pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: hope


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Foundation, Future, Present

Reading: 1st Peter 1:17-23

1st Peter 1:19 – “You were liberated by the precious blood of Christ.”

Photo credit: Shane

Our passage today begins with a call to “conduct yourselves with reverence” as we live out our days in this “strange world.” This is a very accurate description of our time and it is an important reminder. Sometimes it can be hard to live with reverence. We often live in a spin cycle, doing the same things day after day. A brief break comes on the weekend, but then we’re right back at it. If we are to live with reverence for God in the day to day, then we must daily remember our foundation and our future.

Peter reminds us that we are not “liberated” or set free or saved by the “perishable things” of this world. Yes, we can get caught up chasing after gold and other worldly things, living that “empty lifestyle.” Instead, though, Peter reminds us, “You were liberated by the precious blood of Christ.” We were freed to live differently, to be set apart from the things of the world. Jesus was chosen before creation began to be the perfect sacrifice to free us from sin and death, the two great powers of this world. Freed from these powers, our faith and hope can rest in God. Resting here, Christ is our sure foundation and our promise of a future in God’s glory.

There is also a “present” to Peter’s words today. The charge Peter gives is very much like the response called for in Psalm 116. The charge is to be obedient to Jesus’ example, having “genuine affection” for one another. We are to love one another “deeply and earnestly.” This should be our response to God’s “life-giving and enduring word,” Jesus Christ. Living as love and with love, we share our foundation and we invite others into a future with hope. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, as we live out our moments on this earth, daily remind us of our place with you. Reminded, guide us to live daily as Christ lived: loving one and all. Living as love, use us to draw others to the living word, Christ Jesus. Secure our hope in your love, our rock and redeemer. Day by day, walk with us, guiding us towards our true and eternal home. Amen.


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Genuine

Reading: 1st Peter 1:6-7

1st Peter 1:7c – “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Photo credit: Kim West

Earlier in the week, when we read from 1st Peter 1, we focused on our inheritance. As you’ve maybe observed or even experienced, inheritances don’t always come easily. Yes, there are the “silver spoon” examples that come to mind. And, yes, many come to us naturally or organically, without much fuss. To a degree faith can fall into this category. I grew up going to church, so faith was “assumed.” But singing the songs and learning the Bible stories of Noah, Daniel and the lions, Jesus and the children… are much different things than actually having a faith of one’s own.

As a junior in high school I was at a youth group event, a rock-a-thon. My fun and enjoyable time in a rocking chair was disrupted by news (via a knock on the church door in that pre-cell phone world) that a good friend was in a horrible accident. Praying for him in the sanctuary balcony with two friends, I felt that tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. Held in those “arms,” I rejoiced in hope, even in the midst of a time of distress.

Through this experience and other moments of trial, my faith was “tested by fire.” In time I came to have a sure faith that is my own. One day I, like all believers, hope to experience what Peter points to at the end of verse 7: “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the moment, no, I wouldn’t have chosen any of the experiences that refined and tested my faith. However, you are far, far wiser than I am. Each moment, each tear, each time of despair – small stepping stepping stones to this place in my journey of faith. Thank you for each of them and, more so, for your abiding presence in each of them. Please continue to walk with me day by day. Amen.


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Pure and Enduring

Reading: 1st Peter 1:3-9

1st Peter 1:4 – “You have a pure and enduring inheritance that cannot perish – an inheritance that is presently kept safe in heaven for you.”

In our passage today, Peter writes of the inheritance kept safe for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Before turning to that, though, a question: What have you inherited on this earth? For example, from my parents I inherited these things: the desire to teach, the drive to work hard and do my best, a love of family, a heart to serve others. In my parents, I saw these things lived out and made the intentional choice to take these as my own. I’ve also inherited things from friends: construction skills, interests… What have you inherited as you’ve lived this life? And perhaps more importantly, what will others – friends, family, strangers – inherit from you?

In verse 3 Peter reminds us, “You have been born anew into a living hope.” Through faith in Jesus Christ we are made into new creations. While the “old self” dies, we are not 100% new. We maintain those parts of ourselves already aligned with Christ. Yes, the sinful parts of us die away as we walk deeper into our saving relationship with Jesus. (Some of these things may have been inherited too.) The “living hope” that we walk in day to day does yield the “pure and enduring inheritance” that Peter speaks of. As we walk in faith, the Spirit keeps this inheritance safe, leading and guiding us to walk daily within the will and way of Jesus Christ. Thank you, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Lord God, first, thank you for all who have poured into me to make me who I am in you: family, friends, pastors, teachers, bosses. And thank you for the ways you’ve used me to pour into others. And most of all, thank you for the example of Jesus and for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit – they which secure our place in your eternal home. Amen.


