pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Jesus


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Surrender, Trust, Belief

Reading: Psalm 31:1-5 and 15-16

Verse 5: “Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

In Psalm 31 David turns to God in the midst of a trial. He begins by reminding God that he has taken refuge in God before. Maybe he’s reminding himself too. Then David turns to the Lord for help, leaning into his current trial. Seeking protection and deliverance and rescue, David asks God to “be my rock of refuge, my strong fortress.” When we too are in a time of trial we pray such prayers. It is natural to turn to the one who has been there before, trusting them to be there once again.

There’s a slight shift in verse 3. It is subtle but here David begins to include God in the prayer. Because God is David’s rock and refuge, “for the sake of your name,” David prays, “lead and guide me. Free me… for you are my refuge.” Others are watching God. Others know that David turns to God and relies on God. David is saying, in essence, ‘God, you gotta come through.’ At times I’ve prayed along these lines. In desperation I’ve tried playing this card. Yet, doing so, it is also a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Verses 5, 15, and 16 carry a different tone. These are words of surrender and trust. “Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” Jesus prayed these words on the cross. Stephen echoed them as he was being stoned. There is a calm in these words, a belief that God has it, that God is in control. As we bring our needs, our trials, our confessions, our concerns to the Lord, may we do so with the same surrender, trust, and belief.

Prayer: Lord God, I praise you for your steadfast love and for your faithfulness. Time and time again you’ve been there for me. Continue to walk with me, to guide me, to lead me. Be the Lord of my life. I surrender to you. Amen.


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Living Stones

Reading: 1st Peter 2:2-8

Verse 5: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

As we look at this week’s reading from 1st Peter 2, Peter begins by addressing their faith. From verse 2 we can glean that many are just beginning their walk of faith. Here he refers to these believers as newborns, encouraging them to “crave pure spiritual milk” so that their faith can grow. He also touches on their love of God. He reminds them that they have “tasted that the Lord is good.” It is a tangible and sure reminder for the hard times that they live in.

Peter names Jesus “the living stone.” He settles on this title because it connects into the words and images used in the Hebrew scriptures to describe the Messiah. Peter quotes from Isaiah 28 and 8 and from Psalm 118, identifying Jesus as the cornerstone, the capstone, the rock. He identifies Jesus as the one who was “chosen” by and is “precious” to God. He then connects these exiled followers of Jesus into all of this by saying, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” They too are chosen and precious. They too are to be living rocks of faith. All of this applies to us too. We are chosen and precious. We are to be living stones.

Peter calls these followers living as exiles and sojourners in foreign lands to be built into a community of faith and to live as “a holy priesthood.” The community is the necessary source of strength and support, of help and provision, of love and encouragement, of praise and prayer. This community, this family, is essential to them and us being “a royal priesthood.” Without our brothers and sisters in Christ it is really hard to be living stones in this hostile world. So we begin here, with hope and encouragement. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for calling me, for seeing me as precious and as worthy of a place in the family of Christ. Use me as one who ministers to others, helping them too to know that they are chosen and precious, beloved and worthy. Amen.


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To Know One…

Reading: John 14:7-14

Verse 9: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

Photo credit: Alexander Gray

In the second half of our John 14 passage Jesus makes some connections and a promise that comes from these connections. He begins by asserting that “if you really knew me, you would know the Father as well.” Here Jesus is affirming that he is the incarnation of God – God come in the flesh. As one of my devotionals put it this morning: “they are two separate but interconnected persons of one essence; to know one is to know the other” (Tanya Marlowe, Disciplines, page 45.) For the disciples this was a hard concept to wrap their heads around. In their Hebrew scriptures to physically see God brought death; to touch the ark of the covenant, the place God dwelt, brought death. To equate that God to this walking and talking Jesus was hard for them.

