pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Love of God and Other

Reading: 1st Corinthians 13:4-7

1st Corinthians 13:4 – “Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous… doesn’t brag… isn’t arrogant.”

Photo credit: Freestocks

Continuing in the theme of love of self versus love of God and neighbor, today we turn to a familiar wedding verse. Chapter 13 is titled, “Love: the universal gift” in the Bible I use at home. In this chapter, Paul elevates love above all else.

If one takes just a bit of time and watches or observes someone, it becomes apparent rather quickly if they love self more than God or other. Yes, we all have our bad days and challenging moments, but if one gets a large enough sample size, the answer to who sits on the throne of our heart becomes apparent.

Verse 4 begins with “Love is patient, love is kind.” These observable traits show up, especially in hard situations. To practice patience and kindness at all times is the first sign of love of God and other. Paul continues, love “isn’t happy with injustice.” Yes, to truly live means standing up for the other, usually putting self at risk. Paul adds, “Love puts up with… trusts in… hopes for… endures…” all things. These are all ways that one elevates love of God and other over love of self.

In verses 4-6 Paul shares a list of what love is not. These are also easily observable. Love “isn’t jealous… doesn’t brag… isn’t arrogant… rude… irritable.” Love does not “keep a record of complaints” (wrongs.) There are ways that we keep score, that we try to maintain our place atop the ladder or sand pile, that we love self above all else. May it not be so with you and I.

Prayer: Lord God, in our world and in our culture, there are ample examples of what it is and what it looks like to love self. These ways neglect love of you and therefore love of other. Speak into our hearts, O God, calling us to the most excellent way of love. In humility may we ever seek to love you with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.


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Power Under, Not Over

Reading: Mark 10:32-45

Mark 10:45 – “The Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and give his life to liberate many people.”

As Jesus makes his way towards Jerusalem, Mark makes an observation. The disciples are amazed with Jesus, but the others following him were afraid. The “insiders” – the disciples – have no clue what potentially lies ahead. For the third time in Mark’s gospel Jesus tells them that he will be handed over and condemned, will be killed by the Gentiles (Romans,) and will rise after three days. The “outsiders” following Jesus understand that going to Jerusalem is a risky and dangerous place for Jesus.

Continuing the journey, James and John demonstrate the blindness of the disciples. Jesus has just told them what’s about to happen. Instead of being sad or reflecting somberly on this news, these brothers ask to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in glory. They envision Jesus “coming in glory” with a powerful army to defeat the Romans. They want to be #1 and #2 in Jesus’ chain of command. Jesus tells James and John that they will indeed “drink the cup” and will one day experience suffering. But right now they are blind. One day they will see and understand the words Jesus speaks. Their request maddens the other disciples. Are they made that they didn’t think to ask first? A patient and kind Jesus gathers them up for a lesson.

Jesus tells them that they will not be “power over” leaders. They will not be like the current rulers who dominate others with their power. No, that’s not God’s plan or way. True power comes from service. This is “power under” – power that lifts others up. It is so with Jesus: “The Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and give his life to liberate many people.” May it be so with us too.

Prayer: Lord God, today we are reminder that although Jesus held all the power in his hands, he chose the path of humble servant. When we are tempted to grab for power or to use the powe that we do have to lord it over others, remind us of Jesus’ words and example. Lead and guide us to be “power under” people, lifting others up, bringing you the glory and praise. Amen.


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Love Your…

Reading: Luke 6:27-36

Luke 6:35 – “Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have great reward.”

Our passage today comes from a section titled, “Behaving as God’s Children.” The title alone alerts us to the fact that Jesus is about to lay down some serious expectations. Verse 27 reveals the challenge inherent in the word to follow: “But I say to you who are willing to hear.” So our question as we begin: Are we willing to hear these words of Jesus?

Diving in, Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” For Jesus this entails doing good, blessing, and praying for those who hate, curse, and mistreat us. Reminiscent of Saturday’s reading from Matthew 5, here too Jesus says to go above and beyond, offering the other cheek or the shirt off our back. Summing up verses 27-30, Jesus says, “Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.”

