pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: holy


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Go, Disciple, Baptize, Teach

Reading: Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey.”

Yesterday we pondered doubt. But what if the doubt wasn’t about God or Jesus? What if the doubt was about themselves, about their ability to carry on the work of Jesus? Perhaps the disciples sensed that this was the last time they’d see the risen Christ. Like Joshua staring down the fears of what lay ahead in the Promised Land, maybe all of these disciples of Jesus were questioning their place in the building of a kingdom here on earth. This is a doubt that we frequently feel and face too.

In verse 18 Jesus declares, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth.” All things are under Jesus’ authority, power, and control. The fears of the authorities? The doubt within? The unsurety of what comes next? Surrender it all to Jesus’ authority. Trust it all to his power. And believe that his authority is your authority because he lives in you.

Next comes the Great Commission, the marching orders. Jesus says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey.” Go and disciple others, revealing Jesus’ light and love, using words when necessary (thanks St. Francis of Assisi.) As people come to know Jesus and to believe in him as Lord and Savior, baptize them “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is the entry point for the Spirit’s presence in the heart of a new believer. This presence brings with it Jesus’ authority. The last step is to teach them more and more about Jesus so that their obedience grows and grows. As we live out these steps, we too continue to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your constant presence and your unconditional love. Reassure us when we doubt ourselves, reminding us of your power and presence within us. By that same Holy Spirit within, lead us and guide us to disciple others, growing ourselves in the process. Empower us with the authority of Jesus, trusting that nothing in this world can ever defeat the power of your love. Amen.


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Intended and Designed

Readings: Genesis 1:26-31 and 2:1-4

Genesis 1:27 – “God created humanity in God’s own image… male and female God created them.”

Continuing with the first creation story today, we move into God’s three-in-one nature. The words become “let us” and “in our image.” There is cooperation and conversation around this last step of creation in the first story. Like the sea, air, and land creatures, humanity is directed to “be fertile and multiply.” But God adds another role: to take charge of creation. This task must be done as if God we’re doing it. Created in God’s image, we are to care for this world with love, careful thought, and goodness.

After God created humanity, both female and male, in God’s image, God looked at all of creation, not just humanity, and “it was supremely good.” Now that all was as it should be, all parts and components just as God intended and designed them to be, creation was complete and all of it was supremely good. Work finished in “six days,” God rested. Yes, God rested. This too is part of what God intended and designed for all of creation.

Humanity is most like God the rest of the week when we rest and make holy one day out of seven. The Sabbath, our day of rest, is made holy by turning away from work and other cares of this world, instead focusing on our relationship with and connection to the Lord God. As we delve into worship, prayer, meditation, and actual, physical rest on our holy day, we are renewed and re-energized – ready to care for one another and the rest of creation as if God were caring for it. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be better image-bearers. In the creation story we see you giving again and again, creating a world that was supremely good. Lord, lead us, guide us, direct us to be a part of your plan to return our world and all of creation to one that is supremely good once again. Amen.


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Be My Witness

Reading: Acts 1:6-14

Acts 1:8b – “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

As we pick up today’s passage, the risen Jesus has been with the disciples for forty days. He has offered “many convincing proofs” that he has risen and is alive. Jesus has promised the coming “baptism” of the Holy Spirit. In response, the disciples ask Jesus if it us now time for him to “restore the kingdom of Israel.” Not exactly. Remember, nothing remotely like this has ever happened before. The disciples are learning on the fly. An ever patient Jesus replies, “Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” The power is the Spirit of God within Jesus that gave him the words to say, that showed him the next steps to take, that guided all of his actions and decisions. That same power is about to fall upon these first disciples, empowering and equipping them in the same ways that the Spirit did with Jesus.

