pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: here


by Leave a comment

The Kingdom of Heaven

Reading: Matthew 13:31-33

Matthew 13:31a and 33a – “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… is like yeast.”

Beginning our gospel reading today we find two parables that tell us about the kingdom of heaven. Tomorrow we will read three more parables that speak of the kingdom of heaven. I think, in general, when most people hear the phrase, “kingdom of heaven,” they think of a place in the clouds with angels and streets of gold. While some version of this might be the kingdom of heaven some day, today and tomorrow, Jesus is speaking of the kingdom of heaven here on earth – right here and right now.

In verses 31-33 Jesus speaks of two very small things that have large impacts. The teacher says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… is like yeast.” The smallest seed becomes a large plant, giving rest and a home to the birds. Yeast, a tiny organism, works its way through a whole bushel of flour, causing it to rise so that it can feed many people.

The kingdom of heaven is found today in our small acts of faithful witness. It is found in that visit to a sick friend, in the meal brought to a struggling family, in the money used to pay a single parent’s water bill. The kingdom of heaven is found in the time given to help at VBS and in the monthly donation to a child in a far away country. It is found in the way you walk through a hard situation with peace and in the way you handle another’s anger or insults with grace. The kingdom of heaven is found everywhere that Jesus’ light and love are made real. Be the kingdom of heaven today.

Prayer: Lord God, instill in us a sensitivity to the kingdom-building opportunities that you bring our way. Make us willing servants, ready to give generously of our time, talents, resources, prayers, and presence. Open our eyes to see how small acts of faith hold tremendous power – the power to change lives and to change our world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Right Here with Us

Reading: Genesis 28:10-19

Genesis 28:15 – “I am with you now, I will protect you everywhere you go, and I will bring you back to this land.”

As we turn to Genesis 28, we do so with some context. Jacob has just stolen Esau’s firstborn blessing (with the help of his mother) and Esau is furious. He is ready to kill his brother Jacob. So Isaac sends Jacob away, back to the ancestral homeland to find a wife. As Jacob traveled it must’ve been scary and uncomfortable for him. Jacob was the “indoorsy”  brother. After traveling for a day, Jacob lays down, using a rock for a pillow. He is alone, vulnerable, and probably anxious.

In a dream, Jacob encounters God. He sees a staircase with angels moving up and down. And then God is there. In verses 13-15 God reiterates the promises made to Abraham and Isaac: land, numerous descendants, protection. All families on the earth will be blessed through Jacob’s family. Then, in verse 15, God says to Jacob, “I am with you now, I will protect you everywhere you go, and I will bring you back to this land.” Right here, right now, in this moment, God is there with Jacob.

As we journey in faith we too come to know that God is right here with us. In the times when we’re on the run, in moments when we’ve made bad choices, in all times good and bad – God is there with us. God walks with us, no matter what. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, when we find ourselves in the wilderness, remind us of your steadfast presence. Open our eyes and hearts as you did Jacob’s, meeting us where we are at, giving us what we need in the moment or situation. Thank you for always being there for us. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Every Moment of Every Day

Reading: Psalm 23:5-6

Psalm 23:6 – “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

As we return to Psalm 23 today we do so with the key thought once again front and center: “You are with me.” As this week’s Disciplines devotional writer Magrey deVega notes, these four words are literally the center of the psalm. There are 26 words before this phrase and 26 after it. The psalm begins with rest and God’s provision, guidance, and protection. It then enters dark valley. It is here that we are often most aware of God’s intimate presence and deep love. Climbing out of that place, we turn to verses 5 and 6.

In verse 5 we see the depth and scope of God’s love. A table is set right amongst enemies. So complete is God’s protection, there is no fear even when surrounded. Blessings come too, even there, as the head is anointed and the cup overflows. Signs of God’s love assure us even in moments of threat or danger or fear. In this situation, like in the valley, the psalmist realizes, “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.” God isn’t there just when we call on God. No, God is always there. Yes, our awareness of this can rise and fall with our own perceived need, but when we reflect back on our relationship with God, we too see God’s steadfast and constant presence in our lives. From this place of assurance, we know as David knew: “I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.” Every moment of every day, God is with us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, as I sit and look out the window upon the hedge and woods beyond, you are there. As I look around the cottage, you are here. Wherever and whenever I go, you will be there too. Thank you, Lord, for your abiding and loving presence in the highs and lows and in everything in between. You are an awesome, awesome God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Healing and Wholeness

Reading: Isaiah 35:1-7

Isaiah 35:6 – “Then the lame will keep like a deer and the tongue of the speechless will sing.”

