pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: law


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Life to the Full!

Reading: John 10:1-10

Verse 4: “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

Photo credit: Daniel Sandvik

The teaching that we read today is Jesus’ further response to what happened in chapter 9. It is the story of the healing of the blind man and the Pharisees’ reaction. At the end of this event the blind man sees Jesus as Lord and professes faith in him while the Pharisees remain spiritually blind, bound up in their strict adherence to the Law. They cannot see how the need for healing could ever supercede the Law.

Today’s illustration shows the difference between living the spirit of the Law and living out the letter of the Law. In one there is love and grace. Jesus declares that those who follow him know his voice. They hear the truths that he preaches… He calls to these and leads them out into the world. And “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” The sheep continue to follow Jesus because they can discern his voice from all the others. By contrast, the Pharisees cannot hear Jesus’ teachings. They are instead trying to climb into the fold by means other than the gate. Instead of hearing the word of God revealed through the teachings and example set by Jesus they’ve turned the Law into an extensive code to follow that has no room for things like healing on the Sabbath. Those who use religion as power are they who “come only to steal and kill and destroy.”

What Jesus offers is radically different. He invites people to live a life of faith, found through entering a relationship with him. He proclaims that these “will be saved.” As wonderful as that is, the offer isn’t just a way into heaven. It’s not about strict adherence to a code of Law that leaves one devoid of love and grace. No, Jesus states, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” A life filled with love and grace and blessing. This thought evokes the overflow of abundance found in the 23rd Psalm. Life to the full! Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, open my eyes to see all that you place before me. Open my ears to hear all that you have to share with me. Open my heart to respond to you and others in love and grace as I seek to serve you alone today. Amen.


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Two Choices

Reading: Romans 4:1-5 and 13-17

Verse 13: “It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise… but through the righteousness that comes by faith.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Paul was born into the Jewish faith. He studied the scriptures, especially the Law, and rose to prominence in the Pharisees, a religious order that focused on strict adherence to the Law. As a Jew, he was thoroughly versed in the life of Abraham. Paul writes this letter to the church in Rome – many of the people likely without any of this background, yet some very connected to Judaism. So why does Paul choose to go all the way back to Abraham as the point to connect non-Jewish Christians to Christian Jews into one faith in Jesus Christ?

There is a 2-part answer, although the two are very connected. First, the one who held the Law above all else in his religion has come to know the saving power of Jesus Christ through faith alone. Paul now knows that faith is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He himself experienced the power of unconditional love, undeserved grace, and unlimited mercy. Second, Abraham was credited as being righteous – of living in right relationship with God – because of his faith and trust in God in a time when the Law did not yet exist. Like Paul, Abraham did nothing to receive the blessing of faith – it was by God’s grace alone.

This simple concept of grace invites anyone and everyone into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is freely and generously available to all people. Some people struggle to accept it or to believe it because the idea of receiving something free and undeserved runs counter to our cultural norms. We measure success in our culture by what we do and by how much we accumulate. By contrast, in God’s kingdom “success” is measured by whose we are and by how we reflect that and by what we give to others. If we are focused on keeping a set of rules and on achieving certain expectations, then we are tied to this world. If we are focused on being a disciple of Jesus Christ and on living out his example of love, mercy, grace, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity, then we are tied to the kingdom of God. As you reflect on these two choices, where are you this day?

Prayer: Lord God, your grace, love – well, everything really – is a free gift to me. All are undeserved yet you give all freely and abundantly. May my grateful response be to do the same. May it be so. Amen.


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A Consuming Fire

Reading: Exodus 24:12-18

Verse 17: “To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

Returning to Exodus 24 today, Moses goes up the mountain to receive the law and commands. Through these, God is inviting the people into a deeper relationship and into a new way of living. Moving from slavery in Egypt to dwelling as a free and loved people in the Promised Land, the Israelites needed a new framework for life. As they await this, “To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”

In our lives as Christians we too have a framework for life. The Bible is an expanded and refined version of the laws and commands that Moses received. The words in the Bible give us guidance and direction for living as the beloved children of God in this world. Jesus is the central figure in the scriptures and provides us a real-life example of how to live out God’s will and God’s ways.

