pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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The Kingdom of God

Reading: John 18:33-38a

John 18:36 – “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world.”

As we continue in John’s passion story, Jesus is before Pilate for a second conversation. Verses 28-32 hold the first exchange. In this encounter it is clear that the religious leaders want Jesus charged and killed. In the words John shares, there is no stated charge. It is clear that only Pilate has the power and authority to bring about Jesus’ death. As we turn to verse 33 we can infer that there must have been more to the conversation about Jesus. In this verse Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” This is a question without a “yes” or “no” answer in this setting.

Jesus responds with a question. He is trying to force Pilate’s hand. As the conversation continues, Pilate shares that the Jews and chief priests have handed him over. Pilate’s “What have you done?” reveals his level of concern. Prior to this, Jesus was not on Rome’s radar. If Jesus is indeed a rebel with messianic claims then he is a threat to Rome. If not, Pilate has no issues with Jesus. Jesus confirms that he is not a physical threat to Rome, stating, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world.”

Pilate hears “kingdom” and asks Jesus if he is indeed a king. Again, not a yes/no question. Jesus tells Pilate that he came into the world “to testify to the truth.” Pilate scoffs at this answer but is sure that Jesus is no threat to him or to Rome. No, Jesus is not an immediate threat. But Jesus is a threat to all worldly kingdoms.

Jesus is a threat because of what “truth” is. Jesus came to fulfill God’s covenant plan. He revealed in word and deed what it looks like to love God and neighbor with all of one’s being. This impacts all of our relationships and all of our choices – social, religious, personal, vocational, political, economic. The world’s kingdoms run on selfishness, greed, power, pride. Yes, Jesus’ kingdom is a threat to the kingdoms of this world.

Prayer: Lord God, we feel the pull of both of these kingdoms. Part of us is human so we feel the call for more, for self. Yes we are also of your kingdom, brothers and sisters in Christ. Guide us to align our hearts, our words, our actions with your kingdom. Use us to build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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The King of…

Reading: John 12:12-19

John 12:13 – “They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, ‘Hosanna!'”

Entering into Holy Week in the gospel of John, we begin the passion of the Christ with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Unique to his gospel, John gives a reason for the large crowd that celebrates Jesus. People were buzzing over Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb after being dead for four days. In 12:10 we read of the jealousy caused by this miracle: “The chief priests decided that they would kill Lazarus too.” This jealousy shows out in verse 19 too, where the Pharisees pettily says, “Look! The whole world is following him!”

In verse 12 we read that the “great crowd” in town for the Passover festival heard that Jesus was coming. So, “They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, ‘Hosanna!'” The word “hosanna” translates to “save us, we pray!” Also from the Psalms, the crowd offers blessings to “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” The crowd identifies Jesus as “the king of Israel.” Mid-story Jesus finds a young donkey and begins riding it. He too claims the title of “king,” quoting from the prophet Zechariah.

John admits, in verse 16, that the disciples didn’t connect the dots at first. John and his fellow disciples wouldn’t understand the meaning and connections until after Jesus died and rose. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit would help with this. In the same way, the Holy Spirit leads and guides is in our faith if we are willing to listen and obey.

Prayer: Lord God, we see a crowd caught up in the miracle Jesus offered. They cheer and shout. We too can do these things. We can come to Easter and shout “He is risen!” Then the Monday after is like any other Monday. Lord, may it not be so. Draw us deeper into our faith. Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, bring us understanding and obedience too. Lead and guide us to see and follow Jesus as the one who sits on the throne of our hearts. Amen.


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Today

Reading: Luke 23:32-43

Luke 23:41 – “But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Photo credit: Thanti Nguyen

Most of Luke’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion takes place in our reading for today. In some ways Jesus is treated like a common criminal. He is crucified between two. His charge is placed above his head: “This is the king of the Jews.” Like the crucifixion itself, the posting of the charge was also a deterrent.

