pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: humble


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True Power and Presence

Reading: Isaiah 7:10-13

Isaiah 7:11 – “Ask a sign from the Lord your God. Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.”

Photo credit: Dan Kiefer

At the start of chapter 7, King Ahaz of Judah receives a word from God through the prophet Isaiah. Ahaz is told that Aram and Israel will not overpower Judah. Both will fall to a resurgent Assyria. In the first half of this week’s reading from Isaiah 7, God says to Ahaz, “Ask a sign from the Lord your God.” A sign could be very reassuring for a still-fearful Ahaz. In times of tension or danger or doubt or fear, it is natural to want a sign that God is with us. It is normal to not want to feel all alone. A sign indicating God’s power and presence helps us to move forward, to not be so afraid…, to have some hope.

In the remainder of verse 11 God adds, “Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.” Often we want this kind of sign from God. We want a flashing neon billboard-sized sign from God, one that is as high as the heavens (or as low as the grave.) We’d prefer a sign so large that there is absolutely no mistaking that God is present and large and in total control. Ahaz does not fall into this temptation. He states that he does not “want to test the Lord.” Although still fearful, Ahaz resists the temptation to ask God to prove God’s power, presence…

In this season of Advent we’re reminded that Immanuel, God with us, did not come in grand fashion. Christ wasn’t born into a powerful and wealthy family. Instead, Jesus was born to humble parents in the simplest of settings. In times when we are seeking God’s power and presence, may we remember that God most often comes in the humble, simple, and everyday of life. When this is the God that we seek, we will find signs of God’s true power and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, in our times of need, turn our eyes and hearts away from the amazing and awesome. Instead, focus our eyes and hearts on the many ways that you are present in and amongst us – in Spirit, in your Word, in one another, and in creation. May this constant presence strengthen and encourage us. Amen.


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Serving Humbly

Reading: Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:47 – “In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my Savior.”

In our passage today Mary praises God. Her prayer of thanks contains many of the themes found throughout Luke’s gospel. Considering Mary’s circumstances, these are amazing words to speak. She is barely a teenager. Mary is unmarried yet pregnant. This likely led her to travel to see Elizabeth, perhaps an even more unlikely mother-to-be. Elizabeth has been barren all her life and is very much past child bearing years. Yet she too is pregnant. Both pregnancies have been blessed by an angel’s prophetic words. Mary humbly accepted these words, declaring, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

We see Mary’s commitment in verses 46 and 47. Mary glorifies God “with all my heart” and rejoices in God from “the depths of who I am.” Because God chose her, the lowly has become “highly favored.” This theme continues as Mary celebrates a God who shows mercy and lifts the lowly and feeds the hungry. Recognizing the coming reality of God in the flesh, Mary declares prophetically, “He has come to the aid of his servant Israel.” Mary truly understands the incarnational nature of the one in her womb. Young Mary’s faith is amazing.

While the role we are called to play will never be exactly like Mary’s role, we too are called to humble servanthood. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us in the work of building the kingdom here on earth. Sometimes the call invites us to places or to people who are difficult or challenging. As we play our role, especially in the hard moments, may we choose to trust as Mary trusted, knowing that the Lord our God will look with favor upon all who serve the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of how simple faith can be. Playing our roles comes down to leaning into the call, trusting that you are present and will walk with us. When we don’t know the steps to take or the words to say, help us to trust that you know and that your Spirit will guide us in those moments. In this way may we each humbly serve you with all of our heart. Amen.


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Walk Closely

Reading: Matthew 11:7-11

Matthew 11:10 – “Look, I am sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you.”

Returning to Matthew 11 today we learn more about the kingdom of God. In verses 7 and 8 Jesus speaks about who and what John the Baptist was. Those who went out into the wilderness did not see “a stalk blowing in the wind.” Instead they saw a powerful messenger speaking truth to his generation and calling out those who thought they were good and holy but were not. John demanded the true repentance – a change of heart and life – that would yield “good fruit” in their lives. The people did not see someone “dressed up in fine clothes.” Those in fine robes, living in comfort, they were the “snakes” just going through the motions in public, falling far short in their hearts. In contrast, John was all-in for God, walking closely with God, daily pouring all the had into readying people to meet the Messiah. This is why Jesus proclaims John’s greatness at the start of verse 11.

