pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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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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Required… Good…

Reading: Micah 5-7

Micah 6:14 – “You devour, but you aren’t satisfied; a gnawing emptiness is within you.”

Today’s reading begins with a messianic prophecy: “As for you, Bethlehem… one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out of you.” This ruler will “stand and shepherd his flock” – all in the strength of the Lord. Micah declares, “He will become great throughout the earth.” But first, Assyria will invade and then they too will be defeated. The few survivors, the remnant, will be “amid many peoples.”

Micah then expresses God’s judgment against Israel’s neighbors. God will “exact vengeance” on those who don’t obey. In chapter 6 God brings a “lawsuit” against Israel. God first invites them to remember all that God has done for Israel. Then a question is asked: What does God require? Is it the sacrifice of 1,000 rams or the giving of torrents of oil? Is it sacrificing a first child for one’s sins? No, Micah says, God has told you what is required and good: “to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” Here he summarizes the whole Torah in these three simple yet difficult actions.

Israel is far from this standard. Wicked scales and bags of false weights betray their greed. Violence and dishonesty shows their true hearts. Verse 14 describes the state of their souls: “You devour, but you aren’t satisfied; a gnawing emptiness is within you.” This all sounds much like our day, where many chase after idols and pursue more and more and more.

Micah feels doomed and alone. Yet he declares that he will keep watch, that he will wait for God’s salvation. For Israel there is a price to be paid, but there is also hope. God will show Israel “wonderful things.” God will pardon their iniquity and show “faithful love.” God will have compassion on them. We, like Micah did, await the fulfilment of these words with hope and with faith. And as we wait, may we do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, we know well the truth of exile – the result of our attempts to satisfy our own hungers leave us far from you. We also know well the price of these decisions – a growing emptiness in our souls. You long to redeem us, to forgive our sins, to restore our relationship with you and with one another. So guide us into a humble walk, to a place of surrender – both of our sins and of our hearts. Shepherd us, your people. Amen.


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All Things New

Reading: Amos 5-9

Amos 5:24 – “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Concluding the book of Amos we read words of lament and doom mixed in with words of hope and restoration. Ultimately, Amos closes with words of promise and blessing for God’s people. We too walk through this mix in our lives, holding onto God’s promises that will one day eternally be ours. Thanks be to God.

Amos 5 begins with a song of lament for the great losses soon to come and then encourages people to seek the Lord. The prophet then condemns those who are crushing the weak, taking bribes, and refusing to help the poor. Amos presents the correct choice: seek good and not evil. But the leaders choose evil. Therefore God rejects their worship and sacrifices. They are meaningless. God then presents the correct choice, saying, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Chapters 6 and 7 contain warnings and visions from Amos. Those “resting comfortably” while drinking “bowls of wine” – they will be the first to go into exile. God promises to “shatter the great house [Israel] into bits… and pieces.” God’s people do not measure up to God’s plumb line. All will be laid to waste. These words lead to a confrontation with Amaziah the priest. He tells Amos to go home to Judah, to prophesy there. In response, Amos declares that it is Amaziah who will be going away, into exile, losing family and land as well.

Judgment continues in chapter 8 and the first half of chapter 9. God judges Israel’s immoral business practices, their greed, and their dishonesty. Feasts will become sad affairs. But the days are coming when there will be a thirst for hearing God’s word. There will be a day when broken places are rebuilt, when blessings flow, when God’s people will be planted upon their land. God will make all things new. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your justice and righteousness will prevail. They will indeed flow like water in a never-ending stream. You will remove all evil and establish your new kingdom here on earth. Worship will be pure and true. All will focus on your love, flowing from your heart into our hearts. What a day that will be! In between them and now, Lord, guide us to be justice, righteousness, and love here and now, as we seek to bring your kingdom to this earth. Amen.


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Good Plans

Reading: Jeremiah 25-29

Jeremiah 29:11 – “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.”

We begin with a summary. For 23 years Jeremiah has spoken God’s word. The people wouldn’t listen or pay attention. God is mustering Babylon. For seventy years, Judah will serve Babylon. Jeremiah takes the cup of God’s wrath and forces many nations to drink of it. Disaster is coming to many nations.

We rewind in chapter 26. Jeremiah revisits his temple sermon of chapter 7, adding some more detail. The priests and prophets wanted to kill him because of the words he spoke. The officials and people stand up for Jeremiah, saving his life. Chapter 27 moves forward to king Zedekiah. Jeremiah makes a wooden yoke, symbolizing the new relationship that Judah will have under Nebuchadnezzar. He warns against listening to the false prophets. The remaining temple equipment will go to Babylon, until God is ready to bring it home. We get examples of these false prophets here and at the end of chapter 29. The false prophet Hananiah says the exile will only last two years. He is confronted by Jeremiah. Hananiah breaks the wooden yoke. It will become a yoke of iron, says God. Three more false prophets are dealt with in chapter 29. As always, the word of God prevails.

Chapter 29 begins with a word of great hope. In a letter to the exiles in Babylon, Jeremiah tells them to settle down, to build houses, to marry and have children, to pray for their cities of exile. As they prosper so will Judah prosper. In 70 years God will bring them home. In verse 11 we read, “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” What words of hope!

