pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Lamb


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Worthy is the Lamb

Reading: Revelation 3-5

Revelation 5:5 – “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.”

Chapter 3 concludes the messages to the seven churches. The church in Sardis looks good on the surface but is really dead. They need to remember what they first learned, changing hearts and lives. If so, their names will be declared in heaven. The church in Philadelphia has little power but they have stood strong. They will be pillars in heaven, names written there. And Laodicea… neither hot nor cold, just lukewarm. This church is perhaps most relevant today. Jesus is about to “spit them out.” They are “miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, naked.” Yet Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If they hear and open the door, he will come in and be with them. If they emerge victorious, they will sit with Jesus on his throne in heaven.

Chapters 4 and 5 shift to heaven as John enters his second Spirit-led trance. At the center God sits on the throne. 24 elders on thrones surround God. There are seven torches and four living creatures before the throne of God. The creatures have six wings and are covered all over with eyes. They never rest but praise God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” The elders join in the praise, declaring God to be the one worthy of glory, honor, and power.

John then noticed that there is a scroll in the hand of God. He weeps because no one is worthy to open it. Then an elder says, “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.” The Lamb, Jesus Christ, comes and takes the scroll. The elders, the living creatures, millions of angels, and all of creation praises and worships the Lamb, the one who was slain. What a glorious day it will be!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reality check as we began today. Draw us out of the comfy middle ground. Empower us to stand boldly for you. And thank you for the peak into heaven, for the reminder of your majesty and power, for the reminder of who and what the Christ child will be and become. All praise and honor and glory are yours! Amen.


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“Water” to “Wine”

Reading: John 1:1-2:12

John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.”

Today we begin the Gospel of John, written about 30 years after Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John tells the story of Jesus, Son of God, dwelling among human beings, giving life and the Spirit to those who receive and believe in him as the Son of God, as Lord and Savior.

The Gospel begins connecting Jesus to eternity. Channeling the words and feel of Genesis, John establishes Jesus as the “Word” who was with and is God. In Jesus is light and life. John declares that Jesus is “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.” Even though the light shone on all people, Jesus’ own people didn’t recognize or welcome him. Even so, “the Word became flesh” and dwelled among humanity, revealing grace and truth, making God known.

The religious leaders sent representatives to ask John, “Who are you?” He tells them he’s not the one, not Elijah, not a prophet. Pushed further, John says he is the one “crying out in the wilderness” preparing people to receive Jesus. The next day (very Genesis-like) John sees and names Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Baptizing Jesus, John sees the Spirit descending and resting upon Jesus, “the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

The next day the first disciples are called – some by Jesus and some by one another. On the third day, Jesus is at a wedding in Cana. Here we find a great mother-son exchange. The wedding hosts have run out of wine and Mary brings it to Jesus’ attention. He replies, “My time hasn’t come yet.” Likely looking straight at Jesus, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” The water jugs are filled and it turns into wine – the best wine. Jesus’ glory is revealed. The disciples believe in him.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for taking on flesh, for stepping down out of heaven’s glory to bring it to earth. Your light continues to shine into the darkness of our world and our lives. You continue to turn the “water” of our lives into the best possible “wine.” Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Divinity and Humanity, Strengths and Weaknesses

Reading: Luke 22

Luke 22:42 – “Not my will but your will must be done.”

Our reading begins with Judas agreeing to hand Jesus over. It must be an opportunity without a crowd. This time comes as Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray, which he does regularly. Another regular event was the celebration of the Passover meal. Peter and John are tasked with setting it up. At the table, though, Jesus becomes irregular. He changes the words and the meaning of this ancient ritual. The bread represents his body and the cup of wine represents the new covenant of his blood. He will become the new Passover lamb, sacrificed for many.

At the table, Jesus tells the disciples that his betrayer is present. They question who it could be, which leads to an argument about who is the greatest. To prove that we’re not the “weak link” we often resort to sharing our strengths to prove our own innocence. Jesus reigns them in, reminding them to become low, like a servant, like Jesus himself. He also offers words of encouragement. Because they have (and will) continue to walk with Jesus, one day they’ll eat and drink at his table in heaven. One day they’ll each sit on a throne overseeing the tribes of Israel.