And then there is the rest of verse 11. It connects back to verse 10: “Look, I am sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you.” In verse 11b Jesus speaks to his audience then and now, getting personal. The “least” are “greater” than John because they are humble servants. They are disciples who bring healing and wholeness to people’s lives and to the world. Disciples are folks who are good news and whose words and actions produce good fruit that builds up the kingdom of God. They are folks who speak truth to power no matter the cost. Disciples are willing to enter the wilderness in order to bring others closer to the Messiah. They are you and me.

Prayer: Lord God, begin in our hearts, making us aware of what we need to prune away, building up our love of you and neighbor. Empower us to risk for others and for your kingdom. Encourage us to humble service that yields good fruit and draws others to living out your will and way. Walk closely with us daily so that we can walk closely with our neighbors. Amen.


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Wonderful Love

Reading: Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:42 – “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

As we continue in the crucifixion scene, we read Jesus’ only real interaction with anyone since he spoke to the mourning women on the way to the cross. In our reading today one criminal joins in the mockery and adds a selfish request: “Save yourself and us!” It is then that another voice speaks, this time for Jesus. The second criminal asks the other, “Don’t you fear God?” This is a telling question. He recognizes that they’ll soon die and that he’ll soon stand before the next judge – the one who will pronounce a sentence of eternal light and love or one of eternal torment and darkness.

Turning to Jesus, the second criminal says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He wants to go where Jesus, the innocent one, is going. Jesus offers him words of assurance, of welcome, of love. Yes, “today you will be with me in paradise.” This is so interesting to me. Jesus does not require a confession of sin first. He doesn’t quiz the man about his past life. Jesus doesn’t wait for a pledge of repentance or for a request to be baptized. The man just wants to be with Jesus for whatever is next. He longs for a reality-changing relationship with the Lord. Jesus welcomes the man in love.

This remains who God is. We don’t have to be perfect to present ourselves to God. In fact, God does some of God’s best work when we come broken or hurting or humbled or vulnerable. It us then that we are most malleable, most ready to be made new again. This is love. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it is reassuring to know that your love never changes. At our very best and at our very worst, your love is the same. It is a wonderful love. Lord, help us to have this kind of love. Amen.


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Today? Yesterday? Last Thursday?

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-10

2nd Thessalonians 3:7 – “You need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As is often the case at the end of Paul’s letters, he closes 2nd Thessalonians with general exhortations. Today and tomorrow we focus on Paul’s words about living a disciplined faith and life. There are some do’s and don’ts and examples to follow.

Paul begins by telling these communities of faith to “stay away” from those choosing to live an undisciplined faith. In essence, Paul is advising these followers of Jesus to exclude those who are not contributing to the community. This is a simplistic example but imagine if this Sunday, as we were preparing to go into Fellowship Hall to enjoy some coffee, lemonade, and treats, if I clearly invited ONLY those who had brought treats in the past two years to join us.

Continuing, Paul writes, “You need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you.” Paul reminds those in these churches of how he and his companions worked and pulled their own weight when they were among them. In a community where much was pooled for the common good, Paul was drawing a firm line. If you didn’t add to the pool, you shouldn’t dip into the pool.

Today’s words draw me to the vows we take at baptism and/or when we join the community of faith. As United Methodists we commit to support the church with our “prayers… presence… gifts… service… and witness.” I believe these should apply to all faith communities. So I ask, Did you pray for your community and its leaders today? And yesterday? Will you tomorrow? Who did you witness to yesterday and the day before? How and when were you present in a time of need or during a celebration? What gifts and service did you offer on Monday? And how about last Thursday?

Prayer: Lord God, you call us daily to an active and living faith. You invite us into community so that we can encourage and build up, so that we can give and receive. Open our spirits to both generosity and to humble service, O God. Lead us to pour ourselves out for you and for others, all for your glory. Amen.