Jesus presses on, stating, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus’ life, teachings, example – all came from the essence of God within him. He points to the miracles as further proof of this connection. Having experienced all this for almost three years, they must’ve been connecting some dots. And then Jesus hints at more, beginning to push the essence of God a step further. In verse 12 Jesus tells the disciples, “anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing… even greater things.” There is a hint of the Holy Spirit here – the third separate but interconnected persons of one essence. This will lead to Jesus in them, to Jesus in us. Their (and our) knowledge of God will grow deeper and stronger as this new connection takes up residence in them.

And lastly comes the promise: “I will do whatever you ask in my name.” We cannot stop after six words. We can ask for anything, yes. But if it is not done in and through the indwelling presence of God within us, then it is not of Jesus. Again, here Jesus points to connection – God in Jesus, in the Spirit, in us. May we ever be led by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, be in me today as the Father was in you: fully, completely, totally. In all I say and do and think, lead and guide me. With this connection may I reflect you to the world this day and every day. Amen.


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Our Only Hope

Reading: John 14:1-6

Verse 1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

Since the triumphal entry during the palm parade Jesus has spoken to the disciples about his impending death, Judas’ betrayal, and Peter’s denial. Into this heaviness Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” While we may think this encouragement hard to live out, especially when our lives feel a great heaviness, Jesus goes on to tell us and the disciples why we/they shouldn’t be troubled of heart.

Death, betrayal, denial – they are not the end of the story. They don’t have to be the end of our story either. Oh yes, we can let them be the end, or at least feel like the end. Again Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” There is hope in death, reconciliation in betrayal, and redemption in denial. Jesus first invites us to trust in God and in him. There is a bigger plan at work in all of this heaviness. For and with Jesus, none of these things has the final say. That’s what he’s talking about in verses 2-4. He’s soon on his way to heaven. Once there he prepared a place for you and for me. And, when the time comes, Jesus himself will “take you to be with me.” Death ends in eternal life, in victory. But what of betrayal and denial and all of the other sufferings and trials and hardships that befall us?

Into all of this other heaviness, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” In the midst of it all, Jesus is the way through. Lean on him, trust in him, rely on him. He’ll walk with you through the darkest valley. In moments of temptation or when facing a difficult decision, turn to the truth. Listen to the Holy Spirit, mine the scriptures, pray. He’ll guide and protect, he’ll lead and strengthen. And when you’re hurt by betrayal or some other human shortcoming, look to the model of mercy and forgiveness. Channel what Jesus did on the cross for your sin into that relationship that needs healing and reconciliation. His love will heal all wounds.

Prayer: Lord God, you are our only hope in this life and for the life to come. Thank you for showing us the way and for being the truth. Thank you for all you do for us now in this world. Amen.


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In Spirit, Faith, and Truth

Reading: Acts 7:59-60

Verses 59-60: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit… Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

Photo credit: Simon Schmitt

After Jesus, Stephen is the first person to die for their faith. Just as the early church is finding itself and its voice, this tragedy occurs. Stephen was bold and lived his faith out loud. He was led by the Holy Spirit. He was drawing people to Jesus Christ. The stoning of Stephen must’ve felt like a massive gut punch to the early church. Until you heard the words he said even as death came. Stephen’s last words were a powerful witness to the faith that he had in the Lord.

As the stoning began Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He was committing his soul to the one in whom he put all his hope and trust. He was declaring his faith in the one who rose from death. Even now he remained bold for his faith. With his last breath Stephen offers these words that echo Jesus’ words from the cross: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Like his master, even in death Stephen offers forgiveness. He models grace. This too is a great testimony to the power of the Spirit of Christ within Stephen, leading and guiding him right to the very end.

This martyrdom and the intense persecution that will follow forces the church out into the world. Led by Saul, the Jewish religious leaders will try to eradicate this new faith in Jesus Christ. This too will lead to bold witnessing for their faith. In Spirit, truth, and faith the church will grow and thrive. It is God’s plan. May it continue to be so with you and with me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the witness of Stephen. Lead and guide me by the same power of the Holy Spirit. Empower in me a bold and courageous faith that stands tall for you. Amen.


