pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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The Will to Choose

Readings: John 3:16-16 and 34-36, and John 14:1-7

John 3:17 – “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

John 3:16 is about as well-known as any verse in the Bible. God sent his one and only son into this world, taking on flesh, becoming one of us, so that he could die on our behalf, removing our sins, opening the way for us to enter eternal life. This is a beautiful picture of sacrificial love.

The next verse reminds us of God’s unconditional love: “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” God’s first choice is not to be a God of judgment but a God of love, mercy, grace, and salvation. This is what God desires for all humanity, not judgment. God also created humanity with free will or the will to choose. So we can choose to not choose Jesus as our Savior. We can choose to live for self. We can choose to be judged. We can choose to ignore the words of life that Jesus speaks, to ignore the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we invite “the angry judgment of God” upon ourselves.

Jumping forward to John 14, it is a heavy moment. Sandwiched around the command to love one another “as I have loved you” is the news of Judas’ betrayal and of Peter’s denial of knowing Christ. Jesus tells the disciples to not be troubled but to trust in God and in him. He then promises that he will come back for them so that they can be with him in heaven. In response to Thomas’ confusion, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus’ life and example are the way to know God and God’s truths. They are the way to live the life that God intended for us to live, the life here and now that leads one day to life eternal. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you sent your son to save and redeem us. You desire this for each and every one of us. It must break your heart to see the one you wove together in the womb, the one you created for relationship with you, choose the ways of the world. Lord, break our heart for what breaks yours. Amen.


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One in Spirit

Reading: 1st Corinthians 4-6

1st Corinthians 6:19 – “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Paul begins by defining his role as a “servant of Christ” and as a “manager of God’s secrets.” Being faithful is the given expectation. The time to evaluate this will come when Jesus returns. Then people’s motivations will be revealed. In the present, though, the apostles are physically hard-pressed and they are dishonored, insulted, harassed, and attacked. In return, they work hard, bless, and encourage. Paul invites the believers to follow his example and to listen to Timothy’s teaching. He warns the arrogant: “God’s kingdom isn’t about words but about power.” Today we might say, “Talk is cheap.”

In chapters 5 and 6 Paul addresses many immoral behaviors within the church. A man is sleeping with his mother-in-law. Paul instructs the church to “hand him over to Satan” so that this weakness is destroyed. Paul warns about allowing evil to exist in the church. It is like yeast that spreads through the whole body. Paul adds greed, idolatry, abuse, drunkenness, and theft to the list of immoral behaviors. He reminds the church that their bodies are “part of Christ” and are “temples of the Holy Spirit.” Paul declares that they have been “bought and paid for.” Therefore they should “honor God with your body.”

Paul also touches on the lawsuits amongst the believers. The fact that this is happening means “you’ve already lost your case.” He isn’t talking about their court cases here. Doing wrong to and cheating a fellow believer has no place in the family of God. Instead, may we be “joined to the Lord,” becoming “one in Spirit” with Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, guide and lead us to be people of moral and upright lives. Empower us to be temples of your Spirit. Enable and encourage us to hold one another accountable to you. Instead of big sticks, grant us a spirit of gentleness and love when we deal with one another. And when we stray or wander, may we receive correction with humility and grace. Amen.


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Glory to God!

Reading: Romans 14-16

Romans 14:19 – “So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.”

In chapter 14 Paul seeks to build unity and community. He encourages the believers to think of others before themselves. Paul encourages them to not judge another’s convictions about food or wine or sacred days. It is very interesting that he tells the more mature believers to not do this or that if it negatively impacts a new believer’s faith. We tend to do just the opposite, expecting others to be like us instead of meeting others where they are at. We would do well to heed his advice: “So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.” Paul reminds the Roman church and the church today: we all belong to the Lord.

Paul then extends these ideas beyond the body of believers. He directs the believers to “please our neighbors for their good in order to build them up.” He encourages them to welcome others just as Christ did. Paul asks God to fill them with joy and peace so that hope overflows by the power of the Holy Spirit. What a witness this would be to our faith in Jesus Christ.

The letter to the Romans closes with a look forward and with greetings to many people. Paul expresses a longing to visit Rome – after going to Jerusalem and on his way to missionary work in Spain. He seeks prayers for his visit to Jerusalem. He looks forward to coming to Rome, believing he will be “reenergized” by their faith. Paul introduces Phoebe, the likely deliverer and reader of the letter. He greets 26 people by name. 10 are women. Paul warns against those who create division and problems. He asks the God of peace to crush Satan, underneath their feet. Paul closes his letter by asking again and again, “May the glory be to God!” May it be so in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a faith that lifts and builds up. You warn us against judging and being arrogant about our faith. Help us to encourage others, to edify others, to lift others through our witness to you. May all we say and do bring glory to you! Amen.


