pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: kingdom


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The Cornerstone

Reading: Matthew 21

Matthew 21:21 – “I assure you that if you have faith and don’t doubt… You will even say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the lake.’ And it will happen.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Today’s reading begins with Matthew’s version of what we know as Palm Sunday. Jesus’ triumphal entry is highlighted by praise and adoration from the crowd and from his disciples. There is a buzz in the city. Jesus rides this wave into the temple, where he overturns tables and chairs, throwing out those who have made “God’s house of prayer” into a “hideout for crooks.” He then heals the blind and lame who come into the temple – likely for the first time since becoming blind or lame. Children run around the temple shouting praises. The religious leaders are deeply offended by all of this.

Returning to the city the next morning, Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree. The disciples are amazed at his power. He says to them, “I assure you that if you have faith and don’t doubt… You will even say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the lake.’ And it will happen.” Build your faith on me, he says, and be amazed at what God will do. As Jesus enters the temple again we see the opposite of this. The leaders question Jesus’ authority. His response begins with a question: Where did John the Baptist get his authority? There is no right answer for the religious leaders. So Jesus tells two parables to reveal their lack of faith and to condemn their fruitless ministry.

In the first parable the religious leaders know it is the first son who does the father’s will. He was obedient. Jesus then tells these leaders that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom ahead of them. They heard and believed John, changing hearts and lives. Even this fruit didn’t convince the religious leaders to change. In the second parable tenants mistreat and even kill some of the servants sent to collect fruit. They then kill the son who is sent. The religious leaders tell Jesus that the owner will “totally destroy” these wicked tenants. Jesus then quotes Psalms, claiming to be the stone that the builders rejected. But he tells the leaders that this stone will become the cornerstone, the foundation of the new, coming kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to shout “Hosanna!” with our voices and with our actions – not one day a year but every day. When things get in the way of us doing this, clear our lives like Jesus cleared the temple. Build up in us a faith without doubts, a faith that stands firmly on the cornerstone, on Jesus Christ. Amen.


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So It Was… So It Must Be

Reading: Matthew 19-20

Matthew 20:26-27 – “Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave.”

Today’s readings center on the upside-down and countercultural life that Jesus calls his followers to. He first addresses divorce in an exchange with the Pharisees. They want to know if Jesus thinks it is ok to divorce one’s wife for any reason. The fact is the Law has been watered down to accommodate human desires. Jesus goes back to Genesis, declaring God’s intent: “Humans must not pull apart what God has put together.”

After blessing the children because “the kingdom belongs to people like these children,” Jesus encounters a rich man. He wants to know what “good thing” he must do to have eternal life. He’s kept the commandments, but feels like he’s missing something. That tug on the heart is there. Jesus tells him that to be “complete” he must go and sell all, giving the money to the poor. He cannot do this. Saddened, he goes away. Peter asks about the disciples leaving all for Jesus. The reward will be great for those who leave home, family… to follow Jesus.

To perhaps temper this reward mentality Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. An owner hires workers early in the morning to work for one denarion, a typical day’s wage. He also hires at 9, noon, 3, and 5. At the end of the day the owner instructs his manager to work backwards. He first pays those who’ve worked an hour a denarion. The all-day workers also receive a denarion. They grumble, thinking they deserve more. They are resentful of the owner’s generosity. So it is with us sometimes as we see God freely granting mercy.

After again predicting his death and resurrection, James and John’s mother requests places of supreme honor in heaven for her sons. Perhaps she thinks they’ve given up the most to follow Jesus. Her request is denied. Her asking angers the rest of the 12. Jesus calls them all in and tells them, “Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave.” So it was with Jesus. So it must be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, again and again today we hear the calls to place both you and others before self, to be humble and generous, to honor you in all we do. When we seek to walk in these ways we can bump up against the ways of the world that elevate self as #1 and preach “Gather, gather, gather!” In those moments of temptation, remind us of our call to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, following his example of servant to all. Amen.


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Happy Are…

Reading: Matthew 13

Matthew 13:16 – “Happy are your eyes because they see. Happy are your ears because they hear.”

Today’s reading holds seven parables all aimed at showing how God is at work in our world and in our lives. In these teachings, Matthew shows that God is engaged in daily life and desires to be in connection with us. In the first parable a farmer scatters seed. In a day when every seed mattered, “scatter” would draw people’s attention. Most seeds do not bear fruit. The many cares of this world are too much. The seed that does fall on good soil produces a great crop. Hearts that receive and nurture God’s word leads others to do the same, creating more disciples.

Matthew connects to Isaiah, using his words as a means to explain why many do not understand the parables. They have become “calloused” and refuse to “change their hearts and lives.” This was the invitation given by John the Baptist and by Jesus. It continues to be given each time the world is read or proclaimed.

