pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: healing


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Lament… and Hope!

Reading: Jeremiah 8:18-12:17

Jeremiah 10:21 – “The shepherd kings have lost their senses and don’t seek answers from the LORD. That is why they have failed and their flock is scattered.”

Our reading opens with Jeremiah’s lament: “no healing, only grief… darkness and despair overwhelm me.” He must’ve felt this often. He called out over and over but was ignored, ridiculed, and worse. Jeremiah then wonders where God’s healing is. If only there were enough tears, he would weep day and night for the people of God.

God then joins the lament. They don’t know God. They scheme, lie, and cheat. God weeps for the earth. It will be affected by the coming war. Jerusalem will become ruins, Judah a wasteland, all because they haven’t obeyed God’s Instructions. They have “followed their own willful heart.” God summons professional mourners. Maybe then Judah will understand the coming death and destruction. Maybe then they’ll quit boasting about themselves. Maybe then they’ll turn and boast once again about God and God’s kindness, justice, and righteousness. Maybe then their hearts will be circumcised.

Chapter 10 contrasts idols with God. One is “no different than a scarecrow in a cucumber patch.” The other is the living God, the creator of the earth. This one tells the people to “pack your bags” – exile is coming. Why? On the macro level, “The shepherd kings have lost their senses and don’t seek answers from the LORD. That is why they have failed and their flock is scattered.” Leadership has failed. God then laments that this generation is just like their ancestors. God worked and worked. The people ignored God, turning to idols, breaking the covenant. It is so bad, God instructs Jeremiah to not pray for them.

In chapters 11 and 12 there are schemes against Jeremiah. God will deal with that. God then again laments the reality with Judah. The leaders have “destroyed my vineyard.” Yet we see God’s great grace in verses 12-16. If the non-Israelites will turn to God, then God will build them up “in the midst of my people.” The circle might just open up a little wider. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, there is much sadness in today’s readings. It is centered on the state of your children. They are deep in their sin. Consequences are coming. The sadness must yet be present today. We can surely follow our own willful hearts. Lord have mercy. Please continue to be a God of kindness, justice, and righteousness. We so need you. Build us up to be your people, O God. Amen.


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A New Relationship

Reading: Isaiah 60-66

Isaiah 65:14 – “My servants will sing with contented hearts, but you will cry out from heartache; with broken spirits you will wail.”

As we close our Isaiah today chapter 60 encourages Israel to arise, to welcome sons and daughters home as they return from exile. Isaiah proclaims that peace and righteousness will reign. He tells of a day when the sun and moon won’t shine – God will be their light.

Isaiah 61 is a joyful proclamation that reveals God’s heart for justice and righteousness. The anointed prophet brings good news, heals brokenness, frees from sin, and promises the Lord’s favor to the faithful. He tells of God helping Israel to rebuild, to be restored and renewed. There is a promise of being clothed in victory and in a robe of righteousness. As we continue into chapter 62 God promises not to rest until Israel’s light shines and her salvation “blazes like a torch.” God delights in this people, will care for them, will lead them to be called “Holy People,” redeemed by God.

The prophet steps back in chapter 63, reminding the people why all this rebuilding is necessary. Edom’s sin raised God’s anger and wrath, just as Israel’s sin had. Yet for Israel there was also God’s love, mercy, and redemption. Isaiah invites more, asking God to “tear open the heavens” to come to them. He admits, Israel is the clay, God the potter. Good words of surrender and trust.

Isaiah closes out the book in chapters 65 and 66 with the usual good/bad news. The choice and outcome are summed up well in today’s key verse. No one listened when he spoke… God will repay their sin in full… God’s fire and sword will slay many. God is creating a new heaven and earth where there will be no tears, where they will thrive. Their relationship will deepen. God will answer before they call, God will hear before they speak. If only our hearts were so in tune with the Lord our God. May it be so one day.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your presence with us. Your love and mercy, grace and compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness – these continue to flow to your people. You remain at work, rebuilding when we break down, restoring when we fall away. Your justice and righteousness call us to reflect all of this as we seek to bring your good news to all people. Lead and guide us, O Lord. Amen.