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Believe

Reading: John 11 and 12

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Lazarus is the focus of most of chapter 11. He falls ill and Mary and Martha send for Jesus. He stays where he is at. Only when Lazarus has died does Jesus head for Bethany. Many Jews come to mourn. As Jesus nears, Martha hears and goes out to meet him. She says as Mary will later say, “Lord, if you had been here…” They believe that Jesus could have healed their brother. While true, there is a greater plan at work. Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” To believe in Jesus leads to eternal life. We will all die in the physical sense as our body passes into death. After weeping with Mary and Martha, Jesus calls for the stone to be removed. This is a test of their faith. Do they believe that Jesus’ power can reach beyond the stone of death?

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Many come to believe. But typical of the division in John, others go to the Pharisees with the news. They fear that a miracle like this will lead to a loss of control, which will lead the Romans to take action. The religious leaders know that Jesus would not play their game. So they decide that Jesus must die. Jesus withdraws to a secluded place for a time.

As the Passover nears, Jesus goes to Bethany. At a dinner at Lazarus’ house, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, preparing him for burial. A greedy Judas protests. The next day Jesus enters Jerusalem. A great crowd celebrates his humble entry. The Pharisees lament, “Look! The whole world is following him!” This kingship is different. Jesus speaks of a single seed falling and dying. Only then can it “bear much fruit.” Jesus reminds the people that he came to be light in darkness and that he came not to judge but to save.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to believe when we have not seen. The signs – we can read about them and trust that they happened. Your words is true. Lord, touch us and our lives with your presence and with your Spirit. May we feel the light and life within us, leading us to believe. May we walk daily with your Holy Spirit. Amen.


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Born from Above

Reading: John 2:13-3:36

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

As chapter 2 winds down, Jesus goes to Jerusalem. He goes to the temple. It is just before Passover, so the temple would be busy, abuzz with activity. Stepping into this scene, Jesus makes a whip and drives out those selling animals and those converting Roman coins to temple coins. The religious leaders question Jesus’ authority and he responds with “Destroy this temple and in three days I’ll raise it up.” The religious leaders are deeply confused but the disciples will remember these words after Jesus was raised – and they believed.

As Jesus does “miraculous signs” many come to believe. But this is a superficial faith. This is the human nature that Jesus does not fully trust himself to. In chapter 3 Jesus encounters someone wrestling with his faith. Nicodemus comes at night and recognizes that Jesus is from God – because of the miracles. Jesus cuts to the chase, telling Nicodemus that he must be born anew. Clarifying, Jesus says, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom.” All people are born of the flesh. To see, to receive, to believe, one must be born of the Holy Spirit too.

Continuing and deepening the conversation, Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Human One (Jesus) must be lifted up just as Moses lifted the snake to bring healing and life to the Israelites. The life Jesus will offer, however, is eternal life. And contrary to popular belief, the Messiah did not come to judge but to save. Judgment will fall on those who fear and reject Jesus’ light.

Our reading closes with Jesus baptizing in Judea. John recognizes this as the sign that he must decrease so that Jesus can increase. The one from above is at work. He speaks God’s truth and gives the Spirit generously. By the end of the Gospel, Nicodemus will receive and believe. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed generous with your love and grace, with your mercy, and with your Spirit. Through receiving and believing we find the way to eternal life and to life abundant now. Use us today to share these blessings with others so that they too may receive and believe. Amen.


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Hope, Yes, Even Then

Ezekiel 20:33 – “As surely as I live, with a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, I will be your king!”

Good and evil 1

We begin today with a riddle. The great eagle is Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He planted Zedekiah, but he rebelled, trying to form an alliance with Egypt. But Pharaoh wouldn’t help. Zedekiah went into exile. In chapter 18 God clarifies the consequences of their sin. Contrary to popular understanding, sins and their consequences are not carried on through the generations. Through a three generation example, God reveals that the righteous will live. The sinful will die. God states in verse 30, “I will judge each of you according to your ways.” The chapter concludes with a plea from God: choose life.

