pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: light


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Born from Above

Reading: John 2:13-3:36

John 3:5 – “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom.”

As chapter 2 winds down, Jesus goes to Jerusalem. He goes to the temple. It is just before Passover, so the temple would be busy, abuzz with activity. Stepping into this scene, Jesus makes a whip and drives out those selling animals and those converting Roman coins to temple coins. The religious leaders question Jesus’ authority and he responds with “Destroy this temple and in three days I’ll raise it up.” The religious leaders are deeply confused but the disciples will remember these words after Jesus was raised – and they believed.

As Jesus does “miraculous signs” many come to believe. But this is a superficial faith. This is the human nature that Jesus does not fully trust himself to. In chapter 3 Jesus encounters someone wrestling with his faith. Nicodemus comes at night and recognizes that Jesus is from God – because of the miracles. Jesus cuts to the chase, telling Nicodemus that he must be born anew. Clarifying, Jesus says, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom.” All people are born of the flesh. To see, to receive, to believe, one must be born of the Holy Spirit too.

Continuing and deepening the conversation, Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Human One (Jesus) must be lifted up just as Moses lifted the snake to bring healing and life to the Israelites. The life Jesus will offer, however, is eternal life. And contrary to popular belief, the Messiah did not come to judge but to save. Judgment will fall on those who fear and reject Jesus’ light.

Our reading closes with Jesus baptizing in Judea. John recognizes this as the sign that he must decrease so that Jesus can increase. The one from above is at work. He speaks God’s truth and gives the Spirit generously. By the end of the Gospel, Nicodemus will receive and believe. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed generous with your love and grace, with your mercy, and with your Spirit. Through receiving and believing we find the way to eternal life and to life abundant now. Use us today to share these blessings with others so that they too may receive and believe. 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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Great Love and Compassion

Reading: Luke 7-8:39

Luke 7:50 – “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Luke 7 begins with a story about a man with great faith. The centurion first asks Jesus to come heal his valued servant. He then realizes that he is unworthy to have Jesus come to him. So he sends words, recognizing Jesus’ authority to simply speak a word to heal the servant. It is so.

Jesus next encounters a funeral procession. A widow’s only son has died. With great compassion Jesus resuscitates the son, providing for the widow.

From prison John the Baptist sends some disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one?” Jesus heals many people right then and tells the disciples to tell John what they saw. This is a physical demonstration that fulfills Isaiah 35 and 61. It is Jesus’ “yes” to John’s question. He then laments this current generation’s lack of faith.

Jesus is then invited to dinner at a Pharisee’s home. While there, a sinful woman comes and washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair, kissing them and then anointing them with oil. In his thoughts, the Pharisee is condescending of both Jesus and the woman. This leader skipped all the normal hospitality customs. Jesus says to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Her revelation of great love leads to her salvation.

After naming some of the women who support Jesus’ ministry, he tells the parable of the soils. It is about our receptivity to Jesus’ words and example. These women are the good soil. Jesus then encourages us to let our light shine. It is to shine on all soil/soul types.

Jesus then reveals his power over wind and sea before encountering “Legion” – a man long possessed by many demons. The demons recognize Jesus and negotiate release into the pigs. The man is totally healed. The townfolk are awed but are also afraid of Jesus’ unexplainable power. They ask him to leave. The man is told to stay behind, to witness to Jesus’ power. He goes home to “tell the story.”

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to have great love and compassion for us. You respond when we call out in faith. And you sometimes come even when we don’t call out. You know what we need and this drives your responses. Thank you. Amen.


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Faith, Trust, and Seeds

Reading: Mark 4-5

Mark 4:20 – “The seed scattered on good soil are those who hear the word and embrace it. They bear fruit.”

A farmer goes out to scatter seed. Not sow, not plant – scatter. Some seeds fall on the path and are eaten by birds. Some falls on rocky soil. It sprouts quickly but does in the heat – no roots. Some seeds fall among the thorny soil. They sprout and grow but are soon choked out by the weeds. Other seed falls on good soil. “The seed scattered on good soil are those who hear the word and embrace it. They bear fruit.” For others, faith is short-term, cancelled out by distress, fear and doubt, by the cares of this world. Faith is like a lamp – we let it shine and it reveals what was hidden. Faith comes to those seeking. This is one way we bear fruit. We don’t know how it takes root or how it grows, but the tiniest seed can grow and grow, helping others. This too bears fruit.

