pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Jesus


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This Truth

Reading: Exodus 17:5-7

Exodus 17:6 – “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.”

Today we continue in Exodus 17. We read about God’s response to the people complaining, arguing with Moses, testing God, and asking for water. God shows none of the frustration that we could hear in Moses’ words yesterday. Taking some of the elders and the staff that parted the sea, Moses moved out. God instructs, “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.” Moses follows the instructions and water is provided.

Reading this story, we often think the miracle is water coming out of a dry rock in the middle of the desert. But there is a bigger miracle. God stands on the rock for Moses and the elders to see. No going up the mountain. No entering into the clouds. Right there, in plain sight. The visible presence of God is a reminder of the power behind the water… and the manna… and the bitter water becoming palatable… and… For us to see God in this way, simply being present, it would blow our doors off.

During Lent we are invited to be extra aware of God’s presence with us. Some do this through fasting. Some do this by reading a Lenten book or devotional. Some do this by volunteering once a week. We are also invited to be aware of God’s presence in the ordinary. Not every moment is a standing-on-the-rock moment. This awareness might come in the answering of a prayer, in the opening of a door, in the words spoken by a friend…

To notice God’s presence, to see God’s hand at work – these work to lessen our self-importance, our need to be in control, our desire to manipulate God. As we practice seeing and sensing God’s presence, we come to understand that God is always with us. God’s goodness is ever present. Understanding this truth, we know the answer to the Israelites’ question, “Is God really with us or not?”

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we get caught up in our own troubles, worrier, wants… In these moments we become less able to sense or see your presence in our lives. When we slip down into this place, lift us up, pull us out, stand our feet upon your rock, Jesus Christ. In ways both big and small, open our eyes and hearts to your constant presence, love, and care. Amen.


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New Life – Now and Then

Reading: John 3:4-17

John 3:5 – “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter the kingdom of God.”

As we continue today in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, we go deeper. Nicodemus scoffs at being born again: “it’s impossible.” What if Nicodemus understands Jesus’ spiritual reference, but doesn’t think he can actually give up his status and power to follow Jesus? He’s worked so hard to get to his place on top of society. And he’s old – how can he change? How can this devout keeper of the Law become child-like in his faith, guided about here and there by the Holy Spirit, like a child being led by a loving parent?

Jesus offers him this assurance: “Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter the kingdom of God.” Born of water might just be our human birth – “flesh is flesh.” To be born of the Spirit is to be born anew from above. Later the church would link baptism to these words of Jesus. Baptism was symbolic of dying to the old self as one was immersed in the waters, washed clean. Emerging from the waters, the new self received the Holy Spirit into their new, in-Christ heart. While today many of us are baptized as infants, in reality we all come to the point where we must decide to die to self and to the world in order to follow Jesus. For some, this surrender comes as a teen or young adult. For others, like Nicodemus, it comes later in life.

Connecting to Nicodemus’ Jewish roots, Jesus tells him that the Messiah will one day be raised up like Moses raised the golden snake – both in order to save people from death. Connecting to the new life then and now that Jesus offers to all who believe in him, he tells Nicodemus, “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” In that moment, Jesus is inviting Nicodemus to accept the salvation that Jesus offers. The offer is always open to us all. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it can be scary to put our hand in your hand, trusting you to lead and guide as the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. Where you lead, like the wind, we do not know. But we do know that it is away from a love of this world, into a love for you and for neighbor that calls us to surrender our life again and again. As we walk this new life, our hearts become full of love and peace, grace and mercy, joy and forgiveness – full to overflowing. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Surrendering Control

Reading: John 3:1-3

John 3:3 – “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.”

Today and tomorrow we dive into Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus. In verse 1 we learn that Nicodemus is a Pharisee, a leader amongst the Jews. As a Pharisee, he is set apart from others Jews. He knows the Law inside out and keeps it devoutly. He is also a part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus is a powerful man by cultural standards. Nicodemus would appear to be “on top of the world” when viewed through the lens of “success” in his day. And he comes to Jesus at night.