As if the first instructions were not enough, Jesus next asks some questions that speak to loving our enemies and treating others as we want to be treated. If we love those who love us or if we do good or lend to those who do good or lend to us,  Jesus asks, “Why should you be commended?” He points out that even the sinners do these things. Continuing, Jesus advises us, “Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have great reward.” Expect nothing in return. Act as God acts, being kind and compassionate.

These words, these instructions, are very challenging. They are counter-cultural. As the notes in my study Bible say, “This love is never conditioned upon the other person’s behavior; it is motivated and empowered by its giver and not its receiver.” May we love well from the deep reservoir of God’s love that resides in each of our hearts. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you speak words today that are hard to hear, hard to really live out. Your words to love our enemies call us deep into your upside-down kingdom. These are world- and life-changing words. Walk with us, O God, transforming both our lives and our world. Such is the great reward – becoming more like Christ. Amen.


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Conform to Christ

Reading: Romans 8:26-29

Romans 8:28 – “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

As our passage today begins, Paul speaks again of God’s presence in our lives. The Spirit – God’s constant, indwelling presence – helps us in our moments of weakness. In those times when our trial or hardship or suffering is so great that we cannot even form the words to pray, it is then that the Holy Spirit takes up our case. The Spirit “please” for us before God, lifting us up before God. We too can pray in this way. When we hear of the time of great suffering of a friend, we can lift their case before God.

Because God is three-in-one, the Spirit prays for us “consistent with God’s will.” In this way we and our need(s) are brought before God in the best possible way. There is no selfishness, no fear or worry or doubt, no greed or envy in the Holy Spirit’s prayers. This idea connects to verse 28, where we read, “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” God is good and loving and kind and caring and compassionate and merciful and… God desires that our lives be filled with these things too. Yes, the world and this life will bring death and illness and sin and tragedy into our lives, but God works even these difficult and hard things towards good and into alignment with God’s plans for our lives.

The Spirit and God do all of this in order to “conform” us more and more into the image of Jesus. God conforms – and forms and reforms – us into the image of Christ so that we can be goodness, love, kindness, care, compassion, mercy… to one another. In this way we bring Christ to the world. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the example that Jesus set for us. He revealed what it means to be fully present to one another, to love without condition, to give selflessly to the other. That is not always easy for us. So thank you also for the Spirit, that constant presence that points us towards and forms us into Jesus’ witnesses. Lead us to be people of presence, people who pray, people who show up, people who give of ourselves. Amen.


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Strengthened and Encouraged

Reading: 2nd Timothy 1-2

2nd Timothy 1:7 – “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

2nd Timothy is a letter written to a young but gifted pastor, defining his role and character as a faithful minister of the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul begins by reminding Timothy of the origins of his faith. It was planted in him by his grandma Lois and his mother Eunice. He then reminds Timothy of the “gift” that he has been given by God. Paul implores Timothy to “revive” that gift. To help him do so, Paul writes, “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

Timothy must be having a challenging time. Paul next encourages Timothy, telling him not to be ashamed. Paul invites him to “share the suffering,” trusting in God’s power, purpose, and grace. The apostle turn shares his experience – appointed a teacher, suffered, not ashamed, convinced that God is “powerful enough to protect” what God placed in Paul. He is telling Timothy that he is not alone in his trials. So, Paul says, hold onto the good teachings that he has received and protect it by trusting in the Holy Spirit.

Paul also encourages Timothy to draw strength from Christ’s grace and to pass on the teachings of Christ to other capable teachers. Paul implores him to be a “good soldier of Jesus Christ” and to accept suffering as part of the rules of the game of ministry. Paul then offers some guidance on dealing with opponents, likely the source of some of Timothy’s suffering: present yourself as “tried-and-true,” don’t argue with them, and correct them with gentleness. Closing this section, Paul reminds Timothy to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace alongside others who “confess the Lord with clean hearts.” In this fellowship Timothy will be strengthened and encouraged. As people with clean hearts may we too strengthen and encourage one another in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, in moments when we might feel timid or even ashamed of our faith, sweep in with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to speak boldly and powerfully, yet gently and kindly. Let love guide our words and actions. Use us to draw others to a saving faith in you. Amen.