Almost everyone present mocks or insults Jesus. The religious leaders mock the one who saved others. If he really was who he said he was then he’d save himself. The soldiers mock his kingship. If he really was a king, he’d surely be able to save himself. One of the criminals being crucified insults Jesus for not saving himself – and his fellow criminals. All of these people understand “save” in a different, more limited context. The immediate situation is all they are thinking about. Perhaps that is part of the reason Jesus prays at the outset, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

The second criminal sees beyond this moment on the cross. He rebukes the other criminal, admits that they are “tightly condemned,” and states, “But this man has done nothing wrong.” Grasping who Jesus truly is, this man asks Jesus to remember him “when you come into your kingdom.” This repentant man is told, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Today. Not some distant, future date. Today. The same is true for us. When we ask Jesus to remember us, he is present with us today. The kingdom of God is here and now. Jesus is with us here and now. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to see and to live into your kingdom here on earth. Open our hearts to feel your presence. Open our eyes to see you with and among us. And, Lord, use us to build your kingdom here on earth as we seek to be love and light to the world. Amen.


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The Upside-down Kingdom

Reading: Luke 16:25-26

Luke 16:25 – “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things.”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

Today we step into the middle of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. We read two verses from the middle of the story. If unfamiliar with this parable, for greater context please read verses 19-31. Today, though, we focus on the two verses that speak to the nature of God’s upside-down kingdom.

Speaking to the rich man who is being tormented in hell, Abraham says, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things.” Abraham’s referring here to the rich man’s wealth and all the fine things that entrapped the rich man, blinding him to the beggar outside his door. That beggar, Lazarus, lived a terrible life on earth. He begged for his survival. He suffered illness. Now, by Abraham’s side, Lazarus is being comforted.

Of this parable John Wesley writes, “It is no more sinful to be rich than to be poor. But it is dangerous beyond expression.” In the kingdoms of this world, wealth and extravagance are valued, sought. This can lead to greed, hoarding, selfishness. These tend to isolate one from the world right outside ones gated properties. It was easy for the rich man to ignore Lazarus and his desperate needs.

In verse 26 Jesus addresses the impassable separation between heaven and hell. There is absolutely no crossing over. Having wealth – or power or status or anything else the world values – is of no consequence in God’s upside-down kingdom. Having a heart that feels and eyes that see and hands that respond to the other – these are what matter to God. These absolutely matter in God’s kingdom – here and in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord God, so many of us are richly blessed. We have the “conveniences of life” that Wesley warned of. Lord, ever turn our hearts and eyes away from our stuff. Ever guide us to see and respond to the immediate needs right before us. Lead us to live daily as your love expressed in the world. 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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Hearts to Receive

Reading: Mark 4:10-13

Mark 4:11 – “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables.”

Entering into today’s reading, Jesus has just told a parable to a large crowd. Jesus’ teaching of the parable of the soils ends with him saying, “Whoever has ears to listen should pay attention.” He is telling the crowd that their hearts must be attuned to God’s heart to understand these words that he speaks.

Our reading shifts to a scene where Jesus is alone with his followers. They ask him about the parables. In essence they are asking two questions. First, why do you speak in these parables, in these riddles? And, what are you trying to say to us? They want to understand Jesus’ teaching.

Jesus begins with assurance : “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables.” They know and follow Jesus. This daily connection is all they need. They’ve heard and believed. But to those still outside the kingdom, the kingdom will not simply be given. There is some effort required. There needs to be some “skin in the game.” In verse 12 Jesus is paraphrasing Isaiah 6:9-10. In this Old Testament context, God is directing the prophet to speak these words to point out how stubborn and resistant they are to following God’s will and ways. The same us true for many in Jesus’ day. The same is true today.

The parable Jesus just taught was about receptivity to his words. For some people then and now, Jesus’ words were foolishness. These are those with hard soil/hearts. Jesus invites his followers, then and now, to be the good soil, to have hearts that grow deep roots. It is a choice. May we have ears to listen, hearts eager to receive.

Prayer: Lord God , sometimes we too hear your words and wonder what they mean for our lives or for our world. In these moments open our eyes to see. Make our hearts willing to receive and make our spirits willing to engage. Help us to overcome our stubbornness and selfishness when these become obstacles. Guide us to be more fully yours. Amen.


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Anointed for Service

Readings: Leviticus 8:10-12 and 1st Samuel 16:6-13

1st Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.”

During the high priest’s ordination Aaron is cleansed and then dressed in the tunic, robe, vest, chest piece, turban, and gold flower ornament. Dressed for service to the Lord, Moses first anoints the Tabernacle and all in it – the altar and its equipment, the basin and its base. As Moses anoints these items, they are made holy. Lastly, Moses pours anointing oil on Aaron’s head, making him holy. This anointing proclaims Aaron’s special standing before the Lord on behalf of Israel.