The concept of God being a consuming fire also holds true. As we delve into God’s word and as we allow it to shape and form, to refine and reform us, the fire of the Holy Spirit burns away the chaff – our sins, our selfishness, our fleshy desires… Led and guided by the Spirit, one more image of flame, we become more and more who God created us to be.

Day by day, may you be blessed on your journey.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the framework you give for life – especially the example found in your son Jesus. By his example we have the model for how to love you and one another. Continue to work in me, drawing me closer and closer to who you made me to be. Amen.


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Back to Community

Reading: 1st Corinthians 3:1-9

Verse 9: “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

This week has largely focused on the law and on living in obedience to God’s commands. Today we add a little humility to the mix. Paul, who had as much authority as anyone at this point in the early church, makes the intentional choice to point the Corinthian church back towards God. In doing so, he is trying to lessen the division in the church.

One source of the division comes from which preacher they prefer. We do not know for sure if this is just personal preference or if there is a theological difference creating division. We can assume the first is the case as Paul speaks of Apollos building upon what he started. Paul planted the church and taught Christ crucified. Apollos watered or continued to teach these new Christians about the faith.

The second source of division comes from spiritual immaturity. Paul began simply, reminding them that he “gave you milk.” They were not and apparently are not ready for “solid food.” The quarreling and jealousy are evidence of this immaturity. These would be humbling words to hear. This is an invitation to look in the mirror.

Our passage closed with Paul calling them back to community, back to one another, and back to God. In verses 9 he writes, “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” Paul reminds them of the partnership, of the connection to God. He reminds the Corinthian church that they belong to God and that God has brought them together. These are good reminders for all churches and for all Christians everywhere. May we too hold fast to these humbling, truthful words.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us together, build us up. Through your Holy Spirit and through one another may we mature in the faith, becoming more and more who you created and designed us to be. Over and in and through all of this, spread your love. Amen.


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You Have Heard…

Reading: Matthew 5:21-37

Verses 27 and 28: “You have heard that it was said… But I tell you…”

As we continue on in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives us some examples of how we are to be the “blessed are” and of how we are to be the “salt and light.” Using 4 topics found in the Law, Jesus explains how we as followers are to set the example for the world. In each of these scenarios Jesus raised the bar way up there. While we will never be perfect, that is the direction in which Jesus calls us today. The one who came “to fulfill the Law” challenges us to become ones who live righteously all the time.

In each of these four areas of life Jesus begins with some form of this statement: “You have heard that it was said… But I tell you…” Jesus summarizes the law itself and then he calls us above and beyond it. In each case, Jesus is driving down to the heart of the matter, to the root of the sun being addressed by the law. One of the Ten Commandments prohibits murder. Yes, but Jesus dives deeper. Don’t get angry and don’t speak a harsh word – these are the seeds of murder. The same goes for the law against adultery. The list that we allow to creep into our hearts form the seeds that sprout and grow into an adulterous relationship. So serious is Jesus that he commands us to poke an eye out or to cut off a hand (is it resting on a mousepad?) if these cause us to sin.

The topics of divorce and oaths are also covered today. In the first Jesus is seeking to elevate behavior and to protect women. To keep them from being victims of increasingly common frivolous divorces, Jesus seeks to reign in the reasons. He identifies “marital unfaithfulness” as the sole acceptable cause. This term, of course, can be defined many ways. But at a minimum it points us back to the marriage covenant. And on oaths, Jesus simply says, “Let your yes be yes, and your no, no.” Live with integrity. Be absolutely honest. Perhaps this one follows his words on divorce for a reason.

