pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: justice


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Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 149

Psalm 149:6 – “Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.”

Photo credit: Fuu J

Psalm 149 begins with words and images of praising God. Sing a new song! Celebrate with drum and lyre! Dance! Sing praises because “God is pleased with his people.” And then, in verse 6, the Psalm takes what feels like a hard right: “Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.” At first reading, one wonders what happened. Calls for revenge, punishment, binding chains, and justice follow. These actions will be an “honor” for God’s people? And then the Psalm ends with, “Praise the Lord!”

Well then. Verses 1-5 are great. But what are we to do with verses 6-9? A little context will help. Overall, the Psalm is about praising God for the deliverance and rescue that God has brought – past, present, and future. Scholars believe that the Psalm was written after the exiles returned from Babylon. They were rebuilding Jerusalem, the wall, and the temple. God has delivered them from exile. The images of battles won and enemies defeated is an extension of the rebuilding. The land is filled with pagans that also must be dealt with. Some of these nations helped with the destruction and death primarily brought on by Babylon. To rebuild and reclaim the land would not be possible without God’s power and presence. The psalmist is counting on God’s help.

How does our reading change, though, if we read verses 6-9 from a figurative viewpoint? We can be defeated and/or held captive by many things that can only be redeemed through God’s power and presence. We can find ourselves in need of a rebuilding that only God can accomplish. And by “we,” I mean all of us. So in a fight against injustice or oppression, maybe our words are like a sword that cuts through evil. Maybe our actions lead to justice and a binding up of unjust systems. Maybe we are shackled by anger or fear or addiction or… Maybe we need God to break these chains and to set us free. When we’ve experienced or are a part of God’s deliverance for others, we too shout out, “Praise the Lord!”

Prayer: Lord God, there are many things to praise you for and there are many ways to offer our praise. Thank you for the times that you have rescued and delivered us. Praise be to God! From a place of faith and wholeness, use us to help free others from all that binds so that they too can praise you. Amen.


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Joyous and Abundant in Love

Reading: Matthew 16:24-28

Matthew 16:24 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”

Immediately following Peter’s scolding of Jesus and Jesus’ correction of Peter, we turn to Jesus explaining the cost of discipleship. To me this is one of the great paradoxes of our faith. To truly follow Jesus is to lose one’s own life. If one totally surrenders one’s life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, it would seem a great cost. But once surrendered, life becomes free and full, joyous and abundant in love. It is a hard price to initially pay, but it is one that would be gladly paid again and again once new life is experienced.

Jesus begins with this statement: “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” Saying “no” to oneself is to deny our sinful wants and desires, placing Jesus and others ahead of self. This is not a call to abject poverty, but a call to generously sharing what we have – time, talents, resources, faith… To take up one’s cross is a call to stand for love, justice, goodness… It becomes a “cross” when standing up and/or speaking out involves suffering on behalf of another. Jesus’ stand against sin and death cost him his life. Our price is likely to be less, but there is often still a price to be paid for standing against the evils of this present world. A willingness to suffer for Christ and for others is a commitment to following Jesus.

When we follow Jesus, living out these steps, we “lose” our life but we find new life in Christ. One day Jesus tells us he will return and will “repay” each for the life that they have lived. Freed from the evils of this world, the life to come for all who follow Jesus will be joyous and abundant in love. Because of this, we eagerly await the coming of his kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for Jesus’ example of loving you and others more than himself. In his teachings and in his life we can see how to surrender our life, how to pay the cost joyfully, and how to serve lovingly. Lead us and guide us so that we can walk in Jesus’ example day by day, O God. Amen.


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Choose Good

Reading: Romans 12:14-21

Romans 12:18 – “If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.”

Wrapping up our Epistle reading for this week, Paul has some tough words for us. He first asks us to bless those who harass us, to laugh with those who are laughing, and to cry with those who are crying. The invitation is to be present to one another in all of life. The “all” idea continues: “consider everyone as equals” and hang out with people “who have no status.” Don’t just try and see people as all the same. Demonstrate it with your daily life. While these actions are challenging, they are all choices that we can make.

