pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: kingdom


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The Power

Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

1 Corinthians 1:18 – “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved.”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

Returning to 1st Corinthians this week, we read of Paul encouraging unity in the church. Different groups are following different voices: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ. Speaking into the in-fighting, Paul asks a great question; “Has Christ been divided?” We could ask the same question today. As people of one book, it sure is read, understood, quoted, applied… in a wide variety of ways. Even within a single denomination one can find many branches. It is what our humanity has made it. As a whole, our witness to the world is much broader – lots of choices to find a place of worship that suits you and your needs, wants, desires, understanding… of who and what Jesus is, was, and can be.

And yet… Paul is addressing the division in the church in Corinth because it also weakens their witness to Jesus Christ. The in-fighting is not attractive to those outside the church. We see this today as leaders – religious and political – quote or paraphrase Jesus. And then go act in ways that would enrage Jesus if he were alive today. This should enrage us as well. These “clever words” do empty the cross of its power. The words of Paul found in verse 18 surely ring true yet today: “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved.” As we live our day today, may we choose to bring to bear the power of the cross found in loving God and neighbor with all of our whole being – heart, mind, hands, and feet.

Prayer: Lord God, may your Holy Spirit keep us closely attuned to the power of your love and of the cross. May our sacrificial love change the world, making it more like your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Dearly Loved, Spirit In-Dwelled

Reading: Matthew 3:13-17

Matthew 3:16 – “He immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him.”

As Jesus is beginning his time of public ministry, step one is to be baptized. He travels from Galilee to the place along the Jordan River where John the Baptist is preparing Israel for the kingdom of God that is drawing near. Jesus is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire – not water. John the Baptist has just identified Jesus in this way. So as Jesus comes to be baptized, John protests. Recognizing Jesus’ greatness, John asks, “Yet you come to me?” Jesus says, in essence, “Yes, I do.” For Jesus, this is a step of solidarity with all who seek the coming kingdom of God. And this is a step towards righteousness. It is from this moment that Jesus will enter the wilderness to test his own righteousness.

After being baptized by John, “He immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him.” God becomes present to Jesus in two ways. First, the Spirit of God descends and rests on Jesus. Second, God’s voice affirms Jesus, declaring love for him and happiness from him. In these ways, God is preparing Jesus to face Satan’s temptations in the wilderness after fasting for 40 days. Today, in baptism, the Holy Spirit is invited into the waters so that the Spirit will come to rest in the heart of the baptized. In the words and prayers, both pastor and congregation declare God’s love and their love for the one being baptized, pledging to walk with them as they grow in faith. Dearly loved, Spirit in-dwelled, one is prepared to bring much happiness to God. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, just as the waters of baptism are just water without your Spirit, so too are we just flesh and bones without your presence in us. So we ask you to be ever-present in our hearts, O God. In this way, empower and encourage us to be righteous and to live justly. 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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Walk Closely

Reading: Matthew 11:7-11

Matthew 11:10 – “Look, I am sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you.”

Returning to Matthew 11 today we learn more about the kingdom of God. In verses 7 and 8 Jesus speaks about who and what John the Baptist was. Those who went out into the wilderness did not see “a stalk blowing in the wind.” Instead they saw a powerful messenger speaking truth to his generation and calling out those who thought they were good and holy but were not. John demanded the true repentance – a change of heart and life – that would yield “good fruit” in their lives. The people did not see someone “dressed up in fine clothes.” Those in fine robes, living in comfort, they were the “snakes” just going through the motions in public, falling far short in their hearts. In contrast, John was all-in for God, walking closely with God, daily pouring all the had into readying people to meet the Messiah. This is why Jesus proclaims John’s greatness at the start of verse 11.

And then there is the rest of verse 11. It connects back to verse 10: “Look, I am sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you.” In verse 11b Jesus speaks to his audience then and now, getting personal. The “least” are “greater” than John because they are humble servants. They are disciples who bring healing and wholeness to people’s lives and to the world. Disciples are folks who are good news and whose words and actions produce good fruit that builds up the kingdom of God. They are folks who speak truth to power no matter the cost. Disciples are willing to enter the wilderness in order to bring others closer to the Messiah. They are you and me.

Prayer: Lord God, begin in our hearts, making us aware of what we need to prune away, building up our love of you and neighbor. Empower us to risk for others and for your kingdom. Encourage us to humble service that yields good fruit and draws others to living out your will and way. Walk closely with us daily so that we can walk closely with our neighbors. Amen.


