pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: justice


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Our King

Reading: Psalm 2

Psalm 2:10-11 – “So kings, wise up! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord fervently.”

Psalm 2 contrasts the kings of this world with the true king of God. The powers of this world rant and rave “uselessly.” Many rulers yet today talk just to be heard. They bluster and they bully and they oppress. They say this one day and they walk it back the next day. They scheme against the ways of God, seeking personally fame, glory, and power instead.

God’s response is to send the “anointed one.” While many of us today read this as Jesus, the people of God outside of Christianity did and do think of David, Israel’s greatest king of all time. If one is looking for a king that can defeat the Philistines or Babylon or Aram or Edom or Rome or… then David is your guy. King David made the nations his possession. He ruled with an “iron rod.” He was also imperfect.

As followers of Jesus, we don’t see a lot of difference between the kings described in the two paragraphs above. Yes, some kings claim God and their god. But if they truly worshipped God and loved God with all of their heart, then they would not bully and oppress and shift with the winds of the day. That is simply not the heart of God. Yes, kings and rulers must “wise up” and hear the warning. So must we, the rulers of our own kingdoms. All must “serve the Lord fervently.” So with all that we are, may we serve, worship, and love the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, reign in our hearts and in our world. Draw us to humbly walk with Jesus as our example. Lead us to love faithfully – from you on down to the least of these. Guide us to stand for justice and to work for peace in our world. In all ways may Jesus be our king and our example. Amen.


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Forever Faithful

Reading: Psalm 112

Psalm 112:7 – “They won’t be frightened at bad news. Their hearts are steady, trusting in the Lord.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Psalm 112 describes the outcomes of a righteous life. Our passage today echoes many of the themes and calls that we’ve been reading about and pondering these past few weeks. From the Beatitudes to Micah and Isaiah to the letters of Paul and on into today’s Psalm, themes of mercy, justice, and faithful love resound. Actions reverberate throughout these texts and, in fact, in all of God’s word: obedience to God alone, being a light in the darkness, walking steadfastly with the Lord.

The psalmist begins by declaring that those who love God’s commands are “truly happy.” Their hunger and thirst for God leads them and their descendants to righteous living. The faithful will “shine in the dark” and will be guided by mercy and compassion. The followers of God will be generous and will conduct themselves always with justice. In all these ways, the faithful take on the attributes and character of the God they worship with their whole lives.

Walking humbly with God, “these sorts of people” are not shaken. They are steady and true. With firm hearts and a steady faith, their relationship with God guides them through troubles and “bad news.” As it was in Jesus’ words and in Paul’s writings, this abiding faith, this trust in God, this selfless and humble way of life, it is frustrating to those living by the ways of the world. But this will come to nothing. Our righteousness will “stand forever.” Thanks be to the Lord our God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder today. Thank you for lifting up our call to faithful living, day by day, moment by moment. Guide us to be faithful in all of our ways – in a discrete act of kindness, in a powerful grace in a difficult situation, in bold courage as we walk through the storm. Strengthen and encourage us, Lord, when our faith is challenged – both from within and without. Walk with us each day. Lead and guide us to be forever faithful. All for your glory and praise. Amen.


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Mender and Restorer

Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-12

Isaiah 58:12c – “You will be called Mender of Broken Walls and Restorer of Liveable Streets.”

Continuing in Isaiah 58 today, we find some conditional statements: “If you…” These are not givens. They are choices. These are choices that the people of God need to make every day. If you remove the yoke of oppression and injustice… If you stop the finger-pointing, the name-calling, the blame shifting, the spin cycling… If you “open your heart to the hungry,” to the naked, to the lonely, to the abused… If you “provide abundantly” for the afflicted, the abused, the imprisoned, the lonely… “If you…”

If you choose to do all of these things, then “your light will shine in the darkness.” If you choose to do all of these things, then God will “guide you continually and provide for you in parched places.” If you live as God calls you to live all of the time, then the world will change. We cannot live as we are called to live just some of the time. We cannot live as God calls us to live when it’s easy or convenient, when it is personal, when it’s affecting us. The tide of evil is too great for us to pick and choose when we’ll live as God’s people. With this in mind, notice the shift in verse 12. This too is conditional. If we today live as God calls us to live faithfully and steadfastly, then one day “they” will rebuild and restore. Our example of holy living has the power to change the world.

