pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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What if?

Reading: Psalm 8:5-9

Psalm 8:5 – “You’ve made them [humanity] only slightly less than divine, crowning them with glory and grandeur.”

Yesterday as we read the first verses of Psalm 8, we were reminded of humanity’s smallness relative to God’s power and majesty. This realization is humbling, maybe even sobering. Then, in verse 5 we read, “You’ve made them only slightly less than divine, crowning them with glory and grandeur.” Reading these words can shatter that humility. In our competitive world, nobody really likes to be #2. Our fleshy part can take the reality that God is indeed almighty and all-powerful and… then say to ourselves, ‘Well, no one can be like God, so it’s almost like we’re #1!’ From that perspective, we’ll be utter failures with the role God gives us in the next verses in Psalm 8.

David writes of one of God’s biggest expectations of humanity in verses 6-8. Created in God’s image, “slightly” less than God, we’ve been tasked to “rule over your [God’s] handiwork” – that which was “very good.” Other translations use words like ‘dominion’ and ‘in charge of.’ In newer translations we begin to read words like ‘steward’ and ‘care for.’ These words better reflect the “created in God’s image” part of our story.

A few years ago, the WWJD bracelets… drew our minds and hearts to make Jesus’ life and example more a part of our daily life and decisions and actions. Those little “What Would Jesus Do?” silicone bands… caused us to pause before speaking, acting, or doing. What if we wrapped our care of creation – both the natural world and all of humanity – in WWGD thinking? What if?

Prayer: Lord God, yes, what if we treated the world and one another as you do? What if we loved it all as you love it all? The earth would not cry out. People would not be oppressed nor suffer violence. Nations would not wage war and quarrel. What if we ruled over this world as you would, O God? It is a beautiful and glorious thought. So Lord, use us, your children, to live and be in the world as you call us to live and be in the world. Amen.


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Majesty and Glory

Reading: Psalm 8:1-4

Psalm 8:1 – “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth!”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Moving from Genesis 1 and 2 to Psalm 8, we stay within the framework of God’s power and creative presence. The Psalm begins with a familiar refrain about God’s majesty and glory. This line is found in other Psalms as well as in hymns and contemporary Christian music. It is natural and just feels right to pronounce, read, and sing about the majesty and glory of the Lord our God.

In verse 2 the psalmist recognizes the breadth of God’s power. The cries of “nursing babes” are heard by God, motivating God to stop Israel’s “vengeful enemies.” God’s attention to the least of these is a testament to both God’s love for humanity and to the special place that the vulnerable and lowly hold in God’s heart.

Instead of leading to pride, though, this thought leads David to a moment of humility. Looking upward into the night sky, seeing the moon and the vast array of stars, David reflects, writing, “What are human beings that you pay attention to them?” In the expanse of creation, a space that reaches beyond the furthest star, God’s power and majesty and glory are fully revealed. This thought makes David feel oh so small. Maybe you have felt this too at times as you gaze upward to the stars or outward across an endless ocean.

While it is good to feel our smallness at times, the reality is that God is mindful of us – of you and of me. God knows each of us intimately and personally. This too is a testament to God’s majesty and glory. All praise and honor are yours, O God!

Prayer: Lord God, thinking of the vastness of the universe and realizing that you created it all, we are awed and amazed. Recognizing that like the stars, you know each of us by name, we are humbled. In this place, we offer up a word of praise and a simple “thank you.” As almighty and all-powerful as you are, you still know us down to the detail of the hairs on our head. Wow. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Faithful Suffering

Reading: 1st Peter 5:6-11

1st Peter 5:10 – “The God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Jesus Christ, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.”

Wednesday’s reading from 1st Peter 4 was about the “fiery trials” we face on our walk of faith. Today’s reading is first about how to get through these trials and then is about the end results of staying faithful. Peter offers four steps to help us remain faithful. The first is to “humble yourself under God’s power.” Maybe you’re like me though. My first thought in a time of trial often revolves around how do I get out of this trial, how do I stop the suffering, how do I… But I’m slowly learning that when I do surrender control to God, my time in the trial involves less suffering, less scaring, less hardship. And it always works out better.

We find the second step in verse 7: “Throw all your anxiety into him.” If you’ve followed step one, this step is SO much easier. When I’m trying to do it on my own, I tend to hold onto the anxiety, stress, fear, worry… It’s still about me. But when I place the control in God’s hands, it is much easier and more natural to give up all the anxiety… too.

