pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: God


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Community and Unity

Reading: Psalm 133

Verse 1: “How good and pleasant it is when [all] people live together in unity!”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

In Psalm 133 David writes about unity and community. As we begin, though, let us recognize that these concepts have changed a great deal since David wrote these words. Note the [ ] as a glaring example of the difference between who is in our circle and who would’ve been in our circle. In the NIV Bible I use at home, this verse read “when brothers…”. The online version attached to this devo uses “God’s people…” Our understanding of God’s idea of unity and community has been growing very slowly but steadily over the eons of creation. One day perhaps we will grow to love so completely that a circle isn’t necessary any more.

In our world yet today there is division, barriers, walls, brokenness, exclusion, and many -isms that work against true unity and real community. All of these things work against the kind of community that God in Christ spoke of and sought to live out. Modernizing David’s words to reflect this idea of a world without anything that divides us from one another begins to reflect God’s love for all of creation.

The Christian understanding of unity and community should align with Jesus’ words and prayer about “being one” as the body of Christ. In today’s Disciplines devotional Bishop Mokgothu said it this way: “Living together is not just convenient tolerance and political correctness.” This is surface level unity and community. Christ calls us to a much deeper and more authentic living out of community and unity. It begins with real relationships and true acceptance of one another. From there it extends to include the “other” – the poor, the disenfranchised, the vulnerable, the outcast, the lost…

When this is how we practice unity and how we live in community then we will also live into the words of verse 3b: “There the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, your vision and plan for unity and community is beautiful yet is still unfolding. It is based on a love as pure and generous as your unconditional love. Work in my heart today, O God, pushing my understanding and my practice of who is welcome in my circle. Make my love more like your love. Amen.


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To Preserve a Remnant

Reading: Genesis 45:5-15

Verse 7: “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

As Joseph’s reunion with his brothers continues, he offers them words of assurance and encouragement. Joseph fully believes that it is God’s plan unfolding. He is 100% sure that God’s plan has both human and divine purposes.

There are a few human purposes. The first is to preserve lives. Joseph is placed in mighty Egypt, in a country with large enough resources to grow and store enough extra food to sustain themselves and others during 7 years of famine. That is a monumental task. God gifted and directed Joseph to orchestrate this massive food program. Without Joseph there it is unlikely that any of this would’ve happened. And God sent Joseph ahead to be in a spiritual place to offer grace and forgiveness to his brothers. The trials and sufferings accompanied by the joys and victories have readied his heart to reconcile with his brothers.

As amazing as this all is, there was a greater purpose being worked out: “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth.” Everything that has happened is wonderful. But the main purpose was to preserve a remnant of God’s people to keep alive God’s covenant promises. The family of Israel moves to Egypt and not only survives but thrives. They become a great nation. This is ample proof of God’s love for Israel.

Today I look at the church and the word remnant comes to mind. God and faith seem to have less and less space in our collective hearts. The church’s influence feels in decline. Yet God is faithful. In the end we know that Jesus returns and makes all things new. Evil does not win. This brings to mind a question: How is God using you and me to preserve a remnant that will ultimately triumph over all?

Prayer: Lord God, you are faithful and true. Not a word has gone out or will go out from your lips that isn’t forever. Give us hope. Encourage us as we seek to be your faithful disciples here on earth. Amen.


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Restore, Reconcile

Reading: Genesis 45:1-4

Verse 3: “His brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.”

In chapter 45 of Genesis, Joseph finally reveals who he is to his brothers. In the previous 3 chapters he has demonstrated his power and might. Joseph has used his position of authority to both provide for and to test his brothers’ hearts. The brothers have felt totally powerless before this man who is second in command in all of Egypt. As chapter 44 closes it is Judah (the one who came up with the idea to sell Joseph to the traveling merchants) who begs for mercy, offering himself up in place of Benjamin. Judah tells Joseph that losing a second son would kill his father.