Jesus crosses the lake, going to Gerasenes, a Gentile community. There is a storm along the way. Frightened, the disciples awaken Jesus, who calms the storm. He chastises them for their rocky soil faith. Once there, Jesus encounters a demon possessed man named Legion. The thousands of demons are cast into the nearby pigs. The uncontrollable madman is found “fully dressed and completely sane.” The townspeople ask Jesus to leave. Their thorny soil prevents them from accepting Jesus. The man asks to go with Jesus. He is told to go home to tell his people what Jesus did for him. He is good soil ready to produce a crop.

Our reading closes with two healings. Both involve risky faith. Jairus, a synagogue leader, risks by coming publicly, asking Jesus to heal his daughter. The woman with a bleeding disorder sneaks up through the crowd and touches Jesus’ clothes. She is healed. In the midst of a great crowd, Jesus asks “Who…” and she risks coming forward. She confesses and Jesus blesses her faith that healed her. News then comes of the daughter’s passing. Jesus says to Jairus, “Just keep trusting.” In the end, Jairus’ trust and faith is honored too. Jesus heals the daughter. Faith and trust bring healing.

Prayer: Lord God, you have power over all things – wind and waves, fear and doubt, mental and physical illness, even death. That power is available to those who believe in you as Lord and Savior. Lord, grow these seeds of faith that have been planted in each of us. Encourage and empower us to scatter these seeds, bearing fruit for your kingdom. Amen.


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The Banquet

Reading: Matthew 22-23

Matthew 22:21 – “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Chapter 22 begins with a parable about God’s kingdom. The scene is a wedding party for the king’s son. Proper guests are first invited. But they refuse to come. Then all people are invited – the good and the bad. The banquet hall is filled. But one enters who isn’t prepared to be there. He is removed and thrown into the deepest darkness. Those who were invited first represent the religious leaders and all Jews who refused to accept God’s son as Lord and Savior. The man represents those who say they follow Jesus but really live for self.

Jesus is asked about paying taxes. After examining the coin he declares, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” We are to be good and responsible citizens and faithful followers of God. Jesus clarifies the order when asked about the greatest commandment. First, we are to love God with all that we are. The second is to love neighbor as self. We are to first be faithful followers of God and then to be good and responsible neighbors.

In chapter 23 Jesus condemns the hypocritical ways of the legal experts and the Pharisees. They pile Law upon Law, rule upon rule, on the people but don’t lift a finger to help them in their walk of faith. By contrast, we recall Jesus’ yoke is easy and the burden light. The legal experts and Pharisees love to be seen and noticed. But the “greatest among you” will become the servant. They give a tenth of their spices but ignore justice, peace, and faith. They look great and righteous on the outside but are “full of pretense and rebellion” in their hearts. They refuse to come to the wedding banquet.

There is lament to close out today’s reading. Just as their ancestors abused and killed the prophets, so too will they abuse and kill Jesus, the disciples, the apostles… Jesus longs to gather Jerusalem as a “hen gathers her chicks.” They refuse. They too will not enter the wedding banquet.

Prayer: Lord God, as we read these words today we reflect now on the condition of our hearts. Do we love you with all our being? Is this reflected in how we love neighbor, in how we practice justice, peace, and mercy? Have we truly become part of your kingdom? Or do we just have one foot inside the banquet hall? Lord, help us all. Amen.


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Putting on the Yoke

Matthew 11:29 – “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.”

John the Baptist is the focus of the start of chapter 11. He sends his disciples to Jesus (he is in prison), asking, “Are you the one?” The response Jesus gives is to tell John what they see and hear. The blind see, the dead are raised… The fruit of his ministry is the proof: Jesus is the Messiah. John was an important one too, Jesus says: “He is the Elijah who is to come.” Jesus then laments this generation. They misunderstood John and they’ll misunderstand Jesus. This leads Jesus to lament about the places that he has ministered. They saw the miracle and did not change hearts or lives. He later declares that Nineveh will condemn this generation. They heard Jonah’s message and changed hearts and lives.

At the end of chapter 11 Jesus praises God for keeping “these things” hidden from the wise and intelligent (the religious leaders). He issues an invitation to those who are struggling and carrying heavy loads (the poor): “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.” What a contrast to the Pharisees. They and Jesus both called for a devout adherence to the Law. For one, though, the Law was a heavy weight to carry. For Jesus, “my burden is light.” Here one finds rest, not weariness.