Verses 17 and 18 up the degree of difficulty. In verse 17 Paul proclaims, “Don’t pay anyone back for their evil actions.” It can be so tempting to try and get even. If we manage to not do this, we can be tempted to hold a grudge, nursing that hurt. You know, the lesser of two evils kind of thing, we can tell ourselves. But even holding a grudge is an evil action. It lessens a relationship. It places someone outside of “all.” In a world that certainly champions “justice” – as long as it is our understanding of justice – we have to work hard at following Paul’s proclamation.

In verse 18 we read, “If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.” We might read those first eight words as an out. Until we remember that in Paul’s world, all things are possible with God. And, we are not called to rely on our own ability but upon God’s power and presence. So we are left with this: “live at peace with all people.” Paul is back to that inclusive thing: all people. Not just those who are like us or who love us. Also those who harass us, those who take evil actions against us, and those who need a good dose of justice. When we live at peace with all people, then we “defeat evil with good.” May it be so day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be easy to get lost in the weeds of revenge and anger, to get caught up in the ways of the world. There we lose sight of unconditional love and the beauty of grace. We lose sight of those bright “flowers” that are right there and life becomes hard and filled with discontent. When our vision lessens, and all we see are the weeds, Lord raise our eyes up to you. Fill us up with your love, mercy, and grace. Be ever present to us, O God. Amen.


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Filled with God’s Presence

Reading: Psalm 17:3-7 and 15

Psalm 17:15 – “But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.”

Returning to Psalm 17 today, David declares his faithfulness. God has examined him and found David’s lips to be without sin. He is living a devout life. David’s feet walk in God’s ways, “firmly on your paths.” As we come before God, whether with our daily petitions or with heartfelt cries for justice and protection, we too are to come before God as people who are right with God.

David’s situation is difficult. He cries out to his faithful God and needs God to respond “now.” David needs to experience God’s love in “amazing ways.” As he seeks refuge from his attackers, David takes refuge in God alone, trusting solely in God’s “strong hand.” There is a deep faith in God. The rescue that has come again and again will surely come through once more. Now would be good, Lord!

When we’ve experienced injustice (or violence or oppression or slander or…) we too must trust our lives to God. And, yes, if we’re honest, we too would like God to listen, see, and respond yesterday. So we can relate to how David feels. But he does not stay there. In verse 15 we read, “But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.” Whatever the outcome and whenever it happens, David will walk in righteousness. He will choose to have clean lips and to walk in God’s ways. He will do and say what is right. And because of this, each day he will be filled with God’s presence. Each day he will behold the face of God. Living this way, the things of this world will still happen at times. But God will be with us in the middle of all things. God will see us through. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in difficult times we want you to swoop in and rescue us. No one likes to suffer. Yet, sometimes we must – when it is according to your plans. Because then there is a purpose. Help us to trust into you, O Lord, especially when it is hard. Walk with us through the hard things. Be with us always. Amen.

https://bible.com/bible/37/psa.17.15.CEB


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Justice, Goodness, Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 17:1-2

Psalm 17:2 – “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.”

In Psalm 17 David names injustice and trusts that God will make things right. This is summed up in verse 2: “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.” God is the source of justice… and of goodness and righteousness, of mercy and compassion, of empathy and forgiveness… In God’s world, all of these things are interconnected and intertwined. When one stands against oppression, for example, it is driven by empathy and compassion for the victim(s) and it is fueled by one’s sense of justice.

Our reading begins with David imploring God to listen. Listen to what’s right. Listen to my prayer. He feels he can come before God in this way because is living a righteous life – his lips don’t lie! When we live a devout and holy life, we too feel like we have standing before God. In turn, our alignment with God guides our sense of justice…

It is easy to name injustices in our world. The treatment of marginalized and vulnerable populations comes to mind. The high cost of living and limited access to health care are creating hardship for many. The ways that “power over” is exerted and abused, leaving people broken and hurting, needs to be addressed. Systems that increase the gap between the haves and have-nots continue to churn along, oblivious to the negative impact on many people’s lives.

The more challenging step is to take action, to give voice and power to those without, to stand for what is just and right and good. When we allow our faith to guide our way, when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead our words and actions, then we can declare as David did: “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, I know that my list is missing many injustices that tear at your heart. You see them all. But this list is my list. We all have our own list. Begin here, O God, in us all. Work in each of us so that we stand and speak for justice, goodness, and righteousness. Use us to fight for a better and more just world. Amen.


