pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: kingdom


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In Word and Deed

Reading: Matthew 9:35-38 and 10:1-15

Verse 38: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Our passage for today and tomorrow begins with Jesus doing what Jesus did: teaching, preaching, and healing. His love of and compassion for the “sheep without a shepherd” is what drives his ministry. The 12 disciples spent day after day with Jesus, soaking up this model for ministry. In verse 37 Jesus shares this observation with the disciples: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” One could easily argue that this is as true today as it was the day it first rolled off Jesus’ lips. We all know lots of souls that are without a shepherd and are therefore in need of meeting the Lord of the harvest.

And so we turn to verse 38: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” This is Jesus’ instruction to the disciples. Jesus is inviting the disciples to ask God to send out folks to have love for and compassion upon the lost sheep. If there is any question as to who these workers are, let’s turn next to verse 1. Jesus calls the disciples to this task. He gives them authority to minister just as they have witnessed him ministering. Jesus instructs them to preach that “the kingdom of heaven is near” and then to demonstrate this by healing the sick and freeing the captives. In word and deed the disciples are to bring the kingdom near.

News flash: you are a disciple who carries the authority of Jesus Christ in your heart. You are a disciple charged with following and living out Jesus’ example of love and compassion. You are a disciple who is equipped by the Holy Spirit to bring the kingdom of God near through word and deed. May we enter into the harvest field, seeking the lost.

Prayer: O Lord of the harvest, send me out. With an open heart guide me to those who need to hear and experience the good news of Jesus Christ. Put the words in my mouth or the actions in my hands and feet – whatever is needed to bring the kingdom near. Use me as thou will. Amen.


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The Common Good

Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:4-14

Verse 7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

Photo credit: Ditto Bowo

In this week’s Epistle reading Paul speaks to us about the gifts of the Spirit. There is a list of 9 gifts in verses 8-10. You may recognize one or two of your gifts in that list. Or maybe your gifts aren’t listed here. The 9 are a partial list. There are many other gifts of the Spirit. Counsel, piety, teaching, exhortation, generosity, mercy, and leadership are gifts listed in Isaiah 11 and in Romans 12. Some have the gift of ministering to the grieving or with children. Some have the gift of music. There are many gifts of the Holy Spirit.

In verse 7 Paul writes, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” There are two parts of this verse that I’d like to highlight today. First, “to each one.” The gifts of the Spirit aren’t given to just the select few or even to a handful of people. No, every single one of us has been given gifts by the Spirit. Second, “for the common good.” There are two aspects of the common good. Within the body of faith our gifts are to be used to build up and enrich the body of Christ. The common good here would be growing deeper in Christ. Outside of the body our gifts are to be used in the world, yet for the same overall purpose: to build up the kingdom of God. Using our Spirit-given gifts in the world enhances the common good of everyone. This happens as we strive to live out and to live up to Jesus’ example, loving God and loving neighbor.

Each of us, using the gifts that we have each been given by the Spirit for the common good, is essential, needed, vital, necessary, important. Without you using your gifts, we are less than we could be. Imagine your body without a brain or without a heart or without lungs or eyes or blood vessels or… That is the body of Christ without you and your gifts. May we all use our gifts for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide me today and every day to use all the gifts that your Spirit has given to me. Whether for just one or for a group, use me to enhance the common good and to build up the kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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God at Work

Reading: Acts 1:6-11

Verse 6: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

As we begin in Acts 1 this week, let us first step back to the gospel of Luke. At the end of Luke’s gospel Jesus’ last words are: “But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” The gospel closes with Jesus’ ascension into heaven. In Acts, Luke backtracks slightly, sharing a story that happened “on one occasion.” Perhaps it is a retelling of the story at the end of Luke. During this encounter, Jesus instructs them to stay in Jerusalem until they are “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” It is from these statements that the disciples ask, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

In their three years with Jesus they had witnessed his power – the teachings, the miracles, the everyday steadfast obedience to God alone. And then they witnessed his power over even death. They heard him saying something about receiving power from on high. It is not illogical to think that maybe now Jesus will establish the kingdom here on earth, restoring Israel along with all of creation. Jesus answers their question in typical Jesus fashion: not yet, just wait.

