pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: identity


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Ready, Ready?

Reading: Luke 21:5-11

Luke 21:6 – “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another.”

As we begin two days in Luke 21, the scene is the temple in Jerusalem. Some people are talking about and admiring the brand new iPhone 17 Pros that were just issued to the Levite priests. Oops. That would be today. In Luke they were admiring the beauty of the temple. It was truly glorious. Speaking into this admiration, Jesus says, “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another.” This monument to God will be utterly destroyed.

To the Jews, the temple was more than a pretty building. Yes, it would bring great sorrow to see it destroyed. Imagine waking up tomorrow and driving to church, only to find a pile of smoldering ruins. The Jews believed that God literally dwelled in the temple, in the Holy of Holies. Their communal identity was tied to the temple. Stunned by this thought, the people ask Jesus, “When…?” Instead of telling them when, Jesus begins to address how – how to be ready for when this happens. There will first be false prophets. Don’t listen to them. Then there will be signs: wars, earthquakes, famine, epidemics. These too will be signs warning that the end is near.

In our day, we can be just like the people in Luke 21. We can look longingly at another’s stuff – cars, homes, jobs, phones, status, wealth… And we can easily worry when any of our things are threatened by a stock market dip, by a health scare, by potential unemployment, by a change in our benefits… It has been a long, long time since anyone believed that God resided in a building. And it has been a long, long time that the faithful have believed that all we have really belongs to God. Yet we can easily get caught up in longing for the things of this world.

We can choose to live differently. We can focus on the things of God, readying ourselves for that final day. Living with God’s Spirit dwelling within us, holding loosely to the things of this world, we are on our way to being ready, whenever we come to meet Jesus face to face.

Prayer: Lord God, instead of admiring and chasing after the things of this world, may we love and pursue you and your will and way. Draw us to the present yet eternal, to joy and peace, to hope and trust, to love and faith. Amen.


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Freed to Live

Reading: Romans 8:12-17

Romans 8:14 – “All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.”

Romans 8 begins with Paul reminding us that we are set free by the Spirit. As Paul develops his argument, he tells us that we have been set free from the law of sin and death. Living by and under the law of Christ’s Spirit, we receive life and righteousness. As we lean into today’s reading Paul reminds us that because we are living under Jesus Christ, we have an obligation. It is not an obligation to selfish or sinful living. That life leads to death.

Our obligation is to live by the Spirit, putting “to death the actions of the body.” Doing so we become part of verse 14: All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.” The Spirit of Christ adopts us as children of God. Therefore we don’t have to live in fear under the old spirit of slavery, under the ways of the world. We can remember the fears we felt back when we were children of the world: Am I good enough? Do I have enough? Amen I popular? Am I powerful?…

Living under Christ, our identity is rooted in our place in the family of God. Paul reminds us that because “we are children, we are also heirs.” Although we may suffer at times with Christ, we will also one day be glorified with him. This is the outcome of our faith: the salvation of our souls. Trusting in this we are freed to live as Jesus lived in this world, loving God and loving neighbor every day. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, what a blessing it is to live as your child, led and guided by your Spirit within us. Attune all that we are to your will and way, reflecting who and what you are to the world. Use our words and actions to glorify you. Amen.


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Both Places

Reading: Mark 14:66-72

Mark 14:71 – “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'”

We turn from Peter’s bold profession of Jesus as Messiah in yesterday’s reading to his bold denial of even knowing Jesus in today’s reading. To his credit perhaps, Peter followed the action, wanting or needing to see what played out with Jesus. Perhaps Peter still held to his view of Messiah as a king like David. Perhaps he wanted to be an eyewitness to the legions of angels destroying all who opposed Jesus.