Isaiah 35 envisions a time when the wilderness will blossom with life. The dry and barren land will “burst into bloom” as “streams in the wilderness” bring abundant life to the wilderness. Creation itself will “rejoice with joy and singing” as God restores all the earth back to what it was like in the garden of Eden. This restoration will proceed the return of God’s children to this new promised land. Living in exile, imagine what these words of hope would mean and sound like to you. Imagine what they would feel or sound like living in Gaza or Ukraine or on one of our poorest reservations or in an inner city shelter. People in all of these places long for God’s restoration of the land and of all who dwell in it.

After creation is restored, Isaiah envisions the restoration of all of humanity. This is also a return to the way it was in the garden. The weak hands and unsteady knees will become strong. Those with disabilities will be made new and whole again. Verse 6 sums it up beautifully: “Then the lame will keep like a deer and the tongue of the speechless will sing.” Like creation, the restored humanity with celebrate with joy and singing. The trauma and suffering of exile will be no more. Pondering this day would bring great hope and longing to those in exile, in Gaza, in Ukraine, on the reservation, in the inner city…

There will be times and seasons when we find ourselves in dry and barren places or in exile. In these moments when we experience trauma and suffering, we can trust into God to bring healing and wholeness and strength to us and to our lives. This is the promise. God’s grace is here and now. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what hope and promise you offer through the words of Isaiah! To return to a land of abundance for all, to a place without fear or violence or greed, to a time when all people are made whole – what a day that will be. Walk with us daily, O God, guiding us to work to make this envisioned day more and more of a reality here and now. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Glory, Mystery

Reading: Haggai 2:6-9

Haggai 2:7b – “I will fill this house with glory.”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

As we continue in Haggai 2 today, the focus shifts. The encouragement of the people in their work on the temple shifts to focus on what God will do. The words in verses 6-9 speak of the present and of the future. They speak of the here and of the there. These words are promises from God. And they can be every day truths.

We begin with “in just a little while.” These words could mean later today or tomorrow or 2,000 years from now. We know that God’s time is not our time. We also know that God’s timing is perfect. In God’s time, God will make the “heavens… earth… land… sea quake.” Connecting back to words and images from the Genesis 1 narrative, we’re reminded that God controls all of creation. In the next verse we are included: “all the nations.” This shaking will lead to action, in both the created world and in us.

God declares that ‘soon’ “the wealth of the nations will come” to God’s house. In the near future, the empire of Persia will financially support the rebuilding and glorification of the temple. But is has been said that the greatest resource of any nation is its people. Here we edge into eternity or maybe a great revival, when all people will kneel and all tongues will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Keeping on this track, silver and gold can be material possessions but this could refer to much more. Gentile and Jew? Lost and saved?

The second temple will be a glorious structure. There will be “prosperity” at times. In these times, yes, God will “fill this house with glory.” There will also be times of corruption and greed. Jesus will overturn some tables one day. And what if prosperity isn’t financial at all?

Prayer: Lord God, we know that your love is unconditional, that your mercy is endless, that your grace is ever overflowing. We know that you created and are over all things, us included. But there is so much that we don’t know. There is much mystery. And that is good. Today we ask, O God, that you would help us to step into that mystery, to imagine your possibilities, to trust you into the unknown. We know that you are in all these things. And you are in us. Thank you, God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Here and Now

Readings: Luke 17:20-21 and 22:14-20

Luke 17:21 – “Don’t you see it? God’s kingdom is already among you.”

In Luke 17 some Pharisees ask Jesus when God’s kingdom is coming. Maybe they hope Jesus will turn into the kind of Messiah they’re looking for: strong, powerful, able to defeat the Romans. Or maybe they hope that since Jesus claims to be the “Son of Man,” then he’ll be able to tell their when their Messiah will come. Inviting these religious leaders into the present reality, Jesus says, “Don’t you see it? God’s kingdom is already among you.” Open your eyes and hearts, it is here and now.