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Thanksgiving and Praise

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6

Psalm 105:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people!”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Psalm 105 is a call to worship. Yes, it was a call to worship long ago for the Israelites. And it is a call to us today to worship God in the ways that we live out our faith in the Lord our God. The Psalm begins with this invitation: “Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people!” There are three parts to this invitation. First, give thanks. Whether through prayer, a journal, or both, daily thank God for your blessings, large and small. This practice of gratitude is good for our soul. Second, call on God’s name. This could be calling on God’s name in prayers and petitions. And it could be seeking God’s guidance and direction in our lives. And third, witness to your faith. Share the story of what God has done and is doing so that others might be drawn to our Lord and Savior.

These basic invitations are echoed in verses two and three: Sing, give praise, rejoice in the Lord! In verse four we’re invited to pursue or seek God’s presence and strength. While God is ever present and ever willing to be a part of our lives, God will not barge in or force the issue. God waits for us to “open the door,” and then God enters in. Invite God in!

Verses five and six invite us into acts of remembering. These are both personal and corporate. Remember God’s wonderful and marvelous works in your life and in the world around you. Remember through thanksgiving and praise. Recall God’s acts of justice – in your life and in our world. Offer thanks and sing! And remember who and whose you are: “children of Jacob… chosen.” For our place in the family of God, may we lift a celebratory and joyous word of prayer or a song of praise to the Lord our God!

Prayer: Lord God, we pause and offer our thanks for all you do in our lives to lead and guide us, to strengthen and encourage us, to forgive and redeem us, to restore and save us. You are an amazing, awesome, wonderful God! Thank you for choosing us and for being our God. Amen.


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The Covenant Keeper

Reading: Psalm 105:7-11 and 45

Psalm 105:8 – “God remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded to a thousand generations.”

As we turn to Psalm 105 today and tomorrow, the focus is the covenant God made first with Abraham. This covenant was reiterated with Isaac and Jacob and has been passed on “to a thousand generations.” The covenant that God made with Abraham was not just about him. Abraham was a part of the covenant, yes, but the focus from day one has been the people of God.

God’s justice is the foundation of the covenant. At its core, God’s justice calls us to just living. This calls us to live in a right relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. Living this way, we represent the covenant: God is our God and we are God’s people. The idea of covenant has been around a long time, likely even before Abraham. It is not unique to Israel. In all cases, at its core, covenant is meant to be a forever commitment.

This week’s Disciplines writer, Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnson, notes that the word translated “to cut” is the root word of our word “covenant.” In ancient times, the two parties entering a covenant would cut an animal in half. They would then walk between the halves, symbolizing their offer to be slain like the animal if they did not keep the covenant. The writer of Psalm 105 echoes this deep level of commitment using phrases like “solemn pledge” and “binding law.”

In Genesis 15, in a vision that came just after establishing the covenant with Abraham, God passed between a cut animal, demonstrating God’s commitment to this covenant with God’s people. This established the fact that the keeping of the covenant is dependent on God alone, not on us. At just the necessary moment, God sent Jesus, the bringer and giver of grace. It is through God’s grace that we now live under the covenant. For this grace, we say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being the covenant keeper. On our own we’d only be covenant breakers. Only through your love and strength can we begin to walk in covenant relationship with you and with one another. And only through your grace and mercy can we return to covenant relationship when we fall short or fail. Thank you, Lord, for walking with us. Amen.


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Crosses of Love

Reading: Matthew 10:32-39

Matthew 10:38 – “Those who don’t pick up their crosses and follow me aren’t worthy of me.”

In the second half of this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus is addressing our public witness. Verses 32-33 offer an invitation of sorts: reflect Jesus out into the world, be welcomed one day into heaven. If one chooses not to accept the invitation to reflect Jesus to the world, then one will be denied a place in heaven. Jesus is reminding us how important it is that our faith is evident in all that we say, do, and think – everywhere, all the time.