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Jesus Offers, Invites

Reading: Matthew 11:2-6

Matthew 11:3 – “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

By the time Matthew’s gospel reaches chapter 11, Jesus has given the Sermon on the Mount, has healed many people, has calmed a literal storm, has gathered the twelve disciples, and has begun training them to carry on his ministry of healing and wholeness. During this time, John the Baptist’s ministry has diminished and he now finds himself in prison, having angered King Herod. Searching for hope, John sends his own disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” From his prison cell, it must not feel like the kingdom of God is what he’d hoped it would be.

Presenting evidence of what the kingdom of God looks like here on earth, Jesus mostly quotes from Isaiah 35 and 61, adding a few of his own words too. Jesus is reminding John of how the Old Testament prophets described the Messiah and his kingdom. Healing and wholeness, fullness of life, deep relationships and community, humble service – this is God’s plan for this created world. It is to be as Jesus taught, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The evidence that Jesus gives are both our inheritance and our marching orders. Jesus offers to open our eyes so we can see as he sees, just as he invites us to do the same for others. He walks with us when we cannot walk alone and he asks us to do the same with one another. Jesus cleanses us of our “diseases” and he speaks truth into our hard hearts. He brings life to what was once “dead” and he restores relationships. All of these, in turn, Jesus invites us to do for the world. As we find healing and wholeness through Jesus Christ, may we work to bring these to our world in need. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts and minds to receive all that you offer. Being filled with your love, guidance, presence, healing, and hope, turn us out into the world, pouring ourselves out for the healing and wholeness of all creation. Use us to manifest your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Readying Hearts and Lives

Reading: Matthew 3:1-6

Matthew 3:2 – “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

Advent is a season of longing and waiting. There is an anticipation that builds as we await the coming Messiah. Entering into Matthew 3 today, the people of God have been waiting, longing deeply for the Messiah to come. About 400 years before John the Baptist was born, the prophet Malachi called the people of God back to holy living. Channeling his inner Isaiah, in 3:1 Malachi writes, “Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me.” A few verses later God speaks these words through the prophet: “Return to me and I will return to you.” These words and others from prophets including Isaiah have hung in the air and in the peoples’ hearts for many, many years. The most recent occupation, this time by the Roman empire, has heightened their longing and anticipation.

John the Baptist arrives onto this scene and steps out into the wilderness, proclaiming, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” Out in the desert, dressed as he was, both mark him as the “Elijah” who was to come. John struck a chord with the people of God. Identified as the one of whom so many prophets have spoken, John drew large crowds. They confessed their sins and were baptized in the Jordan. The people were committing themselves to living holy lives, readying themselves for the coming Messiah and the kingdom of heaven that was drawing near. As we read this passage and hear John’s call to repent and prepare ourselves, may we ready our hearts and lives anew to welcome the coming Jesus and his kingdom here on earth.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us near, hear our confessions, receive our repentance, and guide our hearts and lives. Ready us to welcome the Christ child and all that he offers: joy, peace, hope, love, mercy, grace. As we prepare ourselves O Lord, use our voices to proclaim the one who rescues, redeems, saves, and sets free. Use us as heralds and bringers of your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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A Kingdom of Justice and Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 72:1-7

Psalm 72:2 – “Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice.”

Psalm 72 is a prayer for the long reign of a just and righteous king. It is a prayer for a king who will rule as God’s representative here on earth. These words of Solomon were likely written when he was living closest to this vision of an ideal king. Like his father David, considered Israel’s greatest king, Solomon had many failures during his reign. Only one king has been and ever will be truly just and righteous: Jesus.

In verse 2 we get a glimpse into what the “ideal” king will be like. Here we read, “Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice.” Under this kind of leader there will be peace in the land. This peace is not founded on military power or dominance. It is founded upon lifting up the poor and needy while “crushing” any who seek to oppress. Today this would involve dismantling systems that oppress and take advantage of those on the margins. It would remove power from the hands of those who seek to lord power over others purely for personal gain.

Under a just and righteous king there would be abundance and flourishing for all people. To ensure this, a just and righteous king would act for the good of the poor and marginalized, exhibiting God’s heart for “the least of these.” These actions would naturally place such a king in opposition to the greedy and power-hungry. The kingdoms of this would did and do struggle with the establishment of a kingdom of justice and righteousness. It is a kingdom not of this world. It is a kingdom where Christ the king reigns. O God, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we long for the day when the kingdoms of this world crumble to dust as Jesus returns in glory. As we long, we also wait. As we wait, O God, may it be an active waiting. Use us day by day to be builders of a more just and righteous world. May the story of our lives tell the story of your coming kingdom. Amen.


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Wonderful Love

Reading: Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:42 – “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

As we continue in the crucifixion scene, we read Jesus’ only real interaction with anyone since he spoke to the mourning women on the way to the cross. In our reading today one criminal joins in the mockery and adds a selfish request: “Save yourself and us!” It is then that another voice speaks, this time for Jesus. The second criminal asks the other, “Don’t you fear God?” This is a telling question. He recognizes that they’ll soon die and that he’ll soon stand before the next judge – the one who will pronounce a sentence of eternal light and love or one of eternal torment and darkness.