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God’s Power and Goodness

Reading: Isaiah 36-39

‭Isaiah 38:16 – “The LORD Most High is the one who gives life to every heart, who gives life to the spirit!”

Today’s four chapters come almost word-for-word from 2nd Kings 17-18. The stories of Sennacherib’s invasion and Hezekiah’s illness are also recapped in 2nd Chronicles 32. The only “new” words are Hezekiah’s Psalm-like praise in response to God healing him from his deadly illness.

Chapters 36 and 37 deal with Assyria’s invasion. It began by conquering all of the smaller outlying towns in Judah. Attention was then turned to Jerusalem and King Hezekiah. Sennacherib’s field commander comes and taunts Judah, God, and the king. He calls for their surrender, warning them about trusting in God. Hezekiah humbles himself and goes to the temple, mourning the situation. He prays. Isaiah brings words that assure him. The taunts come again. Hezekiah prays again. Isaiah assures him again. God is in control. God has a plan. That night 185,000 soldiers are struck down by God’s messenger. Sennacherib withdraws. He is assassinated by his sons once back home.

Chapter 38 recounts Hezekiah’s illness and God’s healing. Because of his prayer and tears, God grants him 15 more years. In verses 9-20 we read Hezekiah’s grateful response. There is insight into common thoughts on the afterlife: he will no longer see God because God isn’t there. He also acknowledges God’s gift: “The LORD Most High is the one who gives life to every heart, who gives life to the spirit!” As this is true for us as well, may we too make music to God “all the days of our lives.”

A foreshadowing of what’s to come fills chapter 39. Rising power Babylon has come and seen all that Judah has. Isaiah tells Hezekiah, one day “nothing will be left.” Hezekiah reveals his human nature as he is glad it won’t be in his lifetime. After enduring a siege and surviving a deadly illness, we too might have this same thought!

Prayer: Lord God, it is good to review your mighty acts once again. They remind us of your power and your goodness. You continue to give life to our hearts and to our spirits. Thank you for this gift. Amen.


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Act Differently

Reading: Proverbs 25 and 26

‭Proverbs 26:21 – “Like adding charcoal to embers or wood to fire, quarrelsome people kindle strife.”

Removing the dross from the silver is like removing the evil from the royal court – a beautiful vessel is the result. Removing arrogance and pride not only avoids some embarrassment, it could lead to honor and recognition. Removing fuel from the fire and gossip from conversations both cool the situation. Removing the selfish and evil from our lives yields good outcomes.

Much is said about a lying tongue. False testimony is like a club or sword to the victim. A lying tongue crushes and brings destruction to those affected. The sage compares smooth lips and an evil heart to silver coating on clay – both can look or sound good from a distance but it is oh so fragile underneath.

Fools are slow to learn. They repeat their mistakes often so they are like “a dog jwho returns to their vomit.” Neither makes much sense but both happen. Those without self-control are like a breached city – no walls or filters. So just as a whip is used to control a horse so too must a rod be used on a fool’s back.

The wise act differently. Their words calm strife and build up. These words are like “golden apples in a silver setting.” Instead of making fun of or ignoring their enemies when they’re hungry or thirsty, a wise person gives them food and drink. The wise understand that compassion is much more powerful than hate or anger. So too may our words and actions bring healing and wholeness, peace and hope.

Prayer: Lord God, while it seems so, so clear that wisdom and humility are the much better choices, we can be selfish, we can speak hurtful words, we can gossip and tear down, we can play the fool. So, Lord, help us. Send the Holy Spirit to whisper in our ear when we venture down the wrong path. May the Spirit shout if need be. May the nudge become a shove too if we’re not quite seeing how we’ve gone down the wrong path. Help us, Lord, to be love and healing to our broken world. Amen.


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The Goodness of God

Readings: Psalms 102-104

‭Psalm 104:24 – “LORD, you have done so many things! You made them all so wisely! The earth is full of your creations!”

