pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Jesus


by Leave a comment

To See, To Hear, To Be Touched

Reading: Matthew 3-4

Matthew 4:21-22 – “Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

The ministry of John the Baptist begins today’s readings. He announces, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of God!” His work fulfills the words of Isaiah and his words and dress and diet remind people of Elijah. Many came, confessed their sins, and were baptized. John clashes with the religious leaders, challenging them to change their hearts and lives. Ancestry won’t save them. It will be the one stronger than John, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire – he will offer salvation to the people.

Jesus then comes to be baptized. John tries to stop him but ultimately relents. After Jesus’ baptism the heavens open and the Spirit comes to rest on him. God declares love for the Son. From here Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted. The devil and Jesus quote from Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and Psalms. God’s word will be Jesus’ bread. He will trust and not test God. He will worship and serve God alone. Defeated, the devil leaves.

John is arrested. This precipitates Jesus returning to Galilee (to Capernaum) and to begin his ministry. He proclaims the same message as John: “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of God!” He begins to build his team, calling Simon and Andrew, then James and John as he walks along the Sea of Galilee. It was a simple call: “Follow me.” And they did. In verses 21-22 we read, “Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” Jesus’ ministry grows as he teaches in the synagogues and heals every disease and ailment. Large crowds begin to follow this teacher and miracle worker. They came from all over to see and to hear and to be touched by Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, what a call John and Jesus both led with. The call continues to ring out today: change your heart, change your life, follow me. Each day may we hear this call and may we respond, seeking to be Christ’s hands, feet, heart, and love to the world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Come to Honor Jesus

Matthew 2:1-2 – “Magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?… we’ve come to honor him.'”

We begin our New Testament reading with the genealogy of Jesus. This establishes Jesus’ political, national, and covenantal relationship with and for Israel. In verses 2-11 we recognize most of the names, a product of our time reading and studying the Old Testament. Verses 12-15 are post-exile. We have very few writings from this time period, therefore the names are mostly unfamiliar to us. Within this list we find four female names – a rarity in Jewish genealogies. Ever rarer is the fact that these women are not Jews. These facts speak to Jesus’ mission to a much broader audience than simply “God’s chosen people.”

Turning to verse 18 we find Jesus’ birth story. During Mary and Joseph’s engagement, she becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Through a dream Joseph receives reassurance and a name for the child, plus the declaration, “He will save his people from their sins.” This birth fulfills the words of Isaiah 7. After the birth, some Magi arrive in Jerusalem, the capital city and logical place for their search. We read, “Magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?… we’ve come to honor him.'” This troubles Herod and “everyone in Jerusalem.” Herod gathers information – time and place. The magi continue following the star, arriving with joy at Mary and Joseph’s home. They enter and honor Jesus, presenting him with three gifts. This is why we have three wise men in our Christmas programs. In reality it could’ve been two, but was much more likely 6… or 11… or…

Warned in a dream, the magi do not report back to Herod. Warned in a dream, Joseph flees to Egypt with Mary and Jesus – “during the night.” In a fury Herod sends soldiers to the Bethlehem area, killing every child under two. There is weeping and grieving. The mothers refuse to be comforted “because they were no more.” And in another dream Joseph is told to return home. Yet fearing Herod’s sin, he settles the family in Nazareth, a small town tucked away in Galilee, far from Jerusalem. This fulfills the fifth Old Testament prophecy – so far.

Prayer: Lord God, it is good to transition into the New Testament. We know this collection of stories a bit better. Even so, Lord, continue to open our eyes and hearts to the details, to the “new” that you want to reveal. Move us deeper into the story, closer to our call to bear your image to the world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

“I Do Not Change”

Reading: Malachi 3-4

Malachi 3:10b – “See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.”

Today we close out the Old Testament as we read Malachi 3 and 4. Some of the words today point to the Messiah. Chapter 3 begins with a prophecy about a messenger that will come to “clear the path.” Then suddenly the Lord will be in the temple. How Simeon and Anna rejoice on that day! This covenant Messiah will be like a refiner and cleaner. The priests will be purified. He will testify against the sorcerers, adulterers, cheaters, oppressors. He will call out those who ignore the foreigners in their midst and those who do not really revere God. The section closes with this declaration: “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Jesus will be God in the flesh – no more, no less.

Beginning in verse 7 we return to the disputes between God and Israel. God invites them to return to God. They ask, “How?” God tells them step 1 is to return to giving the full tithe. This is a step of faith and trust, as it is for us today. God challenges them (and us), saying, “Put me to the test.” Step up and see what happens. Continuing, God proclaims, “See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.”