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The Pain of Death

Reading: Matthew 27:57-66

Matthew 27:61 – “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting in front of the tomb.”

In the story of Jesus, late Friday afternoon ends with Joseph of Arimathea requesting and receiving Jesus’ body. Moving quickly to finish the task before sunset and the start of the Sabbath, he wraps the body in a linen cloth, lays it in his own new tomb, and rolls the stone in place, sealing the tomb. Joseph was not alone: “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting in front of the tomb.”

It is a small crowd for Jesus’ burial. The disciples are nowhere to be found. They were hiding, fearing for their own lives. Only Joseph was willing to risk asking for the body. Only the two Mary’s refuse to leave Jesus. Their love kept all three there. Perhaps these three did not fear the religious authorities. Maybe they were unaware. But the religious leaders still fear Jesus – so much so that a guard is posted at the tomb.

Joseph and the two Mary’s are like many of us in our moments of deep grief. There are things that must be done and we go through the motions. Often people are unaware of the planning steps or even of the funeral as they look back a week later. When the body or ashes are laid in the ground, though, it feels so final. Some linger, though, unable to leave right away. Such is the case with the two Mary’s.

On this Holy Saturday we too are invited to linger, to remain present to the grief, to feel the sting of loss and the hurt of death. We mourn with the disciples, the two Mary’s, and with all others who deeply loved Jesus. We, however, also mourn with hope, because on this side of the resurrection, we know that death does not have the final word. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, death is hard, whether expected or unexpected. On this day, help us to feel the pain, the disorientation, the tears of those closest to Jesus. As we’ve been there ourselves, guide us to join them in spirit, present even through the ages. As we feel the loss, O God, remind us too of the joy that comes with the morning. Amen.


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Faithful, Loyal Love

Reading: Psalm 36:5-11

Psalm 36:6 – “Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.”

Photo credit: Freestocks

As I read the first few verses of today’s passage, I could hear the words of Third Day’s “Your Love Oh Lord” in my mind. Hearing these words reminds me that the Psalms are really songs. They are expressions of an array of emotions: joy and defeat, praise and lament. Expressing one’s emotions opens the doors of communication with God. Today’s reading is an expression of praise for God’s faithful and loyal love.

The psalmist rejoices that God’s faithful love is everywhere. David then celebrates the character of God’s righteousness and justice. They are “like the strongest mountain… like the deepest sea.” There is an unshakable and unending quality to God’s love, justice, and righteousness. This is why they flow like a river into our lives and world. David then proclaims that God’s love is “priceless.” Humankind finds “refuge” in God, and in God we find “the spring of life.” Walking in God’s light and love, we know the way to abundant life here and now. Oh how great is the Father’s love for you and for me!

In verse 11 David asks God to “extend your righteousness” to those whose heart is right with God. When we know God’s faithful love in our hearts, we experience it in our lives. This love dwells in us and flows out of us, into the world. In this way, we are living extensions of God’s loyal love. As we live each day, may we bear God’s faithful and loyal love into the world around us, bringing light and joy, justice and refuge, life and hope. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, may our love be like your love, reaching to the furthest corners of our lives, working down into the deepest darkness of this world. May your justice break forth, being poured out for all people everywhere. In and through your love, may all come to experience the joy of your salvation. 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.


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Not of This World

Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Matthew 21:9 – “The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted… ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As Jesus nears Jerusalem, he gives two disciples “a task.” They do as he says – as hard as it might have been to believe – and return to Jesus with the donkey and colt. Perhaps these two disciples knew the words of Isaiah and Zechariah and understood that they were about to be fulfilled. The crowd certainly knew these prophesies and longed for their fulfillment. This is why they lined the road and placed clothes and palm branches on the road into the city, creating a makeshift “royal carpet.” This is why they shouted, “Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'” They believed that the Messiah would come to save them and to re-establish the kingdom of God. This stirred up the city as Jesus entered in.

As the week unfolds, though, it becomes clear that the kingdom of Jesus was not a kingdom of this world. The clearing of the temple was a vivid declaration of this fact. This work and all of Jesus’ work was about opening people’s lives to his kingdom of love. The teachings, the healings – all about bringing people into his kingdom. Even the cross was about opening the way for all people to enter into his kingdom of love. Through the transformation of lives – dying to the things of this world and living for the things of God – love begins to rule first in our hearts and then in our world. Through the power of love, peace and mercy and grace and forgiveness and justice and hope triumph over hate and violence and oppression and other injustices. Come, Lord Jesus, come into our hearts and into our world.

Prayer: Lord God, your radical way of love has begun to transform our hearts and lives. We are becoming who you created us to be. Please continue to work in and through us, transforming this world into your kingdom of love. Amen.


