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Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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Responding to the Call

Reading: Mark 1:1-8

Verse 4: “John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

Photo credit: Savvas Kalimeris

We begin the week in Mark’s gospel. It was the first gospel written. It is short and concise. Mark mostly focuses on the three years of Jesus’ active ministry. Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels were built upon Mark’s and add much more detail to Jesus’ life, particularly to his birth. John’s gospel is similar to Mark’s in its focus. After a short Genesis-ish “birth story,” John jumps right to where Mark begins, with John the Baptist. Just think – if we only had Mark’s and John’s gospels we’d likely not have nativity sets and childrens’ Christmas programs and…

Verse 1 states that Mark’s gospel is “about Jesus Christ, the son of God.” And then Mark leads us out into the Judean wilderness. Quoting from Isaiah as a means to quickly set the stage, Mark reminds his readers of the prophecy that foretold of one “calling in the desert.” The call was to prepare oneself for the coming of the Lord, to straighten out one’s life so that one was ready to receive the Messiah into one’s heart.

Responding to this call from God, we read, “John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” John called people to repent of their sins – to clean up their lives. This was the first step in readying people for Jesus’ coming. Laying their sins before God and repenting of them – committing to holy living – people were then baptized in the Jordan River. In this season of Advent may we too make ourselves right with God and, remembering our baptism, may we commit our lives once again to holy living.

Prayer: Lord God, may we hear the call of John the Baptist as a call upon our lives and hearts too. Help us to realize the full weight of the call to repent, to turn away from our sin and disobedience, and to walk closely with you again. And may we also remember that the burden is light and that the way is easy because you walk with us. Amen.


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Generously and Graciously

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 9:6-15

Verse 13: “Men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ.”

On this Thanksgiving Day we read Paul’s words about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ “generously.” I wonder, is that how others would describe the way you and I live out the great commission to make disciples of all peoples?

Paul used a farming analogy to encourage how we answer that question about how we share the good news. He begins by telling us that if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. A seed here and a seed there may produce a few plants. But we’re looking for a crop. A seedling here and there soon withers and dies. A crop grows to produce a harvest. Half-hearted or lukewarm or reluctant sharing of the good news will not result in a bumper crop. Non-believers must feel the intensity of our Jesus relationship. They must come to know that Jesus is the source of the love and grace and hope and peace and… that they feel and see when they encounter you and me.

We’re also reminded that we do not work alone. God supplies all that we need to sow seeds of faith generously in the world. Equipped by God, our task is to “abound in every good work.” When we live out our faith in this way, then “Men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ.” This can be our truth every day.

May we generously and graciously share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all that we meet. Doing so we will draw others to Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, as we respond to your call to be sharers of the gospel, may your hand nurture the seeds we plant. As we bear witness to your love and grace with our lives, may your power produce an abundant crop for the transformation of the world. Amen.


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The Saints!

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

Verse 10: “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.”

Today is All-Saints’ Day. This church holiday focuses on both the saints who have gone onto heaven and upon the saints who are still serving Jesus Christ here and now. Those who we can call “saints” run a wide gamut – from people like Mother Teresa and MLK, Jr., to people like your 3rd grade Sunday School teacher. There are a great many more saints that fall into the second category.

In our passage today Paul is writing to the church. He is talking about his ministry among them, not as a way to brag but as a way to remind and encourage. This is why we celebrate today’s holiday too. Paul begins by reminding them and us of the toil and hardship inherent in ministry. Ministering to others certainly has moments that are difficult and challenging. Next Paul unpacks the traits or characteristics of a minister of the gospel. It begins with how one conducts oneself: holy, righteous, blameless. He then moves onto the actions needed: encouraging, comforting, and urging the believers to “live a life worthy of the gospel.” This is, of course, circling back around to holy, righteous, and blameless. For Paul and for all other saints past and present, this life of faith is built upon the word of God. A close, personal, intimate relationship with God is the starting point for all believers, saints included.

On this All-Saints’ Day remember the saints who shaped and formed and walked with you in faith. Remember those who are living saints, still guiding you on your journey of faith. Bring your praise and thanksgiving to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many saints that have blessed my life and encouraged my faith. Some led by example long before I was born. Others have poured into me in my youth and have passed on to glory. And others still lead and guide and walk with me in adulthood. We are a community, connected together with you and with one another, all for the building of the kingdom of God. Praise be to God! Amen.


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A Manner Worthy

Reading: Philippians 1:27-30

Verse 27: “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

In the second half of our Epistle text, Paul encourages the Philippians and us to represent Christ and one another well. He begins by challenging us all to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” What does it mean to live a life that is “worthy” of Jesus and the gospel? In a general sense it means to live as Christ lived – obedient to God; generous with love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness; and, overflowing with humility and care for the needy.

Paul focuses on 3 more ways in today’s passage. First he calls us all to “stand firm in one spirit.” The unity of spirit was very important in Paul’s day. These early Christians were living in a pagan world as members of a small minority group. Sticking together in body and in spirit was essential to survival. The same is true today for us.