The next dispute centered on harsh things being said about God. They think serving God is useless. As evidence they point to the evil people who are prospering. They “test God and escape.” Instead of responding directly, God turns to the righteous few. They revere God. They drew close to God. They will be God’s “special possession” when God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. The arrogant and evil will burn like straw on that day. The “sun of righteousness” will rise on the faithful, bringing healing in its wings.

The book ends with God declaring, “Look, I am sending Elijah.” The second Elijah will come to clear the path before the “great and terrifying day of the Lord.” God invites Israel to turn the hearts of parents and children to one another. This will avoid the curse and will prepare them for the refining arrival of the Lord. We dive into that tomorrow as we begin our journey through the New Testament.

Prayer: Lord God, you do not change. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your heart for the least flowed throughout the Hebrew scriptures. Sometimes this was for your people. And sometimes it was for “the other.” In Jesus, your heart for the least and the other was revealed as he loved such as these. You invite us to be your heart, to be Jesus’ heart, to love the least. May it be so. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Lord Will Reign

Reading: Zechariah 10-15

Zechariah 13:1 – “On that day, a fountain will open to cleanse the sin and impurity of David’s house.”

In the last chapters of Zechariah, Judah and Jerusalem are lifted up and are torn down. They experience defeat and victory – both through the Lord. Zechariah refers twice to a king who has been seen as Jesus since the earliest days of the church. In the end, God is present in the new Jerusalem. All nations come to worship and give glory to God.

As our reading begins, God invites the people to ask God for rain. Instead they turn to idols as their shepherd(s) lead them astray. God will punish “the goats.” Judah will then be strong because God is with them. Strengthened, they will walk in the name of the Lord. But this faith doesn’t remain long. Two staffs – Delight and Harmony – are made and then are broken. The covenant is ended and the alliance between Judah and Israel is over. A bad shepherd won’t care well for the flock and will be doomed by God.

In chapter 12 God again defends and restores Judah. They again become strong in the Lord. God promises to pour out a spirit of grace and mercy. But then the people will “look to me concerning the one whom they pierced.” There will be mourning throughout the land. In 13:1 we read, “On that day, a fountain will open to cleanse the sin and impurity of David’s house.” Later in chapter 13: Zechariah returns to what the church reads as Jesus. They will strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. There will be a purifying fire (persecution) that will refine the faithful. God will look upon these and say, “They are my people.”

In the last chapter we read of Jerusalem falling and half going into exile. Then God, along with the “holy ones,” fights for them, bringing them home. Running water will flow from this new Jerusalem. It will be secure. Nations will come to pay homage to God. The Lord will reign forever. This is the end of the story we know too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, although sin and disobedience separated you from Judah and Israel – as it does us at times – you remain unconditionally committed to loving your children. I am grateful for your faithfulness, mercy, and grace through all of our failures. You are so worthy of our praise. Use us this day to bring glory and honor to your name. Amen.


by Leave a comment

When We Choose

Reading: Obadiah

Verse 15 – “As you have done, so it will be done to you.”

Obadiah condemns Edom for its attitude and for its behavior. The nation of Edom is proud. It rejoices when its ‘neighbor’ is defeated. They choose to then join in the plundering and violence. Edom kills those who escaped Babylon’s swords and they sell the refugees as slaves. There is much for God to condemn and judge concerning Edom and their choices.

There is a long history between Edom and Judah/Israel. These peoples are descended from Jacob and Esau. In real life there was great tension between these twin brothers. That tension persisted down through time. Perhaps today we’d say there is ‘bad blood’ between these two nations. Today, when one side or the other suffers or falls or experiences some defeat, there is often rejoicing on the other side. When long held animosity and tension lie just beneath the surface, that can flow out and lead to things like Edom did to Judah.

This same reality, this same scenario also scales down. We see it between the police and inner city residents. We see it between gangs who compete to thrive upon people’s weaknesses. We see it between neighbors and family members who refuse to even speak to one another. We see the tension there, just beneath the surface, always there. Then, at times, it rises up, it erupts, it shows its ugliness. Such was the case with Edom when Judah fell to the mighty Babylonians.

God declares to Edom, “As you have done, so it will be done to you.” About 750 years later a relative of God’s would share this same sentiment. He encouraged those who saw each other as less than to choose love over hate, empathy over apathy, compassion over condemnation, welcome instead of exclusion. Funny thing is this: when we choose love, empathy, compassion, welcome, grace, forgiveness… it is also said: “As you have done, so it will be done to you.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be hard to choose not to celebrate when a rival loses, to not rejoice when an ‘enemy’ falls. It can even be tempting to join in, to pile on, to release those old, bad feelings. These are the ways of the world. This is not your way. As your children and as your examples in this world, use us to choose the better way, to speak and act and think in ways that reveal your heart for all people. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Charges and Judgments

Reading: Ezekiel 22-26

Ezekiel 22:30 – “I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the land… But I couldn’t find anyone.”