The Holy Spirit can work the same way in our lives. Once we surrender to Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of our hearts and lives, we too have this same power available to us. Jesus continues in verse 8, telling the disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Note the expanding circles. The community of believers, the earliest “church,” will begin in Jerusalem. It will be tested by fire but will grow through the disciples’ witness. The disciples will go out into wider Israel, entering even Samaria, to witness to the good news. Eventually the apostles – Paul, Timothy, Silas… – will carry the good news of Jesus Christ to the ends of the known world. At each place, the power found in the story of Jesus will change hearts and lives. As the two men in white robes indicated, this work will continue until Jesus returns. We await that day. While we wait, we do so with the same charge as those first disciples: be my witness. So may we do as the first disciples did, sharing our stories of faith, building the kingdom of God here on earth. Lord, may it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of your power and presence that lives in our hearts. Continue to use that presence to refine and shape us, to deepen our faith, and to guide our unfolding stories of faith. Use us as you used the first disciples, taking our stories of faith out into the world, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all that we meet. Enter their hearts too, O God, drawing them to you. Amen.


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Made Alive by the Spirit

Reading: 1st Peter 3:18-22

1st Peter 3:18c – “Christ was put to death as a human, but made alive by the Spirit.”

As we turn to the second part of our Epistle reading for this week, Peter focuses first on Christ’s suffering. At the start of verse 18 we are reminded that the “righteous one” suffered on behalf of the unrighteous – all who sin. This includes you and me. In the next part of this verse, we see the “why.” Christ suffered so that we could be in God’s presence. Without the atonement that Jesus paid with his body and blood, we would forever be tarnished by our sin. In such a state we could not be in God’s holy and perfect presence. Having paid the price for our salvation, Jesus made a way for us to be made new again and again, washed clean by his blood, standing for moments holy and perfect in God’s presence.

Jesus was also a first fruit in another way. At the end of verse 18 we read, “Christ was put to death as a human, but made alive by the Spirit.” Christ’s human body died but his spirit was made alive by God’s Spirit. Jesus then ascended into heaven and took his rightful place at God’s right hand. Through the Spirit, Jesus continued and continues to be present. Long ago, Jesus was present to the “spirits in prison” (in hell) – offering forgiveness even there. Today Jesus is present to all who call on him as Lord and Savior. Once we die a type of human death, surrendering self to Jesus, dying to the things of this world, we too are made alive by the Spirit. Made alive in and through Christ, we take our rightful place living as disciples of Jesus Christ. In this role we live out our salvation here on earth, sharing our faith with others, both in word and in deed. As we share our faith, we share our Jesus, the one with the power to save and redeem, to open the way to abundant life now and into forever. Doing so, we help others to be “made alive by the Spirit.” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of Jesus, he who died our death so that we could be alive in you. There is no better place to be – filled by your presence now so that one day we can dwell eternally in your presence. Equip and empower us to fully live into our call as disciples, sharing the good news, opening eyes and hearts to your love, salvation, and redemption. Amen.


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Time, Time, Time

Reading: Psalm 31:15-16

Psalm 31:15a – “My future is in your hands.”

Returning to Psalm 31 today, the psalmist turns to time and to how we spend our days. In verse 15 he or she declares: “My future is in your hands.” Another way to say this idea is this: My life is in your hands. In both cases we are speaking of our being resting in God’s hands. But as humans, we can struggle with this way of being. Our humanity wants to measure time quantitatively. This is the way of the world. We will all one day live our last day. In this understanding of time, we strive to have “enough.” So we gather and store up and save. The felt need to do these things leads to wanting to cram more and more into each day so that we can accumulate more and more just to…

The other way to measure time is in moments, in experiences, in encounters with the holy. In this construct of time we are able to live into God’s plans for our lives. We can experience life this way when we slow down. Not rushing from thing to thing allows us to watch the sunrise, to linger in the conversation, to notice the smile of the stranger, to relish the flavor of the food. Not focusing on accumulating for self, one is freed to be generous with our resources and time. Living this way, we deepen relationships with God and with one another. We encounter God in the small things and in the large. We find meaning and purpose in life. And, somehow, as life slows down, it gets richer, fuller, more abundant. May this be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, our future and our days are really in your hands – whether one moment or one day or 100 years. Open our eyes and hearts to your presence and purpose in all of life. Make us fully aware of how and when and why your Spirit moves. Draw us in. Deepen our lives. Amen.


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Living Stones

Reading: 1st Peter 2:4-10

1st Peter 2:9 – “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s possession.”

