pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: life


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Good, Holy, and Just

Reading: Revelation 22:1-5

Revelation 22:2 – “On each side of the river is the tree of life.”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

As John’s vision continues the angel shows him “the river of life-giving water.” This river flows out from the throne of God and the Lamb, its life-giving power drawn directly from the Lord our God. The river flows down the middle of the main street and “On each side of the river is the tree of life.” The water and the tree – accessible to all people, just as God and Jesus are accessible to all people.

The tree of life, once in the Garden of Eden, now in the holy city, the new Jerusalem. The tree now provides food for all people as well as healing for all of the nations. The provision is in abundance and the healing is complete. There will be no hunger, want, or need. There will be no sin, no disease, no evil. All of this and more is implied as John writes, “There will no longer be any curse.” All pain, sorrow, envy, pride… gone!

In the new heaven and earth all will worship the Lord our God. All people will “see his face” and will be identified as belonging to the family of God. This too will be a return to the days in Eden when humanity walked and talked with God. God’s face will shine upon all people and together “they will rule forever and always.” The stewardship of creation, begun in Genesis, will be made complete and perfect in the new creation. All will be good and holy and just. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it is beautiful to see how your intent for the world will come to fruition. All that has been in decay and in states of separation will be made new again and will be united fully with you. Worshipping you alone, all people will be filled with your light and love. As we await this glorious day, O God, remind us to pray and work here and now, daily seeking to build this beautiful kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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“New” Again

Reading: Ezekiel 47:6-12

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

As we turn to Ezekiel 47 we are near the end of his vision of the new heaven and earth that began back in chapter 40. At the beginning of chapter 47 Ezekiel returns to the temple, to the east gate. So far in his vision only the glory of God has passed through this gate. Now water flows out of this gate. As the water flows it grows wider and deeper, finally reaching a point where it is impassable.

In verse 6 Ezekiel is led to the edge of the river and is asked what he sees. On both banks Ezekiel sees many trees. He is then told, “Wherever the river flows, every living thing will thrive.” These waters will bring life abundant. What was dead will come to life. All that is touched by the living water will thrive. Provision will come from this living water – fish in great numbers, fruit without end. And the leaves of these trees will bring healing to all people. The words Ezekiel uses, the scene he sets – right from the Genesis account of creation.

This abundant life, this provision, this healing – it is all because the water “comes from the sanctuary.” This stream of life begins physically at the throne of God, yes. Its power, though, comes from the one who sits on the throne. The same God who spoke all of creation into being is the same God who will one day give abundant life as all things are made “new” again. The world will then once again be as God created it to be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, all glory, praise, and honor to you! The love and care shown at the beginning of creation is as strong as ever. We know that at just the right time Christ will return and defeat all evil, all pain, disease, and death, all sorrow, and all division. We will then walk in your light and love in your abundant new creation. We long for this day! Amen.


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A Harmonious, Symbiotic Relationship

Reading: Genesis 2:4b-9

Genesis 2:7 – “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life into his nostrils.”

In Genesis 2 this creation narrative places humanity at the center of a beautiful garden. Before God created plants or crops, before God sent rain upon the earth, “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life into his nostrils.” God creates someone to care for, to tend to, to dwell with God in God’s next creation: “a garden in Eden.” Perhaps this is the order because God wanted the human to see the garden’s creation. Understanding that the garden and all in it were created by God would shape how the human saw and interacted with the garden.

The word “Eden” translates “delight.” That is what the garden was. Where else would God dwell with humanity? The trees are beautiful and they bear edible fruit. This food will nourish and sustain humanity. They care for the garden and the garden cares for them. There is a symbiotic relationship here. This idea can be extended to God and humanity. We are at our best when we live in a harmonious, symbiotic relationship with God.

In the center of God’s garden are two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The first tree is though to yield unnaturally long life or even immortality. The second tree is thought to give cognitive enlightenment or to give humanity insights that only God was to have. God will set these trees apart, intending to keep humanity from them.

Prayer: Lord God, we are intended to walk in a close, personal relationship with you. That was and is your plan. Lord, enable us to choose love and obedience daily so that we can experience your presence in our lives daily. Guide us to be faithful stewards to all of your creation. Lead us to treat all of your creation as we wish to be treated by you. Amen.


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He Is Alive!

Reading: John 20:1-18

John 20:18 – “Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, ‘I’ve seen the Lord!'”

The first Easter long ago began quietly, with Mary Magdalene making her way to the tomb in the time just before dawn. It was light enough out to see that the stone was moved. She goes and tells Peter and John. They come and look. They see the grave cloths lying there. Peter and John leave, not understanding what has happened.