Each of the remaining parables begins with the phrase, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” It is like a field with good plants and weeds, like a net with good and bad fish. One day the angels will sort out and burn the bad. The good will be saved. It is like a mustard seed or some yeast – small but powerful, able to spread and grow into something large. It is like a hidden treasure or a pearl of great worth. Once found, a person must be willing to sell all else, investing everything they have into their faith.

As Jesus teaches in parables he asks his disciples if they understand. They do. In response, Jesus says, “Happy are your eyes because they see. Happy are your ears because they hear.” May our eyes and ears be happy as well.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for opening our eyes and ears to your word. We don’t always get it 100% but as we keep at it, reading, studying, seeking to understand, your Spirit works in us, giving us more insight and understanding. Each time we encounter that word, the connection grows stronger, deeper. Thank you for your continuing work in us. Amen.


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Worthy of the Kingdom

Reading: Matthew 9-10

Matthew 10:22 – “Everyone will hate you on account of my name. But whoever stands firm until the end will be saved.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Chapter 9 is mostly about the healings that Jesus brought to people. There is the calling of Matthew too and the questioning of why Jesus ate with “tax collectors and sinners.” Chapter 10 shifts first to the calling and sending of the 12. The chapter ends with the realities of the cost of discipleship. This was and still is a reality for the followers of Jesus.

Chapter 9 begins with the healing of a paralyzed man. Jesus begins by forgiving his sins. This is just a means to draw in the “legal experts,” to prove that Jesus has the power to forgive sins and to heal sicknesses. Jesus then calls Matthew, saying, “Follow me.” Later, at dinner, the Pharisees question Jesus’ choice of table mates. He declares, “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” As the chapter continues, Jesus heals five more people and Matthew closes with a summary of Jesus’ early ministry. Jesus taught and healed, announcing the good news of the kingdom. The chapter closes with a lament: the harvest is huge but the workers are few. Jesus encourages his disciples to “plead” with God for workers.

Chapter 10 begins with God’s response. The 12 are called and given authority to cast out demons and to heal diseases. They are then sent out to “the lost sheep… of Israel.” The disciples are to go without anything, relying on worthy people to take them in. They will bless these homes. If no one is found worthy in a place, the disciples will move on.

Starting in verse 16, Jesus begins to detail the cost of discipleship. The 12 go out as “sheep among wolves.” They will be arrested and beaten. But the Spirit will be with them and in their words. Jesus says, “Everyone will hate you on account of my name. But whoever stands firm until the end will be saved.” Families will come apart and turn on one another because Jesus did not “come to bring peace but sword.” The disciples are encouraged to “pick up their cross” as they follow Jesus. Doing so, they will be counted as worthy in the kingdom of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, send us out as workers, fully cognizant of the cost of discipleship and fully aware of your Spirit’s presence with us. Lord, use us to bring healing and wholeness to others, encouraging them with the good news of your kingdom through us and our ministries. Strengthen and empower us as we too seek to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Amen.


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Trust, Faith… Each Day

Reading: Matthew 6

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters.”

Photo credit: Wesual Click

As Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount he addresses showy religion, prayer, and fasting. To give to the poor or to pray or to fast in ways to be noticed by others – then that recognition will be our only reward. Jesus advises us to do these things in private or in secret. Then our reward will come from God. When we pray, Jesus cautions against “a flow of empty words.” He gives us a simple and humble prayer, one grounded in loving God and neighbor. We know this prayer as “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Jesus then addresses our tendency towards our “treasures.” Today he’d caution us against collecting homes, cars, the latest gadgets, bigger bank accounts… Instead he encourages us to collect treasures in heaven. Some examples of how to do this were given in verses 1-18. In verses 22-24 Jesus connects this struggle into the common Old Testament, Jewish understanding about good/evil, light/dark. In first century Palestine the eye was seen as the window or door to the heart (or soul for us). Jesus clearly believes the best choice is light. He then states, “No one can serve two masters.” God and wealth is the example Jesus gives. While probably the biggest struggle for most of us, there are many other things that we can prioritize over our relationship with God.

Chapter 6 closes with perhaps one of our greatest adversaries in our battle to trust God: worry. We can worry about so many things, big and small. Jesus points to the birds and lilies – examples of parts of creation that God cares wonderfully for. He points out that we are worth much more than these to God. We are told to “desire first and foremost God’s kingdom.” Keep God #1 in your life, Jesus says, and “all these things” will be given to you by God as well. Jesus concludes, “Stop worrying about tomorrow… Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Trust God each day, believing that our “daily bread” will come from our God who loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a simple faith, to a day by day walk with you. To focus on the day, to live each moment, we have a chance to notice the opportunities and ways you call us to love completely. To stay in the moment, it focuses our heart on you and in your presence in our lives each day. Help us to live a simple and honest faith today, O God. Amen.