Psalm 102 begins in lament. The psalmist cries out for God to hear their prayers. Their bones are crushed; their heart is smashed. They eat ashes instead of bread. And then in verse 12 the psalmist remembers the God who reigns forever. Yes, God will stand up. Yes, God will look down, hear, and set free “those condemned to death.” Even though the psalmist feels like God is “cutting short my days,” the Psalm closes with a petition for God’s presence to be with his or her children and descendants.

The mood shifts in Psalms 103 and 104. These Psalms celebrate God’s love and care for all of creation. Psalm 103 begins with thanks for forgiveness and healing, for love and compassion, for the good things God provides. The psalmist celebrates God’s patience and mercy, remembering that we don’t get what our sins deserve. Instead, God removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west.” It is noted that this because God knows how we are made. God made us! And even though our days “are like grass,” God’s days are forever. The Psalm closes with a call for heaven and earth, for all of creation, to join the psalmist’s whole being in praising the Lord.

Psalm 104 continues this invitation. The psalmist celebrates God’s creative prowess. He or she recognizes the wine, oil, and bread that God provides to sustain and enrich our lives as signs of God’s goodness. The psalmist proclaims, “LORD, you have done so many things! You made them all so wisely! The earth is full of your creations!” What a celebration of who and what God is! In verses 29-30 we are reminded that God is the giver and taker of breath and life. Then at the end of this Psalm we find a request to “wipe clean from the earth” the wicked. When I read this it felt a bit out of place after all of the praise and celebration in verses 1-34. My Bible’s notes revealed this truth: these are those who seek to disrupt the goodness of God and God’s creation. Ah ha!

Prayer: Lord God, yes, we too have our days and seasons when we feel crushed, when we feel oppressed. In these times, Lord, remind us of your constant presence and of how you are faithful to hear and to respond. Bring to memory the healing and restoration we’ve experienced and lead us to trust into your love and compassion for us. From there may we respond with praise and thanksgiving to the one who creates and reigns wisely and faithfully. There may we celebrate the goodness of God. Amen


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Change IS Necessary

Reading: Mark 1:1-8

Verse 3: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

Returning to Mark 1 today we delve a little deeper into the “repent” part of John’s message. Although we tend to place the practices of introspection, confession, and repentance in the season of Lent, these practices also have a place in Advent. They are the focus of our Lenten preparation. They are part of our Advent preparation.

By our nature we are prone to sin. We are naturally selfish and this leads us to be greedy or controlling or lustful or prideful or… These emotions are enablers on our path to sin. So we need to hear the call to repent, even now in this season of hope and peace and love and joy. The call to repent makes us a bit uncomfortable. First, no one likes change, especially when it is forced. And that is what repentance is really about – forcing our naturally selfish nature to be unselfish. And, second, no one likes to hear that they are living wrong, that they are living unfaithfully. To hear this implies a need for a change. And change is necessary.

In Advent we prepare the way in our hearts for the coming of Jesus. In his birth we celebrate the light coming into the world. It is the light of Christ that shines into the darkness of injustice and inequality, poverty and want, isolation and loneliness, grief and anger, violence and war, and so much more. It is the light that beckons us into these places and spaces. This too is part of the call to repent – to help our world and one another to repent of these maladies. In these places and spaces change is also necessary. As we allow the light of Christ to shine brighter in our own hearts, may we also take that light out into the world, bringing healing and wholeness to our broken and dark world.

Prayer: Lord God, may our journey be both inward and outward. As we grow in our love for you, may that love overflow out into the world. As we seek to change within, may we also seek change in our world. In and through us may your light shine brightly, bringing healing within and without. Amen.


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Go with Us, O God

Reading: Exodus 33:12-16

Verse 15: “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

Photo credit: Ruthson Zimmerman

In our Old Testament text this week we once again find Moses interceding on behalf of the people. The golden calf incident has just occurred and God is upset with this “stiff-necked people.” God’s words about potential punishment and destruction have gotten the people’s attention and Moses’ attention. Moses’ intercession focuses in on God continuing to be with him and with the people.