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God’s Plan, Our Role

Reading: Ephesians 3-4

Ephesians 4:1 – “Therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, I encourage you to live as a people worthy of the call you received from God.”

In today’s reading Paul shares God’s plan for the church and then unpacks how followers are to be a part of that plan. In chapter 3 Paul shares that it has been God’s plan all along to include “every ethnic group” in the body of Christ. Paul declares that this “secret plan” has always been to include the “Gentiles” – a term often used by Jews to describe ALL non-Jews. This plan was accomplished through Jesus, who gives every believer “bold and confident access to God through faith” in Jesus. Paul then prays for the church, asking God to strengthen them through the Spirit and to reveal the power and enormity of God’s love. In these ways the believers “will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.”

In chapter 4 Paul unpacks what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. With chapter 3 in mind, he begins, “Therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, I encourage you to live as a people worthy of the call you received from God.” Paul calls the church to be people of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. He reminds them of what unites them: there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.” Paul also reminds them that each was gifted to be a part of “the working and building up the body of Christ.” Each has a role to play. We each have a role to play in this task.

Paul then calls the believers to a mature faith, away from living like the Gentiles (now meaning all those outside the faith) and into living as a “new creation” in Christ. Paul invites them to “clothe yourself” in the image of God. He is connecting here to their baptism, where they literally de-robed and then rerobed, symbolically taking off their old self and clothing anew in Christ. Paul closes the chapter with the call to be “kind, compassionate, and forgiving,” modeling what Christ did for them. This too is our role. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your love that reaches out to all people. We celebrate your grace that has no limits. Fill us with your presence this day and employ each of us for the building up of the body of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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Love Lived Out

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:1-8

Verse 8: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica is the focus of today’s passage. Paul, Silas, and Timothy preached the good news of Jesus Christ “with the help of our God.” In spite of opposition they spoke boldly. While the fruit of their faithfulness was converts to Christ, Paul clearly states that their ministry was offered to please God alone. And in order to best minister there, in order not to be a “burden,” Paul’s habit was to find work in each community, allowing him to care for them in the best way possible.

While we may feel like we live in a much different time than Paul and company lived, the principles and practices shared in today’s passage are very relevant to our faith and to our witness. Paul’s primary focus was to share Jesus. All he did and said and thought was aimed at this focus. Do we use all that we are and all that we have to share the good news? They spoke boldly, not fearing whatever opposition that may come. Do we speak boldly of our faith or do we worry more about what others might think or say about us? Do we allow the “cost” to sway how we go about witnessing to our faith?

And, perhaps most importantly today, are we “gentle” and caring with all of those that we encounter and engage? In a world that often sees Christianity in a negative light, do our words and actions always help people to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ? Do those we witness to feel that we are doing our “job” or do they feel what people felt when they met Paul or Jesus – our desire to be in relationship, to share our lives as well?

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly be your love lived out today. When others look at us, when they talk with us, when they spend time with us, may they feel like they have been in your presence. Guide us, Lord, to be gentle and kind with all we meet. And empower us to be bold in our sharing of the good news. In all of these things may others come to know your love and our love. Amen.


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Honest, Generous, Righteous

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Verse 4: “You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.”

Returning to the parable today we first recognize that the scenario played out in the market was very familiar to Jesus’ audience. Men hanging around hoping to be hired for seasonal work was the norm. Having people to fill this role was a necessity in their agrarian culture, much as it is today in that sector of our economy.

For those hired earliest, they agree with the owner on the usual daily wage. One denarius was the coin used to pay a Roman soldier and it was enough to feed a family of four for a few days. These day laborers would hope to work 2-3 days a week to provide for their families.