Turning to Jesus, the second criminal says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He wants to go where Jesus, the innocent one, is going. Jesus offers him words of assurance, of welcome, of love. Yes, “today you will be with me in paradise.” This is so interesting to me. Jesus does not require a confession of sin first. He doesn’t quiz the man about his past life. Jesus doesn’t wait for a pledge of repentance or for a request to be baptized. The man just wants to be with Jesus for whatever is next. He longs for a reality-changing relationship with the Lord. Jesus welcomes the man in love.

This remains who God is. We don’t have to be perfect to present ourselves to God. In fact, God does some of God’s best work when we come broken or hurting or humbled or vulnerable. It us then that we are most malleable, most ready to be made new again. This is love. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it is reassuring to know that your love never changes. At our very best and at our very worst, your love is the same. It is a wonderful love. Lord, help us to have this kind of love. Amen.


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May Your Kingdom Come

Reading: Joel 2:28-32

Joel 2:32 – “But everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved.”

Moving from yesterday’s suffering, sin, repentance, and hope, today we move into and beyond the ‘now and not yet’ of Joel 2. Once God has brought the exiles home and returned abundance to the land and to the people of God… or at some point in the future… God says, “After that I will pour out my Spirit upon everyone…” For Joel and his audience, this would be when the Messiah came, inaugurating a new era with a new heaven and earth.

Just proceeding that new era, sons and daughters, old men and young men, even slaves, will receive the Spirit. They will speak of and dream of this new coming kingdom. On that day, when it comes, there will be “blood and fire and columns of smoke” and it will be a “great and dreadful day.” And there is a ‘but.’ In verse 32 we read, “But everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved.” God’s faithful will be saved.

As the story of the Bible continues, thoughts on this day evolve and develop. When Jesus arrived, he brought a dramatic shift in the understanding of the new kingdom. Jesus is clear that Joel’s (and other’s) visions of the new heaven and earth will indeed be glorious on that day, but… But, Jesus said, the kingdom is here now. Jesus taught us disciples to pray, “may your kingdom come… may your will be done… on earth as it is in heaven.” The time that Joel speaks of? Jesus is clear: the time is now. All people – men, women, young, old, slaves, free, rich, poor… – all people can receive the Spirit. All people are invited to live in and to be a part of God’s kingdom here on earth. All who call on the Lord’s name will be saved. O Lord, may your kingdom come and may your will be done! And may it begin with us.

Prayer: Lord God, open wide the doors of our hearts and of our churches! Opened wide, use us to build this kingdom where all are welcomed, where all know that they are beloved of you, and of us. Opened wide, use us to declare that each person, created in your image, one and all, are invited to your table of grace. Use us, Lord, to make this beautiful kingdom a reality here and now. Amen.


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Rooted in Belief

Reading: John 6:25-35

John 6:29 – “Jesus replied, ‘This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.'”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In today’s gospel reading Jesus redirects the peoples’ focus. The day before, this crowd had been part of the miracle known as “the feeding of the 5,000.” They have followed the disciples to Capernaum, hoping to find Jesus there, hoping for more bread. He quickly points out that they missed the work of the divine within the feeding miracle. All they “saw” was the food. Jesus tells them to quit working for that temporal “food” and instead to seek “the food that endures for eternal life.”

We too need to hear these words of Jesus because we often strive after temporal things. Even in our lives of faith, our striving can become like checking boxes. Yup, went to church on Sunday. Read my Bible this week. Check. Prayed for my neighbor in need. Check that one too! Hearing the call to the eternal, the crowd asks Jesus what we can ask: “What must we do?” Jesus’ response is a redirect. It’s not about doing at all. Jesus says to the crowd and to us: “This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.” Faith starts with belief in Jesus and it grows from this foundational place.

Even though Jesus’ direction seems clear to us, the crowd again asks, “What sign will you do…” A million miracles in themselves will not lead to faith. The choice for faith, again, begins with belief in Jesus as the one who is “the bread of life,” the one who satisfies our eternal hungers and thirsts. In time, yes, faith through belief will lead to experiencing God’s power and presence in ways that feel miraculous and will lead to service in the kingdom of God. But faith must always be rooted in our belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we can do easily get caught up in striving after things, in checking boxes to assure ourselves of our progress. Help us to understand that it is not in the doing that “things” happen. Instead, lead us to trust that you alone are the one “doing” the work, even when we are serving you and others. Grounded in our belief in you alone, may our faith in you witness to your powerful presence in our lives and in the world. Amen.