It is a servant who first says Peter was with Jesus. He denies it. And he tries to move away from her, going to the outer courtyard. As he does, a rooster crows. Apparently she follows him, saying, “He is one of them.” Peter denies it again. But soon the crowd he’s hanging with also accuse Peter of “being one of them.” His accent gives him away. He’s a Galilean. This time, though, we read, “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'” The rooster crows a second time, Peter remembers Jesus’ words, and he sobs. (Yes, the rooster crows two times in Mark’s gospel.)

What a sharp contrast we see in Peter. A handful of hours earlier Peter declared, “Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t.” Yet here in the courtyard Peter swears that he does not know Jesus. Before the Sanhedrin, before the powerful, Jesus declared, “I am,” when asked about his identity. Peter recoils in fear as the powerless servants question his identity as a follower of Jesus. We too will find ourselves in both places – before the powerful and before the powerless. Will we stand for Jesus in both and all places?

Prayer: Lord God, when we find ourselves in environments or around people where we feel fear rising up, remind us of your power and might. We know that while we are in this world we may be impacted by the powers of this world, but ultimately our home is with you. Be with us, strengthen and encourage us for this journey. Amen.


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Difficult but Necessary

Readings: Ezra 7, Ezra 8, Ezra 9, Ezra 10

Ezra 10:4 – “Get up, for it is your duty to deal with this matter; we will support you. Be strong and act.”

Ezra the priest and scribe enters the story. The opening verses serve as a sneak preview or overview. King Artaxerxes supports Ezra’s trip with a letter that recognizes the purpose of the trip and provides the needed financial resources. Ezra’s main goal is to teach the Torah to the Israelites, forming them once again into the people of God. Ezra then gathers and organizes those ready to return. There are 12 lay families and 2 priestly families present. But he finds that there are no Levites present. They are needed for the daily operations of the temple. Ezra rounds up some Levites. He then calls for fasting and prayer – to submit to God and to seek safe travels.

Upon a safe arrival and a few days rest, the gold and other items are transferred to the temple. Offerings are given and then the king’s letter is given to the local Persian authorities. Ezra then learns of the peoples’ latest sin. Upon hearing of their marriages to non-Israelites he tears his clothing, pulls out hairs, and sits in shock. This will be a serious roadblock to reestablishing the people of God. In the charge, Canaanites, Moabites, Ammonites… are named. There is much negative symbolism and actual negative experiences attached to these names. As Ezra sits in shock, others gather around him, joining his weeping. Ezra prays to God, acknowledging past sins and this sin. He leans into God’s grace and mercy.

Shecaniah steps forward from the crowd. He too acknowledges their sin. And he speaks of hope. He suggests a covenant to send away these foreign wives and their children. He turns to Ezra and says, “Get up, for it is your duty to deal with this matter; we will support you. Be strong and act.” Emboldened by these words, Ezra gathers all Israel. They make a solemn pledge in accordance with Shecaniah’s words. A plan is made to deal with this sin. They hold one another accountable. The matter is resolved.

This was a difficult but necessary step at this time. It was necessary to establish a singular ethnic and cultural identity for Israel. Through the teaching of the Torah, the people understood this was a necessary step that had to be taken to become the people of God, holy and set apart.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to see the necessary but hard steps that we need to take at times to be wholly yours. Send a voice to encourage us, to speak truth and love and hope and grace to empower our steps. And, as Ezra did, lead us to trust that your love and grace will lead the way. Amen.


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Dangers and Trappings

Readings: 1st Kings 9, 1st Kings 10, 1st Kings 11

1st Kings 9:6-7 – “However, if you or your sons turn away from following me… then I will remove Israel from the land… and I will reject the temple.”

Photo credit: Josh Calabrese

Our readings begin with God’s second visit to Solomon. God has heard his prayers and will “put my name” in the temple. God reminds Solomon again of the charge to walk faithfully with the Lord. God also warns, “However, if you or your sons turn away from following me… then I will remove Israel from the land… and I will reject the temple.”