The owner offers a different deal to the rest of the workers. They accept his offer to pay them “whatever is right.” Although it turns out well for these workers, there is some trust required in this open-ended offer. Right is objective. One denarius is not. These workers choose to entrust their lives to the character or reputation of the vineyard owner. He is honest and generous and righteous. This sounds like someone that I’d like to work for. How about you?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being kind and generous and righteous with us. You do not demand a strict adherence to an agreed-upon set of rules. As it was impossible to keep the list in Jesus’ day, so too is it in our time. So thank you for your grace and mercy too. Amen.


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Kind, Generous, Serving

Reading: Genesis 24:42-49

Verse 42: “Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come.”

Photo credit: Ditto Bowo

In today’s portion of Genesis 24 the servant of Abraham lifts a prayer to the Lord. It is a prayer for the mission that he is on. Before he can say “Amen” a young woman appears. She is God’s answer to his prayer. She graciously gives him a drink and generously waters the camels. Rebekah would’ve had to make many trips to water the 10 camels. Can you imagine the thoughts that went through his mind and heart as he watched?

As they talk he learns of the family connection, further assuring him that she is God’s answer to his prayer. He offers gifts of jewelry, an invitation to a relationship. The servant praises God for this answer to prayer. This is something we’ve experienced and done too. God has answered our prayer and we express gratitude. Rebekah is God’s answer to prayer. The question for us to ponder now is this: When are we a Rebekah to others?

Sometimes we know the answer to this question and sometimes we do not. Some of the time we are clearly the answer to someone’s prayer. They tell us so with their words and/or with their actions. They are grateful and thankful. When we are kind or generous or serving others, we might be an answer to someone’s prayer. More often than not, we do not know our impact on others. God just works in and through us, accomplishing God’s plans and purposes. May we choose to have a spirit of kindness, generosity, and service each day, allowing God many opportunities to work in and through us.

Prayer: Lord God, use me as love poured out and made real today. In all things and with all people may I be generous and kind and compassionate. Use me today as a means for others to experience your love and provision. Amen.


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Heed the Warning

Reading: Luke 18:9-12

Verse 11: “The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself.”

Today we will look at the first part of Luke’s telling of Jesus’ parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector. Let us begin with the audience. Luke shares that Jesus tells this story to those who were “confident in their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else.” Jesus is not talking with some Pharisees or other religious leaders here. He is talking to a group of his followers. This tendency towards feeling superior and towards judging others remains strong today. These words very much apply to our lives, to our churches, to our world.

As Jesus begins we learn that two men go to the temple to pray. Going to pray – an personal and private time with God. Prayer is a good thing – like going to church or serving on a mission project. Two men go to pray. One is a Pharisee and one is a tax collector. Jesus is intentional with these characters. These two men represent the opposite ends of the spectrum. One was highly respected. One was deeply despised. In Jesus’ day these men were seen as the most and least connected to God and to faith.

In the parable Jesus offers the Pharisee’s prayer first. He begins by standing up, praying aloud to be heard. It is not a conversation between him and God. He first thanks God that he “is not like other men” and then goes on to name them. They are the bottom rung, the lowest of low. He gestures over and adds the tax collector to the list. The Pharisee clearly thinks that he is on the top rung. As proof he shares that he fasts twice a week and that he tithes. Like prayer, these two spiritual disciplines are good things. They are practices that express our gratitude to God. But, like almost all things, these too can be twisted and turned, used for personal glory instead of to bring God the glory.

For the Pharisee, it is all about him and how holy and righteous he is. In his life and in his prayer, there is no humility, no compassion or kindness, no faith that moves a heart closer to God. We can fall into thinking we’re high and mighty. So may we heed Jesus’ warning today. When we are tempted to compare ourselves to others, when we are tempted to think about how religious we are, may this Pharisee remind us of the dangers of elevating self over others and over our relationship with God.

Prayer: Lord God, is it so easy to slip into feeling superior, judgy, critical. When self and ego rise up, draw me back down. Knock me down if necessary! Focus me back to the call to love as you first loved us. Amen.