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Speaking the Truth

Reading: Acts 7:55-58

Verse 55: “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God.”

Today and tomorrow’s passage from the end of Acts 7 comes at the end of a larger story. In chapter 6 Stephen begins to proclaim the good news and to do “great wonders and miraculous signs.” Clearly the power of God is with him. Jewish opposition begins to rise but they cannot stand up to the truth that Stephen speaks. So they drum up a false charge and haul him before the Sanhedrin. Then, in chapter 7 now, Stephen gives these religious leaders an overview of their history, beginning with Abraham and going down through Moses. He cites the example of the people rejecting Moses (and therefore God) before asking, “Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute?” Stephen then reminds them that they “betrayed and murdered” the righteous one, Jesus Christ. At this the members of the Sanhedrin “were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.” Brought to this point of raging anger, we turn to verse 55.

Here we read, “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God.” In the midst of this trial, God reassures Stephen. He receives a vision from heaven. He sees Jesus “standing at the right hand of God.” It brings Stephen calm, peace, and joy in the midst of the storm that has been whipped up by his Holy Spirit fueled speech. Still full of the Spirit, Stephen proclaims, “I see heaven open and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” Jesus is standing, ready to welcome Stephen home.

This vision and proclamation is more than the religious leaders can bear. They drag him out of the city and begin to stone him, killing yet another prophet. As it was with Jesus, speaking the truth came with a cost. It was one that was gladly and willingly paid. May we be as willing.

Prayer: Lord God, even though I am unlikely to find myself in as threatening of a position as Stephen did, grant me the courage to speak truth to power all of the time. Lead and guide me by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen.


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Seeks Out, Brings Back

Reading: John 10:1-10

Verse 3: “The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

In this week’s John 10 passage Jesus uses the shepherd-sheep analogy. In verse 3 the shepherd tells us, “The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” Sheep learn the voice of their shepherd. They follow that voice because they trust their shepherd. As a group – that’s the natural tendency for sheep – they go where the shepherd leads. This is a good analogy for us too. If we trust Jesus, then we try and follow his voice, whether that is his words and example in the gospels or if it is the nudge and whisper of the Holy Spirit. Luke sheep we too tend towards community and connection with one another. But not always.

In both Matthew’s and Luke’s gospel they tell the story of the lost sheep. Yes, at times a sheep can wander. There are a number of reasons that this can happen. We wander too. We can be hurt so isolation or withdrawal seems safest. We can pursue or get caught up in worldly things. Then we create distance to avoid being held accountable or because we feel guilty. We meander off. Yet the Good Shepherd still seeks us out, still tries to bring us back into the fold.

As many of us prepare to enter into a community today to worship and praise, to be filled and renewed, let us not forget the lost. May we make efforts to include those outside the flock, for whatever reasons. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, I am grateful that I heard your voice. I am thankful that I have grown to know it more and more. Yet I too know that I have and still do wander. I’ve been hurt and withdrew. Thank you for never giving up on me, for always calling me back to you. Use me to do the same for others. Amen.


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Centering on Christ

Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Verse 44: “All the believers were together and had everything in common.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As I read these verses about the early church I marvel at this community. These words remind me of the feelings I get when I read Psalm 23. All is well and right in the world. God is definitely present and there is a peace that passes understanding. Love, generosity, kindness, fellowship, connection, food, prayer – these words summarize the church described in today’s passage.

In verse 44 we read, “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Harmony is the word that seems to best fit this image. It wasn’t just that they shared their bread or other things with each other. It wasn’t just that any and all who showed up felt loved and welcomed. It wasn’t just that they sang and prayed and worshipped together each day. It wasn’t just that they shared life together in intimate and personal ways. It was all of this. In the last verse we read that God was adding to their number daily.

