pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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God/World

Reading: Mark 8:27-33

Mark 8:33 – “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”

Chapter 8 is about the halfway point of Mark’s gospel. In Mark’s 16 chapters, he covers the three years of Jesus’ ministry. There is no birth story or Jesus in the temple as a teenager. This short gospel begins with John the Baptist already baptizing in the wilderness. Chapter 1 through part of chapter 8 covers the first 155 weeks of Jesus’ ministry (+/- a week or so.) Mark 8:27 through chapter 16 cover the last week of Jesus’ ministry, known as the passion of Christ.

As Jesus turns toward Jerusalem and the cross he asks for an evaluation of sorts: “Who do people say that I am?” Generally, the people believe that he is a prophet. He is seen by many as one sent by God, speaking on behalf of God. They are partly correct. Wanting to go deeper, Jesus asks, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” This is a question we could and should ask ourselves regularly.

Peter responds, “You are the Christ.” We want to give Peter props for his answer identifying Jesus as the Messiah. But as we read on, we see that Peter’s understanding of Jesus (at this point) is not our understanding of Jesus. After Jesus shares what the passion of the Christ will look like, Peter scolds him. The suffering, trial, death… does NOT match Peter’s definition of a Messiah. Jesus’ response is swift and cutting: “Get behind me Satan.” Perhaps Jesus is thinking of when Satan tempted him in the wilderness, dangling human desires before him. Is Peter’s vision tempting to Jesus at this point?

Continuing on, Jesus adds, “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.” Peter and likely the other disciples cannot see beyond themselves right now. At times, we too struggle with this. Our selfish and sinful nature is ever at odds with the divine within us. May the Holy Spirit ever whisper and nudge (and convict) us to choose God over the world.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we can be like Peter, thinking not if you and your purposes. Our thoughts can turn to self and to our wants. We can be quite selfish. In those frequent moments, remind us of who Christ truly is – humble servant, gentle good shepherd, redeemer, salvation. Draw us back into obedience to your will and way. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Communion = Community

Reading: 1st Corinthians 11:23-32

1st Corinthians 11:28 – “Each individual should test himself or herself, and eat from the bread and drink from the cup in that way.”

Photo credit: Geda Zyvatkauskaite

We seek to “stay in love with God” through various means of grace. One of these is Holy Communion. This sacrament first reminds us of Christ’s loving sacrifice on our behalf. The giving of his innocent blood in place of ours made atonement for our sins, paying the price for forgiveness. We approach this gift with a deep sense of awe and reverence.

Sometimes we do something for a while and it becomes just going through the motions. Perhaps you’ve felt that before with something like the Lord’s Prayer. For the church in Corinth, the Lord’s Supper had become one of those things. It was now causing more harm than good. It was creating division in the church. At this point it was more like what we’d call a “love feast” than what we recognize as a communion with its liturgy and formality. In Corinth, it had become a “private meal” with the rich getting drunk and stuffed while the poor were left hungry and thirsty. The church has forgotten that love, sacrifice, service, and community were at the heart of the Lord’s Supper.

Paul addresses this situation by reminding the church that the Lord’s Supper is centered on and celebrates the new covenant made by Jesus Christ. He also reminds them, though, that this communal celebration begins with individual preparation: “Each individual should test himself or herself, and eat from the bread and drink from the cup in that way.” Each person must come before God, humbling confessing and repenting of their sins. This necessary step prepares each to be made “new” again as the blood of the Lamb washes away their sin. To not take this step is to hide or hold onto one’s sin. This brings judgment and condemnation instead of forgiveness and grace.

For each person to come before God, to confess and repent, it levels the playing field. It places us all equally before the table of grace, all sinners redeemed by his blood. In this way, community is restored. It brought one body to the one bread, one blood. That was Paul’s goal. It should be our goal. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us to our knees, to the place of confessing and repenting of our sins. Open up our hands and hearts to release all that separates us from you and from one another. As we come clean, thank you for making us clean. Thank you for your great love that washes away our sins and failures. Thank you for your redeeming love. Amen.


