pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: gain


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A Kingdom of Justice and Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 72:1-7

Psalm 72:2 – “Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice.”

Psalm 72 is a prayer for the long reign of a just and righteous king. It is a prayer for a king who will rule as God’s representative here on earth. These words of Solomon were likely written when he was living closest to this vision of an ideal king. Like his father David, considered Israel’s greatest king, Solomon had many failures during his reign. Only one king has been and ever will be truly just and righteous: Jesus.

In verse 2 we get a glimpse into what the “ideal” king will be like. Here we read, “Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice.” Under this kind of leader there will be peace in the land. This peace is not founded on military power or dominance. It is founded upon lifting up the poor and needy while “crushing” any who seek to oppress. Today this would involve dismantling systems that oppress and take advantage of those on the margins. It would remove power from the hands of those who seek to lord power over others purely for personal gain.

Under a just and righteous king there would be abundance and flourishing for all people. To ensure this, a just and righteous king would act for the good of the poor and marginalized, exhibiting God’s heart for “the least of these.” These actions would naturally place such a king in opposition to the greedy and power-hungry. The kingdoms of this would did and do struggle with the establishment of a kingdom of justice and righteousness. It is a kingdom not of this world. It is a kingdom where Christ the king reigns. O God, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we long for the day when the kingdoms of this world crumble to dust as Jesus returns in glory. As we long, we also wait. As we wait, O God, may it be an active waiting. Use us day by day to be builders of a more just and righteous world. May the story of our lives tell the story of your coming kingdom. Amen.


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Seeking Justice

Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Luke 18:7 – “Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people when they cry out day and night? Will he be slow to help them?”

In our world today one would not have to exert much time or energy to find someone to substitute into the place of the widow in this parable. The brokenness and selfishness and greed of our world makes it too easy to find someone abusing the power that they hold over another, to find someone taking advantage of another for personal gain, to find someone with lots of resources walking above the laws that govern our lives. These are but a few of the many situations that cause people to cry out for justice.

The people who create and perpetuate the injustices of our world tend to be like the judge in our parable – people who are self-centered and only care about personal gain. Justice can be had – at a price or if you walk in their social or economic circles. Doing the right thing instead? Yes, that can come at times when a voice raised will not be quieted or silenced. Or when the people rally together to raise the injustice into the public’s consciousness.

As people of faith, we have a role to play in making our world and our societies just and compassionate places. This is so because our God is a compassionate God of justice. God’s goodness and mercy are bent towards justice, especially for people like the widow – the marginalized and the powerless. As the chosen people, may we cry out to God day and night, seeking a more just world. Doing so, we better align our heart and our actions with the heart and will and way of God.

Prayer: Lord God, use us, your people, to bring about a better, more loving world. Grant us the courage to see and to act when the Spirit moves our hearts towards your heart. Give us the words to speak and the steps to take to end injustices in our world. Make us justice-seekers. 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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Our Simple, Normal Response

Reading: 1st Kings 18:16-39

1st Kings 18:21 – “How long will you hobble back and forth between two opinions?”

Continuing the story today, as Ahab and Elijah meet, Ahab asks, “Is that you, the one who troubles Israel?” This is the question of a man trying to blame the consequences of his sins on another. Elijah says as much. It is Ahab and family who have deserted God for Baal. A showdown is set up to occur on Mount Carmel. It will be a battle between God and the pagan gods Baal and Asherah. Once gathered with all the people of Israel, Elijah asks them, “How long will you hobble back and forth between two opinions?” What great words choices: hobble and opinions. What a picture they paint!

This is a question that we could be asked frequently. It happens when we silence the voice of the Holy Spirit instead of challenging sinful behavior – in self or in others. It happens when we are less than we are created and called to be in order to attain material gain or some other earthly treasure. It happens when we gossip or tell a white lie or… instead of holding true to our faith. These are but a few of the ways that we hobble back and forth between God and the world.

In the showdown the pagan prophets go first. No matter what they do, no matter how extreme they get, their gods don’t answer. They’re not real. Elijah begins by rebuilding the altar that Ahab has destroyed – one stone for each tribe of Israel. Once all is readied, Elijah has water added to soak the sacrifice, wood, and altar. After lifting a simple prayer centered on changing hearts, the fire of God falls, consuming everything – even the water. In response to this awesome display of power, the people exclaim, “The Lord is the real God!” Oh, if this would just be our simple, normal, 24/7 response. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how we tend to hobble back and forth. We’re filled up on Sunday morning, readied to take on the world for you. But how soon that fire can be doused, cooled, tamed when left unattended. Lord, day by day draw us to you through moments of prayer, study, reflection, and praise. Lead us to be filled again and again, over and over. Equip us to choose faith and to stand with you in each moment of decision each day. Amen.