Nicodemus calls Jesus, “Rabbi” – a term for Jesus that in John’s gospel always implies incomplete faith. He acknowledges that Jesus is “one who comes from God.” The Pharisee is not referring to this in terms of a Jesus being the Messiah but a prophet. Yet he must be wrestling with this distinction. Nicodemus must be questioning his own faith somehow. Why else would he come under cover of night to ask Jesus some questions? Perhaps Nicodemus is sensing that there may be something more than a faith that is well within his control. Maybe he has seen from afar how following Jesus has changed people’s lives.

Jesus opens the conversation with this earth shaker: “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.” With these words, Jesus resets the direction and tone of the conversation. Jesus is the one with power and authority. Being “born anew” has nothing to do with following the letter of the Law or any other moral guideline. It has everything to do with surrendering the control of one’s life and faith to God. It is the only way to see God’s kingdom from the inside.

Prayer: Lord God, faith is so much easier when it is on our terms. Doing what we think is required is manageable. It is safe, comfortable. This happens when we think we’ve somehow “arrived” spiritually. And it falls short of seeing and being your kingdom here on earth. Open our hearts to the power of your love, mercy, and grace. Guide us out of our easy, gentle, static faith into a place where we are transformed daily, born anew again and again, each time closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Make it so, O God, make it so. Amen.


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Grace Unending

Reading: Romans 4:13-17

Romans 4:16 – “The inheritance comes through faith, so that it will be on the basis of grace.”

Turning again to Romans 4 today we read that the promise of God to “inherit the world” did not come through the Law. The Law was not even yet in existence when Abram was declared righteous because of his faith. So for Abraham’s descendants – those Paul was writing to then and to us now – the inheritance also comes through faith. One can work really hard to keep the Law (or to do any number of things that we think are pleasing to God), but we will always ultimately fail, bringing upon ourselves the “wrath” that Paul references in today’s reading.

On the opposite end of the scale, we find God’s grace. This free gift of grace is the “basis” for inheriting God’s promises: forgiveness of sin and eternal life. God does not weigh out our worthiness or keep track of how much good we need to do to settle our account. Salvation is not centered on a contractual relationship. There are no transactions needed between us and God in order for us to inherit the promises. There is a grace that washes away our sins and welcomes us back into connection with God and with one another. There is a transformation that occurs – again and again and again…

Paul speaks of this transformation at the end of our passage. This rebirth, this gift of new life over and over, it occurs when God “gives life to the dead.” Once dead in our sin, grace redeems and restores us to life in Christ. Rooted in God’s unconditional love, grace is unending. For the promises grounded in love and grace, we say, thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, living in this world, it can be easy to slip into doing and trying to earn. It is the way of the world: checklists, comparative analysis, judging, then self-doubt, shame, defeat. Your love offers a different way, a better way. Driven by love, you call and reach out in mercy. Fueled by mercy, your grace draws us back to you again and again. Standing there once again, in your love and grace, it feels like we never left. Thank you for loving us this completely, this unconditionally. How great is your love, O Lord. Amen.


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Ever with Us

Reading: Matthew 4:8-11

Matthew 4:9 – “I’ll give you all of these if you bow down and worship me.”

We return today to where we began the week: Matthew 4. On Monday we spent time with Satan’s first two temptations of Jesus. Today we turn to the third temptation in the wilderness. The devil brings Jesus to a very high mountain and shows him “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” Their glory would be their power, their riches, their fame. Showing Jesus all that the world has to offer, Satan says, “I’ll give you all of these if you bow down and worship me.” While it is hard for us to imagine ourselves actually bowing down and worshipping Satan, the truth is that we do this in many ways. Every time I allow jealousy over what someone else has to lead me to act in ways to attain that thing, I’m worshipping the prince of this world. When I allow angry thoughts to fester, eventually bursting forth as angry words, I’m giving in to the ways of the world. If I ponder doing something unethical or unjust to gain that job or that promotion or recognition, I’ve begun to walk the devil’s path.