Paul then tells us not to be afraid of those who oppose us. These ‘opponents’ were many in Paul’s day (he was in prison, right?) and there are no less today. To have confidence in our eternal God battles the fear of these temporal threats. Lastly Paul encourages the Philippians and us to step into what has been “granted” to us as a privilege – to suffer for and with Christ. Nothing without cost is worth much. If we are not suffering a bit for our faith, then we aren’t fully conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ. If we are blending in and living like the world around us, let us return to the actual gospels for a refresher on the life of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to be a person of peace and unity. Use me to build connection and community – two things at the heart of faith. Remove any fears that I have and empower me to be bold in my faith. And as John Wesley said, put me to doing, put me to suffering. May it all be for your glory. 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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Whoever Has Ears…

Reading: Matthew 13:1-9

Verse 9: “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

For our last two days this week we turn to our gospel lesson from Matthew 13. This is a familiar parable to us and is a very familiar subject to his audience – at least on the surface level. Jesus often taught in parables. These were stories often framed in common settings, told like a story. This parable is about farming. It is told in such a way that some hearers would be drawn to delve deeper to understand what Jesus was really talking about. No farmer in his or her right mind would ever waste good seed on rocky or thorny soil, nevermind upon the path! Jesus’ upsidedown, inside out teaching style led some in the crowds to wonder what in the world Jesus was really talking about.

Each parable that Jesus taught usually had a main theme or point. But some of the time there are multiple ways to read or interpret just what that main point is. Most parables raised lots of questions and prompted lots of thinking if one was willing to go past the surface level. This can be one of those parables. In addition to the “no farmer in…” statement above, we can ask, is this more about the soil or is it about the sower? Which one are we? Are we both? Could the seed sown in the illogical places still produce a crop or a harvest? Is Jesus saying that it is good or that we are to sow in these hard, rocky, and thorny places? When…? How…?

These and more are the questions that can come up as we read and ponder and wrestle with the parable of the sower. As we do, may we do so with Jesus’ blessing: “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Prayer: Lord God, as we wrestle with and ponder over your word, open not only our ears but our hearts and minds as well. Reveal your truths to us and guide us to apply them to our lives. Amen.


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Share the Good News

Reading: Acts 2:1-13

Verses 1 and 6: “They were all together in one place… each one heard their own language being spoken.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

This week we celebrate the day of Pentecost – the day the Holy Spirit came down upon and into the followers of Christ. Many people were gathered in Jerusalem: “God-fearing Jews from every nation.” In verses 9-11 we see that there are literally people from all over the known world gathered in the city.

In one place “they were all together.” The ‘they’ are the followers of Jesus. Suddenly and loudly the Holy Spirit comes. It rests upon each one of them. Each person – men, women, young, old, children – each is then filled with the Spirit. This indwelling presence then leads each to speak in a new language. The noise draws a great crowd of Jews. The crowd gathers in “bewilderment.” These Galilean followers of Jesus – these country folk – they speak to all in the diverse crowd. In verse 6 we read, “Each one heard their own language being spoken.” God has a plan. It was to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the crowd. This was just step one.

As we consider what happened this amazing day, what lessons can we learn? I think the first lesson is that there is no real ‘us-them.’ It is clear that God wanted to create a diverse unity in the church. To this point we must ask: Does our church reflect the beautiful diversity of the local community? The second lesson is that all were and are equipped to be ministers of the gospel. The question this leads to is this: How will you use your unique ‘language’ – your story and voice – to make Christ known to “every nation under heaven?”

Prayer: Lord God, in each encounter today, help me to find my voice. Fill me with the words that need to be spoken, that need to be heard. Through the power of the Holy Spirit may the words given be received in a way that draws others towards your love and grace. Amen.


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Enough

Reading: John 20:30-31 – “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

When you first read these 2 verses maybe you, like me, feel that there really is more to the story of Jesus. And being raised in this culture, if more is available, we certainly want it. More knowledge, more wisdom, more followers, more time, more possessions, more wealth – you name it – we want more.

If one reads through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, one realizes that there aren’t a lot of stories that are in all four gospels. A few are, yes, but each gospel writer had a particular focus or purpose and gathered material accordingly. The writers even arranged the material in a different order here and there because that better fit their focus. From this perspective it makes perfect sense that John would write “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book” at the end of his gospel. Oh wait! He then sneaks in one more miracle even after this statement.

Even though it is fascinating to think about or even to imagine all of the other potential stories about Jesus that aren’t in the gospels, the reality is that each gospel, on its own, is enough. Each, in their own way, presents a picture of Jesus that is enough to lead someone to believe in him as Lord and Savior. Now one may appeal to you more than another. That is natural as each was written with a focus or for a specific purpose.

Our reading concludes with John writing, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” May it ever be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, the gospels are indeed more than enough – not only in content but in function. The complete picture is painted and yet your stories remain alive, offering new insights or a new application when I come to them from a different perspective or with a new need. Thank you for the living word – our living hope, our eternal promise. Amen.