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Convinced

Reading: Philippians 1:21-26

Verse 25: “Convinced of this… I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.”

Paul writes to the Philippian church from prison. Being in a place like that can lead one to take stock of one’s life. Earlier in this chapter he notes that his current imprisonment has “really advanced the gospel.” He sees God’s plan at work and he embraces his role in that plan – even if he finds himself in chains. Picture that as we read and consider these words today.

Our text opens with Paul writing, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” In prison, his life hangs in a delicate balance. He has been and is being used to advance the gospel. He also knows that to die is to gain heaven and to be in his beloved Christ’s presence once again. Paul is torn between the two. Going to be with Jesus “is better by far.” To remain on earth, however, “is more necessary for you.” Have you ever felt this tug of war in your soul?

Understanding his place in God’s plan, Paul writes, “Convinced of this… I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” He chooses God’s will over his own will. The needs of this church (and probably other new churches and Christians) takes priority over Paul’s desire to see Jesus Christ in eternal glory. The connective tissues of community and the call to serve God and one another is what convinces Paul of this commitment. Like Paul, we too have a role to play in God’s plan to advance the gospel. May we too be convinced of and committed to our role as we seek to build the kingdom of God in this time and place.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to better sense the call, as Paul so clearly did. Lead me to know your plans more assuredly and to step into them more fully. Use me day by day to build up your kingdom here on this earth, O Lord. Amen.


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Be Generous

Reading: Luke 16:1-9

Verse 3: “What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job.”

The gospel lesson for this week is one of Jesus’ most difficult teachings. It is one we can read through again and again and still scratch our heads. Is Jesus really commending someone for being dishonest? For cheating his boss? After all, the manager reduces debts owed to his master or boss, all to make those debtors indebted to him instead. And when the boss finds out, he commends the manager for acting shrewdly. Maybe money isn’t the most important thing in the world. Maybe the way we use money is what really matters. Jesus seems to agree. In verses 9 he advises, “use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”

The master was impressed because the manager used money to gain an advantage – in this world. Here is where Jesus differs. He advises us to use earthly wealth to gain advantage in the life to come. A time of hardship led the manager to act as he did: “What shall I do now?” he thought. We all find ourselves in places of hardship. We all know people who are in hardship. Whether on the receiving end or on the giving end, Jesus advises us to be generous with our money – which is really God’s money. Use earthly wealth to help others, to alleviate hardship, to build relationships and connections. Do so not for our own earthly gain, but do so for the glory of God. Then, in the end, we will know heavenly blessings. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to be shrewd with the money you’ve blessed me with, using it in ways that reveal your love and care for us all. May my sharing be counter cultural, leading to conversations about faith, about compassion, about generosity. Amen.

My master is taking away my job.”


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Hosanna!

Reading: Mark 11:1-11 and 15-18

Verse 10: “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest”!

Photo credit: Valentin Salja

After having two disciples fetch a colt, Jesus rides into Jerusalem. People spread their cloaks on the ground, along with branches that they had cut. It is an ancient version of the red carpet. The crowd cheers for Jesus as he enters. They offer praise mixed with hopeful expectations. They express both as they shout, “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest”!

The people expect a Messiah that is a great king, much as King David was. He brought peace to Israel – through his great military exploits that were blessed by God. Israel was the big dog in their small corner of the world during David’s reign. To be rid of the Romans, to again be the big kid on the block – that was the peoples’ hope. Jesus rode into Jerusalem to be king – just not their type of king.

The second section of our reading today reveals how different Jesus’ kingdom will be. Driving the action towards its culmination on Maundy Thursday, Jesus goes to the temple and begins to announce the new kingdom. It is not a kingdom of power and privilege and gain. The sellers and money changers are driven out. The religious leaders get the message that such is not the proper use of God’s house. The line is drawn in the sand. The religious leaders begin to look for a way to kill Jesus. It has begun. As we enter Holy Week, we too begin the journey to the cross.

Prayer: Lord God, we too welcome Jesus with great hope and expectation. He is worthy of our praise. But how will we react when he overturns the tables in our hearts? Will we look within and see how we’ve wandered or will we seek to maintain the status quo? Guide and bless our journey through Holy Week, draw us deeper into Jesus’ kingdom of love and grace. Amen.


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Above All, Love

Reading: Exodus 20: 1-17

Verse 8: “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy”.

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Our passage today is familiar to many people. When one says “the Ten Commandments” almost everyone has an idea of what you’re talking about and some people can name a few of them. The first part of the Ten Commandments is about our relationship with God and the last part is about our relationships with one another. The first three help us to remember who and what God is as we seek to honor and worship God. The last six define boundaries or morals for how we are to live with and treat each other.