Photo credit: Jametlene Reskp

We begin with chapter 22, where God brings charges against Jerusalem and then closes with a lament, revealing the heart of God. The charges are a summary of how Judah broke each of the Ten Commandments. God will scatter them and refine them like silver in the process. The chapter ends with this lament: “I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the land… But I couldn’t find anyone.”

Chapter 23 contains an allegory of two sisters. It is the story of Israel and Judah, God’s people who prostituted themselves with multiple foreign powers and their idols, one after the other. The younger sister, Judah, proceeded to outdo the older sister, Israel. Instead of learning from her sister’s wayward ways, she amplified them. God turned both sisters lovers against them, pouring out God’s wrath upon them.

There are two parts to chapter 24. In the first part Judah is compared to a corroded pot. It will be heated so hot that its corrosion will be consumed. Judah will not be cleansed until God’s wrath has fully burned. In the second part, Ezekiel’s wife dies as a part of a sign act. God directs him not to mourn in any way. He follows instructions. So thorough will be Judah’s defeat that they too will walk around in stunned silence, unable to even grieve.

Chapters 25 and 26 contain oracles or judgments about Judah’s neighbors: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre. Ammon and Moab took great delight in Judah’s downfall. Edom joyfully took part in Jerusalem’s destruction. The Philistines exacted revenge for past defeats and losses. All but Edom “will know that I am the Lord.” Our reading closes with the judgment of Tyre. They too ridiculed Judah (and God) at her downfall. The people around Tyre will shudder in terror at what befalls Tyre, who will “disappear” as God leads them “down into the pit.” Such will be the fate of all who oppose the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, our innate selfishness is on full display today. We continue to struggle with want and greed, with lust and desires, with idolatry and disobedience. We are not all that different than Oholah and Oholibah, than Moab or Philistia. We too deserve your wrath. We too should be refined like silver. Instead, you brought grace in the form of your son. Today, Lord God, we thank you that we stand on this side of the cross, where love was poured out instead of wrath. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Songs of Ascent, Part I

Readings: Psalms 120-127

‭Psalm 122:1 – “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let’s go to the LORD’s house!'”

Psalms 120-134 are collectively known as the “Songs of Ascent.” Each carries the superscription, “A pilgrimage song.” These songs were likely sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem to participate in one of the three yearly festivals. I wonder which of these Jesus and his followers sang as he rode into the city just before the Passover.

Psalms 120 and 121 are like a call and response. In Psalm 120 the psalmist has been away too long and needs rescue from “lying lips” and those who “hate peace.” Psalm 121 answers with the invite to look to the mountains, to Jerusalem. There you will find your “protector,” the one who “never sleeps or rests.”

Psalms 122 and 123 function in the same way with Psalm 124. Psalm 122 begins with joy over being invited to go up to God’s house, to the city “joined together in unity.” The psalmist turns to God, asking for peace and rest for Jerusalem. Psalm 123 adds a prayer for mercy. They’ll pray attentively until mercy comes. Then Psalm 124 offers encouragement as it recalls God’s rescue and deliverance in the past. The psalmist declares that their help is still in God alone, “the maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 125 continues the theme of trusting in God, who, like Mount Zion, is “never shaken.” The psalmist closes this song with a request of God: do good to the good and banish those evildoers. Psalm 126 is similar in structure – remembering when God rescued them, then asking God to rescue them again. Psalm 127 is a bit like Ecclesiastes. Human effort is “pointless.” But children – and lots of them – are a gift from God!

These songs of ascent, like much of the rest of the Psalms, cover a range of emotions and situations. May we use these prayers too as we find ourselves experiencing joy or sorrow, blessing or suffering, belonging or isolation.

Prayer: Lord God, as some of these Psalms or words within call out to us, write them on the tablets of our hearts. Then, by the power of your Holy Spirit, call them to our minds at just the right time. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


by Leave a comment

God’s Unfolding Love

Readings: Psalms 54-56

‭Psalm 56:3-4 – “Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you… I trust in God; I won’t be afraid. What can mere flesh do to me?”

Our three Psalms today focus on rescue from enemies. In Psalm 54 it is the proud who have come up against the psalmist. In Psalm 55 it is first in the words of the wicked and then of a friend that has brought “fear and trembling” upon the psalmist. And Psalm 56 there are “so many enemies” that bring misery upon the life of the psalmist. In all three Psalms we find requests to “bring disaster,” to “let death devastate my enemies,” and to bring them down “in wrath.”