These four areas are a good start for considering how to be an example for the world. But four fall far short of covering all aspects of life together. Maybe one of these four applies to your life. Or maybe you are struggling with pride or greed or jealousy or anxiety or… What Old Testament law speaks to this? What would or did Jesus add as he says, “But I say…?”

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to such a high standard. You call us to be that light on the hill, raised up so all can see. Strengthen us to represent well. Amen.


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Blessed Are…

Reading: Psalm 119:1-8

Verse 2: “Blessed are those who keep God’s statutes and seek God with all their heart.”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Turning to the Psalms today we are connected to yesterday’s reading from Deuteronomy 30. In the opening stanza of the longest Psalm the writer focuses in on the blessing side of obeying God’s laws and of striving to live God’s way. There is a joy that can be felt as the psalmist considers living a life of faith.

In verses 2 we read, “Blessed are those who keep God’s statutes and seek God with all their heart.” There is a sense of security when we live within the parameters laid out by our good and holy and just God. Our pursuit of God, our seeking to know, understand, and live out all of God’s laws brings us to a place of praise. There is joy and peace and contentment when we are walking steadfastly with God.

The honesty of the Psalm is so refreshing. In verses 5 we read, “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees.” I read these words with an emphasis on the “Oh” part. In these words we can feel a longing to always be faithful balanced against the reality that we are human and are therefore imperfect. There is value in looking within and realizing that we’ve fallen short. In recognizing that we fall short regularly we see our need to grow in our faith. And we often experience God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

The closing verses today is such an honest admission. It is part pledge and part humble request: “I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” I’m going to really try. Please don’t give up on me. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, I want to be faithful and true to you all the time! But I do fail, again and again. Encourage my resolve. Convict and redeem me quickly and often. Help me each day to walk as a child of the light. Amen.


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Blessing or Curse?

Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Verse 16: “For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

This week we turn to Deuteronomy 30. This book is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. These five books establish the early covenants with God and they provide many laws that guide how ancient Israel was to live in covenant relationship with God. The covenant was and is built upon God’s unconditional love for the people of God. The many laws found in these books shepherded the Israelites and provided them a framework for living in right relationship with God and with one another. Covering virtually all aspects of life, these laws were broad and the code was immense.

This week’s passage from Deuteronomy 30 focuses not on the laws themselves, but on the outcome of keeping (or failing to keep) the laws. These words, usually attributed to Moses, were given to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Our passage opens with these words: “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.” This places faith in a very black and white setting. Continuing we read, “For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws.” Moses calls Israel and he calls us to a daily, disciplined, faithful, steadfast walk with God. I believe to call oneself a Christian, one would expect no less.

The ‘reward’ of following the command? “You will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you.” And the ‘consequence’ if not obeying the command? “I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed.” Blessing or curse? Life or death? These words, this choice, will form the backbone of how the Israelites will understand and will interact with God. They will be the basis for how they will seek to live in the world and will guide their relationships with God and with one another.

These ancient words have meaning yet today. When we walk in God’s ways and love God, we experience life abundant here and we know that life eternal awaits. In all we do and say and think, may we seek the Lord with all that we are. And may our lives reflect a heart lived in covenant relationship with God and with each other.

Prayer: Lord God, your ways are good and you are holy and just. By the power of the Holy Spirit, lead me to walk in your will and ways and to honor you with all of my life. Amen.


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Applying the Way of God

Reading: Matthew 5:17-20

Verse 19: “Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

After beginning the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes and an encouragement to be salt and light, Jesus connects back to the Hebrew scriptures. After painting a picture of what the community of faith should look and be like, Jesus goes back to the roots of the faith. In verses 17 he says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets.” In and of themselves, these are good things. No, Jesus says, “I have come to fulfill them.” He has come to show what it means to really live out the way of God. Next week we will delve into some of what this means as Jesus says again and again, “But I tell you…“

In the second half of today’s reading Jesus addresses the overall application of the Law and prophets. Focusing first on the goal, Jesus says, “Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” These words connect to the call to be salt and light, to the calls to comfort and make peace, to the calls to hunger and thirst for God and for righteousness. Jesus applied the way of God to all of his life, to all of his relationships, to all that he said and did. Jesus lived a wholeness of faith and he calls his followers to do the same.