These words of healing and hope are so needed for our broken world. The establishment of a world without brokenness, of a world where peace and justice are the norm – this world will not come through violence or coercion or power over others. The hard work of restoration and repair, of rescue and redemption will come through small acts of love, lived out again and again. These small acts of love will, one by one, change people’s lives and hearts. Standing against an injustice done to a stranger, speaking words of peace on behalf of the threatened, telling truth amidst the spin and false narratives, owning our part when we are complicit, mending a relationship that is broken, sharing a meal with the poverty-stricken, caring for a sick neighbor… These small acts of love are how our light shines in the darkness. May your light shine today.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many broken walls and many unlivable streets in our world today. How these unjust systems and evil practices must grieve your heart! Lord, may they grieve our hearts too. And then, Lord, with compassion and righteousness, use us to be your love and your light in the world, bringing healing and wholeness and peace and justice to our world. Amen.


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Called Yet Today

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:26-31

1st Corinthians 1:27-28 – “God chose what the world considers foolish… weak… low-class and low-life…”

Turning to our Epistle again this week, Paul invites the believers in Corinth to remember their old selves. This is a good exercise to practice every once in a while. Take a few moments right now to think back to significant events in your faith journey. This might be a conversion moment, a light bulb experience, a time of support or comfort or strength in a difficult time or season in your life… Take a moment to remember and give thanks to God…

In today’s passage, Paul reminds these believers that they did not generally come from the ranks of the “wise… powerful… upper-class.” This reality began in the incarnation and continued in the call of the disciples – and continues yet today. In verses 27-28 we read, “God chose what the world considers foolish… weak… low-class and low-life…” Through such people, God took what the world saw and sees as wise, strong, important… and reduced all of this to nothing. These worldly titles, accolades, desires – they are really nothing in the kingdom of God. That is why fishermen and tax collectors and prostitutes were called. And it is why mothers and emergency room nurses and pastors and shop keepers and… are called yet today to bring peace and healing to our divided and broken world. It is why God calls you and me.

This work of making earth “as it is in heaven” began with Christ. Then through death, God raised Jesus up, defying the two things that all the power in the world cannot defeat: sin and death. Since then, God has called the faithful to defeat the present evils of this world: hate, violence, division, injustice, poverty, power over… God doesn’t just call. God also equips and prepares. Those moments we recalled at the start of this time, the roiling that you feel in your gut right now – all ways God is equipping and preparing us. God makes us “righteous and holy” and God will “deliver us,” some to bring peace and justice, some to pray and love, and, yes, some even unto death.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to hear your call. Open our ears and eyes to the ways that you call every single one of us to resist evil and to fight for justice. Empower our prayers, our words, our actions – whatever we have to offer to bring about peace and wholeness in our world. Grant us the courage and strength to do your will. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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A Right Heart

Reading: Micah 6:1-8

Micah 6:6 – “With what should I approach the Lord and bow down before God almighty?”

Returning to Micah 6 today we read the verses that lead up to the well-known call to practice justice, to embrace faithful love, and to walk humbly with God and with neighbor. Verses 1-7 lay out “why” Israel should live in these ways and it points out Israel’s failed attempts at true worship. The passage is set as if in a courtroom as God brings God’s case against Israel. In a lawsuit, if you are the one seeking justice, it is good. But if you’re on trial, this is not a good place to be. For the people of God, they are on trial. “With Israel, he [God] will argue.”

God’s case opens with questions about how Israel has gotten to this place: What did I do to you (or fail to do)? How have I wearied you? God is wondering aloud how God displeased Israel, how God bored them into this disobedience. God then reminds Israel what faithfulness looks like. From leading Israel out of slavery to giving them good leaders to protecting them from their enemies, God has always been there for Israel – irrelevant to their commitment, regardless of their unfaithfulness, no matter their sin and wandering and idolatry.

God then lays bare the reality of their present worship. These acts themselves, prescribed by the Law, can be pleasing to God. But volume and simply going through the motions? If one if just playing the game and trying to impress God along the way, then God is not interested in the least. Micah muses, “With what should I approach the Lord and bow down before God almighty?” Returning to verse 8 we find God’s answer. We are reminded that a right heart, a heart right with God and with one another, this is where worship that is pleasing to God begins. With a heart that reflects God’s heart, this is the place that we are filled with love and grace and mercy and peace and hope and compassion and… Filled, we are then ready to be these things to the world. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, strip away our pretense, break down our barriers, wipe away the noise of the world. Bring us to a place of transparency, honesty, and sincerity – not for your sake but for ours. You see through it all. You know the true condition of our hearts. Beginning in a place of humility, guide us then to be practitioners of justice and steadfast love. This is the worship that is pleasing to you. Living and being this way, may our lives reveal to the world what is good and what is required by you. Amen.


