pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Jesus


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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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The Great Commands

Reading: Matthew 22:34-40 and 7:9-12

Matthew 7:12 – “Treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you.”

Photo credit: Shane

In Matthew 22 the Pharisees get together and decide to test or trap Jesus. Their religious rivals, the Sadducees, have just been left speechless after their attempt to trap Jesus in his words. The Pharisees send one forward to test Jesus with a question: What’s the greatest commandment? The Law has 613 (or 623) commands. Which is the most important one Jesus?

Quoting from the Law, Jesus identifies the Deuteronomy law to love God with all that you are. He quickly adds one from Leviticus: “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” For a devout Jew these are the two core commands. These two verses form the heart of a prayer offered each and every day, both morning and night. While the concept of loving God and neighbor is easy to understand, the actual execution of these commands can be very hard. To date, I believe that Jesus is the only one with a 100% success rate.

Jesus offers some practical application tips in chapter 7, verses 9-12. Here he uses parenting as the analogy. If your child asks for bread or fish because they are hungry, who would give them a rock or a snake instead? Well, no good parent would. Jesus then reminds us that the one who loves us as children will do the same and even more. He then generalizes this teaching on loving well to others, adding, “Treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you.” Give that person in need not just bread but some water too. Give that stranger not just a fish but a place to stay too. Just as the Lord our God is good and loving and generous, Jesus says, you do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, the call is clear: love well, love deeply, love genuinely. You have modeled this and your son Jesus modeled it. We have no excuses. We can’t play dumb. Yet we sure can struggle to love you with all that we are and to love others as we love ourselves. Lord, encourage and empower us today to love as you call us to love. When we waver, strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you, God. Amen.


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God Breathes Life!

Readings: Genesis 2:7-8 and John 20:19-22

John 20:22 – “Then he [Jesus] breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'”

We begin in Genesis 2, when God created man. Gathering up soil, shaping it into a form that resembled God, breathing breath into man’s nostrils, life was created and given. In the creating, man is connected to the earth and to God. Next God creates the garden and sends the man there, to care for and to nurture what comes from the earth.

In our John 20 passage, Jesus has come from the ground – out of the grave after three days to stand amongst the disciples. The human-divine one first offers peace to these men. Jesus then shows them his scars, connecting to their human nature. Joy fills the disciples. Again offering peace, Jesus next tells the disciples that he is sending them into the world. While not the garden in Eden, their task is essentially the same: go and care for and nurture this growing community of faith. Jesus then breathes life into them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The disciples receive the divine breath of the Spirit. This gives life and power to their spiritual life, connecting them to God and Jesus.

We too experience both of these births. Created in the image of God like Adam, God breathes physical life into our bodies as we draw our first breath. As we commit our lives to Jesus – to bring sent into the world to love God and neighbor – we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence gives life to our faith, empowering us to witness to the world. This day and every day may we draw upon this breath of life.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gifts of life. You plant the spark of the divine in us when you form us in the womb. You bring this to life as you draw us into relationship, into faith in Christ. Embolden us each day to be your light and love in the world. Amen.


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Foundation and Guide

Reading: 2nd Timothy 3:14-17

2nd Timothy 3:16 – “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character.”

In today’s reading Paul is encouraging Timothy to stay connected to scripture. God’s word is the foundation of our faith and the guide in our life. This is as true for us as it was for Paul and Timothy or any other person of faith.

In verses 14 and 15 Paul reminds Timothy of this foundation. He was taught the faith by his mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois. These two women taught him not only the words of scripture but they also lived out their faith, setting for him an example. Hearing and doing the word “leads to salvation through faith that is in Jesus Christ.” Reflecting on your own past, who was it that taught and modeled faith for you?

In verse 16 we read, “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character.” First, scripture is inspired by God. These words of Paul that we read today, for example, were words breathed into or given to Paul by God. These words still contain that “breath” of God. Those who read and do the words of God receive God’s life-giving breath, guidance, direction, correction, training…

In verse 17 our passage comes back around. Living in and through the word of God, one is “equipped to do everything that is good.” Just as Eunice and Lois were equipped, so will Timothy be equipped, so can we be equipped. May the word of God be our foundation, our guide, our power and strength.

Prayer: Lord God, your word has power – power to lead us to do good, to turn us back around when we stray, to cleanse us when we fail, to build us back up when we falter. Guide us daily to lean into and to stand upon your word. Use us to then be the word lived out in the world. Amen.


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Come, Lord Jesus!

Reading: Revelation 21-22

Revelation 21:5 – “Then the one seated on the throne said, ‘Look! I’m making all things new.'”

As we conclude our Bible Year reading plan with Revelation 21 and 22, it is a wonderful end to this project and to the words of scripture. These two chapters give us a sneak peak into eternity. God and Jesus Christ are victorious. All evil is no more. Everything focuses on worshipping God and the Lamb.