Verse 8 turns to a reality that we don’t always recognize. Satan is ever “on the prowl,” seeking to tempt us into sin. The whispered lies, the half-truths, the distortions of facts… – just a small sampling of Satan’s bag of tricks. Yes, we certainly need to be clear-headed and alert. This helps us to resist the evil one and to see his temptations.

Peter closes with the outcome of faithful suffering: “The God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Jesus Christ, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.” The end game is glory in eternal life. The present game is a deeper, more devout walk with the Lord. It is true. You and I have experienced it. Looking back at a trial or time if suffering, we can see how God restored, empowered… This is part of our story of faith. May we learn to tell it well so that others in a similar trial or time of suffering may find hope. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, how we need you! While you are ever-present and all-powerful, the evil one is always right there too, tempting, pulling, trying to separate us from you. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, guide us to humility and surrender. Only then do we stand a chance in these battles. Lead us through, O Lord, refining and restoring, strengthening and empowering us for the next inevitable battle. Thank you for your faithful love and unending grace. Amen.


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Abundant Life

Reading: John 10:7-10

John 10:10b – “I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

As we turn to the second half of this week’s John 10 passage, Jesus lays out why choosing to listen to his voice, to follow where he leads, and to enter his gate makes all the difference. In verse 8 Jesus reminds his readers that those who came before him were “thieves and outlaws.” The sheep didn’t listen to them because listening didn’t change their lives. In Jesus’ day, Israel was no better off than when Moses gave the Law. There was no power of forgiveness or grace in the cycles of sin and sacrifice present when living under the Law.

As the gate that gives real life, to enter Jesus’ way is to find a forgiveness and grace that removes the guilt and restores us to new life. Freed from the power of sin, we are able to “go out and find pasture.” We are able to live with joy and peace and hope. We are able to receive and to offer forgiveness, mending broken relationships. In these ways, we share our joy and peace and hope with others.

But the “thief” – the ones who live by the ways of this world – they come again and again to “steal, kill, and destroy.” They come to do whatever is needed to elevate self, to accumulate wealth, to exert power over others. This life also leads to a cycle – of wanting more and more. This endless chase leaves one with a life that feels empty, without hope, desperate.

Jesus offers the polar opposite. He proclaims, “I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.” There is no better life than one given to Christ, surrendered to his grace, dedicated to loving God and neighbor above self. Abundant life in Christ – there is no other way. May this be the life that we choose, each day, into eternity.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of the world can seem attractive: bright, shiny, new, full of pleasures. Your way can seem simple, basic, humble. Your example runs counter to the ways of power over and of glorifying self. Instead, your way seeks to lift others, to give away and share, to walk beside. Guide us to always choose your way of love, finding abundant life, sharing it with others. Amen.


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An Example to Follow

Reading: 1st Peter 1:19-25

1st Peter 1:24 – “He carried in his own body on the cross the sins we committed. He did this so that we might live in righteousness.”

Peter begins our passage for today with a reality check. He is reminding his readers then and us today that to walk steadfastly in the faith can sometimes be difficult. When we stand for our faith and for what is right and just in God’s eyes, then we might suffer. This is so because almost always, in cases of unjust suffering, we are standing or speaking against someone or something that runs contrary to the will and way of God. Those creating or maintaining these injustices and evils are doing so for personal gain in this world. Now, choosing to stand or speak for what is just and right is not a one-off or a “thing” we do when it is convenient. It is who we are because it is who Jesus was. Of this Peter writes, “You were called to this kind of endurance, because Christ suffered on your behalf.” The cross was and is very much a statement against the ways of this world.

Peter then reminds us of Jesus’ example. He did not insult those who insulted him. He did not “threaten revenge.” Jesus trusted God’s will and way in all times and situations. In the end, this led Jesus to endure the greatest possible suffering: “He carried in his own body on the cross the sins we committed. He did this so that we might live in righteousness.” Taking on our sin, paying the atoning price with his life, Jesus made it possible for our sin to be healed. Though we stray, yes, we always have Jesus Christ, the “shepherd and guardian of your lives.” We have an example to follow. And when we fall short, we have one who redeems and saves us. Thanks be to God for the Savior of our lives and of our world.