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We Cry Out

Reading: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Psalm 27:7 – “Lord, listen to my voice when I cry out – have mercy and answer me.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

These ancient words of David are words we can relate to yet today. Just as David faced evil and people who were against him, today we face these same things. Sadly, this is one of the constants in our world. The desire for power over others and the drive to accumulate more and more has always led to the suffering of others. In verse 1 we are reminded of another constant. God has been and always will be a light in the darkness, salvation in the brokenness, and a fortress in the battle against evil.

In this world of division and violence and oppression we are called to be Christ’s light. This is not always an easy task. Just yesterday the Bishop of the episcopal area in which I serve held a Zoom call to discuss the division, violence, and oppression unfolding in Minneapolis and to talk about our Christian response. The church should be as David describes the temple in verses 4-6. It should be a place of shelter and safety, a rock upon which people can stand. But this is not just about the building. The body of Christ must be these things to the world in the reality of life.

A story was shared yesterday of an elderly man who came to the United States long ago, fleeing the violence of his homeland. He became a citizen and a part of society. This elderly man was pulled out of the shower, taken out into the street in shorts and crocs, with a throw over his shoulders, in sub-zero temperatures, to be questioned. Yes, it feels as if “an enemy encamps against” us. Like David and like many others, we cry out for justice. We cry out for peace. We cry out, “Lord, listen to my voice when I cry out – have mercy and answer me.” Lord, we need you now. O God who saves, be with us now.

Prayer: Lord God, we do cry out – some in our hearts, some in our spirits, some with pen and paper, some in the streets. Whatever your answer to our cries, may we hear and respond. May we say or do or pray or go as we are led. May we be used as you will – as a voice, as a presence, as a supporter… As you work towards justice and peace, O God, lead us to be your co-workers in this fight. Use us to stand with and to watch over and to protect the vulnerable and the suffering. Amen.


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How Can We…?

Reading: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Psalm 27:8 – “Come, my heart says, seek God’s face! Lord, I do seek your face!”

Photo credit: Mitchel Lensink

We do not know the context for Psalm 27. Even though we do not know the cause, we do know that David’s words are a hopeful prayer lifted in the midst of a time of suffering and trial. In our hard times, perhaps these are words that we’ve lifted as a prayer. And today, in places near and far, rural and urban, well-off and living in poverty, these are words that many could or do lift to God as they suffer, struggle, and are afraid. As we consider these words today, may we also consider how we might be an answer to those near to us who lift these words or words like them as a prayer to God.

The Psalm begins with hope and confidence. With God as light, salvation, and protection, what is there to fear? For David, there are evildoers and enemies all around and an army encamped against him. Today, there is war, violence, threats, division, hatred, disease, injustice. People are in hiding, filled with fear – right here in our nation. David seeks shelter in the house of the Lord. If he could but dwell there every day of his life… While our churches largely remain safe places, getting there is another story for many people. For David and for the faithful today, being in God’s presence is a place and space to worship, to find joy, to rest “during troubling times.”

The last verses of today’s reading are a plea to God. David begs for God to hear, to listen, to have mercy. Encouraging himself and others, David implores his faith, saying, “Come, my heart says, seek God’s face! Lord, I do seek your face!” This is a hopeful request to “God who saves.” And again I wonder, how can we as the hands and feet of God bring both presence and peace and tangible help such as food and shelter to those suffering and living in fear today?

Prayer: Lord God, for those of us not facing persecution or oppression or threat, not living in fear, not suffering, move us to action on behalf of those experiencing these things. Use us as you may to restore justice, basic freedoms, safety. For those lacking these things, be present to them wherever they are – in one of your houses or in places of hiding. And through us, may they feel and know your love, your protection, and your peace. Amen.


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God Will…

Reading: Isaiah 49:1-4

Isaiah 49:4b – “Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with God.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

The second of four Servant Songs found in Isaiah is our focus today and tomorrow. In this week’s reading, the servant speaks in the first person. These words could be Isaiah himself speaking or they could be the words of the servant Israel – an ideal Israel. Or is the prophet speaking as you or me?

The chosenness found in Isaiah 42 continues in chapter 49. The servant was called before birth, formed by God in the womb for this very purpose. As God’s hand continued to shape and form the servant, he or she or we became “a sharp sword… a sharpened arrow.” God’s word continues to cut through our sin and complacency and apathy, calling us to be people bent on righteousness and justice. God identifies the servant as one “in whom I show my glory.” God’s light and love, shining in and through us, reveal God’s presence and glory to the world. It is a high calling.