Jesus shifts gears, sharing with the disciples that Satan will “sift you all like wheat.” Peter boldly states that he is ready to go to prison or even to die with Jesus. Alas, Peter, you will deny Jesus three times this very night – all before the rooster crows. Jesus then goes to the Mount of Olives to pray. He first asks God to take away this cup of suffering and death. He then prays, “Not my will but your will must be done.” Jesus is committed to God’s plan. He’s then betrayed by a kiss, is arrested, is beaten and questioned. In the midst of all this, he heals a servant. Peter denies him three times, then breaks down, sobbing uncontrollably. Jesus makes the claim that he will now be seated at God’s right hand. His words seal his fate.

Prayer: Lord God, a plan hurtles towards completion. We know the story and the steps. We’re reminded of both Jesus’ divinity and of his humanity. We too carry these within us. We’re also reminded of the disciples’ strengths and weaknesses. We too possess plenty of both. Lord, be present to us today so that we too might know and follow your will. Amen.


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Act(s) of Salvation

Readings: Exodus 7:14-25, Exodus 8, Exodus 9, Exodus 10, Exodus 11, Exodus 12:1-30

Exodus 12:14 – “This day will be a day of remembering for you. You will observe it as a festival to the LORD… for all time.”

Photo credit: RebeccaB Designs

As the plagues begin, the Lord turns the Nile to blood and then brings frogs upon all the land. Pharaoh’s religious experts duplicate these acts of God. Pharaoh is stubborn, refusing to let the Israelites go to worship God. Next comes the plague of lice. The experts are unable to do this. They tell Pharaoh, “This is something only God could do!” Pharaoh remains stubborn. Next comes a swarm of insects. Pharaoh says he’ll let Israel go worship but changes his mind after God removes the insects.

Chapter 9 brings the plague of sores and blisters. This time we read that God made Pharaoh stubborn. The animals that die are only the ones belonging to the Egyptians. This plague begins to build to a climax in chapter 12. Hail then pounds the land next – but not in Goshen. Pharaoh admits his sin and asks for prayer, saying he’ll let them go. Moses will make it stop but also states that he knows Pharaoh and his officials do not take God seriously. Again Pharaoh gets stubborn, refusing to let Israel go.

The plague of locust and the plague of darkness come in chapter 10. Again God differentiates between Egypt and Israel. Again Pharaoh almost budges but then turns stubborn. The chapter closes with Pharaoh threatening Moses. We see a shift in chapter 11. God gives very specific instructions to the Israelites. This prioritizes reenactment and remembering over the actual event. The Passover is about shaping and forming each generation to come. This is why God says, “This day will be a day of remembering for you. You will observe it as a festival to the LORD… for all time.” The lamb, its slaughter, the blood, the meal – it will be reenacted each year to remember and to be shaped by this act of salvation. This festival remains the high point of the Jewish religious year. For us, it connects to the blood of the Lamb that spread on the cross, again a mighty act of salvation for the people of God. For this event that we reenact every year, for this act of grace that shapes and forms us, we too say thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gifts of salvation – for both the one in Egypt and for the one on Calvary. Thank you for the love that will stop at nothing to rescue, save, and redeem us. Amen.


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Glorious and Beautiful – One Day and Now

Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 (Link only partial. Sorry.)

Verse 9: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.”

As we turn to John’s book of Revelation we turn to a vision that gives hope for eternity, offers a picture of the kingdom of God, and calls us to a glorious kingdom here on earth. Our passage today and much of the book of Revelation is a “then, now, and will be” vision.

John sees a “great multitude” gathered in heaven – far too many to count. In this vast crowd there are people “from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” Oh how the religious leaders of yesterday’s text must’ve cringed when they first heard of this vision of heaven! But what a beautiful picture of heaven it is! One day we will be gathered with a representation of all of humanity. To John’s audience this was a reminder that they do not suffer alone. Many all around the world suffer alongside them. To us it is a reminder to work to make our churches and faith communities look more like the actual community all around us.