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Stronger and Deeper

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 12:7-10

2nd Corinthians 12:8 – “I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone.”

Today we read an example of “unanswered” prayer in the New Testament. In our passage we see that Paul has “a thorn in his side.” It is not, of course, a literal thorn. Paul has a health issue of some sort. My study Bible indicates that a skin disease, an eye ailment, or epilepsy are among the common speculations. It could have been anything that Paul thought made ministry difficult. In alignment with the common understanding of his day, Paul assumes the “thorn” is from Satan and is meant to keep him humble. The “outstanding revelations” he’s had could otherwise lead to conceit.

Paul takes his need to God. It is impairing his ability to minister to others. Surely this prayer is aligned with God’s will. But in verse 8 we read, “I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone.” In a relatively quick response God tells him that God’s grace is enough. In his human weakness, God’s strength is revealed and is “made perfect.” Paul decides that he is okay with “weakness, insults, disasters…” because then God’s power shines through.

While Paul received an answer from God, we often come to realize or “see” our answer in hindsight. That difficult relationship, that hard situation, that challenging experience – those things we prayed and prayed about – as we look back we can see how God was at work. Although God did not cause them to happen, God worked in and through our hardships. We emerged with a stronger and deeper faith and trust because of our “thorn.” This too is an answer to prayer.

Prayer: Lord God, while we never like a trial when we’re in the midst of it and while we’d sure like you to solve or relieve our struggle, in the end we realize that you are in control and that you seek to work good for us. Thank you for holding to the long game, ever faithful and loving to us, your children. Amen.


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Confessing Christ

Readings: Philippians 2:6-11 and Luke 23:39-43

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

In our Philippians passage Paul encourages us to adopt the attitude of Christ. This is what a disciple or follower of Jesus seeks to do. In this “Christ Hymn” we find three attitudes that we can emulate. These and other parts of the hymn point to a fourth attitude that we are called to practice. First, “he emptied himself.” Jesus was willing to become like us so that he could relate to us. Second, “he humbled himself” – becoming willing to fully associate with us. Third, Jesus was fully obedient to God. While we likely will not be pushed to the point of dying, we are to seek to obey God always. These three attitudes and the actions the hymns speaks of point to the fourth attitude: love. It was love that drove the other three, that arches over the emptying, the humility, the obedience.

Turning to our Luke 23 passage we see these four attitudes lived out. The religious leaders, the soldiers, the crowd – they all mocked and taunted Jesus. He hung on the cross, nearly spent, perhaps one foot already in heaven. It would’ve been easy to just shut out all the noise, to close the eyes, to slip quickly back into heaven. “Easy” is too often our path. But here in this moment Jesus encounters a seeker. This second criminal defends Jesus. So Jesus connects to this man, emptying himself a bit further. Jesus humbled himself even more, meeting this criminal where he was at. Jesus remained obedient to God’s big command. In love Jesus responded to the criminal’s request, telling him that today he’d see Jesus in paradise. The man’s tongue confessed that Jesus was Lord, to the glory of the Father. May it be so with our whole lives this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us today to hold fast to the attitude of Christ. Grant us the courage and the will to elevate the other over self and to strive to live out your love in all we do, say, and think. Amen.


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Timeless and Eternal

Readings: Psalm 145:8-9, Joshua 6:17-21, Micah 6:6-8, Isaiah 2:4-5

Psalm 145:8 – “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.”

Today we wrestle with the violence of the Bible. It is fairly common in the Old Testament. But the brutality and totality shock us today. While this violence has no place today, the timeless character of God is the lasting truth that we can stand upon today, tomorrow, and forever.

In Psalm 145 we read, “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.” These are traits we associate with God, words enfleshed by Jesus: merciful, compassionate, patient, loving. In the next verse we’re reminded that these good qualities extend to “everyone and everything.” This is the God we know and experience personally.