This can be a question Christians can ponder too. One can think that accepting Jesus will be a cure for all that ails us. One can think that life will only be blessed because we’re following Jesus. No, all of life still happens. Jesus will and does walk with us, bringing peace and hope in the storms, comfort and strength in the trials… In turn, we offer these to others. This is the kingdom of God at work here and now.

Almost a week later, Jesus gathers in Jerusalem with his disciples. It is Passover and they are gathered around the table. Jesus shares two interesting things with the disciples. First, he “earnestly desires” to share this meal with them. Second, he tells them, “I won’t eat it until it is fulfilled in God’s kingdom.” Little did they know, this would be the next day. Jesus then share the bread as his “body… given for you.” Then the cup is shared as the “new covenant… poured out for you.” After Jesus fulfills these words and their promise, completing this act of sacrifice, followers of Christ will remember this gift by celebrating Holy Communion. Each time, in that moment, God’s kingdom is here and now.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your presence with us and through us. When we experience or share your light and love, your grace and peace, your hope and strength, the kingdom of God manifests itself here and now. We are reminded of the depth of your light and love… in the sacrifice you made on the cross. When we remember this act, we are made new again, here and now. Thank you for this gift. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Outward and Upward

Reading: Luke 17-18

Luke 18:14b – “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”

Our text today begins with words of accountability. We are to help one another in our walk of faith, warning others when they sin. We are also to forgive others when they sincerely repent. Recognizing the challenge in living out these words, the disciples say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!”

As Jesus travels along the border between Samaria and Galilee he encounters ten lepers. They seek and receive healing. Only one comes to give thanks. Jesus sends the Samaritan on his way, healed by faith. At the end of our reading a persistent blind man is healed because of his faith. In between a widow’s persistence is rewarded, much as our prayers for justice will be answered by God. She received justice from an unjust judge. Imagine how our prayers for justice will be answered by our just God.

The Pharisees ask Jesus when God’s kingdom is coming. He first tells them that it is already among them. He then speaks of the time when he’ll come again – because they’re missing the present. It will be like it was in the days of Noah and of Lot. People will be eating, drinking, living life… Then Jesus will return like a flash of lightning, swift and sure as the flood came or as the fire and sulfur rained down. In that moment, “one will be taken and the other left.” We must remain faithful and ready for this day.

Two stories illustrate what being faithful and ready looks like. It begins with having a selfless and humble attitude. Like the tax collector we must pray again and again, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” And unlike the ruler, we must keep our faith as the top priority, forsaking wealth, power, status… We are reminded, “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to ever keep our focus and commitment outward and upward. We need your help because we are naturally selfish. Yet we know that all things are possible with you. Keep us persistent in our faith, generous with our blessings, and humble in our walk. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Mirror, Mirror

Readings: 2nd Kings 14, 2nd Kings 15, 2nd Kings 16, 2nd Kings 17

2nd Kings 14:3-4 – “He did what was right in the LORD’s eyes, but… the shrines weren’t removed.”

Chapters 14-16 cover the kings of Israel and Judah. In just over 100 years there are 11 kings in total. Some reign a long time – 52 years – and some are barely on the throne – 6 months and 1 month for two kings. Within these readings we see a general pattern. For the first three kings of Judah, each one has this description: He did what was right in the LORD’s eyes, but… the shrines weren’t removed.” For all of the seven kings of Israel, they did evil in God’s eyes. Some are worse than others but together they lead Israel into exile.

In Judah, to the south, Amaziah defeats Edom and reestablishes that border. Azariah reigns next and for the longest, but his is isolated due to a skin disease. His son Jotham runs things. He rules next and rebuilds a temple gate. Ahaz rules next and he begins the slide. He does evil in God’s eyes. Worshipping a foreign god, he burns his sons and daughters alive. Aram attacks and Ahaz cries out to Assyria. They rescue Judah, but at a cost. Ahaz worships like the Assyrians, further removing God from Judah.