In the first verse of 1st Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to fill his horn with oil and to head to Bethlehem, adding, “I have found the next king.” In today’s second reading we join the story as Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house. Eliab begins the procession before Samuel. Tall, strong, the oldest – he must be the one. God says no. God tells Samuel that God looks past physical appearance and looks into the heart. Seven sons pass before Samuel. He anoints none.

I imagine an awkwardness settled over the room. Samuel has to ask Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” Well, no. The youngest is brought in from tending the sheep. God says, “That’s the one.” In the next verse we read, “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.” Anointed, David is filled with God’s presence, readied for service. Anointed, Aaron is able to stand in God’s presence. Today may we be anointed by God’s Holy Spirit, set apart for service in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, in days of old you called those you chose, anointing them with oil, claiming them as your own. In these days, pour out your Spirit upon us, your children. Empower and embolden us to live out our faith in the world, serving you and neighbor as we share your love with those in need, as we bring your light to those dwelling in darkness. Amen.


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A Regular Practice

Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 3-5, 7-8

Isaiah 56:1 – “Act justly and do what is righteous because my salvation is coming soon.”

The opening of Isaiah 56 is about keeping the Sabbath. The idea of Sabbath originates in the creation story. After creating the heavens, the earth, and everything in and on them, God rested. When God began to formalize who and what God’s people would be, the practice of Sabbath was included in the Ten Commandments. During the time in exile and the period that followed, the keeping of the Sabbath was especially important. It set the Jews apart from the rest of the world. To be Sabbath-keepers remains counter-cultural.

In today’s reading Isaiah is reminding Israel that Sabbath is not just for the Jews. The idea of including immigrants and servants has been a part of Sabbath ever since Moses received what we identify as Exodus 20:8-11. Animals and the earth itself are part of Sabbath rest. Isaiah includes the eunuchs and other outcasts in his words that declare that God’s family and home are places of welcome and inclusion for all people who honor the covenant, who live according to God’s will and ways.

As I reflect on these words today I am struck by how wide open God’s heart is for all who seek to walk as a child of God. I’m also becoming aware that Sabbath is aimed at creating a just world. Rest is part of God’s design for all things – people and all of creation. This concept of rest and shalom, of blessing and renewal also reveals the wideness of God’s love for all people and for all of creation. It is in these times of not doing that we can foster our relationships with God and with one another. This investment of time builds connection and it builds community. May Sabbath be a regular practice for you and for me as we seek to build God’s kingdom here and now.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of Sabbath. This time set apart has the power to deepen our love for you and our love for each other. Open us to the wideness of your heart and your love as we practice this discipline. Lead and guide us in this regular practice, O God, so that holiness and justice, and peace and righteousness abound in our lives and in our world. Amen.


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Redeem, Restore, Rescue

Readings: Psalm 137:1-3 and 8, Zechariah 9:9

Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem. Look, your king will come to you. He is righteous and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass.”

The people of God had already experienced much trauma leading up to their exile in Babylon. The nation had split into Israel and Judah. Both parts experienced good and bad kings – much more of the latter. Israel, and later Judah were conquered and hauled into exile. It is in this foreign land, living under a pagan oppressor, that Israel’s longing for a Messiah really begins to take shape.

Psalm 137 is a song of lament. In the first few verses the writer expresses the people’s collective sadness. Their captors are forcing them to sing songs of joy. These songs are intended to be sung as they ascend to the temple, preparing themselves to worship God. They were forced to sing these songs out of place, to a God whose home – the temple – was destroyed. It is no wonder that they long for destroyer Babylon to be paid back by the one who will come to redeem and restore Israel.

This longing for a rescuer, for a Messiah, is expressed in Zechariah 9:9. These words will be brought to life by a king riding into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt. Psalms will be waving and shouts of “Hosanna!” will fill the air. It’s just the Romans who now oppress, who now need overthrown. This is the king that Israel still longs for. It is just not the kind of king that Jesus will prove himself to be. His rescue, redemption, and restoration is not military but personal and spiritual.

Prayer: Lord God, for many the longing for a Messiah remains very real. Today people long to be redeemed and rescued – from an abusive relationship, from addiction, from financial hardship, from illness, from oppression, from injustice… These real struggles weigh upon their hearts, upon our hearts. Lord Jesus, please ride into our hearts, enter through those gates, bringing a peace to the battles, a calm to the chaos, a strength to the weakness, a wholeness to the brokenness. Rescue, redeem, and restore. Amen.