Mary remains, undeterred from her focus. Taking a second look inside, she see two angels. She inquires of them – sort of. She tells them that the body is missing. Mary turns and faces a person. She doesn’t recognize him as Jesus – yet. He asks her why she is crying and who she is looking for. Again, the same response: “If you’ve carried him away…”

“Mary.” Jesus speaks her name. She recognizes the voice and maybe the feeling in speaking her name. At times Jesus speaks our names too. It’s often when we’re distraught or overwhelmed or… It might not be audible but he does call, beckoning us back to the place of peace…

Jesus gives Mary instructions: go and tell the others. In verse 18 we read, “Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, ‘I’ve seen the Lord!'” The first evangelist shares the good news of Jesus Christ for the very first time. He is alive! Yes, Jesus is alive!! Hallelujah!!

Prayer: Lord God, what great news! Life and hope, joy and peace – all bundled up together. The cross and the grave have been defeated..sin and death no longer hold sway or have power over us. As Jesus calls our name, O God, tune our hearts and ears to that call. Thank you. Amen.


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A Saving Faith

Reading: John 20:24-31

John 20:29 – “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

On the first Sunday, when Jesus came to the disciples, Thomas was not with them. After the disciples tell Thomas about it, he declares, “Unless I see the nail marks…” Thomas wants physical proof. We’ve been there. We’ve heard something that was too amazing to believe. In response, we say or think, “When I see it with my own eyes…”

A week later the disciples are gathered , still hiding behind closed doors. It is again a Sunday. (At this point, in their culture, they counted that day too.) Jesus enters into their midst – a sign of Jesus’ divinity and his risen nature. After greeting the disciples, Jesus offers Thomas his hands and side. It is the physical proof that Thomas demanded. Jesus then says to Thomas, “No more disbelief. Believe!” Thomas responds with a confession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas connects to the human and divine natures of Jesus, recognizing both as worthy of following and worshipping, respectively.

Jesus, speaking to those present, to us today, and to all who will read this story, says, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” Generation after generation will come to faith in one not physically seen. In summary, in what some scholars believe to be the original ending to John’s gospel, he writes, “These things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that believing, you will have life in his name.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, even though we do not physically see Jesus, his presence can be “seen” everywhere in our lives. As we love our neighbors, as we serve those in need, as we walk with one another through the valleys, evidence of your Son’s presence is manifested in and through us. Use our witness to draw others to a saving faith. Amen.


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He Came to Save

Reading: John 3:13-17

John 3:17 – “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

As we turn to the gospel of John for the week ahead, today we read one of this gospel’s most well known verses: “God so loved the world…” This verse is seen on signs at ball games, on T-shirts, on artwork in homes and houses offices. It is an important reminder of the depth of God’s love for us and of the gift that Jesus’ sacrifice was for you and for me.

In verse 13 we’re reminded of the incarnation, itself a sacrifice. Paul reminds us that Jesus emptied himself, giving up his divinity to come to earth in the flesh. Coming from heaven also allowed Jesus insight into what he would die for: so that we could one day join him there.

Connecting to the healing and life that the Israelites received in the wilderness when Moses lifted the golden serpent (Numbers 21,) Jesus declares that he must be lifted up for us to receive eternal life. Is he referring to being lifted up onto the cross, being lifted up out of the grave, being lifted up into heaven, or all three?

Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin and death. We are forgiven and raised to new life through these actions of Jesus on our behalf. In verse 17 we read, “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus did not come to judge or to condemn. He came to save – to save us from ourselves, from the lies of the world, and, yes, from the powers of sin and death. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your great love for us. It was revealed first in your taking on flesh. It culminated in sacrificing that flesh as the atonement for our sin. All so that you could save us. What a deep love you have for us, your sons and daughters. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Fear, Shame, Guilt…

Readings: Matthew 26:69-75 and 27:3-10, 15-26

Matthew 27:24 – “So he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

Today’s readings contain denial, betrayal, and giving in to social pressure. These actions are driven by fear, shame, guilt, regret, greed, power. These are actions and emotions that we too wrestle with as we try to walk faithfully with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Peter had followed the mob who had arrested Jesus – at a distance. He feared being caught up in what was happening. In the high priest’s courtyard, Peter is accused three times of being with Jesus. Each time Peter’s denial of Jesus grows stronger as the fear rises. His fear turns to shame as the rooster crows. When was the last time that you denied Jesus, either in word or deed? What “crowed” to lead you to tears?

Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Seeing that Jesus is condemned to die, Judas feels “deep regret” for betraying “an innocent man.” The religious leaders refuse to change course. Guilt and regret lead Judas to take his own life. When have you felt deep regret because you betrayed Jesus? How did you resolve your inner turmoil?

Pilate has the power of life and death in his hands. He tries to free Jesus. His wife tells him to “leave that righteous man alone.” Tension builds and Pilate gives in to the mounting social pressure. To try to relieve his guilt and regret, he “took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.” Pilate allows the power to slip through his fingers like the water slips through. We’ve all given in to the crowd, turning away from Jesus. What do you do to relieve your guilt and regret?