Chapters 19 and 20 lament Israel’s leaders and history, respectively. In chapter 19 poor leadership has resulted in Israel and Judah being planted in the desert – in exile – in a “parched and thirsty land.” God then reviews Israel’s long, long, long history of disobedience. Again and again and again God is ready to “pour out my wrath” on Israel and again and again and again we read that “for my name’s sake” God gives Israel another chance. Whether literally or figuratively it was again and again, “one more lap around the desert” as God tried and tried to bring Israel into a lasting covenant relationship. Finally, in 20:33 we read, “As surely as I live, with a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, I will be your king!” There will not be another lap, another “again.” Yet even as disaster looms, God speaks hope. After the doom, God will regather the small remnant. God will “bring you into the covenant bond.”

Chapter 21 describes the disaster soon to come. The guard will strike all – left and right, twice and three times. Reminded of their guilt, they will be laid low. “A ruin, ruin, ruin, I’ll make it!” declares the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, these words of death and loss and devastation and disobedience can be hard to read. They are hard to wrap our heads around. Yet we also must acknowledge that just as you laid out the way to live, the people chose to walk the other way. We too face the same choice: life or death. Guide us to choose life, to choose to walk in your ways of love and grace, of justice and righteousness. Amen.


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Focused on God

Readings: Psalms 96-101

‭Psalm 99:5 – “Magnify the LORD, our God! Bow low at his footstool! He is holy!”

Today’s six Psalms are songs of praise and are calls to celebrate God as Lord over all. Many common themes run through these Psalms: sing to the Lord, the Lord reigns, God is righteous and just, God’s love lasts forever. A feeling of joy arches over today’s readings.

Psalm 96 invites all people to “Bring gifts! Enter his courtyards.” Here we see an early indication of the widening of God’s kingdom. It is “all families of the nations” that are invited. All. There is also a recognition for the “all” in the Psalm: “He will judge all people fairly.” Just judgment will come to all people.

Psalm 97 reminds us that fire goes before God, “burning up his enemies.” Zion and Judah celebrate these acts of justice. In Psalm 98 the song exalts the victory won by “his own strong hand.” The shouts are triumphant. All of creation celebrates the victory of God’s justice. The themes of justice and righteousness continue in Psalm 99. The call is to “Magnify the LORD, our God! Bow low at his footstool! He is holy!” The footstool represents the ark of the covenant. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel were the givers and keepers of the Law. Therefore God heard and answered their cries, forgiving them when they strayed.

Psalm 100 celebrates that Israel is “the sheep of his own pasture.” Made and chosen by God, they live in God’s faithful love generation after generation. Psalm 101 closes with a call to integrity. To walk with integrity (and within God’s love) one must focus on the will and way of God while also not abiding any evil. May this be our walk as we seek to worship our God of love, justice, and righteousness with our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, what great reminders today of who and what you are: loving, just, holy, faithful, righteous, worthy of our praise. We too are the sheep of your pasture. As such, lead and guide us to daily bring these character traits to bear on the world. In all things – thoughts, words, and deeds – may we glorify you! Amen.


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Always There with Us

Readings: Psalms 33-36

‭Psalm 36:6 – “Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.”

Photo credit: Lidia Nikole

Our readings today begin and end with two Psalms of praise. Psalm 34 begins with praises for God’s goodness and faithfulness, for God speaking creation into being. The psalmist celebrates God’s rule over all the earth. Kings and warriors aren’t saved by their strength and power (and neither are we!) No, the psalmist says, put your hope and trust in the Lord alone. Psalm 36 does begin by recognizing the evil and wicked choices of the sinful. But the psalmist quickly shifts to praising God for God’s faithful love and for “Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.” God is worthy of our praise! Yes, we take refuge under God’s wings. Yes, God’s light is our light!

Psalms 34 and 35 speak of the good and evil that is present in our world and in our lives. Psalm 34 begins with blessing and praising God for answered prayers and for deliverance. Then the psalmist offers a warning and also some words of encouragement: keep your tongue from evil, do good, seek peace. The author declares that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.” Note the present tense of these verbs! These warnings, the hope, the encouragement – they apply to our lives too!

Psalm 35 begins with pleas for God to act: “Stand up and help me!” Rescue is needed from those who want to humiliate, shame, and harm. We too have lifted these calls. The psalmist laments that even though he or she fasted and grieved when “they” were sick, now they rejoice in his or her stumbles. The psalmist cries out, “How long…?”

The Psalm closes with renewed requests for justice, for the enemies to be the ones who are disgraced. Then, then the psalmist will praise the Lord. Then… When we are hard-pressed, when we feel the full assault of evil, then, yes, it can be hard to praise the Lord. Yet, as the song goes, “May we praise you in the storm.” May it be so because God is always there with us.