Prayer: Lord God, you reign over all the earth. Your word is ever true. Cut through the lies of this world, drawing us to the good plans that you have for those who love you. Amen.


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I’m here… Send me.

Reading: Isaiah 5-7

‭Isaiah 6:8 – “’Whom should I send, and who will go for us?’”… “‘I’m here; send me.'”

Isaiah 5 begins with God’s lament over Israel and Judah. They were planted as a vineyard in a land flowing with milk and honey. God cleared the nations before them, built a kingdom, ordered their living. But they turned rotten, choosing idols and other evils over God. So God removed the hedge of protection and allowed the vineyard to be trampled. God expected justice and righteousness but got bloodshed and distress.

Blame and judgment are given to the greedy, to the gluttons, to the cheaters, to the prideful, and to the oppressors. God extended a hand against them, a warning sign, but their evil persisted. So God called a nation from far away – “hurrying, swiftly they come!” Arrows sharpened, swords drawn, roaring like a lion, darkness comes.

Chapter 6 shifts everything as Isaiah finds himself in heaven. God is high and exalted. Winged creatures sing of God’s glory and holiness. Isaiah suddenly realizes that he is a sinner in God’s presence. A winged creature touches his unclean lips with a coal from the altar, purifying him. God asks aloud, “Whom should I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responds, “I’m here; send me.” But God says to him, they won’t hear, they won’t see. Isaiah asks, “How long?” Sadly, until all lies in ruin and the people are in exile in a foreign land.

We find the beginning of this story in chapter 7. Aram and Israel unite against the approaching Assyrians. Judah refuses to join them, so they attack Jerusalem. This fails. God tells King Ahaz not to fear. They’re just “smoking torches” who will soon fall – before son born “Immanuel” learns to tell good from evil. Israel will fall and Judah will have a scary and powerful new neighbor.

Prayer: Lord God, how easily we see ourselves in these chapters. You have good plans for us and you make a way but we often fall off the path. We choose evil over good. We fall into sin yet you call us again and again to step into your grace, to be restored and made new again. You invite us into mission and service. Sometimes we do go willingly but often times we are fearful or selfish. You promise to be with us and to go with us. Help us to more regularly declare, “I’m here; send me.” Amen.


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A Different Answer

Reading: Ecclesiastes 3-6

‭Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “God has made everything fitting in its time, but has also placed eternity in their hearts.”

Chapter 3 begins with the familiar “There’s a time for everything.” We recognize times in our lives when we’ve experienced both halves of each pair. In verse 11 we read, “God has made everything fitting in its time, but has also placed eternity in their hearts.” While we don’t know the whole plan, the sage’s advice is still to eat, drink, and enjoy your work. These are gifts from God.

The Teacher also acknowledges the fragility of life. There is justice and wickedness in the world. All will be judged; all will return to dust. So enjoy what you’re allotted in life.

Unless you’re oppressed. The dead are more fortunate than these and the unborn are better off yet. And unless you’re a miser. They’re lonely and they’re never satisfied with wealth… That’s why two are better than one. Add God into the mix and it becomes better yet.

Speaking of God, in chapter 5 the Teacher advises us to watch our steps and to not be too quick to speak before God. Guard your actions too. Keep your promises to God, pronto! He then repeats familiar themes. The money lover is never satisfied. People hoard to their own detriment. All end like they started: naked and with nothing. But eat, drink, and enjoy your work. All are God’s gifts to us.

In chapter 6 we find a stark statement. Better to be a stillborn child without a grave than to be one not content with life’s good things. The chapter then closes with two questions: Who knows and who can say what the future holds? The implied and expected answer is “No one.” We have a different answer. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you’ve designed and ordered the world for us to be content and to enjoy your good gifts of food, rest, and work. But we too envy and get caught up in chasing, accumulating, gathering… There is a finite nature to this life, yet you also place eternity in our hearts. May this be what guides and leads us each day. Amen.


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God Looks Within

Reading: Proverbs 31

‭Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

As we close our Proverbs we read from Lemuel, also from Massa. Our passage begins with the words the king heard from his mother. She warns him against the woman of folly who steals men’s strength. She warns him against strong drink – it leads one to forget the Law and the rights of the needy. She encourages him to speak for the voiceless and to judge righteously, defending the poor and needy.

In verse 10 the focus shifts to the “competent wife.” Recent scholars believe this poem is really about Lady Wisdom and not some earthly woman. The elevated status she enjoys in these words would’ve been most unlikely in the ancient world. Even so, this can represent the ideal, then and now, for all of us.

The “competent wife” possesses the traits of Lady Wisdom. She brings good, not trouble. She works joyfully with her hands, even at night. She buys vineyards and makes and sells garments. She cares for the poor and needy. She is confident about the future because “her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue.” Her children bless her and her husband praises her. Indeed, her value is “far above pearls.”

A good and competent woman – or any person for that matter – will possess these qualities. They are inner qualities. In verse 30 we are reminded, “Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” God looks within to see who and what we are. May that be pleasing in God’s sight.