We next gain some insights into Solomon’s building projects. Towns are given to Hiram and he questions their worth. Solomon forces all non-Israelites into work gangs. Yet outside of Israel, Solomon’s fame grows. The Queen of Sheba comes and questions him. She sees his wisdom and wealth. These are so great “it took her breath away.” She leaves many gifts and she offers a blessing. This foreign queen sees God as the driving force behind Solomon’s success. Others come to see Solomon, leaving tribute as they go.

In chapter 11 we begin to see Solomon’s struggles. He marries many, many foreign women. God had warned him: “They will definitely turn your heart towards their gods.” They do. Solomon worships their gods and builds shrines and altars so that his wives (and others) can worship these foreign gods. An angry God visits Solomon. God begins, “Because you have done all this…” Almost all of the kingdom will be torn away. But it will happen during his son’s reign and one tribe will remain with Solomon’s family. Both of these “gifts” are because of God’s love for David.

Next we learn of some of Solomon’s enemies. Hadad and Rezon are nuisances, picking away at the edges. There is no longer peace in Israel. Jeroboam will be the greater challenge. In his youth he had impressed Solomon. The prophet Ahijah meets Jeroboam and tears his new garment into 12 pieces. Handing Jeroboam ten he tells him that God will give him ten tribes to rule over. Ahijah tells him that if he will walk faithfully with the Lord… Well, we know that story.

Prayer: Lord God, today we are reminded of the dangers and trappings of the things of this world – wealth, possessions, fame. In and of themselves these are not evil. They are not a guarantee of sin. But they so easily entangle, so easily give us a false sense of security and identity. Lord, no matter our place in life, remind us again and again, draw us back over and over. Moment by moment, whisper into our hearts and keep us walking in your ways. Amen.


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This Happened So That…

Readings: Joshua 4, Joshua 5, Joshua 6

Joshua 4:24 – “This happened so that all the earth’s peoples might know that the LORD’s power is great and that you may always revere the LORD.”

Photo credit: David Clode

After Israel crosses over, 12 stones are gathered from where the priests carrying the ark stood. Joshua then sets up 12 other stones right there as a memorial marker. As the priests and ark exit the riverbed, the water starts to flow again. Soldiers from the tribes of Reuben and Gad, plus the half tribe of Manasseh go before Israel in battle formation. Joshua then sets up the 12 stones at Gilgal. When children ask about the stones, parents will tell the story of the miraculous crossing. This crossing has instilled fear in the hearts of the Amorite and Canaanite kings.

Joshua, following God’s command, then circumcises all the males. Those born in the desert had not yet been marked as belonging to the Lord. Israel then celebrates the Passover. In these two rituals they are reclaiming their identity as the holy people of God. Readied as a nation, Joshua next meets the commander of God’s heavenly armies. Sandals come off, bookending Moses’ “holy ground” moment with God. Instructions are given for the battle of Jericho. Israel’s army and the ark will march around the city once for six days. On the seventh day they will march around Jericho seven times. All of this is done in silence. After the seventh circling on the seventh day, the trumpets will sound and the people will shout… and the walls will come tumbling down. This strategy is to test Israel’s faith and trust and obedience to God.

All goes as planned and Jericho falls. The gold, silver, bronze, and iron are holy to the Lord and are to go into the temple treasury. All else – save Rahab and her family – all else is wiped out “without mercy.” Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who rebuilds Jericho. What great victory the Lord has brought to Israel! Like the crossing, there is the same “why” – “This happened so that all the earth’s peoples might know that the LORD’s power is great and that you may always revere the LORD.”

Prayer: Lord God, what moments of faith and obedience, what experiences of your power and might! What faith and identity building times these were for Israel. Lord, help us to claim these as part of our faith story too. And, God, help us to claim and to see and to keep our own faith moments in our hearts. May these faith encounters build up and encourage who we are in you. And, like Israel, guide us to tell these stories of faith, encouraging others who are on the journey with us. Amen.


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Press On!