Prayer: Lord God, we so want justice to be served, to see wrongs made right. When we are tempted to execute our justice, pause us and remind us first of your grace that covers us. And then, then remind us that you alone are the judge, that you alone know true justice. Help us to trust, O God, in your strong righteousness and in your deep justice. Help us to stand on that mountain, to wade into that deep sea, for you alone are God. Amen.


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Judge, Rescuer, Creator

Readings: Psalms 5-8

‭Psalm 7:8 – “The LORD will judge the peoples. Establish justice for me, LORD, according to my righteousness and according to my integrity.”

Photo credit: Michael Michelovski

Psalms 5-7 are Psalms of lament and sorrow. All three cry out to God, lifting cries for rescue, protection, deliverance – all from those who do evil, whether it is those in the world or if the evil is within us. The psalmist(s) cry out, “Hear my words, Lord!”… “Have mercy on me, Lord” … “Get up, Lord; get angry!” There is an urgency and there is a trust that God will act. This trust is built on God’s “abundant, faithful love” and on a God who is “a righteous judge.” In the end, there is a belief that our good, loving, just God will surely triumph over evil.

These Psalms also express a sure need for God. In Psalm 5: “Make your way clear, right in front of me.” We need guidance. In Psalm 6: “Come back to me, Lord! Deliver me.” We need God’s presence and God’s rescue. In Psalm 7: “Save me from all who chase me!” We need God’s deliverance. Each Psalm acknowledges that there is evil in the world that we cannot overcome on our own. We saw this in Job’s story. In 7:8 the psalmist writes: “The LORD will judge the peoples. Establish justice for me, LORD, according to my righteousness and according to my integrity.” Job could’ve spoken these words. We would like to be able to speak these words.

There is a strong shift as we turn to Psalm 8. It is a Psalm of Praise sprinkled in amongst the laments. It is needed after Psalms 5-7. The Psalm opens and closes by acknowledging the majesty of God. This is noticed in the night sky – the works of God’s fingers. The vastness and majesty of the stars and moon is initially contrasted with the smallness of humanity. The author asks, “What are human beings that you pay attention to them?” Well, they are divinely made in God’s image and they are tasking with caring well for God’s creation. Both of these are awesome responsibilities. In these roles may we strive to reflect God’s spirit, intention, and purpose in creation, shining brightly for all to see.

Prayer: Lord God, today we hear the cries of the psalmist(s) for your presence, for your justice, for your righteousness, for your power and might. When we are in need, remind us of these words and of the trust and faith contained in them. And, Lord, when we have the opportunity to care well for one another and for all other parts of your creation, may your generous love guide us. Amen.


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Finding God

Readings: 1st Samuel 4, 1st Samuel 5, 1st Samuel 6, 1st Samuel 7

1st Samuel 5:11 – “Send the chest of Israel’s God away! Let it go back to its own home so it doesn’t kill us and our people.”

Have you ever been around someone who has said something like, “I feel like we should say a prayer or something?” This thought reminds me of Israel at this point in their story. They have a vague notion of God but have no clue about how to really connect to the Lord. As the battle with the Philistines goes badly, they wonder why God would let this happen. But instead of praying or doing anything else that might connect them to God, they decide to bring the ark of the covenant to the next battle. This battle turns out worse. 30,000 die, the ark is captured, and Hophni and Phinehas die. This news causes Eli to fall over dead.

The ark brings nothing but trouble to the Philistines. They put it in their temple and their god Dagon falls over. They set it aright and the next morning it’s toppled again, this time missing its head and hands. The hand of God brings tumors on the people. Finally the Philistines say, “Send the chest of Israel’s God away! Let it go back to its own home so it doesn’t kill us and our people.” The Philistines even include an offering to honor God. At this point they know God better than the Israelites know God. The ark is received back. Time passes and Israel begins to long for God. Something is beginning to stir in their hearts.

Samuel calls the people back to God. He tells them to get rid of their idols and foreign gods. They gather with Samuel at Mizpah. Samuel draws and pours out water. They fast and confess their sins. And the Philistines gather an army. Israel is afraid. They look to Samuel. He prays to God and makes an offering. God brings Israel the victory. Samuel sets up an Ebenezer – a stone of remembering. There is peace. Samuel rules as a judge. All seems well…

Prayer: Lord God, today I’m reminded of how life seems to go when we go it on our own versus walking with you. When I’m tempted to sort of seek you, call me out. Remind me that it is my whole heart, soul, and mind that you seek. Pour those temptations out like water and draw me to the rock of faith that is a sure foundation. Amen.