The scene in our passage is filled with worship. The multitude, the angels, the elders, and the four living creatures all worship God and the Lamb. They joyously offer praise and thanksgiving and adoration. This scene is “church” at its finest and most glorious. Next an elder identifies those in “white robes” as those who have gone through the “great tribulation” – the suffering and persecution and trials of this life. The passage closes by contrasting this life with the life to come. In glory there will be no hunger or thirst, no oppression or suffering. God will “wipe away every tear” and the Lamb will lead us “to the springs of living water.” What hope these words gave to John’s audience. What hope these words give to all who long to one day be redeemed by Jesus Christ. Oh what a glorious and beautiful day that will be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the hope that today’s passage gives. Thank you for the seed of what will be. But, God, help us to see that this vision is also a vision for today and an understanding for our time now. As we hold onto our hope for eternity, guide us to expand the kingdom here and now. Use us to satisfy hunger and thirst now. Use us to end oppression and suffering now. Use us to make our churches and communities more like the kingdom to come. Amen.


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Come and See

Reading: John 1:35-42

Verse 41: “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah.'”

As we turn again to John’s gospel today we see that two of John the Baptist’s disciples leave him to follow Jesus. After hearing John declare Jesus “the Lamb of God,” Andrew and another disciple follow Jesus down the road. Noticing someone is tailing him, Jesus asks them what they want. They ask where he is heading – this is a polite way to ask if they can join him. Jesus responds by saying, “Come and you will see.” Jesus invites them to join him – and not just for the day.

Andrew then exhibits a practice that we all should emulate. Knowing in his heart that Jesus is the Messiah, he goes and finds his brother. Simon comes and sees Jesus too. Without introduction, Jesus identifies Simon by name and informs him that he will be called Cephas (or Peter in Greek).

A few questions come to my heart as I reflect on this passage. First, how regularly do I come and see Jesus? This can be going to church, reading the Bible, praying, fasting… Second, who is our Simon? Who is our brother or sister, our neighbor or friend, stranger, or relative that needs to come and see Jesus too? And, third, how will we connect the two? We can pick them up and bring them to church or Bible study. We can take them to coffee or to lunch…

In our hearts we know that Jesus is the Messiah. May we invite and help others to come and see the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, you are my all in all, my rock and my redeemer, my Savior and my friend. This day use me so that others may come and see the Christ. Amen.


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The Lamb of God

Reading: John 1:29-34

Verse 29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Turning to John’s gospel today and tomorrow, we begin with Jesus coming toward John the Baptist. As he approaches John says, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” These are unique words to apply at this time in Jesus’ ministry. Usually we call Jesus the Good Shepherd when referring to sheep and shepherds. For most of his ministry, Jesus is not the lamb. At the end, yes, Jesus goes to the cross as our perfect sacrifice. We get the lamb references then.

Yet in today’s passage, as Jesus’ ministry is about to begin, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. Since the days of Passover a perfect and spotless lamb (or goat) was the offering made to God as the people of God remembered how they were freed from slavery in Egypt. Each and every year the rescue story is celebrated and remembered. To see Jesus in this role immediately identifies him as the one who rescues, redeems, restores, and saves. It is a powerful image to be placed in the minds of the Jews.

Continuing on, John the Baptist offers proof that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, the one who comes to save. John recounts the Spirit coming down and remaining on Jesus after he was baptized. This fulfills what God said would happen. Jesus is the son of God. Not only will he take away the sins of the world, one day the Christ will defeat all evil, claiming final victory as he establishes the new heaven and earth. For the salvation Christ offers and for the final victory yet to come, we say thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, today we are reminded of such great news. You came in the flesh to take away our sins, to rescue us from captivity to self. One day you will come again to banish all evil as you create heaven here on earth. Day by day, lead and guide us to make this vision more and more of a reality here and now as we await your final return in victory. Amen.


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Regular Practice

Reading: Revelation 7:13-17

Verse 17: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.”

The second half of our passage from Revelation 7 is about those who will join the heavenly host to proclaim the power and strength and glory of our God. Dressed in white robes, washed and “made white in the blood of the Lamb”, they join the multitude gathered around the throne. God will take them in and care for them. There will be no hunger, no thirst, no tears. Jesus will guide them into eternal life: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.”

While this will be a most wonderful and beautiful gathering, it is a “one day” event for us still present on this earth. While we inhabit these earthly bodies we are subject to hunger and thirst at times. We go through trial and grief, shedding tears. When we give attention to these things – when we connect with and are filled by God’s love and grace and comfort and peace… – then the Good Shepherd is present to us, walks with us, fills us with all that we need. We do not need to chase after the false things the world offers. Jesus fills us with joy, peace, contentment… If we but hear his voice; if we but follow.