Reading: Philippians 3:4-14

Verse 8: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

As we begin reading today’s passage perhaps we feel a common ground here with Paul. He begins by addressing our tendency to put “confidence in the flesh.” Paul lists his accomplishments and accolades – and in the religious culture of Israel at that time, it is quite the list. The tendency to define who and what we are by our job title or by our degrees or by some measurable worldly success is one we always need to be aware of.

The old Saul described in verses 4-6 has been born anew as Paul the apostle. In verse 8 he writes, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” All those titles, all that he did before – gone! He even goes so far as to call all of that old life “rubbish.” Paul has come to understand that faith in the Lord who wrote the Law is far better than the religion of simply checking the boxes that came with following all of those laws. Paul has come to live out a faith that has opened him up to the power of resurrection and to the joy of “sharing in his sufferings.” It is counter cultural to cast aside all that the world holds dear. To our old self, it feels upside down to lay all of that aside in order to live out “the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” Yet this is the “goal” and the “prize” to which all followers of Jesus Christ are called to.

I love the language and imagery that Paul’s words create in verses 12-14. This is what it means to be in love with Jesus. He “presses on” to “take hold” of Jesus Christ. He “strains” towards the goal “to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ.” What a beautiful goal! What a glorious effort! May this too be our “one thing.”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to fully find my identity in you. May the things of this world fall away on account of knowing you as Lord and Savior. Give me the courage and strength to daily press on towards that heavenly prize, walking humbly with Jesus day by day. Amen.


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Grounded in Love

Reading: Exodus 20: 1-17

Verse 2: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you… out of slavery”.

Today’s passage centers on Moses sharing the commands that God gave him on Mount Sinai. These commands would form the backbone and would be the beginning of the Law – the commands, statutes, and rules that would govern the life of the Israelites. Moses first shares the introduction: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you… out of slavery”. While we have not come out of slavery in the same sense that the Israelites just did, our relationship with Jesus does free us from many things.

The Ten Commandments begin to define the relationship between God and his people as well as the relationships between the people. The first four commands define our relationship with God and the last six define the relationships that we are to live in with one another. All ten are great guides for how to live with God and with each other. Yet they are just a start. The list would grow to 600+ laws and rules by the time Jesus Christ walked the earth. These laws shaped who and what the Israelites were, giving them an identity and a way to live in harmony.

Today we live in a world that also has a code of law that governs how our society rules itself, functions, and it also defines how we are to live with one another. Our civil law, in general, governs our political and societal practices and norms. While some civil laws interact or are influenced by moral or religious concerns, the way we live our day to day lives is still governed largely by our faith. As Christians we seek to live peaceably under the laws of our nation, state, and local community. We engage in the political process too – voting, working to add or amend laws to better society, and, sometimes, by serving. Yet the core of who and what we are still resides in our faith. As we live out our daily lives it is the “rule of life” that we have developed from our faith that truly guides us. For many believers this rule of life is modeled after Jesus’ life. Jesus modeled what living in right relationship with God and with others looked like when lived to the full. For Jesus, a right relationship was always grounded in love. Each of the Ten Commandments was grounded in love.

As you consider your rule of life – the way you act, the way you interact with and treat others, the way your faith is lived out, the way you love God throughout your day… – is it all grounded in love? In the spirit of Lent, consider this question deeply. What in your rule of life needs to change or die to better reflect Christ to the world? What needs to grow to better witness to the faith you profess?

Prayer: Lord, my mind is drawn to search and examine the habits and practices and things in me that define how I live each day. Help me to truly see as you would see, dying to that within that works to separate me from you or others. May the Spirit also work within me to grow those things that help me to better love you and others. Amen.


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Loving God…

Reading: 1st Corinthians 6: 12-20

Verse 15: “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself”?

