pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: healing


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“New” Again

Reading: Ezekiel 47:6-12

Ezekiel 47:9 – “Wherever the river flows, every living thing will thrive.”

As we turn to Ezekiel 47 we are near the end of his vision of the new heaven and earth that began back in chapter 40. At the beginning of chapter 47 Ezekiel returns to the temple, to the east gate. So far in his vision only the glory of God has passed through this gate. Now water flows out of this gate. As the water flows it grows wider and deeper, finally reaching a point where it is impassable.

In verse 6 Ezekiel is led to the edge of the river and is asked what he sees. On both banks Ezekiel sees many trees. He is then told, “Wherever the river flows, every living thing will thrive.” These waters will bring life abundant. What was dead will come to life. All that is touched by the living water will thrive. Provision will come from this living water – fish in great numbers, fruit without end. And the leaves of these trees will bring healing to all people. The words Ezekiel uses, the scene he sets – right from the Genesis account of creation.

This abundant life, this provision, this healing – it is all because the water “comes from the sanctuary.” This stream of life begins physically at the throne of God, yes. Its power, though, comes from the one who sits on the throne. The same God who spoke all of creation into being is the same God who will one day give abundant life as all things are made “new” again. The world will then once again be as God created it to be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, all glory, praise, and honor to you! The love and care shown at the beginning of creation is as strong as ever. We know that at just the right time Christ will return and defeat all evil, all pain, disease, and death, all sorrow, and all division. We will then walk in your light and love in your abundant new creation. We long for this day! Amen.


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Grace, Blessing, and Presence

Reading: Psalm 67

Psalm 67:1-2 – “Let God grant us grace and bless us… so that your salvation becomes known among the nations.”

This week we focus on God’s blessings – some physical and some spiritual. Our readings will culminate in Revelation with the tree of life that provides food and healing for the nations. Ezekiel 47 will also connect to this gift of God. Other readings this week focus on the peace, grace, and salvation offered by the Lord. We begin today with Psalm 67.

In the opening verses of Psalm 67 the writer invites God’s grace, blessing, and presence to be upon Israel. This is not just a request for Israel. These gifts from God will draw other nations to Israel so that they too can know the salvation that God offers. Our faith and our churches should function the same way. A quote often attributed to Francis of Assissi encourage us to preach the good news always, using words when necessary. God’s presence and love should be revealed in and through our lives, drawing others towards Christ and salvation.

Israel’s response and the response of those who receive salvation should be thanksgiving, celebration, and joy. God is just and fair and will guide all people to receive abundant life here and one day in the life to come. The physical joins these spiritual blessings in verse 6, where the psalmist acknowledges God’s hand at work. Here he or she writes, “The earth has yielded its harvest.” This too is a blessing from our creator God. It is how God designed and created this world. While this is yet to be realized, we pray for a time when all people experience the abundance that God intends for all the earth. This is God’s plan and design. With hope we join our voices with those in the far ends of the earth as we rejoice and say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for the many ways in which you bless our lives. Here you are our provider and guide, our encourager and sustainer, our hope and our light. You call us to abundantly and graciously share these blessings with others, opening their hearts to receive from you. This is just the beginning though. You also offer eternity in your glorious presence through the salvation of our souls. For all of this, O God, we too thank you. Amen.


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He Came to Save

Reading: John 3:13-17

John 3:17 – “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

As we turn to the gospel of John for the week ahead, today we read one of this gospel’s most well known verses: “God so loved the world…” This verse is seen on signs at ball games, on T-shirts, on artwork in homes and houses offices. It is an important reminder of the depth of God’s love for us and of the gift that Jesus’ sacrifice was for you and for me.

In verse 13 we’re reminded of the incarnation, itself a sacrifice. Paul reminds us that Jesus emptied himself, giving up his divinity to come to earth in the flesh. Coming from heaven also allowed Jesus insight into what he would die for: so that we could one day join him there.

Connecting to the healing and life that the Israelites received in the wilderness when Moses lifted the golden serpent (Numbers 21,) Jesus declares that he must be lifted up for us to receive eternal life. Is he referring to being lifted up onto the cross, being lifted up out of the grave, being lifted up into heaven, or all three?

Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin and death. We are forgiven and raised to new life through these actions of Jesus on our behalf. In verse 17 we read, “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus did not come to judge or to condemn. He came to save – to save us from ourselves, from the lies of the world, and, yes, from the powers of sin and death. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your great love for us. It was revealed first in your taking on flesh. It culminated in sacrificing that flesh as the atonement for our sin. All so that you could save us. What a deep love you have for us, your sons and daughters. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Kingdoms

Readings: Luke 22:6-12 and 13:31-33

Luke 13:32 – “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.'”

As Jesus’ path to the cross continues, there is a detour in Luke’s gospel. Hearing that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate sends him to Herod Antipas, the ruler of that region. Pilate is trying to extricate himself from this sticky situation, thrusting it upon his political enemy. But Herod is happy to see Jesus – at first. He’s wanted to see Jesus for a long time. Herod has heard the stories and hopes that Jesus will “perform a sign” for him.

Jesus refuses to answer any questions and Herod’s curiosity turns to anger and mockery. Dressing Jesus in “elegant clothes,” he sends Jesus back to Pilate. This wasn’t Herod’s first exposure to Jesus, though. In chapter 13 the religious leaders warn Jesus that Herod wanted to kill him. Herod was notoriously violent and unstable, especially against anyone he saw as a threat to his power. The bad blood with Pilate began long ago when Herod and his brothers had Pilate charged and punished by Tiberius Caesar. And Pilate ruled over the land once ruled by Herod the Great, Herod Antipas’ father.

In chapter 13, in response to Herod’s threat, Jesus says, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.'” The Jews saw foxes as destructive and worthless pests. This was not a compliment. The casting out and healing were signs of God’s kingdom amongst the people. Jesus’ finished work on the third day, resurrected to life, would validate his claims of bringing the kingdom to earth. Working together against this perceived threat to their power, Pilate and Herod became friends that day. So it is with the kingdoms and powers of this world.

Prayer: Lord God, in Pilate and Herod we see two men with power willing to do anything to hold onto or to build that power. We see this in our world today as people strive and connive to gather more power, wealth, status… Jesus’ kingdom runs counter to these ways of the world. His is a kingdom of healing, giving, and pouring out of self. O God, draw us into this kingdom and use us to build your kingdom in our time and place. Amen.


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Modeling Christ

Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Acts 10:34-35 – “God doesn’t show partiality… whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”

Today’s scripture from Acts 10 serves as a bridge between the first two of John Wesley’s three simple rules. Peter first acknowledges that “God doesn’t show partiality.” He has come to understand that God accepts the Gentile Christians as they are. Peter now sees that their attempts to make these believers Jews first (then Christians) was wrong and was doing harm to these brothers and sisters in Christ. We too can do harm when we seek to elevate what we think is right over what God is doing at the time. We too can put up barriers to people coming to Christ. We do this when we say or imply that they must look or act or dress or… like us to attend church or to be baptized or…

Peter then recognizes that the Gentile Christians are worshipping God and are living out the example of Jesus. Getting past himself, he has come to understand that they are totally acceptable to God. Indeed, “He is Lord of all!” Reflecting back on his three years with Jesus, Peter can see how Jesus himself engaged one and all. Jesus did not show partiality. Instead he demonstrated welcome, acceptance, and love to all people.

Our passage closes with this observation about Jesus: “He traveled around doing good and healing everyone.” Jesus sought to do good to all. He didn’t first check to see if they really believed in him or belonged to a church. Sometimes faith or belief even came after the good act or after the healing. May we always be generous with our acts of kindness and love. Modeling Christ to others, we draw them towards Jesus and his love.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts wide too. Lead and guide us to see all people as Jests saw them. Each person was worthy of his time, his attention, his efforts, his love. Help us to engage our world this way too. Amen.


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Righteous Freely

Readings: Acts 4:8-12, Romans 5:18-19, Romans 3:21-25

Romans 3:24 – “All are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Jesus Christ.”