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Hope, Peace, Love, Joy

Reading: Psalm 130:7-8

Psalm 130:7 – “Israel, wait for the Lord! Because faithful love… because great compassion is with our God!”

Returning to Psalm 130 today, we hear a call to community as we prepare to join together for worship. This song sung on the way to praise and worship in the temple reminded Israel of their journey together – with God and with one another. As we gather today, let us also remember the blessings of community: support, encouragement, presence, love, help in times of need.

Reflecting back on this week’s readings, we recall how God brings life to dry bones, faith to those lost in despair and hopelessness. We remember that Jesus offers us resurrection and new life, both here and now and one day eternally. And we once again hear the call to live in and by the Spirit, freed from our selfish and sinful nature. We remember because this is the God that we praise and worship today.

Verse 7 of Psalm 130 reminds us that as we journey, as we head to worship, we do so with hope. We read, “Israel, wait for the Lord! Because faithful love… because great compassion is with our God!” Because of God’s faithful love and great compassion, we know hope and peace. We also know forgiveness and redemption through God’s love and compassion. As we journey towards Easter, especially in our times of waiting, may we hold to the hope and peace and to the love and joy that we find in communion with God and with each other. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, as we head to worship today, be that in a sanctuary, on the couch, or anyplace else, draw us deeply into your loving presence. As we gather in community, connect us to one another as we connect to you. In you and in the community of faith, may we find hope and peace, love and joy. Amen.


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Peace and Love

Reading: Romans 8:6-11

Romans 8:6b – “The attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

Chapter 8 of Romans is titled “Set Free by the Spirit” in my Bible. In this chapter Paul reminds us that the law of the Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death. We who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior are set free through his sacrifice, death, and resurrection. Giving our whole self to Christ leads to Christ’s Spirit living inside of us, freeing us from the selfishness that is inherent in the flesh. The Holy Spirit leads us to think about the things of God instead of the things of this world. These two forces, however, are constantly at work within us: one pulling us towards God and one pulling us towards the ways of the world.

Paul addresses the outcome of this “battle” in verse 6. Here he reminds believers that “The attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.” The other outcome leads to death. It is not an immediate death but a long, slow death. Living a self-centered life slowly isolates oneself for all others, including God. The longer one elevates self, the less room there is for anyone other than self. One tolerates others, yes, even those they “love,” as long as it benefits them and increases their power, wealth, status, image…

The apostle contrasts this outcome with the outcome of a life lived in and guided by the Spirit of Christ. The outcome of living in and by the Spirit is peace and true life. This too is a long, slow walk, but in the total opposite direction. The walk of faith builds relationships and community, seeking to benefit others as we seek to please God not self. There is ample space and time to care for others, to help those in need, to comfort the grieving and afflicted, to lift the downtrodden, to love neighbor. We find that as we express our love of God in these ways, giving away self, we experience true peace and a life filled with joy and hope and love. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when it is challenging to live guided by the Spirit, when those guided by the way of selfishness make life hard, when the ways of the world seek to draw us in, remind us of your deep, deep love for us. Strengthen and encourage us to trust into this love, to feel and to live out this kind of love. Amen.


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Resurrection – Here and Now

Reading: John 11:17-45

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die.”

We return to John 11 today. Jesus arrives near Bethany and Lazarus has been dead for four days. Jesus encounters Martha and then Mary outside of town. Both women say the same words to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” Both see Jesus as a healer, as one who could’ve cured their brother’s illness. Later, others in the crowd echo this belief. In this sense, we are like them: we believe that Jesus has the power to change lives.

Martha adds to this statement. She adds, “Even now, I know that whatever you ask God, God will give you.” This statement of faith goes beyond healing lepers and blind men. Martha leans into the possibility of what Jesus could do. As times our faith takes us here too. We don’t see a way, but we trust that Jesus does. We lean into the impossible at times, trusting in a power beyond our imagination and sometimes even beyond our hope.

Mary comes to Jesus, deep in her grief. So deep is her grief, it draws Jesus in. He weeps for her, for Lazarus, for all who mourn. Jesus becomes present in the suffering. We too experience this. The Spirit is there with us in times of need – not healing, not guiding, just being present. Even when we ourselves cannot go beyond the “if only, God…,” God is present to us.

The scene then shifts to the tomb. In response to Martha’s faith and to Mary’s grief, Jesus calls Lazarus back from death. Jesus is the resurrection and life here and now, not just on the last day. This too is the Jesus we know. Again and again we experience resurrection and redemption. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, how we fit into this story and into your story! When we are like Martha, guide us to take that next step of deeper faith. When we are like Mary, be present to us. And when we are spiritually like Lazarus was physically, faith as dead as dead can be, being us new life. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.