As followers of Jesus Christ we have a freedom that guides our living. Through Jesus Christ we are freed from the things of this world. Earthly pleasures still entice us, yes, but we find our joy and peace, our very identity, in and with Jesus. Yes, we will sin and one day face death, but in Christ we are freed from the shame and guilt of our sin and we are freed from worry or fear or anxiety over death. We see the things of the world as temporary and we see our life in Christ as eternal. But the freedom that we find in Christ is not permission to do anything and everything, knowing that Jesus forgives our sins. Faith calls us first to holy living and to humble service. Some in Corinth had this backwards. They were confused. Some were sinning openly and knowingly under the claim that “everything is permissible” because of the grace and mercy and forgiveness offered by Jesus.

Today’s passage centers on the sexual immortality present in some of the church members’ lives. Promiscuity and the use of prostitutes were the earthly pleasures that some were indulging in. Others in the church did not think these behaviors were in line with holy living. Instead of simply telling those who were sinning to stop, though, Paul helps them to think through this scenario so that they can think like this for themselves when other issues or questions arise. Paul uses “do you not know…” three times to frame their thinking. He reminds them that their bodies are “members of Christ himself”, that sexual union makes the two people “one flesh”, and that the body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit”. Ultimately Paul is reminding them that they are connected to Christ and that what they do with our bodies should honor him. To enter into sexual unions outside of marriage, to overindulge in food and drink, to lord one’s status or wealth over others, to do other unhealthy things with our bodies – all dishonor our bodies and therefore dishonor God. All of these issues were things that the Corinthian church would wrestle with and through using Paul’s framework. In the end, each issue would come down to loving God, loving neighbor, and loving self. Doing these well, the church brought honor and glory to God. May it be so with each of us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, in so many ways faith is about love. Does this thought or word or action show my love of God? Does it reveal my love of neighbor? Does is reflect a holy and righteous love of self? Guide me in your ways of love. Amen.


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Whose Are You?

Reading: Matthew 21: 23-27

Verse 23: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority”?

Today’s passage is about identity. It is about who we are and whose we are. So often our identity comes from what we do. When asked who we are, we often respond with words like pastor, doctor, student, teacher… We allow what we do to define who we are. Too often our work also defines whose we are. Many are beholding to their job. Some of the time we will describe who we are using other parameters – grandparent, oldest child, widow, free spirit… Perhaps, if feeling particularly brave or if in a comfortable crowd, we might say something like “child of God”.

Who we are in society’s eyes often is the basis of our authority or of how we see our authority. For many, their position or title at work grants them some measure of authority. The manager, for example, is in charge of the employees. Within that group a more veteran employee feels that they have a degree of authority over a new hire. When a person tries to take authority or when someone has better natural leadership… then the organizational structure begins to feel strain and unease. This is what leads to today’s two questions: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority”? The religious leaders were feeling threatened by Jesus, just as they had been by John the Baptist. The religious leaders were the ones with the years of training and with the titles: Pharisee, Sadducee, scribe. Who was this carpenter from a small town? What did he think he was doing? What right did he have? Who does he think he is?

Instead of answering, Jesus asks a parallel question. Instead of asking what they thought about Jesus’ authority, he asks them about John the Baptist’s authority. In many ways, John and Jesus fit into the same box: untrained in the normal sense, clearly being empowered by God, speaking truth that drew crowds to them, changing lives. The leaders cannot “win”. To say John, and therefore Jesus, is from God would imply the hierarchy has shifted. That threatens their identity, who they are. To say John (or Jesus) is from men also threatens their place. Too large a crowd believes John was a prophet and that Jesus is from God. How else do you explain the miracles? The religious leaders place in society rests upon their answer. It is a hard question to answer truthfully while holding on to who you are.

Before we think too little of the religious leaders, let us consider how we would answer the question if someone questioned our faith or our place in God’s family. If we were asked whose we were, would we answer the same way at church as we would out in the public square?

Prayer: God of all, lead and guide me today to live under your authority and rule. May all I do and all I am be grounded in you. May my purpose and my identity come from you alone. Amen.