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Obedience and Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 119:137-144

Psalm 119:144 – “Your laws are righteous forever. Help me understand so I can live!”

In today’s portion of Psalm 119, the psalmist focuses on God’s righteousness. This is one of God’s enduring, unchanging characteristics. In verse 139 we read, “Lord, you are righteous, and your rules are right.” There is a sure connection laid out here. Because God is righteous, all things that comes from God are right, true, tried and tested, and completely trustworthy. The psalmist declares to God that he or she “loves your word.”

These truths are important for the psalmist. As he or she writes, life is not easy. The author feels “insignificant and unpopular.” It feels as if all of those causing the “stress and strain” are like enemies, like people who have completely forgotten God’s Law. This causes anger to rise up in the psalmist. Yet stronger still is their trust in God and in God’s righteousness in particular. The psalmist knows that these truths will endure forever, long after the current hardship passes. Rooting their hope in this fact brings joy even in the midst of the trial.

Today’s reading is in the “Tsade” section of this acrostic Psalm. The Hebrew letter itself is formed from the Hebrew letters Nun and Yod. In the image above the Nun is on the left and bottom. It is bent slightly to represent a humble servant bent in humble submission before God. The Yod is the upper right portion, representing an arm being lifted towards heaven in prayer. Together these images connect obedience and righteousness. Together, the psalmist’s faithful obedience combined with God’s righteousness yields joy and hope in the psalmist’s life. May it be so with you and with me as well.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your enduring righteousness and in your constant presence in our lives. In the trials, whisper your love into our hearts, drawing us closer to you. In the storms, put your arms around us, assuring us, bringing us strength, helping us to walk in obedient faith and sure trust. Amen.


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Long and Steady

Reading: Luke 16:27-31

Luke 16:31 – “If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.”

In a rare moment for the rich man, he thinks of someone else. So great is his torment in hell, he begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his five brothers. Perhaps this warning will save his brothers from “this place of torment.” More importantly, hearing Lazarus’ story might change their hearts, shifting some of their focus away from self to those in need.

Abraham reminds the rich man that his five brothers have Moses and the prophets to listen to – just as the rich man had. The rich man knows that just as he did not, his brothers are not listening to the word of God. If he did, he would not be suffering in hell. This is why the rich man begs for “someone from the dead” to go to them. Maybe Lazarus will scare them into faith. It might – for a season. To walk the long walk of faith, that requires a steady diet of the word, not just one powerful moment.

Abraham says it this way to the rich man: “If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.” Many in Israel encountered one who would rise from the dead. The miracles did attract many followers. But when Jesus got down to the hard teachings, to the call to daily pick up one’s cross in order to be his disciple, then the crowd got a lot thinner. The powerful moment, yes, it can get our attention. And that moment can lead to a sustained change in one’s life. It is only so, however, when we daily choose to follow Jesus, placing his way of love and humble service ahead of our desires to please self.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you the powerful moments when we do feel or sense your presence in our lives. But Lord, don’t allow us to think that these moments are the foundation of our faith. Instead, teach us to walk the long and steady road of faithful discipleship, daily encountering you in small but transformative ways. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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But as For You…

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:6-16

1st Timothy 6:11 – “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

Photo credit: Caleb Jones

As we turn to 1st Timothy today and tomorrow, we see that idolatry is still a struggle for the people of God. The situation is no different today. In Paul’s day, false teachers were trying to get rich instead of trying to save souls. They bickered with one another because their motivation was selfish. In verse 7 Paul writes this eternal truth: “We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it.” In Paul’s day, just as it is today, many who were trying to get rich were falling into all kinds of temptations. This sad reality leads Paul to this observation: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” We could easily substitute power, status, popularity… for the word “money.”