Jesus first tells them that it is not for them to know the ‘when.’ That’s up to God. He’s clear though that it’s not yet. Jesus then tells them to focus on the task that he is giving them. Jesus clarifies the “power from on high” concept. The power is so that they can “witness in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Just wait, there is much work to do. Jesus calls them to continued faithful discipleship, leaning into and trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit that is coming soon. Then just wait to see how God is at work in your lives and in the world.

We have received the Holy Spirit. We too have the same task. May we be good and faithful witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, blessed as we experience the working of God daily in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, in those days it was so much for the disciples to take in, to process, to begin to understand. The same can be true for us. So, Lord, help us to lean into and to trust in the power and in the working of the Holy Spirit. Thank you. Amen.


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A Quiet Death

Readings: John 18 and John 19

Ch. 19, verse 30: “Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Today’s long Good Friday reading takes us from the arrest of Jesus to the burial of Jesus. Along the way, Jesus is questioned and abused by the religious leaders, is questioned and found innocent by Pilate, and is crucified by Roman soldiers. Jesus acknowledges that he is a king, extends care for his mother, and dies a quiet death. False accusations and lies and intimidation fuel what happens to Jesus. Several times John reminds us that what happened to Jesus was to fulfill the scriptures.

Jesus claims that his kingdom is not of this world in John 18:36. He is speaking to one whose kingdom is of this world. In the flesh, Jesus bridges these two kingdoms. In the incarnation the kingdom of heaven came to earth. During his ministry and life Jesus revealed the core elements of the kingdom of God: love, healing, compassion, forgiveness, grace, welcome, mercy, peace, restoration, joy, hope. All of these are wrapped up in today’s 2 chapters. Some appear again and again.

Towards the end of chapter 19, in verse 30 we read: “Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” As all is completed just as the scriptures had detailed this event, Jesus dies a quiet death. On this day, it feels so appropriate. All that was to be accomplished by the human one was finished. With grace the spirit of Christ returned to God.

Prayer: Lord God, there is so much sadness this day. We feel it as those who loved Jesus then must’ve felt it. Yet Jesus did not. There was a steadiness and a peace about him. There was an assurance and a deep trust. Help us to remember that this was exactly as you planned it to be. Amen.


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Seeds and Soil

Reading: John 12:20-36

Verse 24: “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.”

In today’s passage Jesus speaks of life and death. There are layers to these words that Jesus shares. He is speaking personally as his own death looms just days away. In verse 24 we read, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.” Christ, the single seed, must die so that the Holy Spirit can come, empowering more than one person to produce fruit for the kingdom of God. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus will be present in spirit in the hearts of all who believe.

Jesus is talking to Andrew and Peter, to all the disciples, and to all the disciples who will one day read these words. Like Jesus we too must be willing to surrender self to God – to hate this earthly life. Once we surrender then we become that kernel of wheat that dies so that it can produce other seeds. These seeds that we plant in the hearts and lives of others are what the Holy Spirit can work with to build the kingdom of God.

There is another connection, another layer here too. In Luke 8, in the parable of the sower, Jesus spoke of the soil and of sowing seeds. The parable discussed 4 “soils,” from the hard path to the fertile soil. Part of the Lenten journey has been to look within, to reflect on the condition of our soil. Our soil must be good in order to help produce a crop 100 times what was sown for the kingdom. The parable also addresses how to sow. Abundantly is the answer. We are to share the light and love of Jesus Christ with all people – even the ones who appear hard-hearted. There is no limiting the power of the Holy Spirit!

To close, a John Wesley question: How is it with your soul?

Prayer: Lord God, day after day help me to surrender self to you. Help me to lay my pride, my judging, my self-doubt at the foot of the cross. Lead me from there to live a life that shines the light and love of Christ on others, planting and nourishing the seeds of faith in their soil. Amen.