And it is not always easy to speak truth and to bring God glory. At times we feel like the servant feels: “wearied… in vain… used up… strength… for nothing.” We have given our all, but the fight feels too uphill. We have walked the long road of faith, but there seems to be no end in sight. The injustice, the oppression, the grief, the evils of this world – they appear to be winning. In these low moments, in the depth of the dark valley, we need to remember and cling to the words found at the end of verse 4: “Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with God.” God is on our side. God has a plan. God is a God of justice and righteousness. God will triumph over all evil. And if not in our lifetime, then heaven is surely our reward. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, there are many days when we walk in your light and love. We feel your presence, strength, and guidance. Our words, thoughts, and actions are pleasing in your sight. May these days be our reminders. Lord, in those seasons when we are worn down and feel defeated, remind us of your presence. Lift us up by the memories of our long and steady walk with you. Renew our strength and focus so that your light might shine into the darkness, whether in our hearts or in our world. Amen.


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The Spirit of God

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4

Isaiah 42:1 – “But here is my servant… I’ve put my spirit upon him; he will bring justice to the nations.”

Isaiah 42 has been identified since the time of Jesus as one of four Servant Songs found in Isaiah. The New Testament writers used these songs as messianic prophecies, identifying Jesus as the servant who suffers. At the time of their writing, though, the aim of these songs was to help Israel understand its servant role, even in the midst of suffering and exile.

In this first Servant Song, the servant is chosen by God. His or her role is defined this way: “I’ve put my spirit upon him; he [or she] will bring justice to the nations.” It is important to note that the spirit of God is much different than the spirit of the world. God’s spirit and the power that it brings works to bring justice to the world. This spirit doesn’t shout and demand respect. This spirit does not trample over others but cares for the weak and the marginalized – the “bruised reed” and the “faint wick.” With compassion and care this spirit will bring God’s justice to the world. This gentle yet strong spirit of God works steadfastly to build a just and loving world.

The spirit of the world cares little for this way of kingdom building. Those with the spirit of the world recklessly force their way, seeking personal gain and glory above all else. In their wake we find suffering and harm. Justice is a good thing, yes – unless it gets in the way of accumulating more and more. The goals of the spirit of the world are more power, more wealth, more status. These aims are about as far from “humble servant” as one could get.

In Isaiah, in any other prophet’s words, and in the New Testament witness, the people of God are called to humble service, gentle leadership, compassionate care for the vulnerable. The spirit of God calls us to be bringers of justice. May we choose to walk as a humble and sometimes suffering servant of God today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, outside of your word and outside of our faith communities, so much of what we hear and see is guided by the spirit of the world. Although not easy in our current world, lead and guide us to be people of your spirit – humbly serving, seeking justice, protecting the least of these. Chosen by you, use us to shine your light and love into the darkness of this world. Amen.


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God’s Light and Imprint

Reading: Hebrews 1:1-12

Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the light of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s being.”

The title of this opening section of Hebrews in my home Bible is “The Son is God’s Ultimate Messenger.” The author of Hebrews raises Jesus up far above the prophets and the angels. Most of our passage today contains quotes from the Hebrew scriptures, known to us as the Old Testament. Using these seven quotes, the author roots Jesus in Judaism’s sacred scriptures and holy traditions. Together these quotes establish Jesus as God’s son, as creator of the world, as justice and righteousness personified, as controller of the angels, and as eternally reigning.

The heart of today’s reading, though, is found in the opening verses. It is Jesus who “in these final days” spoke as God’s prophet. Through the message that Jesus gave, he “maintains everything.” Jesus’ words and power hold all things together under him. The one who created the world is the one who holds it all together. In verse 3 we read about how this is possible: “The Son is the light of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s being.” Here the author gets at the core of the incarnation, of Emmanuel, God with us. In Jesus we see the light of God and we see the character of God. Jesus is God in the flesh.

In word and deed Jesus reveals God’s love, mercy, grace, hope… lived out on earth. And when Jesus was done setting the example for us to follow in this life, “he carried out the cleansing of people from their sins.” Jesus became our atoning sacrifice so that we could continue to follow his perfect example after falling short. Providing a way for us imperfect creatures to be made right again with God, Jesus then “sat down at the right hand” of God, awaiting our arrival in heaven. There we will forever worship the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we praise you today for your word and example that endures forever. We thank you for showing us the way to love unconditionally, to forgive without count, to dwell in beloved community, to walk together in faith. Be with us now and always. Amen.