At times we feel attacked. It can be with words and/or actions. We can feel our hearts pounding. We can wish to “fly away and rest.” We’ve experienced a friend turning on us. It hurts – bad. We can connect to the emotions running through these passages. As the attack or abuse continues and continues, we too can near the prayers that are rained down on the psalmist’s “enemies.” We can want God to wipe them out so that our hurt goes away. Or… we can punch back, hitting them harder, seeking to end the situation by our own hand or words.

In these Psalms we see again and again a trust in God. It wavers at times, as evidenced in the key verse above. Fear is the antidote to trust and vice versa. Fear can play all kinds of games – buckling our trust, leading us to wish ill on our enemies, tempting us towards revenge. Today, though, my thoughts are drawn to the gospels. My heart is drawn to words that speak of loving our enemies, of blessing those who curse us. As the story of God’s love continues to unfold and as it is more deeply revealed in Jesus Christ, may our faith and trust grow as we really live into the psalmist’s reality check: “What can mere flesh do to me?”

Prayer: Lord God, as we read and work our way through your word, help us to keep in mind the overarching story of your love for all of humankind. May this big story and its revelation in Jesus counter our human tendencies towards hate, revenge, and other forms of evil. Help us not to fear but to instead trust in your bigger, better plan for our lives and for your world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

God Surrounds Us

Readings: Psalms 1-4

‭Psalms 4:1 – “Answer me when I cry out… Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer!”

Today we begin the Psalms. These words of lament and praise have guided and given voice to faith and suffering for thousands of years. They invite us to walk this road too. Originally the Psalms were Israel’s song book. As do our hymns and praise songs today, the Psalms tell the history and the theology of the people of faith – both then and now.

Psalms 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to almost all that follows in Psalms 3-150. Psalm 1 focuses on living according to God’s instruction and Psalm 2 focuses on the kingship of God. Psalm 1 begins with a list of don’ts. If one wants to be truly happy (or blessed) then don’t do these things. We all have our own list. Instead, the psalmist invites us to recite God’s word day and night. In the original Hebrew the word we translate ‘recite’ would have meant literally mumbling or uttering God’s word under one’s breath all of the time.

Psalm 2 acknowledges that the world (i.e. – the wicked) takes its stand against God and against God’s anointed. The one called “son,” the one who shall reign over “all nations” – we read that as Jesus. The psalmist advises the world to worship this king “reverently” and with “trembling.” And again the theme: take refuge in God and be truly happy.

Psalms 3 and 4 are attributed to David. Both are about crying out to God. In Psalm 3 David is hard-pressed by Absalom’s rebellion and pursuit. While we might not be kings facing a coup, we deal with oppressors and others who want to do us harm. In many ways and in many situations we too can cry out, “Answer me when I cry out… Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer!” And because God is ever faithful, figuratively and literally, we can “lie down and fall asleep in peace.” God surrounds us always. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you do fill our hearts with joy. Your face does shine upon us. We do not need to fear because you save and you rescue. When we rant and rave like the world, draw us to the Lord our refuge. Be intimately acquainted with our ways, O Lord, as we strive to grow intimately acquainted with your ways. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Clearly at Work

Readings: Ruth 3 and Ruth 4

Ruth 3:10 – “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter! You have acted even more faithfully than you did at first.”

Today’s passage begins with Naomi caring for Ruth. It is a bit of a role reversal but she is the one from this culture. Naomi lays out a plan for Ruth to find a husband and Boaz is the ideal choice. He has been generous and righteous, kind and protective. He has not taken advantage of this situation. Ruth receives instructions and works the plan. This is very risky. Women don’t go to the threshing floor – especially in the middle of the night. And women certainly don’t ask men about things like marriage. But that’s the plan. All goes well. Then the waiting begins.

Boaz goes that morning to the city gate. It is where transactions are made. He is intent on talking with the closer relative. Gathering ten elders as witnesses, Boaz explains the situation – mostly. The closest of kin is willing to buy the land to preserve the family inheritance. Next, Boaz says, you also get Ruth the Moabite too – to preserve the family name too. This is one step too far for the next of kin. They make a formal agreement – sandal and all – Boaz will redeem the land and he will marry Ruth.

The sticking point for the next of kin is marrying a foreign woman. Strictly speaking, he is adhering to the Law. Yet God is clearly at work in a new way here in the book of Ruth. Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz are a part of it. The women in town declare that Ruth is “better for you than seven sons.” In that time and culture ,what a statement! The child born to Boaz and Ruth is named Obed – “the one who serves God.” Our reading closes with some genealogy. It goes like this: Obed -> Jesse -> David. That line eventually ends with -> Jesus. If the line of David and Jesus includes a Moabite woman, then maybe we, as people of faith, should likewise welcome “the other.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this beautiful story. It is living faith as it is meant to be lived – caring for one another, honoring you in all that is said and done, elevating righteousness and faithfulness as our guiding lights. Lead us day by day to walk in these ways. Amen.