These natural human emotions – greed, envy, lust, want – they are centered on self. All of these emotions seek to elevate self over others. While we face these things on a regular basis, we are most susceptible when we are weak, tired, feeling unloved… Satan came to Jesus at his weakest point: forty days alone, without food in the wilderness, sleeping under the stars, with rock-for-a-pillow accomodations. Yet even in these difficult emotional and physical conditions, Jesus called on God again and again, finding the strength and power he needed to “worship… and serve him [God] only.” Yes, in the end God became fully present, angels caring for Jesus. But in reality, God was present all along, giving Jesus the words to speak to defeat temptation again and again. The same will be true for us. When we need God, God will be right there. God is ever with us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your constant and abiding presence. In our wilderness moments, remind us of that presence. When we’re tempted to push through, to fight it out, to go it alone – gently touch our heart. When we’re teetering on giving in, on going the way of the world, mercifully guide us back to the power and strength that we find in you. Keep us wholly yours. Amen.


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Deeper Work

Readings: 2nd Corinthians 5:20-21 and 2nd Corinthians 6:1-10

2nd Corinthians 6:1 – “We are also begging you not to receive the grace of God in vain!”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Our reading today begins with Paul begging the Corinthians to “be reconciled to God!” This too is our ongoing call, especially as we begin the season of Lent today. Throughout Lent we are invited to look within, to reflect on the condition of our soul, and to make the needed changes so that we are ready to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Paul touches on the source of our salvation, the one who took on sin for us so that we could be “the righteousness of God.”

Through God’s grace we can be forgiven and made new again. Paul begs the Corinthians “not to receive the grace of God in vain!” To do so would be to receive forgiveness and then to not follow through on our pledge of repentance. Paul reminds us that keeping true to our faith isn’t always easy. Paul lists many trials and sufferings he and his fellow believers endured. We can experience some of these too when we choose faith over the ways of the world. Yet with the same purity, hard work, genuine love, and Holy Spirit power, we too can endure and faithfully witness to the grace and love of God.

Our passage closes with many word pairs: fake and real, pain and happy, poor and rich… The first word is a surface level thing and the second word holds a deeper truth. We find this relationship to be true when we engage in the spiritual practice of fasting that becomes more prevelent in Lent. Going without and feeling that “hunger” is the surface level thing that we endure. The change that the Spirit works in us as we grow closer to Christ is the deeper truth at work in us. In the same way, confessing our sin is the surface level action. Working out our repentance and changing our hearts and lives is the deeper work of God going on within us. This Lent, may we be willing to go deeper, doing the hard work of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, prepare our hearts to go deeper this Lent. Give us the strength and courage to look deep within ourselves and to bring our full self before you. In grace and love, purify and refine us. Loosen our grips on that which pulls us away from you. Strengthen our hold on faith, hope, trust, and love. Amen.


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Completely Loved

Reading: Matthew 4:1-7

Matthew 4:3 – “Since you are God’s Son…”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

As we stand on the edge of Lent, we begin to lean into the themes of this season. We begin and end the week in Matthew 4, with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Today we spend time with the first two temptations. Each of the two begin with the same phrase: “Since you are God’s Son…” The tempter is very well aware of who Jesus is. The devil seeks to test Jesus’ own sense of identity in these first two temptations. This is often where Satan attacks you and me in our moments of weakness.

After fasting for forty days, Jesus is “starving.” We can often find ourselves wrestling with hunters and wants, although not often physical. Satan invites Jesus to command stones to become bread. ‘Satisfy your hunger,’ Satan says. Jesus has the power to do this. Jesus instead centers himself on the word of God – that which truly satisfies every hunger. In moments when we really want that new phone or outfit or… may we too remember that our true identity comes not from the world but from the word of God.