The willingness to sacrifice self for others finally breaks Joseph. He clears the room and sobs wildly before his brothers, so overwhelmed is he by this act of courage and love. Joseph then reveals his identity to his brothers. In the text we see their reaction: “His brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.” How they must’ve feared for their lives. What revenge would he seek? What justice would he extract from them?

Joseph does not want to punish. He wants to restore and reconcile. He wants a new relationship with his brothers. This type of love and mercy and grace and forgiveness is modeled for us almost 1,600 years later as Jesus offers these gifts from the cross. Even to those who treated him so, Jesus offers grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. These are the first steps towards a new and right relationship. Through Christ, God desires a relationship with you and with me. Through Christ we are offered restoration and reconciliation. May these, in turn, be offered outward as we strive to truly love our neighbors today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, what love and grace are modeled for us first in Joseph today and then ultimately in Christ Jesus. What depth of mercy and forgiveness that you offer to me, a sinner. As you continue to change my heart, O God, use me more and more to spread abroad your love and grace, your mercy and forgiveness. Amen.


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Beautiful Feet

Reading: Romans 10:14-15

Verse 14b: “And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

Returning to Romans 10 today, Paul follows up his proclamation that “all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved” with a few questions. While we hope that Peter’s proclamation will one day include all people everywhere, the reality is that many people do not have the opportunity to call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This middle question in verse 14 really resonated with me: “And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” Really, how can they?

Many years ago Christians read this question and thought of places like Africa. While Africa remains a place of mission today, this question increasingly applies to where we live. Faith is no longer a guiding force in our nation and in most of our communities. Today we are living in the post-Christian era. In the US and in Europe church and faith are on the decline. Just 2 generations ago almost everyone went to church each Sunday. Today 1 Sunday a month is considered “regular” attendance. On any given Sunday about 17% of the population is in church. We have many people in our communities who are disconnected from faith in Jesus Christ.

Yes, as Paul writes, those who preach and those sent on mission are important parts of the faith process. But the heart and soul of faith and of the church remains those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is these folks who put on Christ and go forth, taking Jesus with them to work, to school, to the neighbor next door. This is how non-believers get to know Jesus. This is how the lost hear the good news of Jesus Christ. May we all have beautiful feet this week.

Prayer: Lord God, move us all out into the world as your love, being poured out into the lives of those we meet. Use each of us to make Jesus Christ known. Use each of us to proclaim the good news every day. Amen.


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Time and Space to Mourn

Reading: Matthew 14:22-23

Verse 23: “He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.”

The first two verses of this week’s gospel lesson are a microcosm, a snapshot. Most often they are verses that we read and understand, but do not sit with. These two verses give a wonderful insight into Jesus’ humanity – and into ours.

After healing all day and then feeding the 5,000 Jesus sends the disciples off in the boat and then he dismisses the crowd. He is making time for what he needed to do before the huge crowd arrived. Jesus makes time to mourn the loss of his cousin and fellow prophet. In verse 23 we read, “He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” Going up the mountain is God-speak for finding time alone with God. For Jesus, going up the mountain is time to connect with God, just as it was for Moses and Elijah.

Caring for immediate needs can defer grieving. It happens to many of us when we lose a loved one. The immediate and necessary tasks of writing an obituary, of planning and attending a funeral… they consume our attention and energy, much as the healing and feeding of the crowd did for Jesus. This was the divine Jesus in action. Then the human Jesus needed care. He needed time and space to mourn and to be with God in that grieving. Jesus honored his grief. In our times of loss may we follow this example too.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be tempting to defer or ignore our grief. The initial days of autopilot, of getting necessary things done, they can trick us. When that flurry passes, remind us of the intentional choice that Jesus made. Draw us into your peace and consolation, for there we begin to find real healing. Amen.


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Family Dynamics

Reading: Genesis 37:1-4

Verse 3: “Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons.”

