pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: good news


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Lights to the World

Reading: Acts 13:48-52

Acts 13:50 – “However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile worshippers… to harass Paul and Barnabas.”

Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch as our passage begins. They’ve been sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with Jews in the local synagogue. Some have come to faith in Jesus but most have not. In verse 44 the circle expands. Here we see that “almost everyone in the city” gathers to hear Paul speak. The Jews are jealous so they try to slander Paul. Filled with Holy Spirit courage, Paul quotes Isaiah 49:6 to them. The prophet speaks of being “a light to the nations” and about salvation going out “to the ends of the earth.” Talk about expanding the circle of God’s love!

In verse 48 we hear the Gentile’s reaction: “they rejoiced and honored God’s word.” Many heard Paul speak and came to believe in Jesus. The word was soon spoken throughout that region. Instead of rejoicing alongside Paul and Barnabas, “the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile worshippers… to harass Paul and Barnabas.” They stirred up trouble. Their envy burned hot within them. Paul and Barnabas were forced to move on. But because of the powerful presence and work of the Holy Spirit, they left filled with happiness.

Envy and jealousy remain driving forces in our world and in our churches. They lead us to at least want to tear others down who find success when we do not. They urge us to cut corners and to skirt the rules to get what we want. They can instill hatred and contempt in our hearts when we cannot level up. And sometimes these sins will be directed at us, as they were at Paul and Barnabas. Like them, may we shake it off, rejoice in what God is doing, and continue in the work that God has placed before us.

Prayer: Lord God, all who follow Jesus are called to be lights to the world, to proclaim salvation for all people. Sometimes others find more success. Sometimes we are harassed for our efforts. In all cases, Lord, keep us focused on the charge to make disciples of all peoples. May it all be for your glory and praise! Amen.


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Claim and Proclaim

Reading: 1st Timothy 1:5-10

1st Timothy 1:7 – “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Paul’s second letter to Timothy focuses on the character of a faithful pastor. It is the follow-up to the first letter, which focused on the character of a faithful church. Paul’s goal in this personal letter is to encourage a timid but gifted young pastor. As we focus on facing our fears this week, a key idea is faith over fear. Today in our reading, Paul seeks to build up Timothy’s faith so that he can minister faithfully in Ephesus. These words also offer encouragement to us as we seek to minister to our communities.

Paul begins by reminding Timothy of his “authentic faith.” It is a faith rooted in his family upbringing. It remains in him but is also present in his family that is close by. Paul reminds Timothy of the blessing he was given by God through Paul’s laying on of hands. The gift of the Spirit came through this blessing. Of this Spirit Paul writes, “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.” We too receive this gift and its power when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

In times of suffering and other hardship (when our fears usually rise up,) Paul encourages Timothy to “depend on God’s power.” Trust the faith and Spirit within – not on your own power. That will not be enough in the trials. Timothy is reminded that he was saved by grace (not by anything he did or can do) and that he has a “holy calling,” a purpose given him by God. We are all gifted by this sane grace and are all called according to our gifts. This is God’s purpose for us all, one body with many parts. Paul closes this section with a reminder that Jesus Christ brought life eternal through his death and brought true live now through the good news that he taught. May we claim and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, both for these days and for the life to come.

Prayer: Lord God, what encouraging reminders Paul offers to Timothy in today’s verses. These words and therefore this encouragement belong to us as well. Build up in us our faith through the Spirit. Fill us with power, love, and self-control as we strive to live out our faith in this world. Amen.


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Stay Strong, Trust God

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

1st Thessalonians 2:13 – “When you accepted God’s word that you heard from us, you welcomed it for what it truly is.”

Paul rejoices in the work that God allowed him and his companions to do in Thessalonica. With great courage and deep love they shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Not only that, but they also shared life together. They lived in and amongst the people. As we turn to verse 9 Paul reminds them of how they worked, supporting themselves, so as not to be a burden to those that they shared Christ with.