Moses begins by reminding God that God once said, “I know you by name and you have found favor with me.” Moses wants to re-establish their relationship as the starting point for the continuing conversation. It is like saying, “Since we’re good friends…” before getting to the heart of the conversation. Moses begins by asking God to continue to teach him God’s ways so that he can know God and find favor moving forward. Moses wants the relationship to grow and develop. And then Moses reminds God that “this nation” (yes, this stiff-necked people) is (are) God’s people. This nation that God has asked Moses to lead? Yes, God, they are your people. The implied question remains this: Will you go with us, God?

God affirms their relationship, saying, “My presence will go with you.” Moses is relieved. Making sure that this is the promise, Moses says, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Don’t send us on if you’re not going with us God. Moses knows that without God, the Israelites are just like all the other people. The same is true for us, for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you went with Moses and the Israelites, be present to us and go with us. Through your presence, distinguish us from all the other people of this world. Going with us, help us to be different in the best ways possible. Use us to be love amidst the hate, to be peace amongst the violence, to be healing for the broken and suffering. Go with us, O God, as we seek to live as your light and love in this world. 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.


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Loving Deeply

Reading: Romans 6:1-11

Verse 8: “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”

Photo credit: Shane

In Romans 6 Paul writes of our new life in Christ. Our new life begins with our baptism into Christ – professing our faith in Jesus as the Lord of our life and as the Savior of our soul. Our old worldly self is left behind figuratively as we become a new creation in Christ. In reality, though, our old self is still there, trying to be reborn again and again in us, tempting us towards sin. Into this reality, Paul writes, “we are no longer slaves to sin.” Because Christ lives in us, sin no longer has “mastery” over us. Through the Spirit of Christ in us, we can use his power to resist the temptations.

As new creations in Christ we live differently. In verse 8 we read, “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” Taking on and welcoming in the Spirit, committing to follow and walk in Jesus’ example, we walk in a new way in the world. Just as Christ “lived to God” so too are we to live. In a general sense this means advancing and building the kingdom of God here on earth. This entails being love lived out, being kindness and mercy for all. This means we live as persons of peace and of healing and of restoration and of reconciliation. At times this will call us to stand out as we stand up against injustice and oppression and other forms of evil, just as Jesus himself did. This leans into the cost of discipleship that we heard Jesus speaking of yesterday in Matthew 10. May we lean in well, loving deeply into Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, make me a willing servant, a faithful follower. Open my eyes and my heart to the ways you want me to love well in this world. Use me to draw all peoples into your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Life to the Full!

Reading: John 10:1-10

Verse 4: “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

Photo credit: Daniel Sandvik

The teaching that we read today is Jesus’ further response to what happened in chapter 9. It is the story of the healing of the blind man and the Pharisees’ reaction. At the end of this event the blind man sees Jesus as Lord and professes faith in him while the Pharisees remain spiritually blind, bound up in their strict adherence to the Law. They cannot see how the need for healing could ever supercede the Law.

Today’s illustration shows the difference between living the spirit of the Law and living out the letter of the Law. In one there is love and grace. Jesus declares that those who follow him know his voice. They hear the truths that he preaches… He calls to these and leads them out into the world. And “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” The sheep continue to follow Jesus because they can discern his voice from all the others. By contrast, the Pharisees cannot hear Jesus’ teachings. They are instead trying to climb into the fold by means other than the gate. Instead of hearing the word of God revealed through the teachings and example set by Jesus they’ve turned the Law into an extensive code to follow that has no room for things like healing on the Sabbath. Those who use religion as power are they who “come only to steal and kill and destroy.”

What Jesus offers is radically different. He invites people to live a life of faith, found through entering a relationship with him. He proclaims that these “will be saved.” As wonderful as that is, the offer isn’t just a way into heaven. It’s not about strict adherence to a code of Law that leaves one devoid of love and grace. No, Jesus states, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” A life filled with love and grace and blessing. This thought evokes the overflow of abundance found in the 23rd Psalm. Life to the full! Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, open my eyes to see all that you place before me. Open my ears to hear all that you have to share with me. Open my heart to respond to you and others in love and grace as I seek to serve you alone today. Amen.