Returning to 1st Peter 2 today, we turn to the image of building. Peter reminds the early Christians and us today that we are “living stones.” This is a unique phrase. We are to be active in our faith. We are to live as a “royal priesthood” in the world. This is not a privilege thing. We are part of a “chosen race.” All of humanity is one chosen race. God hopes all people will find a saving relationship through Jesus Christ. Since we have found that relationship, we are charged with offering up “spiritual sacrifices” bringing hope and healing and redemption to the brokenness of this world. In these actions and images, Peter is connecting to the example of Jesus.

For the faithful, Jesus is the “cornerstone.” This is the firm foundation stone, the one upon which all else is built and stands. But for the non-believer, Jesus is the “capstone,” which causes people to stumble and fall. This is why many non-believers reject Jesus. His light and truth exposed darkness, bringing discomfort. But for the believer, light and truth build up our faith.

In verse 9 we read, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s possession.” First, we are chosen by God. Along with all of humanity, we are intended to be children of God. Faith is not a random occurrence. We are chosen to be holy, living just and righteous lives. But we are holy not on our own. We are holy because Christ is holy. Because of this, we belong to God, not the world. This allows us to follow and live out God’s will and way. Part of this living is our witness or testimony.

In the next verse Peter describes this as speaking of the “wonderful acts” of God that redeemed us as we were called “out of darkness into his amazing light.” In turn, our stories of faith help others to see how they can experience God’s life-changing mercy, grace, and love. As living stones, may we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ so that he is good news to all people everywhere.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you first for Jesus, our sure foundation. And thank you for pulling us up out of the mire and filth of this world, washing us clean in your mercy and grace, redeeming us so that we can live our faith out in the world. Send us out today, O God, empowered by love to tell others of our Jesus, the one true cornerstone. Amen.


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Know His Voice

Reading: John 10:1-6

John 10:4 – “Whenever he has gathered all of his sheep, he goes before them and they follow him, because they know his voice.”

Photo credit: Hans Heiner Buhr

Today and tomorrow we delve into John 10. Here we find yet another of Jesus’ teachings that are counter-cultural. In the Old Testament, writers spoke of shepherds and of God as shepherd in positive and encouraging ways. By Jesus’ day something had changed. When Jesus spoke these words, shepherds existed on the edges of society. It was a job at the very bottom of the ladder. They were ceremonially unclean because of their occupation, so they were looked down upon, excluded, avoided. Jesus claims this role for himself. Sit with that for a second.

John 10 begins with Jesus establishing the idea of a gate. It is the only true way into the sheepfold. Today it is easy to call oneself a Christian. But many do not enter through the gate. They make their own way, their own walls, their own gate. They do not know the voice of the true shepherd. If they did, they would not act and speak as they do. No, there is only gate that opens the path to one way, one truth, and one life.

Kristin and I are wrapping up our time in Laragh, a small Irish village. There are sheep on the property. When we walk over to the fields with the goats or the donkey, they come to see us. But when we walk near the field that the sheep are in, they run away. They do not know our voices. Protective mommas call out to curious babies, warning them, keeping them safe. Jesus tells us that his sheep know his voice.

In verse 4 we read, “Whenever he has gathered all of his sheep, he goes before them and they follow him, because they know his voice.” We are living in the middle of this verse. Jesus has begun to gather those who know his voice. He now leads us in Spirit, going before us, inviting us to follow, calling us to walk in his ways. Those that know Jesus’ voice walk in the way of love, grace, mercy, and peace. May it be so for you and for me this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, there are so many voices today. Each claims truth. Each promises the way to “life.” But there is only one voice that matters for this life and for the life to come. Thank you for opening the gates of our hearts to your son, Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, keep us faithful to the way of Jesus. Help us to always hear his voice above the din of this world. Lead us to follow always in the footsteps of our good shepherd. Amen.


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Moved Forward

Reading: Acts 2:32

Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.”

Today we return to Acts 2 and focus on the last verse of this week’s passage. Peter is addressing a crowd of people who have been drawn to the disciples by the sound of the Holy Spirit descending at Pentecost. There is a Thomas-esque feel to this scene. The people cannot wrap their heads around what has happened. At first many want to just dismiss the whole thing. Maybe you’ve been there too.