Not only did Paul and companions share the words of Jesus with the people of Thessalonica but they also lived out the example set by Jesus. These missionaries were “holy, just, and blameless.” They treated the people as a father treats his very own children. Setting the example, Paul reminds them of how he and his fellow servants of Jesus Christ “appealed to… encouraged… pleaded” with the Thessalonians to “live lives worthy of the God who is calling you.”

Paul then reminds them of their initial response: “When you accepted God’s word that you heard from us, you welcomed it for what it truly is.” Paul is thankful for this acceptance and for how the life of faith then worked itself out in the lives of these new believers. These reminders, these words of encouragement, they are meant to help the Thessalonicans to stay strong in the faith and to continue to trust God. May these words of Paul remind and encourage us to as we reflect on our profession of faith and on our journey with Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we too once received the word and made the decision to follow Jesus. We too can think of those who were part of this decision and can think of others who have walked with us on our ongoing journey. This day, Lord, we ask you to keep the fire burning, to strengthen and encourage us to live lives that are holy, just, and blameless. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Standing Our Ground

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-13

Ephesians 6:12 – “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.”

In Ephesians 6 Paul picks up on an idea that is present in other parts of scripture. As he closes his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds them of this ongoing spiritual battle. While this idea is sprinkled throughout the New Testament, it is also there in the Old Testament, especially in Daniel and in a few other prophetic writings.

Paul encourages those in the church to “be strengthened by the Lord,” the only source of power in this battle. We are invited to put in the “armor” of God that our faith provides. In the verses that follow our reading, Paul names these gifts from God: truth, justice, faith, salvation, the good news, and the Holy Spirit. He then gives the battle plan: pray, pray, and then pray some more. Prayers connects us to God and to these gifts of God.

In verse 12 Paul writes, “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.” This is so true. We’ve all felt the lure of temptation. We’ve all even been drawn into sin. The spiritual forces of evil whisper lies and half truths, remind us of our human desires, rile up jealousy and want, anger and spite, pride and judging… The enemy knows and uses all the tricks and is always on the prowl. Our only hope is in God. Our only chance to quiet these voices and to remain steadfast comes through calling on God to deploy these gifts at our disposal. This day and every day, may we stand our ground, standing on the rock, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we are weak but you are strong. Our defenses are leaky at best, but yours are solid and true. When temptation arises, O God, raise up in us just the right words, just the right antidote. By the power and presence of your Holy Spirit, guide us to ever stand for you as you stand with us. Amen.


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What God Has Done

Reading: Psalm 22:19-31

Psalm 22:22 – “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; I will praise you in the very center of the congregation.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

Returning to Psalm 22 today we pick up on the desperate tone that dominated yesterday’s verses. David invites God, his strength, to come quickly and to help and deliver him. He pleas for rescue from the dogs, lion, and wild oxen that surrounded and threatened him. At the end of verse 21, though, there is a shift: “you have answered me!”

In verses 22-31 David offers a hymn of praise. In verse 22 David writes, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; I will praise you in the very center of the congregation.” God’s rescue and restoration are worthy of his praise and worship. In the New Testament, in Hebrews 2:12, the author claims these words for Jesus. Jesus’ life and ministry declared who and what God was and is. His “work” was done in Israel, then center of God’s people.

David also sees a widening of the circle in verse 29. Here he declares that both the rich and powerful and the lowly and downtrodden will worship and kneel together before God. The inclusion of all peoples is a theme begun by Jesus and expands as the church moves out into the world. As the Psalm concludes, David looks to the future. He foresees a time when future generations will learn of the Lord. From Jesus’ life and example people will declare God’s righteousness, “telling them what God has done.” This is the sharing of the good news. As it was for the disciples and apostles, may it be for you and for me as we share our faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the rescue from those things that surround and assail us too. Thank you for your answers to our pleas. Lead us to declare what you have done. Guide us to speak of the rescues and transformations that you have worked in our lives again and again. Each day use us to witness to your love and grace. Amen.


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The Lord Reigns

Readings: Luke 22:67-69 and Acts 7:56

Luke 22:69 – “But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God.”