The contrast comes in verses 20, where Jesus informs us that our faith must surpass the surface level faith of the religious leaders of his day. They know the Law and prophets and they work hard at checking the boxes they’ve constructed. They just don’t allow the Law and prophets to affect how they live their lives. This is a call to let our light and love show in real and tangible ways, to let our faith impact and change lives, beginning with our own. May this be the faith that we live and breathe.

Prayer: Lord God, lead me today to live a faith that shows, that reveals you, that draws others into your presence. Amen.


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Cry Out, Trust, Act

Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4

Verse 3: “Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?”

Photo credit: Mukund Nair

We begin the week with the prophet Habakkuk. He wrote in about 600 BC, in the years just after the Babylonians destroyed Israel and took many away into exile. The leaders of Israel had wandered from God, taking the people with them. Living in sin and ignoring God’s laws had a devastating impact. It led to a time of great suffering – both for those led away and for the remnant left behind. Most of the people were adrift and disconnected from God. It is into this situation that Habakkuk asks God, “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” How long God must I ask for help turning these lost souls back to you? This is a great question we too ask when we look at our world today.

In verse 3 the prophet laments, asking, “Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?” This is an extension of the ‘how long?’ question. Habakkuk asks God how long must they suffer. How long must we pay the price for our sin? These are questions that reveal deep faith in God. They are in the situation they are in because God is just. The prophet questions and cries out as a witness to his faith. Habakkuk seeks God because he believes that only God can move the people from faithless to faithful. The prophet knows that God alone has the power to save them.

As we look at our world today we can identify areas of injustice and of suffering. We too can cry out to God, asking ‘how long?’ As we cry out to God, may we, like Habakkuk, do so trusting that God is mighty and powerful and just. In faith may we trust in God’s good purposes. And, like the prophet, may we too come to see that God has a role for us to play in bringing healing and wholeness to the pain and brokenness of our world.

Prayer: Lord God, open my eyes to see the places in need of your love and healing. Fill my heart with compassion and empathy. And then move me to action, to a part to play in helping others to experience your power to save and to restore and to redeem. Amen.


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All That We Are

Reading: Luke 10:25-27

Verse 27: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.”

This week’s gospel text is one of the most familiar of Jesus’ teachings: the parable of the good Samaritan. The passage begins with an “expert in the Law” standing up to “test” Jesus. This man asks Jesus what must be done to inherit eternal life. Perhaps to test the genuineness of the expert, Jesus responds with a question seeking the law expert’s interpretation. To be considered an “expert” this well educated man would’ve known the 600+ laws inside-out.

The expert gives a two-part answer. The first part is this: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” The man mostly quotes from Deuteronomy 6 but he adds a part to the original scripture. It is interesting to me that an expert in the Law would add something to the word of God. To add “and with all your mind” demonstrates a fuller awareness of belonging to God. It might also indicate a struggle that he has discovered. It is one that I and maybe you wrestle with. As an expert in the Law he would’ve known it inside-out. But knowing it and living it are two very different things. Reading about Jesus and living like Jesus are two radically different things for you and for me. Adding the mind to what we give to God is an important step of surrender.

In closing today, I invite us to consider what it looks like to love God with all of our heart? With all of our soul? With all of our strength? With all of our mind? When taken as a whole, it really involves loving God with all that we are. It involves surrendering the relational, spiritual, physical, and intellectual parts of our being to God. The rest of the parable gives us a great example of what this kind of surrender looks like. Join me tomorrow!

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes this full surrender is not easy. Sometimes I like to decide things for myself. Sometimes I want to be angry and seek revenge. Sometimes I want to be selfish or lazy. Help me, O God, to more fully surrender my whole being to your will and ways. Amen.