The words we read in Acts 4 are Peter’s response to the religious leaders who arrested him and John for healing a crippled man then preaching about healing him in Jesus’ name. Peter begins by asking why they’re being examined for doing something good: healing a man. He then takes the opportunity provided by the miracle to once again preach, declaring that the healing came through the power of Jesus’ name. Peter then reminds the religious leaders that they rejected the “stone.” Nonetheless, Peter continues, Jesus has become the “cornerstone” or the foundation of faith. Accordingly, Peter states, “Salvation can be found in no one else.” Jesus alone can save – from a crippling physical condition or from one’s sinful ways or from pride or arrogance or…

In our Romans passages Paul also seems to establish Jesus as “the one.” In chapter 5 Paul states that one person met the righteous requirements just as one man brought sin into the world. We can be made righteous through Jesus Christ just as we were made sinners through Adam. In chapter 3 Paul declares the righteousness is revealed through Christ’s faithfulness. He states that the Law and Prophets point to this revelation of God’s righteousness. This is important for his audience and for us because “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.” Sin is in us and on our own we cannot defeat sin and cannot make ourselves righteous. So Jesus stood in our place as the sacrifice for our sins. Because of this righteous act, “All are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Jesus Christ.” Through Jesus we are saved. The price has been paid. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love that takes on, covers, and washes away my sin. On my own I would fall woefully short of your glory. Thank you for Jesus Christ, he who willingly and freely paid the price, becoming my ransom, atoning for my sins. In turn, Lord, use me to reveal Christ to others, especially those in need of healing and forgiveness. Amen.


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Healings and Wholeness

Reading: Acts 3:1-5:16

Acts 4:11-12 – “This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! Salvation can be found in no one else.”

Peter and John head to the temple to pray at “the established prayer time.” On the way in they encounter a crippled beggar. Getting his full attention, Peter offers what he has, telling the man, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!” The man enters the temple with them, “walking, leaping, and praising God.” Filled with wonder, the people rush to Peter and John. They tell the people that it is not they who healed the man, but it is the one they handed over and rejected – Jesus. Belief in his name healed the man. Peter then encourages them to “change your hearts and lives,” repenting so that “your sins may be wiped away.”

The healing brings opposition. The Jewish leaders seize and imprison Peter and John. Even so, many choose to believe in Jesus, growing the community to 5,000. The leaders question the apostles, wanting to know by what power they healed the man. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares that the crippled man standing before them was healed in the name of Jesus. Continuing, he states, “This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! Salvation can be found in no one else.” The leaders are surprised by Peter’s confidence and they know the people are amazed by this sign. They instruct Peter and John to stop speaking and teaching in Jesus’ name. Peter and John tell them they’ll obey God and not man. They can’t stop!

Sharing what happened at the temple, the community prays for protection and for confidence, for healings and signs – all in the name of Jesus. The community becomes united, growing to have one heart and mind. People share everything. No one is in need. The story of Ananias and Sapphira comes as a warning. Their dishonesty costs them their lives. One cannot lie to God. Large numbers continue to be added to the church. Healings and wholeness abound as God answers their prayers. God is at work in the faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, what power is available through faith in Jesus Christ! The faith that Jesus said could move mountains was present in the early church, drawing many to faith in Jesus, the source of salvation. Lord, enable us to claim this power and to offer healing and wholeness through you. Our world is in need. Use us as your disciples to bring your love to our broken world. Amen.


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To Do as You Did

Reading: John 5:1-6:21

John 5:19 – “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself… Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Our reading begins with a healing on the Sabbath. At the pool called Bathsaida, a sick man has been trying to get into the waters for 38 years. Jesus asks him, “Do you want to get well?” The man explains his dilemma: others get in first because he has no one to help him. Jesus says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” The man does. The Jewish leaders get on the man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath. It is work. Later, when it is revealed that Jesus healed the man, these leaders harass Jesus. He replies, “My Father is still working, and I am working too.” The leaders want to kill Jesus even more.

This tension leads to a long response from Jesus. He begins by declaring, “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself… Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.” The Father gives life so the Son gives life. If people hear Jesus’ words and believe, they will have eternal life. This choice will lead to doing good things, which will lead to the “resurrection of life.” To refuse to believe? That choice leads to doing wicked things and to the “resurrection of judgment.” Jesus reminds them of John the Baptist’s testimony – which they almost believed – and of Moses’ testimony about the Messiah. Jesus’ response ends with a question: If you don’t believe Moses’ words, how will you believe my words?