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Born of the Spirit

Reading: John 3:1-10

Verse 3: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

In our passage for today and tomorrow, Nicodemus comes to Jesus “at night.” He is a Pharisee, an expert in the Law. All of who and what Nicodemus is comes from his knowledge of the Law and from his strict adherence to the Law. Nicodemus’ religion is all in his head. It is all through his own efforts that he is ‘holy.’ Yet he is drawn to Jesus. Jesus too was an expert in the Law, just in a much different way. Jesus was an expert at living out the heart of the Law.

The conversation begins with a polite compliment: “Rabbi, we know…” We? Jesus and the Pharisees are at odds with each other. The “we” likely refers to a very small group within the Pharisees who do actually believe what Nicodemus says. As if answering the question that Nicodemus was afraid to ask, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Caught totally off guard, Nicodemus attempts a joke. Jesus does not laugh. He presses on. In Jesus’ way of saying it’s not about strictly following all of the rules, he tells Nicodemus, “No one enters the kingdom of God unless he [or she] is born of the water and the Spirit.” Yes, we are all born from the water of the womb. This is what gives us life – here on earth. (And maybe Jesus is referring to John’s baptism – which the Pharisees looked down their noses at.)

Jesus is saying to Nicodemus and to all people that we must also experience a second birth, a spiritual birth, if we want to be a part of God’s kingdom – both here and one day in eternity. To experience this new life one must be “born again” – born of the Holy Spirit. Accepting Jesus as the Messiah, as our Lord and Savior, this invites the gift of the Holy Spirit to come into our heart. Jesus compares this Spirit to the wind. One doesn’t know where the wind comes from and one does not know where it might blow you. There is unknown and there is a lack of control. For a man of great knowledge and of strict control, this must’ve been a very scary thought. It is for most of us.

Prayer: O God, indeed your Spirit leads and guides in ways we don’t often understand. So we try and reign it in. We try and limit it. Free me from my fears and doubts. Enable me to be more in tune, more in step with the Spirit of Christ alive in me. Amen.


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The Change Within

Reading: Matthew 17:1-9

Verse 4: “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here.'”

Upon the mountaintop Jesus changes. He is transfigured – he is given a new and exalted appearance. Right before their eyes, the holiness and divinity of Jesus is revealed. In that moment, “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here.'” He recognizes the blessing of standing in the very presence of God.

What if we were to encounter this Jesus more often? When we enter into a time of prayer, when we sit down to read and study our Bibles, when we enter the sanctuary for worship – do we enter with a sense of expectation, with a sense that the divine might show up, with a longing to encounter the presence of God? My friends, the divine shows up 100% of the time. It might not be in dazzling light that is beyond words, but God is ever present to us. What needs to change in us that would allow us to encounter the holy more regularly?

Peter, James, and John were changed by their encounter with the divine. Entering into that space with Moses and Elijah, clearly for a purpose, Jesus was changed. We too will be changed when we allow ourselves into the divine that is always there, ready and willing. Change can be hard but it is definitely part of our faith journey. If we are not changing, if we are not growing, then we are not on a journey. Growth is often incremental, yet it is still growth. And these inner changes, they should affect our outward appearance too. Time spent in the presence of the divine will be reflected in our lives.

The change in Jesus on the mountaintop was amazing and powerful. It was a reflection of the power of God. It was a glimpse into the kingdom of heaven. The change that God desires to work in each of us is amazing and powerful. It is a reflection of the power of God in the world. May you and I be a glimpse of God’s kingdom here on earth.

Prayer: Lord God, please continue to work in me, day by day, moment by moment. In small ways, in big ways, in all ways, change me into who you designed and created me to be. Lead me to boldly follow and courageously step where you call me to go. Amen.