In Israel of Samaria, there is much evil and frequent assassinations. Zechariah is the last of Jehu’s line. Menahem attacks Tiphsah and guts all the pregnant women. Assyria comes and he buys peace with tribute. During Reka’s reign Assyria captures some outlying towns and takes the people into exile. Hoshea reaches out to Egypt for help, which brings a full scale Assyrian assault. All of Israel falls and is hauled off into exile.

In chapter 17 there is a summary of Israel and Judah’s failure to be faithful. The chapter ends with the new settlers of Israel being punished by God. The Assyrian king sends a priest back to teach the new inhabitants to worship “the local god.” They learn to worship God. And they continue to worship their false gods too. They mirror what Israel had become.

Prayer: Lord God, how this downward decline must’ve broken your heart. I’d apologize for my ancient ancestors, but I recognize that I too sin, that I too create hurt in your heart. Yet I also recognize that you’re still here. You haven’t given up on humanity. Thank you for your love, for your grace, for your plan. Help me to love you more fully. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Be Ready

Reading: Mark 13:24-37

Verse 33: “Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

In this week’s gospel text Jesus calls us to a constant state of preparedness. He is talking about being ready for the time when we will be judged. Being “ready” would lead to being found worthy of entry into the kingdom of heaven. Trouble is, we do not know when his return (or our final breath) will be. Even so, we are told, “Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” In verse 36 Jesus reiterates our need to be prepared as he warns, “do not let him find you sleeping.” To be asleep would be to live with a dormant faith.

Time feels like a key element in our passage. The passage is set in God’s time and we tend to live in our understanding of time. Jesus is calling us to live in the intersection of these two ways to see time. The calls to being on guard and alert and awake are calls to live out our faith in the here and now, every day. We are to guard our hearts from the lies and temptations of the evil one and the world. We are to be alert to both God’s work in our lives and to the places and ways that God is calling us to bring love, compassion, justice… to bear in the world. We are to be awake to God’s presence, guidance, conviction, direction… in our lives.

Overall the call is to be faithful and obedient to God all of the time. Then, no matter when that day comes, whether for our lives or for our world, we will be ready to meet Jesus. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it is easy to become lazy, to become complacent, to become self-absorbed. It is hard to always walk the walk, to always live out our faith. Help us to do the hard things. Help us to walk the narrow way that leads to life abundant and everlasting. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Glorious and Beautiful – One Day and Now

Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 (Link only partial. Sorry.)

Verse 9: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.”

As we turn to John’s book of Revelation we turn to a vision that gives hope for eternity, offers a picture of the kingdom of God, and calls us to a glorious kingdom here on earth. Our passage today and much of the book of Revelation is a “then, now, and will be” vision.

John sees a “great multitude” gathered in heaven – far too many to count. In this vast crowd there are people “from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” Oh how the religious leaders of yesterday’s text must’ve cringed when they first heard of this vision of heaven! But what a beautiful picture of heaven it is! One day we will be gathered with a representation of all of humanity. To John’s audience this was a reminder that they do not suffer alone. Many all around the world suffer alongside them. To us it is a reminder to work to make our churches and faith communities look more like the actual community all around us.

The scene in our passage is filled with worship. The multitude, the angels, the elders, and the four living creatures all worship God and the Lamb. They joyously offer praise and thanksgiving and adoration. This scene is “church” at its finest and most glorious. Next an elder identifies those in “white robes” as those who have gone through the “great tribulation” – the suffering and persecution and trials of this life. The passage closes by contrasting this life with the life to come. In glory there will be no hunger or thirst, no oppression or suffering. God will “wipe away every tear” and the Lamb will lead us “to the springs of living water.” What hope these words gave to John’s audience. What hope these words give to all who long to one day be redeemed by Jesus Christ. Oh what a glorious and beautiful day that will be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the hope that today’s passage gives. Thank you for the seed of what will be. But, God, help us to see that this vision is also a vision for today and an understanding for our time now. As we hold onto our hope for eternity, guide us to expand the kingdom here and now. Use us to satisfy hunger and thirst now. Use us to end oppression and suffering now. Use us to make our churches and communities more like the kingdom to come. Amen.