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To See, To Hear, To Be Touched

Reading: Matthew 3-4

Matthew 4:21-22 – “Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

The ministry of John the Baptist begins today’s readings. He announces, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of God!” His work fulfills the words of Isaiah and his words and dress and diet remind people of Elijah. Many came, confessed their sins, and were baptized. John clashes with the religious leaders, challenging them to change their hearts and lives. Ancestry won’t save them. It will be the one stronger than John, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire – he will offer salvation to the people.

Jesus then comes to be baptized. John tries to stop him but ultimately relents. After Jesus’ baptism the heavens open and the Spirit comes to rest on him. God declares love for the Son. From here Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted. The devil and Jesus quote from Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and Psalms. God’s word will be Jesus’ bread. He will trust and not test God. He will worship and serve God alone. Defeated, the devil leaves.

John is arrested. This precipitates Jesus returning to Galilee (to Capernaum) and to begin his ministry. He proclaims the same message as John: “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of God!” He begins to build his team, calling Simon and Andrew, then James and John as he walks along the Sea of Galilee. It was a simple call: “Follow me.” And they did. In verses 21-22 we read, “Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” Jesus’ ministry grows as he teaches in the synagogues and heals every disease and ailment. Large crowds begin to follow this teacher and miracle worker. They came from all over to see and to hear and to be touched by Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, what a call John and Jesus both led with. The call continues to ring out today: change your heart, change your life, follow me. Each day may we hear this call and may we respond, seeking to be Christ’s hands, feet, heart, and love to the world. Amen.


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A Good Plan

Reading: Haggai 1-2

Haggai 2:4 – “Be strong, all you people of the land… Work, for I am with you.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

As we read Haggai’s words today we move past exile and back to Jerusalem. The small remnant that returned has built homes for themselves. But the temple still lies in ruins. Haggai is sent by God to encourage the people in this next step. At the start of the book, we read that Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people do not think it’s time to start rebuilding the temple. God questions this. God says there is a reason they sow much and eat little. The drought and the lack of abundance are God’s doing. God’s house lies in ruins. The people hear Haggai’s words and they respond in faith, getting to work.

A month passes and God’s word comes to Haggai. He asks if anyone remembers the first temple. From Ezra 3 we recall that some did remember. They wept when they recalled the former temple’s glory. Haggai encourages them to be strong, to trust that God is with them, saying, “Be strong, all you people of the land… Work, for I am with you.” God then promises to shake the earth, leading nations to bring their wealth to the temple, making it more glorious than the first temple.

Fourteen months in, God’s word comes again. In the first message, Haggai asks questions about being clean and unclean. The priests know the right answers. The faith knowledge is there. God declares that the nation is unclean. The priests and the people have work to do. When God struck them before – providing just enough to survive – they didn’t return to God. But now the people have worked hard and the foundation is complete. God will now begin to bless them.

Haggai’s second word focuses on Zerubbabel directly and on Israel indirectly. God will take down the other nations, securing Israel. On that day, God will appoint Zerubbabel to reign. Once again, one from David’s line will rule over Israel. God has a plan and it is good. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you encouraged your people to work on your house, you continue to encourage us to work on building your kingdom here on earth. Just as their obedience was a sign of their holiness and commitment, may our humble acts of service bear witness to our faith and to our love for you and for our neighbors. Use us to reveal your glory to the world. Amen.


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All Things New

Reading: Amos 5-9

Amos 5:24 – “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Concluding the book of Amos we read words of lament and doom mixed in with words of hope and restoration. Ultimately, Amos closes with words of promise and blessing for God’s people. We too walk through this mix in our lives, holding onto God’s promises that will one day eternally be ours. Thanks be to God.

Amos 5 begins with a song of lament for the great losses soon to come and then encourages people to seek the Lord. The prophet then condemns those who are crushing the weak, taking bribes, and refusing to help the poor. Amos presents the correct choice: seek good and not evil. But the leaders choose evil. Therefore God rejects their worship and sacrifices. They are meaningless. God then presents the correct choice, saying, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Chapters 6 and 7 contain warnings and visions from Amos. Those “resting comfortably” while drinking “bowls of wine” – they will be the first to go into exile. God promises to “shatter the great house [Israel] into bits… and pieces.” God’s people do not measure up to God’s plumb line. All will be laid to waste. These words lead to a confrontation with Amaziah the priest. He tells Amos to go home to Judah, to prophesy there. In response, Amos declares that it is Amaziah who will be going away, into exile, losing family and land as well.