Today we begin the next chapter in the story of God’s chosen people. The focus shifts from Jacob/Israel to Joseph, one of 12 sons. As we have learned the last few weeks, this is a pretty dysfunctional family. The 12 sons come from 4 different mothers, all who are still part of the family. As in some families, in this family there was a “favorite.” Although often the oldest or the youngest, in this case it is not. Joseph is the 11th son. He is the favorite because he was the first child of Israel’s beloved Rachel, born after years of waiting.

Photo credit: Ruthson Zimmerman

The story today begins in Canaan. Joseph is 17. He helps tend the flocks. In verse 2 we learn that he is a little immature still. Some might say spoiled. Joseph brings Dad a “bad report” about his brothers. They must’ve been horsing around or otherwise being mean to their little brother. So he tattles on them. Not good for their sibling relations. In verse 3 we learn that Israel made Joseph a “richly ornamented robe” – the cost of many colors. This only adds to the animosity between Joseph and his older brothers. “They hated him.” It is not a good relationship.

Jealousy and anger and envy and other negative emotions can affect all of our relationships. We often first experience these within our families, as this family did. Maybe you were the “favorite” or maybe you were jealous or envious of him or her. Maybe you were blessed and were raised by parents who loved all equally. These experiences shape and form us. They affect how we go on to parent and even to grandparent. As we learn from Joseph and his family may we also reflect on our own families. In all things may God guide us in the ways that God desires us to go.

Prayer: Lord God, teach us your ways. Help us to understand that all relationships affect us. In that understanding may we seek to follow your example, loving and being grateful and generous to all. And may it begin in our homes. Amen.


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Sing a Song

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6 and 16-22

Verse 2: “Sing to God, sing praise to God; tell of all God’s wonderful acts.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Psalm 105 encourages us to sing. The psalmist encourages us to sing as our vehicle for remembering God’s wonderful acts, for finding strength, and for seeking God’s face. On days when life is good, a song will lift our spirits. On days when life is hard or challenging, a song will shift our focus back to the Lord, also lifting our spirits.

The middle section of today’s Psalm reading deals with Joseph’s life – from the time he was sold into slavery to the point when he was made second in command in all of Egypt. The psalmist acknowledges the hard days, the days of slavery. They are part of the story. But then “the word of the Lord proved true.” Joseph’s dreams were fulfilled. The rest of the Psalm details the exodus from Egypt. It again includes both the challenges and the times when God provides and is true to the promises and covenants.

Later in God’s story, when life was again hard or challenging, the Israelites could sing Psalm 105 to find hope, strength, and encouragement. While we may not know the tune, we can read these words and be reminded of God’s steadfast love and care. Or we can sing other songs that remind us of God’s love, care, rescue, provision, redemption… Even when life gets hard, we can sing a song, refocusing our spirit on God, being lifted up and encouraged.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for music and for song. In times of challenge the right song speaks to my heart, bringing hope to my soul. In my times of need, Lord, bring me your song. Amen.


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Ever at Work

Reading: Genesis 37:1-4 and 12-28

Verses 3 and 4: “Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons… they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

This week’s Old Testament passage is very challenging. Israel’s family is settled in Canaan and the kids are growing up. There are 12 sons in all. Joseph is Israel’s favorite. In the opening verses we read, “Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons.” This is a difficult dynamic to live with. I’ve heard many older siblings say that the youngest is Mom’s or Dad’s favorite. Usually this isn’t really the case. But because this exists in most families, we can relate to Joseph or to the brothers – depending on which side of this we were on in our families. In today’s story, though, Joseph isn’t the youngest. But he is the one finally born to Rachel, the love of Israel’s life.

As you can probably imagine, this clear favoritism creates some problems. The fancy, multi-colored coat is clear evidence of the favoritism. Joseph’s tendency to tattle frequently only worsens the situation. Add in his dreams about his family bowing down to him and we pretty easily arrive at this: “they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”

One day Israel thinks it is a good idea to send the tattletale out to check up on his brothers. As they see him coming, they begin to plot. As Joseph struts towards them in that fancy coat, their first thought is to kill him. This anger and hatred gets de-escalated into just tossing him into a dry cistern. In the end the brothers sell him to some merchants passing by. It is a win-win for the brothers. Joseph is gone forever and they have a little money in their pockets.