Prayer: Lord God, to what do you call us today? Is it to the simple and humble walk of a servant of the king? Is it to a place of suffering alongside those dealing with injustice or oppression or violence or…? Lord, to the people and places that you call us today, may we live well the example set by Jesus, our shepherd and guardian. Living faithfully, use us to help build your kingdom of love here on earth. Amen.


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Adopt the Attitude

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5 – “Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.”

Paul begins chapter 2 writing about choosing humility over selfishness. This brings unity and joy to the body of believers in Philippi and also to the world around them. The same is true today. Turning to verse 5, Paul connects this idea to the example set by Jesus Christ. Here we read, “Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.” In other words: be like Jesus.

Using what is believed to be an early Christian hymn that predates the writing of Philippians, Paul lays out “the attitude of Christ.” Holding more power than anyone before or since, Jesus did not exploit it. Just the opposite: he emptied himself, “taking the form of a slave.” Jesus chose to be a servant to all, not a master over all. Each of us hold some degree of power, whether over many people or just a few. Do we do as Christ did, using our power not to exploit but to lift others up?

Jesus became humble without limits – except in his love. Jesus’ love knew no bounds. His humility led to an absolute obedience to God, driven by his love of God, which ended at the cross. Jesus never sought to glorify self or to draw any attention to self, practicing a piety that was not about self in any way. He sought to serve, to love, to teach and practice forgiveness. Through this example, God “highly honored” Jesus, giving him “the name above all names:” Lord.

Jesus was first in line in heaven, seated at God’s right hand. Coming to earth he stood at the end of the line, thinking of self last. Because of his humble obedience to God, Jesus became the first of many to enter the kingdom of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, others, others, others. Serve, serve, serve. Give, give, give. Lift up, lift up, lift up. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Surrender, surrender, surrender. Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love… Amen.


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Go Where God Calls

Reading: Genesis 12:3-4

Genesis 12:3b – “All the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.”

Before entering vocational ministry I was a middle school teacher. For most of my teaching years I helped with or led the youth group at my church. At school I would host a Bible study for students one morning a week. By extension, this group would organize and lead the annual “See You at the Pole” (SYATP) event each Fall. We’d gather, sing, read scriptures, and pray for our school. One year I was at a Promise Keepers event the weekend before SYATP. The message boards in the arena were streaming all sorts of messages. God moved me to see if the event organizers would stream info for SYATP so all these fathers could attend the prayer gathering with their children. I was told no – it was not a Promise Keepers affiliated event. But I was asked to come to the prayer room so they could pray for me and the SYATP event. More than upset, I followed the man to the room. They laid hands on me and offered many prayers of blessing. As I was leaving, a young woman asked if she could share something with me. She shared that during the prayer she had a vision. She saw me in heaven wearing a really full charm bracelet. She shared that each charm was a youth impacted by my ministry. Very humbled and deeply blessed I made my way back to my seat.

In the second half of verse 3, God declares to Abram, “All the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.” Not just your family. Not just the families of the nation that God will make you into. All of the families of the earth. This blessing is predicated upon Abram being obedient to God’s call to “go.” God’s intent for our lives is also to be a blessing to others. So we must ask ourselves: where or to whom is God calling me to go? It might just be to lead a Bible study in your classroom or at work or at your church. It might be to gather food for a food bank or free pantry. It might be to visit folks at a local care facility. It might be to volunteer or to lead a program at your church or in your community. There are many ways that we can be a blessing (and will be greatly blessed in return) if we will but go where or to whom God calls us. GO!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for those words of blessing and promise spoken into my heart many years ago. Thank you for the fire that it lit within me. Lord, as we each respond to your call to be in ministry to others, I pray for your words of blessing and promise to fall on all who obediently and faithfully respond to your call to go. Light a fire in each heart, Holy Spirit. May we each hear, respond, and minister to others, all for the transformation of our world. May it be so as we go forth in faith. Amen.


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Walking the Walk

Reading: Psalm 32:8-11

Psalm 32:10 – “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.”

Continuing in Psalm 32 today, God speaks in verses 8 and 9. These words assume that the confession and repentance spoken of in the previous verses has occurred. To those with a clean heart, God promises to “instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go.” God is talking about helping us to walk the walk of faith, to journey faithfully moving forward. To help in that process, God will “advise you” and God will “keep my eye on you.” Some of this occurs as we study the word and as we worship. Some happens as the Holy Spirit leads and guides, corrects and convicts. Our efforts are supported, strengthened, and encouraged by God’s indwelling presence.