Prayer: Lord God, help us all to aspire to the example set by Lady Wisdom, an extension of you. Guide us to work diligently and joyfully, to stand and speak for the voiceless, to care for those in need, and to honor you above all else. Amen.


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Influences – Good and Bad

Reading: Proverbs 23

‭Proverbs 23:19 – “Listen, my child, and be wise! Keep your mind straight on the path.”

Today’s words of wisdom focus mostly on controlling our appetites and on who not to hang out with. These two focuses remain important in our lives today. The first warning today is against longing for the things of this world. In today’s text it is longing for the riches of the king’s table. In our lives it is the longing for a bigger house, a newer phone or car, a fancy vacation, a promotion with a fat raise… We must guard our hearts against these longings. On the other end of the spectrum, the sage says, don’t eat with stingy people. They only share what they’re unwilling to eat themselves.

We’re also warned about hanging out with sinners, gluttons, and drunkards. The primary concern is that they’ll influence us to become like them. We will end up “clothed in rags,” seeing “strange things,” and speaking “distorted words.” We’ll awaken one day and wonder how we got there. Instead, the wisdom writer says, “Buy truth… buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” Then one’s father and mother will rejoice.

The sages remind us, too, that we have a hand to play in being able to one day rejoice. We should not withhold either instruction or discipline from our children. I believe this applies to our children as well as to our friends. As we’ll soon read in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens a friend.”

Prayer: Lord God, help us to make wise choices. Guide us to choose our friends well. Guard us from temptations and keep our feet from paths that lead to sin and folly. Instead of being influenced by the things of this world, Lord, pour your wisdom and understanding into our hearts. Influence us towards you. May our words, thoughts, and deeds bring you joy today. Amen.


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The Lord Made Us All

Reading: Proverbs 21 and 22

‭Proverbs 21:15 – “Acting justly is a joy to the righteous, but dreaded by those who do evil.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

The contrast between good and evil, between righteousness and folly – they are on clear display in today’s readings. We are called to pursue righteousness and kindness and to live with humility and the fear of the Lord. We are told that these yield life, honor, and wealth. We are called to guard our mouth and tongue. Doing so we guard ourselves from trouble. We are called to act with justice. God values this more than sacrifices. We are called to train up our children in these ways. Good training and discipline sets them on the right path in life. And we also receive a warning: We might think our path is straight but it is God who weighs our hearts. God judges our motives…

Those with prideful eyes and arrogant hearts, those who walk in the ways of the wicked – they are sinful and their lamp will go out. They sow injustice, harvest evil, and close their eyes to the poor. These will receive no answer when they call out to God. The “rod of their fury” will come to an end. Those who steal from the poor and oppress the needy, God will “press out” their lives. The wicked will be swept away by God.

We find a bit of ancient relationship advice too. The sage advises us that it is better to “live on the edge of the roof” or in the “wilderness” than to live in a house with a contentious and angry wife. Perhaps today we too should remember that the Lord weighs our hearts too.

And the closer today, my favorite: “The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.” Same goes for male and female, black and white…, friends and enemies, those alike and those different from us… The Lord made us all. May we see and love one another in this spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, you know I want to pursue you and your righteousness, justice, kindness… You also know that I struggle with arrogance, pride, judging others… I seek your wisdom, the words of life, the voice of the Holy Spirit. And the lies of Satan and this world also ring in my ears. Lord you made me and did so for a purpose. Strengthen and empower me today to be who and what you created me to be. It is only possible through your power and presence. May it be so. Amen.


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Decisions, Words, Conduct

Readings: Proverbs 10 and 11

‭Proverbs 11:18 – “The wicked earn false wages, but those who sow righteousness receive a true reward.”

Today we begin the middle section of Proverbs. For 13 days we will work our way through chapter 30. These 21 chapters are filled with two-part lines that almost always contrast the good or wise choice with the evil or foolish choice. Although not grouped together in the text, one can find themes within our readings.

One theme today centers on finances. What we do with our money reveals much about our faith. Laziness leads to poverty while hard work leads to riches. We are to give generously though. Stinginess will lead to growing needy. While there is solid earthly advice here, there are also heavenly implications. Riches won’t help on the day of wrath. But righteousness will rescue us. Our decisions matter.

Another theme focuses on how our behavior or choices affect our relationships and our community. When we are hateful, we stir up conflict. When we choose love, offenses are lessened. Virtuous living blessed the community but words of evil destroy it. Along these lines, slander betrays trust whereas keeping confidences builds up the community. Our words matter.

A third theme today touches on the eternal. The wages of the righteous are life and the earnings of the wicked are death. Wisdom leads to humility but pride leads to shame. Walking God’s path is a refuge for the innocent but ruin for those who do evil. If one brings trouble to their family they’ll inherit the wind. But the fruit of righteousness is the “tree of life.” That’s found in heaven. Our conduct matters.

Prayer: Lord God, as we navigate this life, we do so in relationship and in community. Our decisions, our words, our conduct – they all affect our relationship with you and our relationships with each other. By the power of your Holy Spirit, lead and guide us to live faithful, righteous lives, building up the community and the kingdom here on earth. Amen.