As we live out this life may we regularly practice this gathering around the throne, both privately and corporately, offering the Lord our God our praise and thanksgiving. In turn, the Lord will lead us to “springs of living water.” Praise be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you alone are worthy of my praise. You alone can fill me with all that I need. This day I choose to worship you alone. All praise and honor and glory are yours. Amen.


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Come and See

Reading: John 1: 43-51

Verse 46: “Come and see”.

Today’s passage opens with the call of Philip. Jesus “found” Philip and said to him, “Follow me”. The fact that Jesus found him implies that Jesus is looking for certain people. Just as God had Jesse’s older sons pass before Samuel until David – the one after God’s own heart – came and was anointed. Jesus must have seen a similar heart in Philip. Then, just as Andrew had done with Peter, Philip goes and finds Nathanael and says, “come and see” as he invites him to come meet Jesus. Philip too saw or felt something special in Jesus. All of these things that Philip experienced are a part of our call too. Jesus saw something special in our hearts, he knew we were ready at that moment. We saw something special in Jesus and he called, we followed.

Philip describes Jesus as “the one Moses… and the one about whom the prophets wrote”. He sees Jesus as part of the big story of God. After meeting Jesus, Nathanael calls him the “Son of God” and the “King of Israel”. He recognizes both Jesus’ divinity and authority. Earlier in John 1, John the Baptist calls Jesus the “lamb of God” and Andrew calls him the “Messiah”. How was Jesus introduced to you? Was it one of these names or was it Savior or healer or redeemer or comforter? Was it something else?

For the first disciples, each would come to know the many names for Jesus. Just as I am son, pastor, husband, follower, father, musician, brother, and so on, Jesus is not any one thing. As they grew in their faith and belief, just as we do, who and what Jesus is to us grows. Along our journey of faith others have taught us another “part” of Jesus, just as we in turn have taught others. In doing so we become part of the long line of disciples following the Christ.

Today, may we pause to praise God for three things. First, thank and praise him for your place in this family. Second, thank God and pray blessings upon all who have helped you to know Jesus. And, third, ask for guidance and discernment about who to share your Jesus with today as your life and words say, “Come and see”.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for all Jesus is as the head of this happy family. Thank you God for each who has helped me to know you more. Bless each and every one of them, O God. And, Lord, lead me to the one or ones who need to see you in and through me. Amen.


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Great Love and Mighty Power

Reading: Exodus 12: 1-14

Verse 13: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you”.

Today’s passage from Exodus is one of the core stories of faith for Israel. Known as the “Passover”, it is the final plague. This tenth plague will bring great loss to Egypt and will lead to freedom for the Israelites. The night that God acted in a mighty and powerful way to free his people is a night that will be remembered forever, as a “lasting ordinance”. For families, for people groups, for nations, stories of significant events are part of our identity. The Passover is one of the key stories for the nation of Israel.

The Passover is so important that the instructions begin with renumbering the calendar. Each year the new year will begin with this celebration. A one-year old lamb or goat without defect is selected for each family or small group. The animal lives with the family for four days, building a connection. At twilight of the fourteenth day, the animal is slaughtered and some of its blood is applied to the doorframe of their house. They eat the meal of special items quickly, dressed and ready to depart. This represents how they will flee from Egypt. That night the angel of death passed through all of Egypt. The firstborn of each household was killed if there was no blood on the doorframe. Death and grief and mourning covered the whole land of Egypt – except where the Lord passed over.

The blood was a sign of God’s protection, of his love, of the Israelites’ special place as God’s children. Every year the Israelites will celebrate the Passover, reminding themselves yearly of this sacred night. Generation after generation selects the lamb or goat, lives with it… It is their story to remember God’s great love and mighty power.

As Christians we too have a story. On the night that Jesus was betrayed, he took the bread… Later he took the cup… In this story we remember how the blood of the perfect lamb washes over us and protects us. Jesus’ sacrifice is what allows God’s wrath and anger to pass over us. We are covered by his blood. In this story, it too leads to freedom. Through the blood we are freed from slavery to sin and death. As Christians we celebrate and remember the story as a lasting ordinance. On a regular basis the community of faith gathers to remember God’s great love and mighty power. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, in the regular celebration of communion we are reminded of your love for us and for all people. Each time we gather at the table of grace, remind us over and over of your love and mercy, drawing us ever closer to you. Amen.