Being honest with David and with us, God says, “Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule.” These animals are led by bit and bridle. To be forced to walk the walk of faith – that is not the way of love. As reinforcement David declares, “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.” We’ve all felt the pain caused by sin, whether it was our sin or the sin of another. And we have all felt the joy and gladness when our heart has been made right with God or when a broken human relationship has been reconciled. We have all felt the hope and peace of God’s love surrounding us. These are moments and experiences that we must witness to the world. With a humble servant’s heart, may our lives “sing out in joy!” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, our will is weak but you are strong. Our walk becomes unsteady and misguided at times. You are always steadfast and true. Our obedience wavers and sometimes even fails. Your love always calls us back and your grace and mercy guide us back into right relationship with you and with one another. As we walk the walk of faith, lead us into a closer and closer connection to your will and way, to your heart and your love. Amen.


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Forever Faithful

Reading: Psalm 112

Psalm 112:7 – “They won’t be frightened at bad news. Their hearts are steady, trusting in the Lord.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Psalm 112 describes the outcomes of a righteous life. Our passage today echoes many of the themes and calls that we’ve been reading about and pondering these past few weeks. From the Beatitudes to Micah and Isaiah to the letters of Paul and on into today’s Psalm, themes of mercy, justice, and faithful love resound. Actions reverberate throughout these texts and, in fact, in all of God’s word: obedience to God alone, being a light in the darkness, walking steadfastly with the Lord.

The psalmist begins by declaring that those who love God’s commands are “truly happy.” Their hunger and thirst for God leads them and their descendants to righteous living. The faithful will “shine in the dark” and will be guided by mercy and compassion. The followers of God will be generous and will conduct themselves always with justice. In all these ways, the faithful take on the attributes and character of the God they worship with their whole lives.

Walking humbly with God, “these sorts of people” are not shaken. They are steady and true. With firm hearts and a steady faith, their relationship with God guides them through troubles and “bad news.” As it was in Jesus’ words and in Paul’s writings, this abiding faith, this trust in God, this selfless and humble way of life, it is frustrating to those living by the ways of the world. But this will come to nothing. Our righteousness will “stand forever.” Thanks be to the Lord our God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder today. Thank you for lifting up our call to faithful living, day by day, moment by moment. Guide us to be faithful in all of our ways – in a discrete act of kindness, in a powerful grace in a difficult situation, in bold courage as we walk through the storm. Strengthen and encourage us, Lord, when our faith is challenged – both from within and without. Walk with us each day. Lead and guide us to be forever faithful. All for your glory and praise. Amen.


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What a Blessing!

Reading: Matthew 5:1-9

Matthew 5:9 – “Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.”

Turning to this week’s gospel lesson for today and tomorrow, Matthew sets the scene: crowds gather so Jesus goes up a mountain, sits down, and begins to teach. Matthew tells us, “his disciples came to him.” We don’t know if the crowd came along too. This leaves us to wonder: if you’d been in the crowd that has heard the good news proclaimed and has seen the healings, would you hike up the mountain too?

Verses 3-9 hold the start of the “Beatitudes.” These statements begin a long teaching known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” Running through chapter 7, this is the longest teaching from Jesus found in the gospels. Traditionally the Beatitudes are seen as gifts or blessings. Other translations begin each statement with “Blessed are…” Perhaps these phrases are also invitations. Seen this way, these statements lay out Jesus’ desires for his followers. Marching orders!

So, who are those that Jesus identifies as “happy” or “blessed?” They are hopeless in this world, so must rely on God. They are mourning and grieving, so they are fully present to one another and to the pain of this world. They are humble and peaceful, so they will inherit God’s kingdom, even here on earth. They are seeking, hungering, thirsting for righteousness, so they will be filled and they will come to see God – in one another and in the world. And they are merciful, so they will receive mercy in return.

Those who are happy see and live by values that are different from the world’s values. They seek to make the good news of the kingdom of God a daily, present reality. And in the seeking, they will come to know God intimately just as they are intimately known by God. What a blessing!

Prayer: Lord God, attune our hearts to your will and way. Draw us, day by day, deeper and deeper into your love, filling us with hope, comfort, peace, humility, righteousness, and mercy. Fill us so that we, in turn, can be these things to the world. Amen.