These early Christians were known for their “glad and sincere hearts.” This was easily identifiable. The community was genuine and true. What was the source of all this? Jesus Christ was alive and well in their hearts. The Spirit of Christ was present to them and in their gatherings. Centering on Christ led these believers to live as a community of faith that attracted outsiders. It drew them to come inside. May it be so for our churches once again.

Prayer: Lord of all, what a great vision today of your kingdom here on earth! Move in our churches and in our hearts so that we better model this love and grace, this generosity and fellowship to the needy world. Amen.


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Life to the Full!

Reading: John 10:1-10

Verse 4: “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

Photo credit: Daniel Sandvik

The teaching that we read today is Jesus’ further response to what happened in chapter 9. It is the story of the healing of the blind man and the Pharisees’ reaction. At the end of this event the blind man sees Jesus as Lord and professes faith in him while the Pharisees remain spiritually blind, bound up in their strict adherence to the Law. They cannot see how the need for healing could ever supercede the Law.

Today’s illustration shows the difference between living the spirit of the Law and living out the letter of the Law. In one there is love and grace. Jesus declares that those who follow him know his voice. They hear the truths that he preaches… He calls to these and leads them out into the world. And “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” The sheep continue to follow Jesus because they can discern his voice from all the others. By contrast, the Pharisees cannot hear Jesus’ teachings. They are instead trying to climb into the fold by means other than the gate. Instead of hearing the word of God revealed through the teachings and example set by Jesus they’ve turned the Law into an extensive code to follow that has no room for things like healing on the Sabbath. Those who use religion as power are they who “come only to steal and kill and destroy.”

What Jesus offers is radically different. He invites people to live a life of faith, found through entering a relationship with him. He proclaims that these “will be saved.” As wonderful as that is, the offer isn’t just a way into heaven. It’s not about strict adherence to a code of Law that leaves one devoid of love and grace. No, Jesus states, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” A life filled with love and grace and blessing. This thought evokes the overflow of abundance found in the 23rd Psalm. Life to the full! Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, open my eyes to see all that you place before me. Open my ears to hear all that you have to share with me. Open my heart to respond to you and others in love and grace as I seek to serve you alone today. Amen.


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Graces of God

Reading: 1st Peter 2:19-25

Verse 20: “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

This week’s passage from 1st Peter 2 is part of a section titled “Submission to Rulers and Masters.” Verses 13-18 provide some important context for our passage today. In these proceeding verses Peter encourages his readers to submit to “every authority” as they seek to live as “servants of God.” Doing so, Peter says, they will be living holy and righteous lives, shining a light into and onto the world. Continuing in verse 18 he encourages slaves to “submit to your masters with all respect.” This directive is to be followed whether the master is “good and considerate” or if they are “harsh.” (Side note: Although Peter was writing into the accepted context of his day, slavery in any and all forms is wrong.)

In our first verse for today, Peter describes the “bearing up” of “unjust suffering” as an action that is commendable when done “conscious of God.” There is unjust suffering in our world. There are people in parts of our world that suffer unjustly just as the audience of Peter suffered. And even in our “safer” parts of the world there is unjust suffering that occurs. It happens in our lives and in the lives of those we know and love. In verses 21-24 Peter reminds us that Christ suffered unjustly – for us. Here Jesus gave us an example to follow. In the suffering, Jesus did not retaliate. In the pain, he did not threaten. He chose to trust himself and his situation to the God who “judges justly.” Christ knew that one day all things would be made right. This is yet our promise too.

Peter points out that Jesus suffered for us so that we might “die to sins and live for righteousness.” Empowered by Christ’s example his readers then and us now can live with assurance, confidence, and hope. If you are suffering, draw upon these graces of God. If you know another who is suffering, come alongside them and offer these graces to them. Doing so we live by the example set by Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the midst of pain and suffering, be present to us. Be our comfort to endure and our strength to walk in faith and trust. Use us to bring the hope and love of Christ to others who suffer. In these times, fill us with your Holy Spirit power so that we can bring your graces to bear in other people’s lives. Amen.