Chapter 21 begins with the new heaven and earth becoming one as the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven. In this heavenly city, God will once again dwell with “his people.” There will be no tears, no death, no mourning, no pain. The one in the throne declares, “Look! I’m making all things new.” In his fourth spirit-led trance John gets a tour of this new city of God. It is 1,500 miles on each side. It was twelve gates, each made out of a huge pearl, each gate with the name of one of Israel’s twelve tribes on it. The city has twelve foundations, each made of a different previous stone, each bearing the name of one of the twelve apostles. There is no sun or moon. God’s glory is the light and the Lamb is the lamp. The river of life flows from the throne of God. On each bank is a tree of life. The trees bear twelve fruits and the leaves bring healing. God’s servants gather around the throne, worshipping God and the Lamb.

The epilogue begins in 22:6. An angel declares these words “trustworthy and true.” John states that he heard and saw these things. He is told not to seal the scroll because “the time is near.” Jesus, the “root and descendant of David… the bright morning star,” is coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Prayer: Lord God, we long for the day. We long to see the new heaven and earth. We long to dwell in your presence. Today we pray, come Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Almost Done

Reading: Revelation 18-20

Revelation 19:9 – “Write this: Favored are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.”

Chapter 18 details Babylon’s fall. An angel announces the fall, calls out any who are faithful, and pours a double portion of God’s wrath. Deadly disease, grief, and hunger strike her and then fire consumes Babylon – all in a day. The kings of the earth, merchants, and seafarers mourn and weep. The seafarers invite the saints, apostles, and prophets to rejoice. Then a powerful angel hurls a huge stone into the sea, bringing complete destruction: “It won’t be found anymore.”

Heaven celebrates the fall in the first half of chapter 19. A huge crowd, the elders, and the four living creatures celebrate God using “royal power.” Then an angel says to John, “Write this: Favored are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.” Oh to be in that invitation list!

Heaven then opens and Christ emerges. He is “Faithful and True,” “Word of God,” and “King of kings and Lord of lords.” An angel invites the birds to be ready to devour flesh. The beast and its allies draw up for battle. The beast and false prophet are thrown forever into the “fiery lake” and the rest die by the sword in Jesus Christ’s mouth.

An angel comes down from heaven holding the key to the abyss and a large chain. Satan is thrown into the abyss for 1,000 years. Those who were martyred reign with Christ. Satan is released and gathers all that he can deceive. Fire consumes the army and Satan is thrown forever into the lake to fire and sulfur. Then comes the final judgment. Death and the Grave are thrown into the fiery lake along with all whose names are not written in the book of life. It is almost done.

Prayer: Lord God, evil is defeated and sent forever into the lake of fire and sulfur. All the faithful join you for the great wedding banquet. It is an either/or day. To take the long walk of faith – it is not easy. Daily lead and guide us to walk faithfully with you, or… Amen.


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What Days They Will Be

Reading: Revelation 8:6-11:19

Revelation 11:18 – “The time came to reward your servants, the prophets and the saints, and those who fear your name, both great and small, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Much of our reading today tells of the destruction that follows six trumpet blasts. With the first three blasts, hail/fire, a fiery mountain, and a blazing star fall from heaven. One-third of the earth is burned, one-third of the sea turns to blood, and one-third of the rivers turn to wormwood. The fourth blast darkens one-third of the sun, the moon, and the stars. An eagle flies over and decries, “Horror! Horror!” concerning the next trumpet blasts. The fifth opens the abyss and locusts terrorize the earth’s people, making them suffer for five months. Those with the seal of God on their foreheads are spared. The sixth blast releases the four angels and God’s army, two million strong. Another third of the earth’s population is killed. Yet the people refuse to change hearts and lives.

A powerful angel then comes to earth and announces that the time is up. The angel gives John the scroll, which he eats. He will prophesy using the words on the scroll. He then measures the temple, altar, and worshippers. Next, two powerful prophets appear. Armed with great power, they witness to God for 1,260 days. A beast then arises from the abyss and kills the two prophets. The people of the earth rejoice over the dead bodies for three and a half days – until God breathes life into them and takes them up into heaven. The people give glory to God.

The seventh trumpet blasts and it is announced: the kingdom of the world is becoming the kingdom of the Lord. The 24 elders worship, declaring, “The time came to reward your servants, the prophets and the saints, and those who fear your name, both great and small, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” The temple in heaven opens and the chest of the covenant is revealed. What a day this will be!

Prayer: Lord God, as I read demonstration after demonstration of your power, I am amazed at how stubborn and hard-hearted we human beings can be. Signs and wonders, detestation and death – nothing can move hearts and change lives. O Lord, move our hearts and lives with the simplest of acts, attuning us to your presence in our lives. Amen.