It is a challenging story because on the surface it does not appear that God is anywhere to be found. Sometimes it feels like that in our lives when we find ourselves in an ugly situation. And yet God is at work. God is always at work. The first challenge then is either to not sink down to a lesser level, as the brothers did, or to recognize our role in the problem, as Joseph failed to do. The second challenge is to keep looking forward and upward when we’ve failed to meet the first challenge. Even in the pit we must believe that God is at work. It is true in Joseph’s story and it will be in our story.

Prayer: Lord God, in those moments when we feel like Joseph or one of the brothers, remind us of your presence. If we’ll allow it, lead and guide us through. If we fail, come back around in love. Bring us through to see how you were at work. Thank you for your faithfulness, O God. Amen.


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Opportunities, Servants

Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

Verse 19c: “Then Jesus gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.”

Photo credit: Kate Remmer

Today we return to the feeding of the 5,000. Yesterday we looked at how we often have a scarcity mentality. We avoid or we dismiss the opportunity to serve that God places before us either because we don’t think that we’re enough or because we don’t think that we have enough. Today, let’s focus on the power of Jesus Christ and on the potential results of trusting into that power.

Disregarding the realities that the disciples saw – a meager meal for 5,000+ people – Jesus instead sees the possibilities. He has the people sit down. This is the first sign of something happening. He does just the opposite of the disciples’ request to send them away. Sit and stay a while. Sit and be in community. It is Jesus’ abundance versus the disciples’ scarcity. Then Jesus looks to heaven and blesses the food. Jesus knows the source of true and life-changing power. He breaks the loaves. Maybe a half for 10 of the disciples? Maybe the other 2 get the fish?

“Then Jesus gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” Jesus includes those who doubted, those who just wanted the people to go away. Jesus empowers the 12 to be a part of the miraculous feeding. Imagine what it would’ve been like to go to group after group, handing out bread and more bread (or fish), and never running out. Imagine how the awe of Jesus’ power grew as the disciples continued to hand out food.

God will give us opportunities, maybe even today. And Jesus will be present, the Holy Spirit empowering us. May we take what we have – what Jesus Christ has given us – and may we be willing servants in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, the opportunities will be there. Jesus in Spirit is always there. Lead me to trust in your guidance and in your provision. Through me may others experience the power of your love. Amen.


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Abundance

Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

Verse 17: “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.”

After learning of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus withdraws to a lonely place. That is the setting where a large crowd tracks him down. Jesus sees them and he has compassion on them, spending the day healing the sick. As the sun begins to set the disciples remind Jesus of the remote location and of the time of day. The disciples want Jesus to dismiss the crowd so that they can get food for themselves. It is nice to think of others. But in what must’ve been a surprise to the disciples, Jesus says, “You give them something to eat.” Huh? What?!

Would’ve this been your reaction too? I believe it would be because it is too often mine when Jesus tells me something similar. When the Spirit nudges me to bring someone food or when the whisper tells me to reach across a line or barrier or when the scriptures condemn me for my inaction or my stinginess, I try and ignore it or I make excuses, just like the disciples. They protest Jesus’ nudge, saying, “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.” What is that for a crowd of 5000+?

Luke the disciples, I often have a scarcity mentality. I think who I am or what I have is not enough. Our world is stuck in this mentality. That’s why we hoard and accumulate. In our passage we see, though, that it’s not really about the disciples. It’s about Jesus. And when I struggle to follow through or to respond, it’s not really about me. It’s about God. And God, our God, is a God of abundance. In the end this is what the disciples learn: they each had a basket full of bread. 5 loaves? Hah! Yes, God is more than enough. May we learn to trust more fully in this God too.

Prayer: Lord God, you are so abundant – in your love, in your grace, in your mercy, in your forgiveness, in your provision. Guide me to live more fully into your abundance, trusting you with all that I am and with all that I have. Amen.