Photo credit: Fuu J

As the passion of the Christ continues to unfold in Luke’s gospel, the religious leaders ask Jesus if he is the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus begins by addressing their hard hearts. No matter what Jesus says or even asks the religious leaders they will not believe that he is God’s Son. If they did or even thought that he might be, Jesus would not be standing trial before them. Jesus is calling out the hypocrisy of their question.

To answer their question, Jesus paraphrases from Psalm 110:1. In verse 69 he says, “But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God.” This Psalm of David reaffirms the messianic promise of God, offering hope for Israel’s future. David refers to this coming Messiah as “my Lord.” In claiming to fulfill the words of David, Jesus infuriates the religious leaders. For them this seals Jesus’ fate.

Fast forwarding a few years, we turn to Acts 7. The apostles and followers of Jesus Christ have been spreading the good news in both word and deed. The church is growing. This has heightened the tension and conflict with the Jewish religious leaders. Overcome with jealousy, the religious leaders began harassing the church. Stephen “stood out among the believers.” God’s grace was clearly at work in his life. There is a conflict and false charges are made up. Stephen is arrested and finds himself before the ruling council. Stephen outlines Israel’s history for these religious leaders, greatly angering them. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Stephen declares, “Look! I can see heaven on display and the Human One standing at God’s right side!” In anger, the religious leaders stone Stephen..The truth is too hard to hear.

Prayer: Lord God, from the lips of David to the lips of Jesus to the lips of Stephen, the message remains: Jesus is Lord. This day we humble ourselves and ask that you would reign in our hearts and in our lives, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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A Spiritual Kingdom

Readings: Ezekiel 37:22-23 and Matthew 11:2-6

Ezekiel 37:23 – “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

The prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s word to those living with him in exile in Babylon. Both Israel and Judah were conquered and many people were relocated to this foreign land. It was hard to maintain their faith in this pagan place. Living in oppression in captivity, these words would spark hope in a hopeless people. God speaks of bringing them home, reuniting them as one people under one king. In this new reality the people of God will no longer pursue idols or other things that lead them into rebellion against God. They will be cleansed. God declares, “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

In Matthew 11:2 John the Baptist is in prison, arrested for speaking out against Herod’s immoral behavior. As news of Jesus’ work spreads, John sends his disciples to Jesus. They ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus responds with a report about what he’s been up to. The blind see and the crippled walk. The deaf hear and the dead are raised. The poor hear the good news. These words are from Isaiah 35 and 61. These words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah speak of a day when God would restore Israel.

The religious leaders and most of the people of Jesus’ day longed for a mighty Messiah to free them from Rome’s oppression. They read the words from Ezekiel 37 with this longing in mind. Slight problem. They forgot the context of these verses. These words follow and are connected to the vision of the dry bones – God’s vision for restoring Israel’s dry and dead faith. These words speak of a Messiah who will restore Israel’s faith, not their political might. Digging deeper, we see that Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too want you to be what we think we need. Because of our situation or circumstance we want you to be this or that. Help us, instead, to see with eyes focused on your kingdom, on your will and way. Guide us to know your heart, for there we find out who you truly are. Knowing you intimately and personally, you are our God and we are your people. From this place of connection, use us to be your good news for the world. Amen.


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Heed the Teachings

Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Luke 16:31 – “If they didn’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.”

Our parable for today comes just after a clash between Jesus and the Pharisees. In verse 14 this group of religious leaders is identified as “money-lovers.” Jesus told them that their worldly wealth is “deeply offensive to God.” After reminding them that they have Moses and the Prophets and now the good news, Jesus launches into today’s parable. It is clear who the rich man really is.

There is a rich man, finely dressed, who feasts “luxuriously” every day. Outside his gate is a poor man, Lazarus, who longs for crumbs from the rich man’s table. Lazarus dies and is carried to Abraham’s side in heaven. The rich man dies and now suffers torment in the flames. Their places in life are reversed in the afterlife. The rich man now longs – for a drop of water to cool his tongue. But it is not possible, says Abraham. A great crevasse separates heaven from hell.