Prayer: Lord God, it is hard to admit, but at times we’ve played the roles of Peter, Judas, and Pilate. When we’ve failed you, we’ve felt what they feel. It is our human nature rising up to protect self, position, status… In our next moments of testing, Lord, raise up the voice of your Holy Spirit. May it be louder and stronger than our fear, shame, guilt… And when we fail, remind us of your unconditional love and endless grace. Amen.


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Faithful Actions

Reading: James 2:14-24

James 2:24 – “So you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone.”

As we come to a close reading scripture and applying is to John Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules,” we turn to James 2. This short passage works well to illustrate how doing no harm, doing good, and staying in love with God should work together in the life of a believer.

Our passage begins with a question: What good is it to say you’re a Christian if you don’t act like one? To claim to have faith does nothing. James points to wishing well someone in need without meeting those needs. You are, then, in fact, doing harm to the image of Christ.

As he continues, James argues that one cannot separate faith from your actions. Yes, he says, to believe is good. But our faith cannot stop there. It must flavor or impact all areas of our lives. James cites Abraham as an example of one whose faith was “made complete” by his actions. Nearly sacrificing his only son Isaac, Abraham’s obedience to God through faithful actions brought him to the place of righteousness. To faithfully follow God’s word, nudges, whispers… leads us to do good for the image of Christ.

Woven into Abraham’s example is one who stays in love with God. Abraham listened to the voice of God. He chose to worship God alone – elevating his love of God over his love for his own son. In summary, James writes, “So you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone.” May this be what the world sees through our faith as well.

Prayer: Lord God, interweave into our lives these three practical pieces of faith. Guard us against doing harm and lead us to do good. Fuel both of these practices through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. May our love for you arch over all we say, do, and think, drawing others into the great love that you have for us all. Amen.


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Our Affirmative Answer

Reading: John 11:20-27

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Today’s passage is a conversation between Martha and Jesus. Martha’s brother Lazarus has just died. Martha and her sister Mary had asked Jesus to come, believing he would heal Lazarus. This is evident in verse 21. Also evident is Martha’s faith in Jesus: “Even now I know that whatever you ask God, God will give you.” She believes strongly in Jesus’ power.

Verses 23-24 are representative of the Jewish understanding of the afterlife. One day there will be a final resurrection of the dead. Martha assumes this is what Jesus is talking about when he says, “Your brother will rise again.” On that final day – in a year, in a hundred years, in 7,947 years – all will be resurrected, some to eternal life, some to eternal punishment.

In verse 25 Jesus speaks into the present. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Life begins anew when one accepts Jesus as Lord. The old is gone, the new has come. As a disciple of Jesus Christ we begin to live and experience heaven here on earth. We receive Jesus’ Spirit as a constant presence in our lives, much as God will be when we enter heaven. This life will be continued into the next. Our soul, our essence, will never die.

Asked if she believes, Martha responds affirmatively to the Christ, to God’s son. This day, may our lives – our words, our actions – be our affirmative witness to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many ways that we can profess or witness to our faith in you. As we go out into the world each day, lead and guide us to bring the peace, hope, joy, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, contentment, generosity, and welcome that we find in you our into the world. Doing so, we bring heaven to earth and into other people’s lives. May it be so, O Lord. Amen.


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God is with Us

Reading: Psalm 23:4-6

Psalm 23:6a – “Goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today we turn to one of the most well-known scriptures in the Bible as we wrestle with the idea of heaven this week. The 23rd Psalm is a staple during those sacred moments when we gather to celebrate a faithful life well-lived and to comfort and encourage the grieving. These words of David resonate with God’s presence in our lives and with God’s love and care for us.

Verse 4 reminds us that God is present in the “darkest valley.” As we walk through dark moments – pain, grief, loss, illness, unwanted change… – God walks with us. David speaks of having no fear. This comes partly from God’s presence but also from God’s role as protector. The “rod” keeps the physical enemies at bay while the “staff” keeps spiritual enemies at bay.

The idea of a great wedding banquet comes to mind again as we read verse 5. The oil of God’s blessing anoints the head and the cup spills over. Abundance is the norm at God’s table. This brings to mind one of our common understandings of heaven. It is the great feast spoken of by the Prophets and by Jesus.

The idea of heaven on earth flows through verse 6. God, here represented by “goodness and faithful love,” pursues us “all the days of my life.” God is always seeking us out. The Psalm closes with rejoicing. David rejoices over his daily dwelling with God. For us today, this dwelling has become an indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God is with us here and now. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are so grateful for your daily walk with us. We are thankful that you not only pursue us but also protect us, guide us, and draw us back to you when we wander. You bless us in so many ways. Thank you for your unending love and care. Amen.