pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: hope


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Diligent and Intentional

Reading: 1st Timothy 4:7b-12

1st Timothy 4:10 – “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.”

Today’s reading comes from a section where Paul is instructing Timothy about spiritual leadership. In today’s verses and throughout this section Paul consistently connects the message and the messenger. For Paul, this life of faith was 24/7. The character of the message and of the messenger were integrally connected. This is why Paul exhorted Timothy to “Train yourself for a holy life.” To ‘train’ is to give focus and attention, to be diligent and Intentional about the condition of one’s soul.

Paul then focuses in on the mission: “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.” The work, the mission, the example Paul and Timothy set – it is to reveal their own hope and faith AND it is to help others to come to know Jesus Christ, the Savior, the source of our living hope. Paul encourages Timothy to “Command these things. Teach them.” This happens two ways. First, in his role as church leader. Second, in his daily living of a holy life. Again, these two sides of Timothy are inseparable. It is the same for you and me.

The apostle then addresses Timothy’s age. Paul reminds him and is that it is not about how old or how young you are. It is not about how much or how little religious education you have. It is not about your wealth or your poverty, you family history or lack thereof… To witness to our living hope, it is simply about your faith and living a holy life. For each of us, we know that God has chosen us and equipped us to share Jesus, our hope and our salvation. Knowing this, may we be diligent and intentional about sharing our faith with others.

Prayer: Lord God, please lead and guide us, strengthen and encourage us today to live a holy life, bearing witness always to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In all we do and in all we say, may our lives draw others towards the hope and saving grace that we find in you, our living God. Amen.


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Willing to Risk

Reading: Colossians 1:24-29

Colossians 1:27 – “God wanted to make the glorious riches of his secret plan known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory.”

Paul writes of his ministry to the church in verses 24-29 and beyond. Much more so than we do today, the earliest church both expected and almost welcomed suffering for their faith. If their faith was being lived out enough to draw persecution… then it was a faith worthy of Jesus Christ. This is why Paul states that he is “happy” to suffer for his service to the church. There was an honor to continue Christ’s suffering “for the sake of the church.”

Paul speaks of a “secret plan” that was being revealed to the Gentiles. Jewish thought at that time believed that God’s plans were complete but were held in heaven, to be revealed in God’s time. These ‘plans’ were established at the creation of the world, so they have been hidden for many generations. But now, “God wanted to make the glorious riches of his secret plan known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory.”

The goal for Paul and all in the early church was for every person, for all people, to experience the indwelling presence of Christ’s Spirit in their hearts, to know the living hope that they knew. So wonderful was this faith and so great was their hope, they were willing to suffer so that they could share their faith in Jesus Christ with literally everyone. May it be so for us as well!

Prayer: Lord God, draw us to a depth of faith where we will risk more for the spreading of your word. Encourage us to step across those lines, into places and lives where there might be a cost to sharing our faith. Walk with us, Lord, strengthening and equipping us for this journey. Amen.


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Acts of Surrender

Reading: Titus 3:3-8

Titus 3:5 – “He saved us because of his mercy, not because of righteous things we had done.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Stepping into Paul’s letter to Titus in 3:3, Paul acknowledges their (and our) former state. Before professing faith in Christ and committing to follow his teachings and example we were “foolish, disobedient, deceived” people who were enslaved to the desires and pleasures of this world. We were filled with jealousy, yes, but with many other things too: greed, pride, lust, judging… We lived a very self-centered and self-focused life until we encountered Jesus.

When we met Jesus, we met kindness and love. We found salvation through Christ’s grace. Our sins were not held against us. In verse 5 we read, “He saved us because of his mercy, not because of righteous things we had done.” Paul is addressing the false ‘balance scale’ theory that we can try and live by early in our faith journey. A part of that self-centeredness is still hanging on. We think that we can do enough good to outweigh all of the sin that we commit. In time, as we mature, we realize that this is an impossible equation to balance in our own.