Verses 34-39 reveal the challenges, the cost, and the difficulty of living a life fully committed to following Jesus. Acknowledging the battle between the ways of the Lord and the ways of the world, we’re reminded that Jesus did not come just to bring peace. The full commitment to Jesus requires that we love Jesus more than anything – more than family, more than self. The second is being addressed when Jesus says, “Those who don’t pick up their crosses and follow me aren’t worthy of me.” Our crosses are to be like the cross that Jesus died upon. He died for a purpose: to defeat the power of sin – all that holds us captive, all that keeps us from fully loving God and neighbor.

Today we celebrate a holiday. 161 years ago the last slaves in the US were freed. That unjust system was officially brought to an end. Many bore crosses of love in the fight to end slavery. People of faith led the way in this fight. Today there are many unjust systems that our faith calls us to fight against. The social justice issues of our day include racism, poverty, homelessness, unequal access to education and healthcare – just to name a few. The way of Jesus is centered on love – loving God and neighbor more than self. What cross of love are you feeling led to carry on behalf of those Jesus loves?

Prayer: Lord God, as we celebrate the steps taken many years ago to end an unjust, oppressive system, open our eyes and hearts to the unjust systems that are in practice today. Spark in us a love for the other that emboldens us to stand, to speak, to fight for and alongside the voiceless, the powerless, the suffering. Bearing that cross of love, may all come to experience life abundant in this world. Amen.


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Faithful, Loyal Love

Reading: Psalm 36:5-11

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

Photo credit: Freestocks

As I read the first few verses of today’s passage, I could hear the words of Third Day’s “Your Love Oh Lord” in my mind. Hearing these words reminds me that the Psalms are really songs. They are expressions of an array of emotions: joy and defeat, praise and lament. Expressing one’s emotions opens the doors of communication with God. Today’s reading is an expression of praise for God’s faithful and loyal love.

The psalmist rejoices that God’s faithful love is everywhere. David then celebrates the character of God’s righteousness and justice. They are “like the strongest mountain… like the deepest sea.” There is an unshakable and unending quality to God’s love, justice, and righteousness. This is why they flow like a river into our lives and world. David then proclaims that God’s love is “priceless.” Humankind finds “refuge” in God, and in God we find “the spring of life.” Walking in God’s light and love, we know the way to abundant life here and now. Oh how great is the Father’s love for you and for me!

In verse 11 David asks God to “extend your righteousness” to those whose heart is right with God. When we know God’s faithful love in our hearts, we experience it in our lives. This love dwells in us and flows out of us, into the world. In this way, we are living extensions of God’s loyal love. As we live each day, may we bear God’s faithful and loyal love into the world around us, bringing light and joy, justice and refuge, life and hope. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, may our love be like your love, reaching to the furthest corners of our lives, working down into the deepest darkness of this world. May your justice break forth, being poured out for all people everywhere. In and through your love, may all come to experience the joy of your salvation. Amen.


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Called and Sent

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9

Isaiah 42:6b – “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.”

Isaiah 42 is about “God’s servant.” These words come from what is known as “Second Isaiah,” written during Israel’s time in Babylonian exile. It is likely that the original “suffering servant” was Isaiah. Later, in another Servant Song, it is the nation of Israel who are the servants. The earliest church and the New Testament writers identified Jesus as the servant. Read today, you and I, we are the servants of God.

Let’s look at the qualities and behaviors of the servant described in Isaiah 42. As we do, think about how each applies to Isaiah, to Israel, to Jesus, and to you. The servant is chosen by God and has the Spirit of God upon them. The servant is called to bring justice and light to the world. The servant is not forceful or violent. He is she won’t even “break a bruised reed.” In verse 6 we read, “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.” Given as the covenant of love, the servant partners with God to bring healing and wholeness to the world, opening blind eyes, setting people free from sin and brokenness.

Just as Jesus was and is our light, calling and leading us out of our own sin and darkness, we are called to do this for others. Bringing the light of Christ into the darkness of this world, we seek to bring healing and wholeness, justice and peace to our world. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you called Isaiah and Israel, you call us and the community of faith. And just as you sent Jesus, so too do you send us into the world to be light and love. Empower us with the presence of the Holy Spirit, leading us to bring healing and wholeness to the darkness and brokenness of our world. Amen.