Leaving there, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd follows. Jesus tests Philip by asking about feeding them. Andrew finds a boy with five loaves and two fish. Jesus seats the people and then blesses and multiplies the food. All “had plenty to eat.” Twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered. This “manna” in the wilderness leads the people to think about making Jesus their king. He slips away up the mountain.

As the disciples struggle to cross back over, three or four miles into the journey, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. Into their fear he says, “I am. Don’t be afraid.” They reach solid ground. Jesus is with them. All is again well. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, taking on flesh you were healing, loving, feeding, doing good. Be Christ in us, leading us to do as you did. Amen.


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“No” to Self!

Reading: Luke 8:40-9

Luke 9:23 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.”

Today’s reading begins with two stories where faith results in healing. Jairus comes to Jesus seeking healing for his daughter and a woman discreetly comes to Jesus for healing. Both believe that Jesus can bring healing. In spite of circumstances stacked against them, both experience healing because they continued to believe.

Jesus sends out the 12 to heal and proclaim the good news. After a successful outing, Jesus encounters a large crowd. After a long day teaching and healing, the disciples suggest sending the crowd to find food and lodging. Jesus suggests the disciples feed the crowd. Their response: But we don’t have enough. Fish and loaves are not what is lacking. With five fish and two loaves, Jesus feeds the huge crowd. In the end all eat their fill and the disciples each hold a basket full of leftovers. Jesus has faith to spare!

There are two sections about following Jesus in today’s readings. After Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus explains that this means dying and being raised. He will be an unexpected kind of Messiah. Because of this, Jesus defines what it takes to follow this way: “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” At the end of today’s readings we see that many cannot meet these expectations. Followers must be willing to lose their lives to take on Christ’s.

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, where he is transfigured. They see Jesus in his divine glory. God’s words add to their understanding that he is truly the Son of God. They descend and Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon. He then confronts the disciples lack of understanding about following him. They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus states, “Whoever is least among you is the greatest.” It’s all about elevating others above self. This requires a follower of Jesus to say “no” to self again and again and again…

Prayer: Lord God, while the world and our culture tells us that self is all that matters, you say the opposite. Everything, everyone, all else is to be placed before our own needs and wants. In that place, we are trusting in you alone for all that we truly need. Grant us the faith and the courage to make this choice every day. Amen.


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Many Are Healed

Reading: Mark 6

Mark 6:34 – “He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.”

Photo credit: Jennifer Araujo

Today’s readings begin in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. At first people were surprised by his teaching authority. But then they think, “Isn’t this [just] the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son…?” These thoughts lead to a rejection of Jesus as Messiah. Their unbelief greatly limits his ability to heal. He departs and begins to minister in the surrounding villages. He sends out the 12 two by two. They teach, heal, and cast out demons. They return with excitement, with stories to share. Jesus decides to take them away to a quiet place to rest, but the crowds follow on shore. In between these two events Mark drops in the story of the death of John the Baptist. He does so to tell us that even the king has heard of Jesus.

After landing ashore we read, “He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.” After teaching all day in a remote place, the disciples ask Jesus to send the crowd away so they can buy food. Jesus tells the disciples to feed them. The impossible becomes reality as Jesus feeds the huge crowd from five loaves and two fish. So great is the blessing there are twelve baskets full of leftovers. After sending the 12 on ahead, Jesus dismisses the crowd and goes up the mountain to pray.

In the night the winds come up and the disciples are struggling along. Jesus walks across the lake. Mark notes, “intending to pass them by.” Why, why, why?! We’re left to ponder this. At first the disciples are afraid: is it a ghost? Jesus encourages them and then climbs in the boat. The wind dies down. They are “baffled” by this Jesus.

Our reading today closes in Gennesaret, a town close to Capernaum. The locals recognize Jesus and bring their sick to Jesus. Many are healed – even those that just touch his clothes. Jesus, through the Spirit, continues to bring healing and wholeness to our lives and to our world. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to have compassion for us, your children. We are so grateful. Yet today many are like the crowds – they know of you and your power but they don’t know you. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and through our witness, Lord, make Jesus known today. Bring healing and wholeness to our world. Amen.