Jesus helps us out. Through the washing of “new birth” and through the “renewing” of the Holy Spirit we are “made right” and we “inherit the hope for eternal life.” This is partially an ongoing process. We may sin less as we mature in faith but we do still sin. That is our human nature. The hope we find in Christ sustains us in our times of struggle and it encourages us in times of doubt. This is also a completed process. Our inheritance is kept safe for us by the Lord our God. Our response to all of this? As Paul writes, we “give careful attention to doing good.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, humble us day by day. Seeing ourselves honestly, guide us to bow before your throne of grace. Admitting our limits, lead us to yield our will to your will. Call us to these acts of surrender again and again and again, over and over until they become second nature to us. Amen.


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Choices

Reading: Jeremiah 17:12-14

Jeremiah 17:14 – “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for you are my heart’s desire.”

Jeremiah lived and shared God’s word during a turbulent time in Judah. The northern kingdom has fallen to Babylon and he would witness the fall of Judah during his ministry. Jeremiah speaks words that are hard to hear – the sin of the leaders and the people are great. At the start of chapter 17 the prophet writes, “Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron pen… on the tablets of their heart.” Their faith situation is grave. Judah’s fall is close at hand.

Turning to our passage for today, Jeremiah recognizes that God still sits enthroned in the sanctuary. This echoes yesterday’s reality that God was, is, and always will be. He recognizes God as “the hope of Israel.” While all of this is true concerning God, free will is at play. Very few people remain faithful. Jeremiah acknowledges that those who forsake or turn away from God “will suffer disgrace” or will be “written off.” Choices.

In spite of this present reality, Jeremiah also makes a choice. In verses 14 he speaks his heart: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for you are my heart’s desire.” Jeremiah, in spite of all the sin and evil around him remains fully committed to God. This is a choice that we must make at times. In personal situations, in our relationships, in the world that we live in today, will we choose to be faithful and totally committed to the Lord our God? Or will we walk the easier, safer road?

Prayer: Lord God, in the moments where we are tempted by sin, drawn to the desires of the flesh, and/or pondering just letting evil win, speak into our hearts. We, like Jeremiah, desire to walk faithfully with you. Remind us of your love and care, of your protection and provision, especially in these moments of decision. Empower us through the Spirit that dwells within. Thank you, O Lord our God. Amen.


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Grace, Blessing, and Presence

Reading: Psalm 67

Psalm 67:1-2 – “Let God grant us grace and bless us… so that your salvation becomes known among the nations.”

This week we focus on God’s blessings – some physical and some spiritual. Our readings will culminate in Revelation with the tree of life that provides food and healing for the nations. Ezekiel 47 will also connect to this gift of God. Other readings this week focus on the peace, grace, and salvation offered by the Lord. We begin today with Psalm 67.

In the opening verses of Psalm 67 the writer invites God’s grace, blessing, and presence to be upon Israel. This is not just a request for Israel. These gifts from God will draw other nations to Israel so that they too can know the salvation that God offers. Our faith and our churches should function the same way. A quote often attributed to Francis of Assissi encourage us to preach the good news always, using words when necessary. God’s presence and love should be revealed in and through our lives, drawing others towards Christ and salvation.

Israel’s response and the response of those who receive salvation should be thanksgiving, celebration, and joy. God is just and fair and will guide all people to receive abundant life here and one day in the life to come. The physical joins these spiritual blessings in verse 6, where the psalmist acknowledges God’s hand at work. Here he or she writes, “The earth has yielded its harvest.” This too is a blessing from our creator God. It is how God designed and created this world. While this is yet to be realized, we pray for a time when all people experience the abundance that God intends for all the earth. This is God’s plan and design. With hope we join our voices with those in the far ends of the earth as we rejoice and say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for the many ways in which you bless our lives. Here you are our provider and guide, our encourager and sustainer, our hope and our light. You call us to abundantly and graciously share these blessings with others, opening their hearts to receive from you. This is just the beginning though. You also offer eternity in your glorious presence through the salvation of our souls. For all of this, O God, we too thank you. Amen.


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He Is Alive!

Reading: John 20:1-18

John 20:18 – “Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, ‘I’ve seen the Lord!'”

The first Easter long ago began quietly, with Mary Magdalene making her way to the tomb in the time just before dawn. It was light enough out to see that the stone was moved. She goes and tells Peter and John. They come and look. They see the grave cloths lying there. Peter and John leave, not understanding what has happened.