Then we turn to Joshua 6. These verses are part of the conquest of Jericho, just as Israel is beginning to take possession of the Promised Land. As the walls are about to come down, these are the instructions: “The city and everything in it is to be utterly wiped out as something reserved for the Lord.” That is what happens. All humanity and all livestock – all slaughtered. This atrocity turns out stomachs and rightly so. And it also reflects a common practice in the world at that time. Other people groups also practiced this, known as “the ban.” It was a way of eliminating outside influence and of giving the first fruits of battle to God (or to gods) as a holy and pleasing sacrifice.

In Micah 6 we see God’s timeless desire for humanity. Instead of offering God huge or voluminous offerings, the prophet reminds us that God requires justice, faithful love, and a humble walk. These traits reflect the divine call to love God and neighbor. Turning to Isaiah 2 we get an end game picture. One day war, still a present reality in our world, will be no more. Swords and spears will be turned into tools used to care for one another. All will then walk in the light of the Lord. One day.

Prayer: Lord God, walk with us and guide us as we read and process what happened at Jericho and at other times in the ancient world. Lead us to understand that these events were specific to that time and culture. Draw us to your timeless and eternal: good, justice, love, mercy, peace, grace. Keep these arching over our understanding of you and your word. Amen.


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How Majestic!

Reading: Psalm 8

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

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Psalm 8 begins and ends with the same words, praising God for who and what God is. The words in between celebrate the creation and humanity’s place within the world God created.

The psalmist looks up at the skies and is awed. The work of God’s “fingers” is vast and powerful and amazing. We’ve had these feelings and responses when we’ve looked up at the stars. The Psalm then pivots to humanity. The psalmist muses about God even paying attention to something so relatively small. We’ve also each felt our own smallness as we have stared heavenward.

In verse 5 the psalmist acknowledges that God has made humanity “only slightly less than divine.” Of all creation, only humanity is created in the image of God. Accordingly humanity has been charged with ruling over God’s “handiwork.” All has been put “under their feet.” It would be easy to read these words and to find justification for devouring the planet and its resources, eating our fill of the earth’s “fruit.” When thus tempted, may we be reminded of our smallness and of the earth being God’s handiwork. These reminders keep us humble and invite us to care for our world as God would care for our world. May it all be so.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, Lord, how majestic is your name and your creation. From the skies to a baby’s cry, your handiwork calls for praise and adoration. Lead and guide us to care for this world as acts of praise and adoration, bringing you all the glory. Amen.


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At the Center

Reading: Genesis 2:4b-25

Genesis 2:7 – “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils.”

Today we read the second creation story. In this narrative, humanity is the centerpiece of the story. After forming the earth and sky, God “formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils.” There is an intimacy to this act. It is not God speaking humanity into being, but God, much like a potter, shaping and forming the human body. God’s very “hands” were at work. Once the physical form is complete, God breathes life into the form. The very “breath” of God gives life to humanity.

God’s next act is to plant a garden, to create a place for this man to live. God provided trees with fruit and a river to irrigate this garden that man was to farm and care for. So that man was not alone, God next forms animals and birds. The man (not the creator) names these creatures. But there is not a “perfect helper” found for the man. So God provides this too. From the rib of the man God fashions a woman. These two beings form a team, a couple.

In this creation story all is done for humanity’s benefit, for their good, to meet their needs. Here we see God’s love for us, for all created in God’s image. God’s expectations of humanity? To love God in return and to care for this creation. As the story continues tomorrow, we see what a challenge this can be.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for today’s insight into the “why” of creation. You did all this to provide an ideal place for us to live. I feel a deep gratitude for your love and care for humanity that is at the center of your creation process. I am humbled to be your greatest love, along with my brothers and sisters in faith. Lord, help us to love you and your creation in the same way. Amen.


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One in Christ

Reading: Philippians 1-2

Philippians 2:3 – “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As is his custom, Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with thanksgiving and prayer. He is “full of joy” because of the ministry in Philippi. Paul is sure that God will complete the work begun by these “partners in God’s grace.” Paul prays for their love and for their knowledge of Christ to grow. Then they will truly “filled with the fruit of righteousness.”