I have always included the fourth commandment with the first three when considering the structure and organization of the Ten Commandments. This morning I read about the idea that #4 connects or “bridges” the other commandments. Simply put the fourth is: “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy”. For most Jews the Sabbath would be Saturday. Its Sunday for most Christians. Other days can be the Sabbath too. Mine tends to be Friday. I’ve always understood this commandment to be about taking time to connect to God and to give our bodies and souls a day of rest and renewal. It is all this, yes. But this commandment also limits our drive to overwork and it counters our fleshy tendency to set priorities according to the world’s norms instead of God’s. It protects those we might otherwise exploit for our own gain. It reminds us that we are not in control of everything. It joins us with our brothers and sisters in turning towards the Lord our God.

Taken as a whole the Ten Commandments are rooted in love. The Ten are about loving God, loving others, and loving self. On this Sabbath day, may we love well.

Prayer: Dear God, above all else may I love today. May my love for you and for the other be complete and full today. In turn, guide me to love myself too. Amen.


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Audience of 1

Reading: Matthew 23: 1-12

Verse 5: “Everything they do is done for me to see”.

Yesterday we looked at the warning to do as the scribes and Pharisees teach, not as they do. There is a disconnect between what they preach to the people and how they themselves are living their lives. The middle section in our reading today begins with verse five. Here we read, “Everything they do is done for me to see”. This can be a trap we too fall into. Being human, we like recognition. When we do something “good” and no one notices, we feel hurt or let down or we can even question why we did it. Some of the time, we can also be like these religious leaders, waiting for an audience before we do our good deed, insuring publicity or recognition for our actions.

The scribes and Pharisees loved to be seen and recognized. It reinforced both their authority and their ego. They wore large phylacteries and long tassels – two symbols of their deep connection to God. Today, one may give a large donation, thinking the size of the gift will reflect the depth of their faith for others. Some will want it announced in church or published in the bulletin or will want a plaque placed on the item so that all will know of their good and generous gift. The scribes and Pharisees wanted the best seats or places at events or in worship. This prime real estate is where others will notice they are there. In a similar way, they loved to be called ‘rabbi’ – a title that was revered, respected, honored. It pumped up the ego to see all bow a bit as the people acknowledged the religious leaders. The title separated them from the rest of society. It also insulated them from those outside of their religious circles.

Today, some still like to have a title connected to their name – doctor, professor, reverend, pastor, officer… Titles convey power and authority. These titles can be used to gain admittance and to avoid consequences. It is a good thing, for example, when the pastor title gains entry to pray with a dying person during these pandemic restrictions. Yet it would be a bad thing, for example, to pull out my pastor ID card first, instead of my driver’s license, if pulled over for speeding. Titles can be abused, they can separate, they can be used to manipulate, they can be used for personal gain. Jesus is warning us against such things, to check our egos, and to be aware of our motives and intentions.

When we practice our faith, when we offer acts of kindness, may it always be for an audience of one – for the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord, when I am tempted to shine the light on me, remind me of the call to humble service. When I want others to notice or see what I’m doing, check my pride and remind me of humble service. When I’m drawn to playing the pastor card, remind me of the call to humble service. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Changed?

Reading: Matthew 22: 13-14

Verse 13: “Throw him outside, into the darkness”.

The parable that we began yesterday ends with a hard truth of our faith. Yesterday we read about the invitation to the banquet going out to all – “both the good and bad”. While many folks will hear about Jesus and many of these will hear or sense a call to follow him, many will reject Jesus just as the religious leaders and most Jews did. Jesus speaks to this in verse fourteen, where he says, “For many are invited, but few are chosen”.

The man thrown out of the banquet represents those who hear the invitation but refuse to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They refuse to change, to put on a new self. Instead, they remain a person of the world. The king tells the attendants to bind him and “throw him outside, into the darkness”. The darkness represents hell, where there will be much “weeping and gnashing of teeth”. This hard truth reminds us that as we leave this world, there are only two options. Those that fail to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior will experience eternity in a place of torment and anguish. The few that are faithful will be chosen for an eternity in the light and love and joy of the King of kings.

The man made the choice to come unprepared. He put in no effort to be a part of the event, to know the host. He responded to the invite to get out of it what he could. Still today the appearance of faith can be a tool used to gain favor or standing or some other advantage in the world. In the end only a changed heart, a heart fully committed to Jesus Christ, will lead us in into the final wedding banquet. May it be so for you and for me. Amen!

Prayer: Loving God, when I try and get by with a shallow or pious or fake faith, convict me quickly. Continue to walk with me each moment, for the day and your is unknown. In all I say and do and think, may I honor you. Amen.