Many years ago I was a one-hour-a-week Christian. I attended church regularly, at first at a small Lutheran country church and then at a larger United Methodist church when we moved to a larger town. It was there that God started trying to push me past my one-hour limit. At first, I wanted to dismiss that push. But voices added to the feeling and the Spirit persisted. First it was couple’s group and then men’s group. It was teaching Sunday School to volunteering at youth group. Then it was the call past volunteering to leading youth group. All along the call of the Holy Spirit grew and grew. Voices of encouragement grew. Would I trust this feeling and the words of those close to me to take a leap of faith, away from a 23-year teaching career and into the ministry?

As other voices spoke into my life, the question was this: Did I trust these voices? Would I trust the voice of the Spirit? Long ago, Peter spoke these words to some people asking these questions: “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.” Words alone do not make believers, even words whispered from God. The power of Peter’s testimony was the same as what led me to take a leap of faith: I could feel the words. I could feel the Holy Spirit moving me, pulling me forward in faith. As trusted voices speak and as the Spirit moves in your life, may you too step forward in faith, witnessing to the power of God.

Prayer: Lord God, more than words on a page or spoken by a friend, the Holy Spirit moves, whispers, nudges. It is a force, a fire, a tangible feeling. Stir this in each of us, making the words come alive, making our faith come alive. Amen.


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Power with Us

Reading: Acts 2:14 and 22-32

Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.”

As we begin the Easter season, we join Peter and the other disciples as they start to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. In the timeline of Acts, the first Pentecost has just occurred. The Holy Spirit has fallen and taken up a place in the hearts of all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Spirit fills Peter as he powerfully and convincingly speaks to the crowd. You and me – we have this save power in us.

Peter begins by reminding the crowd drawn by the Pentecost moment that God proved Jesus’ “credentials” through the miracles, wonders, and signs that Jesus offered. Even though credentialed, Peter next reminds the crowd how Jesus was killed. Quoting from Psalm 16, which we’ll read tomorrow, Peter speaks of the foretelling of the resurrection of Jesus. Using David’s words, Peter reminds his audience that the grave has never held power over Jesus. From this understanding, Peter declares,“This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.” At the end of Peter’s speech, about 3,000 people come to a saving faith in Jesus.

The power and presence of the Holy Spirit in Peter gave him the confidence, the courage, and the words to speak. The same Spirit was at work in the hearts of those hearing Peter’s words. When we tell our stories of faith, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will empower, equip, and guide our words. And we can trust that the Spirit will work in the hearts of those receiving our words of faith. God’s power is in us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, help us to trust as Peter did. When opportunities arise to witness to our faith, to tell our Jesus stories, fill us with your Holy Spirit’s power too. And, Lord, use our words to draw others to you, building the kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Called and Sent

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9

Isaiah 42:6b – “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.”

Isaiah 42 is about “God’s servant.” These words come from what is known as “Second Isaiah,” written during Israel’s time in Babylonian exile. It is likely that the original “suffering servant” was Isaiah. Later, in another Servant Song, it is the nation of Israel who are the servants. The earliest church and the New Testament writers identified Jesus as the servant. Read today, you and I, we are the servants of God.

Let’s look at the qualities and behaviors of the servant described in Isaiah 42. As we do, think about how each applies to Isaiah, to Israel, to Jesus, and to you. The servant is chosen by God and has the Spirit of God upon them. The servant is called to bring justice and light to the world. The servant is not forceful or violent. He is she won’t even “break a bruised reed.” In verse 6 we read, “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.” Given as the covenant of love, the servant partners with God to bring healing and wholeness to the world, opening blind eyes, setting people free from sin and brokenness.

Just as Jesus was and is our light, calling and leading us out of our own sin and darkness, we are called to do this for others. Bringing the light of Christ into the darkness of this world, we seek to bring healing and wholeness, justice and peace to our world. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you called Isaiah and Israel, you call us and the community of faith. And just as you sent Jesus, so too do you send us into the world to be light and love. Empower us with the presence of the Holy Spirit, leading us to bring healing and wholeness to the darkness and brokenness of our world. Amen.