Mary remains, undeterred from her focus. Taking a second look inside, she see two angels. She inquires of them – sort of. She tells them that the body is missing. Mary turns and faces a person. She doesn’t recognize him as Jesus – yet. He asks her why she is crying and who she is looking for. Again, the same response: “If you’ve carried him away…”

“Mary.” Jesus speaks her name. She recognizes the voice and maybe the feeling in speaking her name. At times Jesus speaks our names too. It’s often when we’re distraught or overwhelmed or… It might not be audible but he does call, beckoning us back to the place of peace…

Jesus gives Mary instructions: go and tell the others. In verse 18 we read, “Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, ‘I’ve seen the Lord!'” The first evangelist shares the good news of Jesus Christ for the very first time. He is alive! Yes, Jesus is alive!! Hallelujah!!

Prayer: Lord God, what great news! Life and hope, joy and peace – all bundled up together. The cross and the grave have been defeated..sin and death no longer hold sway or have power over us. As Jesus calls our name, O God, tune our hearts and ears to that call. Thank you. Amen.


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Our Great High Priest

Reading: Hebrews 10:19-24

Hebrews 10:19 – “Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the Holy of Holies by means of Jesus’ blood.”

Hebrews 10 begins with a description of Christ’s “once-for-all” sacrifice. The author explains that Jesus, through his sacrificial death, put an end to the old sacrificial system. This system was unable to “take away our sins.” In addition, the mechanics of the system prevented a personal connection to God. The priest heard your sin and offered the atoning sacrifice on your behalf. There was also a second barrier to God. The Holy of Holies, the space which held the ark (God’s presence,) was separated off by a huge curtain. The high priest alone entered this most intimate and sacred space just once a year, seeking forgiveness and blessing for the people of God.

Verses 19-24 are a summary of what Christ’s sacrifice means for us. In the first verses we read, “Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the Holy of Holies by means of Jesus’ blood.” As Christ breathed his last breath the curtain in the temple was literally torn in two, top to bottom. The physical barrier was removed. Christ opened the way, “a new and living way,” so that we could have a personal relationship with God. Christ is our new “great high priest” that invites us to draw near to God with a genuine, cleansed heart. Forgiveness and cleansing are ours every time we confess and repent of our sins. Jesus’ blood was and is the “once-for-all” sacrifice that stones for our sin. Hebrews also reminds us that we can “hold onto the confession of our hope,” because Jesus is faithful. We have confessed Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is only in and through him that we can remain faithful too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the new covenant, one written on our hearts because Christ’s Spirit dwells in our hearts. This personal and intimate connection is a great gift. You are with us always. Lord, lead and guide us to live out our faith, encouraging one another in love. May this love lead us to be and do good in the world, drawing others into the new and living hope that we have in you. Amen.


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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.


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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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Keep at the Walk

Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Mark 16:7 – “Go, tell the disciples… You will see him there, just as he told you “

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As originally written, Mark’s gospel seems to end abruptly and without resolution. It ends with the women fleeing in fear. They were so afraid, they didn’t say anything to anyone. That’s the original ending point. In the fourth and second centuries one verse 9 and verses 9-20 were added, respectively. In these additions the women do tell and the risen Jesus does appear to his followers. But Mark’s original ending, it really does beg the question: Why end it there, that way?!

Mark’s whole gospel is aimed at getting the church to be the church. The teachings he chooses and the parables Mark employs are all aimed at reminding the church of how Jesus taught and called them to live in the world. Chapter 16 is no different.

Mary, Mary, and Salome go and buy spices to anoint a body. Their hopes were dashed at the cross. Here they do the next thing. Church, disappointment and apparent failure will come. Keep doing the next thing. The women worry about the stone. They wonder who will move it. Here God does a thing. Church, if you are faithful, trust God to act. Inside the empty tomb an angel gives them instructions. They’re afraid. They do nothing. But we’re reading these words so the story doesn’t really end this way. Church, when God speaks something to you that feels scary or risky or hard to believe, say or do it anyway. Believe in God’s whispers, nudges, and movements. Then be amazed by what God does. This story is ongoing. The call to keep at the walk of faith, to trust and believe, to be amazed by God – that’s still our story. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be the faithful church. Guide us on an obedient walk. When there is struggle, when there is disappointment, when there is uncertainty, when there is fear and worry – whisper words of love, nudge us with your presence, move alongside us. Use us as your church. Amen.