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A Great Crowd

Reading: Revelation 6:1-8:5

Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and there was a great crowd that no one could number… from every nation, tribe, people, and language.”

In chapter 6 the Lamb opens 6 of the 7 seals. The first four bring the four horses and their riders. Death, war, violence, famine, and disease sweep across the earth. One-fourth of humanity dies. The fifth seal is broken and those who have been martyred for their faith cry out, “How long…?” Given white robes, they’re told to wait just a little longer. The sixth seal is broken, first bringing a great earthquake. Then the sun turns black and the moon red. The stars fall from the sky. All the people of the earth try to hide. They beg the mountains, “Fall on us!” They know that the great day of wrath has come upon them.

The seal of God is then placed upon the foreheads of the 144,000 – 12,000 from each remaining tribe of Israel. John looks back to heaven and sees a great multitude. In 7:9 we read, “After this I looked, and there was a great crowd that no one could number… from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” Wearing robes that have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb, holding palm branches, they worship God. They’ve gone through hardship. Now they will not hunger or thirst. God has wiped away every tear. The Lamb guides them to the life-giving waters. The seventh seal is broken and there is silence in heaven for half an hour.

Seven angels with seven trumpets take their places. Another angel holds a bowl with incense. The prayers of the saints rise in the smoke up to God. The bowl is then filled with fire from the altar. It is thrown down upon the earth. The angels are about to blow their trumpets.

Prayer: Lord God, over and over, Old Testament and New, we hear the calls to change hearts and lives. Today in our reading the outcomes of our choices become clearer and clearer. As we rejoice today in the coming of our Savior, remind us of his ultimate purpose at the end of this age. Lead and guide us, O God, to live lives worthy of our calling. Amen.


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Worthy is the Lamb

Reading: Revelation 3-5

Revelation 5:5 – “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.”

Chapter 3 concludes the messages to the seven churches. The church in Sardis looks good on the surface but is really dead. They need to remember what they first learned, changing hearts and lives. If so, their names will be declared in heaven. The church in Philadelphia has little power but they have stood strong. They will be pillars in heaven, names written there. And Laodicea… neither hot nor cold, just lukewarm. This church is perhaps most relevant today. Jesus is about to “spit them out.” They are “miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, naked.” Yet Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If they hear and open the door, he will come in and be with them. If they emerge victorious, they will sit with Jesus on his throne in heaven.

Chapters 4 and 5 shift to heaven as John enters his second Spirit-led trance. At the center God sits on the throne. 24 elders on thrones surround God. There are seven torches and four living creatures before the throne of God. The creatures have six wings and are covered all over with eyes. They never rest but praise God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” The elders join in the praise, declaring God to be the one worthy of glory, honor, and power.

John then noticed that there is a scroll in the hand of God. He weeps because no one is worthy to open it. Then an elder says, “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.” The Lamb, Jesus Christ, comes and takes the scroll. The elders, the living creatures, millions of angels, and all of creation praises and worships the Lamb, the one who was slain. What a glorious day it will be!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reality check as we began today. Draw us out of the comfy middle ground. Empower us to stand boldly for you. And thank you for the peak into heaven, for the reminder of your majesty and power, for the reminder of who and what the Christ child will be and become. All praise and honor and glory are yours! Amen.


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Struggles and Promises

Reading: Revelation 1-2

Revelation 1:8 – “I am the Alpha and Omega… the one who is and was and is coming, the Almighty.”

Photo credit: Noah Silliman

Today we begin Revelation, a vision given to Christ’s servant John. It is to the “seven churches” and is from Jesus Christ, the “firstborn from among the dead.” John writes that when Jesus comes in the clouds, all will see him and the nations will mourn. The Lord God then declares, “I am the Alpha and Omega… the one who is and was and is coming, the Almighty.”

John shared that he also suffers hardship, exiled on Patmos, an island where political opponents were sent. In a “Spirit-led trance,” John receives these words for the seven churches. He receives these words from Jesus Christ, whose appearance is “like the sun shining with all its power.” Jesus directs John to write down these words and to send them to the seven churches.

In today’s reading Jesus addresses the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. There is good to be found: good works, endurance in suffering, faith in hardship, service to others. Some have rooted out false teachers but others have fallen to their lies, following them into sin. Ephesus has forgotten her “first love” – Jesus. To the faithful, promises are made. The faithful and those who change hearts and lives will “eat from the tree of life,” will receive the “crown of life… the hidden manna… the white stone… authority over the nations… the morning star.”

These struggles remain in our churches and in our lives. The promises remain for those who are faithful. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, today we are first reminded of your eternal power and mighty. All glory and honor are yours! We are also reminded that faith is not easy, that trials will come, and that temptations are aplenty. Lead and guide us, O God, to remain faithful to you alone. Thank you. Amen.