The torment of hell is so great that the rich man finally thinks of someone other than self. He begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers. Apparently they are as self-centered as he was in life. They too have ignored the call of the great commands and more. Abraham reminds the rich man that his brothers have the Law and Prophets. Alas, he knows they’ve ignored them just as he did. The rich man again asks that Lazarus be sent. Then they’ll change hearts and lives. No, Abraham says, “If they didn’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.” How true.

May we heed the teachings in the Bible and the example set by Jesus, he who rose from the dead.

Prayer: Lord God, wealth is not all that can drag us away from loving you and loving neighbor. We can love power or status or titles or beauty or… more than you, which, in turn, means more than others. Lord, remind us again and again of the danger of placing anything above you. The harm, the cost, the outcome – all detrimental to our relationships with you and with those around us. Heal our brokenness. Break our selfishness. Lead us to find wholeness and contentment in you alone. Amen.


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A Disciplined Life

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 1-3

2nd Thessalonians 3:3 – “The Lord is faithful and will give you strength and protect you from the evil one.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians continues to address the second coming of the Lord. They have become anxious because false teachers said the day has already come. Paul provides more details about the day’s approach. Satan will rise up as “the person who is lawless.” They will be in the temple and will deceive many people with fake signs and wonders. Then the Lord Jesus will come and will destroy the deceiver “with his breath.” Paul is telling the Thessalonians that the signs will be unmistakable. It will not be possible to miss the day or the events leading up to the day of the Lord.

Paul also offers prayers and thanksgiving for their faithful and holy living. He recognizes that they’ve been harassed and have suffered for their faith. Paul reminds them that on the day of the Lord, God will harshly judge those who refuse to obey the good news of Jesus Christ. The apostle is grateful that God chose the Thessalonians through this good news. He encourages them to “stand firm” and to hold onto what they were taught.

Offering and requesting prayer, Paul tells the Thessalonican church, “The Lord is faithful and will give you strength and protect you from the evil one.” He prays that they would be led to have hearts filled with “God’s love and Christ’s endurance.” Paul closes with a few more words on living a disciplined life, a holy and faithful life. He reminds them of his example of effort and hard work. He was not a burden to anyone. Some are idle and are meddling. He commands these to follow his example, earning a living, putting food on their own table. The letter closes with a blessing of peace and grace. May these words and this blessing guide our walk of faith too.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to walk faithfully each day. Strengthen and encourage us in those times of suffering. Grow our faith and trust in you as we experience your presence and power in our lives. Empower us to stand firm and to be sharers of the good news. Amen.


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Faithful Witnesses

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1-3

1st Thessalonians 2:2 – “We had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition.”

1st Thessalonians is written to encourage a church that is remaining faithful to God in spite of the persecution that they are facing. Paul encourages them to continue living grace-filled, loving lives of faith. The letter begins with thanksgiving. The church is demonstrating works, effort, and perseverance that comes through faith, hope, and love. The good news that Paul, Timothy, and Salvanus shared with them has been empowered by the Holy Spirit. Because of this, the church in Thessalonica has become an example to other churches and believers.

In chapter 2 Paul recalls their ministry in Thessalonica. He begins, “We had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition.” Perhaps this example has given strength to this church in their own suffering. Paul recalls their ministry as gentle. It was a joy to preach to and to live alongside them. The church saw how “holy, just, and blameless” Paul and companions were when amongst them. Paul remembers how they appealed to, encouraged, and pleaded with them to “live lives worthy of the God who is calling you.”

Paul then rejoices that the believers in Thessalonica are doing just that. He sees how they are imitators of the churches back in Judea – staying faithful even in their suffering. Paul expresses a longing to visit them again. But “Satan stopped us.” So he sent Timothy, who came back greatly encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonican church. This increases Paul’s desire to visit and it also increases his prayers for this church. Paul prays for strengthened hearts and for them to be “blameless in holiness.” Thus they will be ready when the Lord Jesus returns. May we be ready too!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this witness to faithful living. As we read of their faith, love, and hope in you, may these grow in our hearts. As we read of their good works and courageous endurance, may our faith be strengthened and encouraged. Build us up, O God, to be who and what you call us to be as witnesses to the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.