Starting in verse 11, Paul presents a different way of living. In this verse he commands Timothy (and us) to this way of living: “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.” To live in the will and ways of God contrasts sharply with living in the ways of the world. Instead of seeking personal gain in many forms, a life of faith leads us to first love God and then to love neighbor. The focus on self is minimalized as we pursue righteousness, holy living… Paul goes on to encourage Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To live counter to our human tendency towards selfishness is indeed a fight. To give oneself in humble service to God and others – yes, it is a fight. But it is a fight that yields contentment in this life and joy in the life to come. May we daily choose to fight the good fight of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, so many voices, so many things tell us to gather, to hoard, to accumulate. Yet it is so clear that these behaviors do not bring peace or contentment or joy or anything else truly good to our lives. You alone are the giver of all that is truly good. Guide us, O Lord, to pursue you above all else, leading us to walk faithfully in your will and ways. Amen.


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“I Will Never Forget…”

Reading: Amos 8:4-7

Amos 8:4 – “Hear this, you who trample on the needy and destroy the poor of the land…”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

Amos was a prophet, likely the first of many to write about the unjust behaviors of Israel’s and Judah’s leaders. He proclaimed that worship without justice was unacceptable to God. Instead of following God’s instructions about sharing with and including the poor in religious festivals that remembered and celebrated God’s loving acts when Israel was freed from slavery and oppression in Egypt, the prosperous and powerful were excluding the poor and needy. Outside of worship those with power mistreated and enslaved the poor. Amos called the people to righteousness and justice – or face God’s judgment.

Turning to our passage from chapter 8, Amos begins with “Hear this, you who trample on the needy and destroy the poor of the land…” These are strong words of warning. Instead of truly worshipping during the sacred festivals, the wealthy and powerful are scheming about how to further exploit the poor and needy. They plan to make the scoop smaller (the ephah) while making the weight heavier (the shekel) to deceive the poor with “false balances.” They can sell less product for a greater profit. As an added bonus for the prosperous, this will make the poor poorer and the needy needier. Soon enough, they think, we can “buy the needy for silver” and “the helpless for sandals.” Through Amos, the Lord says, “Surely I will never forget what they’ve done.”

Today in our land we see cuts to programs that feed the poor and needy alongside tax cuts for the wealthy and powerful. We see politicians wheeling and dealing in “pork barrel politics,” working for personal gain while ignoring needed services to the vulnerable and powerless that live in their districts. In the very same way, the Lord our God says, “Surely I will never forget what they’ve done.”

Prayer: Lord God, your heart is for the vulnerable and powerless. This was clearly evident when you took on flesh and gave us a living example to follow. Raise up our voices for justice, O God, and empower our hands and feet, O Lord, to have a heart like your heart, to serve humbly as Jesus did. Amen.


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Humble and Grateful Hearts

Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-10

Deuteronomy 8:2 – “Remember the long road on which the Lord your God led you during these forty years, so he could humble you, testing you to find out what was in your heart.”

Photo credit: Ben White

God, through Moses, is preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. This preparation, of course, began a long time ago. It began with the revelation of God’s power as God brought ten plagues against Egypt. The last, most powerful plague led to their freedom. Almost immediately they began to grumble and complain, against Moses and against God. Other miracle followed as God responded to their cries. Along the way, again through Moses, God taught the people how to live in right relationship with God and with one another. The ten commandments and other commands would become known collectively as “the Law.”

This was not an easy road, not a one-day crash course. In verse 2 we read, “Remember the long road on which the Lord your God led you during these forty years, so he could humble you, testing you to find out what was in your heart.” 40 years – long enough for the entire generation that left Egypt to die off. This process was meant to humble God’s people – a most necessary ingredient to live in right relationship with God and with one another. Moses then encourages the people to work at these relationships, keeping God’s commands by “walking in his way and by fearing him.” Honor and obey, revere and respect God and it will go well for you. The same is true for us today.

For the Israelites, these forty years have prepared them to enter the Promised Land with humble and grateful hearts. This land of abundance, a place “without any shortage,” will be a place where God’s people bless the Lord. The idea of abundance remains true. While true abundance comes in non-tangible ways, the Lord our God will provide all that we need too – when we walk with humble and grateful hearts in live in right relationship with God and with one another. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in our seasons of humbling and refining, walk with us. In the times we wander in the wilderness, walk with us. In the moments of teaching and learning your will and way, walk with us. Shape and form us too, O Lord, to be your people. We ask all of this with humble and grateful hearts. Amen.