Judgment continues in chapter 8 and the first half of chapter 9. God judges Israel’s immoral business practices, their greed, and their dishonesty. Feasts will become sad affairs. But the days are coming when there will be a thirst for hearing God’s word. There will be a day when broken places are rebuilt, when blessings flow, when God’s people will be planted upon their land. God will make all things new. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your justice and righteousness will prevail. They will indeed flow like water in a never-ending stream. You will remove all evil and establish your new kingdom here on earth. Worship will be pure and true. All will focus on your love, flowing from your heart into our hearts. What a day that will be! In between them and now, Lord, guide us to be justice, righteousness, and love here and now, as we seek to bring your kingdom to this earth. Amen.


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May Blessings Flow

Reading: Ezekiel 53-48

Ezekiel 47:9 – “Wherever the river flows, every living thing that moves will thrive.”

Photo credit: Kazuend

The majority of today’s reading focuses on God’s presence re-entering the new temple and on the ordering of all aspects of worship and temple life. God’s glory fills the temple, leading Ezekiel to fall in worship. God then instructs him to listen carefully and to write down these new instructions. The central focus is on holy versus unholy or clean versus unclean. Building and purifying the altar, proper worship on the Sabbath and during the two festivals (used to be three), honoring the east gate, setting aside sacred spaces, regular offerings – all were aimed at maintaining the holy. To keep and hold these spiritual practices in the highest ways would work against a return to the “detestable practices” of old, to the unholy.

In chapter 47 there is a river that flows from the temple, out the east gate – the gate that God’s holiness entered through. The trickle grows to a vast river that brings life and abundance to the people of God. As God’s presence is brought out into the world, blessings flow with it. This remains true today.

Ezekiel closes by defining Israel’s borders and by allotting land to the tribes. These boundaries connect back to what God originally laid out for Moses back in Numbers 35. Land is allotted, beginning in the north, to Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah. Next comes the Holy portion, with the temple at its center. The city and Prince are allotted land here in this central section. Moving to the south, land is allotted to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. Benjamin and Judah remain central, just flipped from their pre-exile locations. Similarly, the tribes furthest out are the children of the maidservants. Each tribe received an equal portion of the land. This time the Levites are included. The twelve city gates are named after the original sons of Jacob. Joseph’s sons are combined to make space for Levi. God’s new kingdom envisioned here will one day be established here on earth. We await the day!

Prayer: Lord God, what a vision for what will be at the end of this present age. You will be the center, the focus, the life source. Yes, we do await the day. Yet, as we wait, Lord God, use us to draw this world closer to this vision. Use us as the life-giving river that flows out into the world, bringing blessings and abundance into people’s lives. Amen.


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Rule with Justice and Righteousness

Reading: Isaiah 13-16

‭Isaiah 14:1 – “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob, will again choose Israel, and will give them rest in their own land.”

Our readings for today and tomorrow contain mostly oracles against the nations surrounding or occupying Judah/Israel. We do find hope sprinkled in these verses too. For example, tucked in the middle of the oracle against Babylon and her king, we find: “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob, will again choose Israel, and will give them rest in their own land.”

Chapters 13-14 detail the fall of Babylon. Isaiah makes it clear that God is “mustering an army for battle.” God will raise up the Medes to make Babylon like “Sodom and Gomorrah.” A restored Israel will then taunt the broken king of Babylon. The underworld will wait restlessly for this king. His final rest will be on “a bed of maggots” under a “blanket of worms.” His arrogance and pride will be laid low. God will also cut off all of his offspring too.

Before an oracle against Philistia, we read, “I will break Assyria in my land… and remove its yoke from my people.” The Philistines are not so blessed. They rebelled against Assyria, yes, but a new viper will come from the north.

Chapters 15-16 hold an oracle against Moab. They will be devastated and humiliated. In verse 2 we read, “Every head is shaved, every beard cut off.” The waters will be full of blood. In three years Moab’s remnant will be “few and feeble.” Amidst this sadness and loss we also find hope, mercy, compassion. Isaiah’s heart “cries out for Moab.” God invites Judah to “consider carefully, act justly.” Judah is told to hide the outcasts and fugitives. Isaiah also speaks of the time when the oppressor is gone, of a time when one will rule with justice and righteousness from the throne of David. This too is our ultimate hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to oppose leaders and nations that bring evil and oppression upon this world. You oppose us when we do the same. Instead, Lord, use us to create the kingdom of justice and righteousness that Isaiah spoke of today. Then you will be with us, walking amongst us in Spirit and power. Amen.