Ephraim and Manasseh’s legacies are briefly described. No cities are even mentioned. At the end of chapter 17, Ephraim and Manasseh question the size of their inheritance. Permission is granted to expand by clearing forest, claiming more land for themselves.

Again and again in today’s readings we come across some version of “But they didn’t remove the…” Israel allows many Canaanite tribes to live amongst them in the Promised Land. These will become “thorns in your side” (Numbers 33:55.) When we too leave footholds in our hearts for the things of this world, they can and often do become thorns in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, we see continued order and purpose as you allocate legacies or inheritances to Israel. You still lead and guide us in these ways of order and purpose. We also see little disobediences today – things that will lead to trouble for Israel. Help us to see these dangers in our lives too. Lead and guide and empower us in the conquest of these potential traps and dangers. Amen.


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Love Does No Harm

Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Verse 10: “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Turning to the first half of this week’s Epistle reading, Paul calls us to love one another. Paul, just as Jesus did, emphasizes that “he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the Law.” Paul, again reiterating one of Jesus’ teachings, offers a few of the 10 Commandments and says these and all other commandments are summed up in “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Whether reading Paul or reading Jesus, the charge is clear: love one another.

In verse 10 Paul writes, “Love does no harm to a neighbor.” Many years later this concept would become the basis for the first of John Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules”: Do no harm. Wesley picked up on Jesus’ example and on Paul’s words, making the verbage shorter while also expanding the scope to include things like the environment. While the world has changed greatly since the days of Paul or Wesley, this rule of life is still greatly needed in our world and in our lives.

How can we, how can you and I, embody and live out “love does no harm to a neighbor?” How do we model a love that intentionally chooses not to harm our fellow humans or the world we all live in? We begin by accepting the call to minister to all the world. We next recognize and engage the image of God that is inside all people. And then we really commit to loving all of our neighbors, especially when it is hard. From this place of being in the world as Christ was in the world, we will do no harm as we encounter each person from a place of love. May it be so for us all today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, open my heart wide to all people – those like me, those that are beloved by you. All people. Fill me with your love, Lord. Use me and guide me to truly love as you love – without condition, generously, abundantly. As I gather with others may it always be in your name. May your presence be with us and in us. Amen.


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Abundant Blessings

Reading: Genesis 24:34-38

Verse 38: “Go to my father’s family and to my own clan, and get a wife for my son.”

In a day and age when we fall in love and court and get married to that very special someone, the story of Isaac and Rebekah might be hard to wrap our heads around. It might feel impersonal. It might feel odd or even icky to seek a spouse from one’s own family. All of this is true. Yet this is not the story of Abraham working everything out. It is the story of God guiding and directing and providing for the continuation of God’s promises to Abraham and Sarah and to you and me.

God continues to be faithful, even when Abraham and Sarah fail to be faithful. God continues to work with their failures and imperfections, working out God’s plan in spite of human-made detours. God’s covenant love flows on, making a connection between Isaac and Rebekah.

Today’s passage is a retelling of the events that just happened. The back story and actual events happen in verses 1-33. We get the recap in today’s verses. The Lord has blessed Abraham abundantly and now has blessed his son Isaac by providing him with a wife. Things unfolded with God’s hand clearly guiding and directing things. This is the culmination of the servant’s oath to “Go to my father’s family and to my own clan, and get a wife for my son.” How could this not be God’s hand at work?

This same covenant love continues to be at work in the world and in our lives. God’s good plans and the fulfillment of God’s promises remain at work, inviting us to be a part of the plans and to partake in the promises. May we choose to walk in covenant love with our God, experiencing God’s abundant blessings as we walk faithfully and obediently.

Prayer: Lord God, I know that you have good plans for those that love you. I know that you have sealed our salvation through the blood of your only son. I know that your love pours out mercy and grace along with provision, guidance, and blessing. Lead me in a faithful and obedient walk day by day as I seek to dwell in your covenant love and in an everlasting relationship with you, my Lord and Savior. Amen.