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God Alone

Reading: 1st Corinthians 3:1-9

Verse 6: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

Paul addresses the church in Corinth as “worldly” people. In them he still sees jealousy and quarreling. He asks, “Are you not acting like mere humans?” In the same way that Jesus was calling his followers to more in the Sermon on the Mount, so too is Paul challenging the Corinthian church to rise above the petty struggles of the world. Caught up in these worldly cares, the church is divided. Christian love and care and fellowship are hard to find or experience in this church at this moment.

Voicing a humility that is currently lacking in Corinth, Paul reminds them that he and Apollos are “Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task.” Pointing up to the power of God, he continues, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” Yes, he and Apollos and others have humbly served. But God alone sprouted and grew their faith. God alone.

This perspective is important for the church to understand and to live out. It remains as important today as it was in Paul’s time. Yes, all have been blessed with gifts from God and we are all expected to use these gifts to build up the church and the kingdom of God. But the gifts are not inherently ours. They are from God. And it is God alone who does the work of healing or transformation or salvation. Yes, we play a role. We are only “servants.” Like Paul we too know that we must rely on God alone to change lives, including our own. As Paul concludes, “We are God’s fellow workers.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone have the power to save, to redeem, to restore, to bring new life. I am powerless to bring change or to make anything grow. Yet I know you call me to service. So I ask that you would use me today as your fellow worker. Put me to your work. Fill me with guidance from the Holy Spirit so that you may be made known. Amen.


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The Beloved Community

Reading: Matthew 5:1-12

Verses 1-2: “His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Today we begin in the Beatitudes. These “blessed are” statements start off the longest teaching of Jesus recorded in the scriptures. While each statement certainly has meaning and value yet today, we will focus on the whole. Much of Jesus’ teaching pointed to a bigger picture. That is part of what he is doing with the Beatitudes. As a whole these statements paint a vision for the beloved community, for the church. A kingdom-living community of faith will reflect and live out these ideals.

Much of what Jesus said was counter-cultural and it remains so today. To be a peacemaker or to be humble, to be willing to face persecution, to openly desire God – these marks of the Christian are not the norm in the world. To comfort the mourning, to be pure in heart – these are also not the norms of our world. Yet we, as followers of Christ, are called to stand out from the world and to stand up against much of what the world values and pursues. Living out these ideals we will come to stand alongside those that the world devalues and marginalizes. In humble service we will minister to those close to the heart of God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, lead me past self and closer to your heart. Open me to the folks and situations that break your heart. Use me to build up your vision for the world. Amen.


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Who Are We?

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:26-31

Verse 26: “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.”

Today Paul casts a vision of the wideness of God’s kingdom and love. It was a start, a beginning point. Since these days our understanding of the wideness of God’s love has grown and grown and grown.

Paul begins this section with an invitation to “think of what you were when you were called.” This is a great question for us to reflect on too. Who and what were you before Christ called you into a saving relationship? As we consider the wideness of God’s love today, let us ponder another question: Who and what would you be if you never heard the call of Jesus Christ upon your life?

Continuing on, Paul admits that most called by Jesus himself were not wise or influential or noble. Quite the opposite – they were considered foolish and weak by the world. Many who were called were lowly and despised. And yet the Lord called them. And because Christ called them, they received “righteousness, holiness, and redemption.” Praise be to God!

In spite of ample evidence of the wideness of God’s love, at times the church has struggled with this concept. We continue to struggle today. We love to claim that all are welcome and that we have “open doors.” Yet in the swath of Christianity humanity has added lots of “but”s. You’re welcome here but you can’t speak from the pulpit. Our doors are open but please fix that “sin” before you come in. Limits? Barriers? There are none in the wideness of God’s love.

Today’s “Disciplines” devotional offered this truth: “Some arrogantly claim the right to declare who gets to sit and eat” at the table of grace and love. Every single person is created and formed by God. Each of us carries the spark of the divine within us. Who are we to say that another child of God is worthy of or unworthy of receiving righteousness, holiness, and redemption?

Prayer: Lord God, when my eyes narrow and my heart starts to harden as I begin to judge another’s worthiness, rain down your powerful love from in high, washing me clean of all that may limit another’s access to the table. Amen.