Satan then takes Jesus to the top of the temple and invites him to test God’s love and care for him by throwing himself down. Jesus again quotes scripture, saying, “It is written, Don’t test the Lord your God.” The devil is testing Jesus’ sense of his belovedness. Satan invites Jesus to test the depth of God’s love. We can fall into this temptation. In a dark valley, we can question if God really, really loves us. In a season of unanswered prayer, we can question if God really cares. In these moments of trial and weakness, may we too remember the truth that even Satan knows: you are God’s son or daughter. You are completely loved. May it ever be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when the voices of discontent or doubt begin to rise up, may the voice of your Holy Spirit be clearer and stronger. When we’re tempted to chase after happiness or status outside of our relationship with you, whisper into our hearts the truths about our true purpose and about our place of belonging. And when we question your love in our times of trial or suffering, draw us into your abiding presence, ground us in your unconditional love for each and every one of us, your sons and daughters. Lord, we need you. Amen.


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Grounded in Love

Reading: Matthew 17:7-13

Matthew 17:9 – “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One is raised from the dead.”

Reading the second half of this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus puts God’s admonition about listening to work. Jesus first tells the disciples to “Get up.” These first words are practical. To go back down the mountain, to return to the world, they must get up. Often the first things we need to listen to are the simple things: go visit, make the call, cover the rent, make the meal, send the text, but the groceries… Taking the first step of faith leads to the next step.

Jesus then says, “Don’t be afraid.” To not be afraid requires trust and belief. This second step goes beyond the practical. It requires stepping out or into a situation that might be tense or emotional or difficult or sorrowful or… Going to the home or to the hospital or to the jail or… can raise up fears, doubts, anxiety, worry, unease. When Jesus tells us to “go,” we can be assured that he goes with us.

Lastly in today’s passage, Jesus says, “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One is raised from the dead.” Many in the world are not ready to hear that Jesus is indeed the all-powerful and all-mighty God-in-the-flesh. After miracles some have flirted with the idea of making Jesus their earthly king. This is not Jesus’ purpose. He is not on earth to destroy and exert power over others. His kingship is grounded in love, in lifting others up, in healing our lives and world. His way of love transforms us, most often working from the inside out. As we listen and follow, Jesus offers us guidance and direction, comfort and strength, peace and assurance, hope and joy, and love. As we walk with Jesus in Spirit, we share these gifts with the world.

Prayer: Lord God, help us first to see where you call us and then to be willing to go where you send us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit power, easing our fears and doubts, giving us the words to say and the actions to take. Go with us as we bear your love as our light. In and through us, transform our world and our lives with your love. Amen.


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A Word to Share

Reading: 2nd Peter 1:19-21

2nd Peter 1:21 – “No prophecy ever came by human will. Instead, men and women led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

As we read the second half of this week’s 2nd Peter 1 passage, we first encounter an admonition from Peter. We recall from Wednesday’s reading that what he has to say is not some “crafty myth.” It is not something he heard from a friend of a friend of an acquaintance either. This is Peter’s personal eyewitness account of the experience and words that came from God. So, readers, “you would do well to pay attention to it.”

The transfiguration of Jesus was prophesied long ago. Both Daniel and Malachi foretold this moment. Both were speaking and then recording words that God gave them. Peter connects this to his experience on that mountaintop and to his life as he writes, “No prophecy ever came by human will. Instead, men and women led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” This remains true. We cannot generate a word from God on our own. A word from God is a gift revealed by and through God and the Spirit. As we are given the words (or nudges…) and are given divine direction or understanding, it is then that “the morning star [Jesus] rises in our hearts” too.

These encounters with the divine hold great power. Often we do not fully understand or see how God was speaking or working in the moment. Only with a bit of time do we comprehend how God’s spirit gave us the words or guided the event, the conversation, the journey. On Tuesday morning a women shared her story with me and two friends at a coffee shop. She lost most of her roof in a 100+ mph wind storm one night – all but the roof over her bedroom. She then recounted piece by piece the ways that God has been present that night and in the days that followed. The Spirit opened her eyes to see God’s hand at work. There was joy and power in her story. Her faith was alive and bursting forth. What story or word of God do you have to share?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word spoken in scripture and for your presence in our lives yet today. Continue to reveal your glory to us in powerful ways, fueling our witness to the world. Open our eyes and hearts to these moments, big and small, when you become present in our lives and in our world. Open our minds to understand and to share our faith stories and encounters. Amen.