Paul then acknowledges that his hardships and imprisonment have actually advanced the gospel. Those in Rome are learning about Christ and others have become bolder in their proclamation of the gospel. Paul then expressed a longing to be with Christ. Yet, for their sake, he recognizes that it is more important for him to “stay in the world.” He can help them to joyfully grow in the faith. He challenges those in the church in Philippi to “live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” This will require them to stand firm, both in the face of hardship and suffering.

In chapter 2 Paul invites the church to imitate Christ. He invites them to be unified with Christ and with one another. He encourages them, saying, “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Paul then unpacks what this all looks like. Jesus “emptied himself” and he humbled himself by “becoming obedient to death.” Because of Jesus’ living faith, at his name one day all will bow and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Therefore, Paul says, be blameless and pure, trusting in God’s power to live out their own faith, shining “like stars” in this “crooked and corrupt” world. All of this is possible when they “hold onto the word of life,” Jesus Christ. May it be so for us this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, encourage our walk of faith and fill us with all joy. Lead and guide us to yield the fruit of righteousness as we share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. Make us one in Christ, one body created to humbly serve in love. Amen.


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My Grace: Enough

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 11-13

2nd Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.”

As we begin the last three chapters in 2nd Corinthians, Paul confronts the “super apostles” that have been attacking Paul’s reputation and work. He begins with his concern: he promised the church to Christ. They are struggling with their commitment. They’ve gotten off track because they so easily accepted a different version of the Christian faith. We too can end up here, even without anyone’s help.

Paul then resorts to their game: bragging about human credentials. He is all that they are: Hebrew, Israelite, descendant of Abraham, minister of Christ. And he has worked harder and endured much more: imprisonment, beatings, a stoning, lashings, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst… AND! The stress over all these churches he’s planted and is now working with.

In chapter 12 Paul writes about a “man” who had a vision and heard words directly from God. This same man is now experiencing “a thorn in my body” that God will not take away. God’s response to Paul’s pleading? “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” This thorn keeps Paul from being conceited. It keeps him humble. That’s where we experience God’s power and strength too.

Paul then begins to prepare the church in Corinth for a third visit. He warns them: shape up because “I won’t spare anyone.” He invites the church to examine and test themselves. He prays that they will be made “complete.” Paul closes with blessings of love and peace, with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and with fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, as we close 2nd Corinthians it feels like such a struggle for the church and for those within the church. So many voices, so many messages, so many temptations. Wait, Lord. Is Paul writing to us? In that reality, O God, strengthen and encourage us today to walk humbly in your grace, for there we find all that we need. Amen.


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As Jesus First Loved

Reading: John 13 and 14

John 13:34 – “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.”

As his time nears, Jesus demonstrates humble service, a form of love. During the meal, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. This dirty job was normally done by a slave. Peter, recognizing the upside-down nature of what’s happening, protests Jesus washing his feet. Jesus persuades him and later explains that if the Lord and teacher washes feet, so too must they. This is a practical example of what Jesus says later in chapter 13: “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.” Love will do anything for the other.

This commandment comes after it is revealed that Judas is the betrayer. Jesus then tells Judas to do it quickly. Judas exits into the night. Jesus tells the disciples that they cannot go where he is going right now. One day they will. Peter declares, “Lord… I’ll give up my life for you.” No, Jesus says, first you’ll deny me three times – “before the rooster crows.”

Jesus offers words of great assurance and comfort in chapter 14. Calling them to trust over fear, Jesus tells them there is a room in heaven prepared for them. One day he will take them to dwell with him there in eternity. Because Jesus lives on, they too will live on. Into their confusion Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus assures them that they know the way because they have seen the Father and have heard the Father’s words, both revealed in and through Jesus. Because of this, whatever they ask in his name, it will be given to them.

Jesus then promises them the Companion – the Holy Spirit. Jesus and God “will come… and make our home with them.” Dwelling in the heart of all believers, the Spirit will teach and remind us of the words, will, and way of Jesus. Through this, the Spirit will empower believers to live as Jesus first loved us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see that loving as you loved involves doing the lowly yet simple as well as the costly and sacrificial. Your love knows no bounds, no limits, no conditions. Through the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit may we love as you have loved each day. Amen.