Sabbath adherence is the focus of the beginning of chapter 12. These two encounters highlight the heavy/light contrast. Eating when famished and doing good supersedes the “do no work” mandate. Mercy trumps sacrifice. Love always wins. These clashes begin the Pharisees down the road to snuffing out this threat. The next clash centers on healing a demon-possessed mute man. The Pharisees attribute the healing to Jesus working with Satan. He rebukes this idea, claiming it is by the Holy Spirit that he heals. Jesus condemns them for their “useless words.” They demand a sign. Remember Jonah?, he asks. Jesus tells them he will be in the “heart of the earth for three days and nights.” What a surprise ending that story will have too! Even better than Jonah’s!

Today’s reading closes with Jesus calling his true family his disciples. They have taken on his yoke and are walking with Jesus. The disciples are Jesus’ “brothers, sisters, mothers.” May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to speak the words of life. Some hear and understand, some do not. Give us ears to hear. You continue to invite us to change our hearts and lives, growing deeper and more connected to you. Give us a spirit that is ever willing. Draw us more completely into your family, O God. 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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Complete Love

Reading: Matthew 5

Matthew 5:48 – “Just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.”

Chapter 5 begins with nine statements known as the Beatitudes. In these phrases Jesus describes those who are happy or blessed. The hopeless become happy because they find hope in God’s kingdom. The humble become happy because they know God’s presence. The disciples who are insulted or harassed because of their faith become happy when they realize their “great reward” in heaven. All nine statements frame a happy or blessed life in the context of faith and trust in God and in God’s plans for one’s life.

Jesus then reminds his disciples that they are to be salt and light. These things are no good if hidden or lost. They are to be lived out, to be shared with the world. In doing so, others will see the good we do and will praise God.

The balance of chapter 5 deals with the Law. Jesus begins in verse 17 by stating that he came not to do away with the Law but to fulfill it. To keep and teach these commands, Jesus says, will lead to being called great in the kingdom of heaven. Each teaching is framed in “You have heard it said… But I say to you…” language. In each case Jesus goes deeper or beyond the minimal following of the letter of the Law. He is getting at the matters of our hearts.

Don’t murder, they say. Jesus says don’t get angry and don’t use harsh words. Don’t commit adultery, they say. Jesus says don’t even look lustfully at another. An eye for an eye, they say. Jesus says, no, give them what they want or demand plus give some more. Love your neighbor, they say. Jesus says, yes, but love your enemies too. And pray for them! Verse 48 serves as a summary verse: “Just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.” May it ever be so.

Prayer: Lord God, with you we are truly happy and blessed – not because all things are rosy and good but because you are with us in all things. This too is our model. You call us to flavor the world with love, mercy, kindness. You call us to bring light into dark valleys and shadowy places. You call us to an exemplary walk, one that causes others to take notice of our unconditional love for all people. Lead and guide us to live completely and fully, just as you love us. Amen.


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A New Relationship

Reading: Isaiah 60-66

Isaiah 65:14 – “My servants will sing with contented hearts, but you will cry out from heartache; with broken spirits you will wail.”

As we close our Isaiah today chapter 60 encourages Israel to arise, to welcome sons and daughters home as they return from exile. Isaiah proclaims that peace and righteousness will reign. He tells of a day when the sun and moon won’t shine – God will be their light.

Isaiah 61 is a joyful proclamation that reveals God’s heart for justice and righteousness. The anointed prophet brings good news, heals brokenness, frees from sin, and promises the Lord’s favor to the faithful. He tells of God helping Israel to rebuild, to be restored and renewed. There is a promise of being clothed in victory and in a robe of righteousness. As we continue into chapter 62 God promises not to rest until Israel’s light shines and her salvation “blazes like a torch.” God delights in this people, will care for them, will lead them to be called “Holy People,” redeemed by God.

The prophet steps back in chapter 63, reminding the people why all this rebuilding is necessary. Edom’s sin raised God’s anger and wrath, just as Israel’s sin had. Yet for Israel there was also God’s love, mercy, and redemption. Isaiah invites more, asking God to “tear open the heavens” to come to them. He admits, Israel is the clay, God the potter. Good words of surrender and trust.

Isaiah closes out the book in chapters 65 and 66 with the usual good/bad news. The choice and outcome are summed up well in today’s key verse. No one listened when he spoke… God will repay their sin in full… God’s fire and sword will slay many. God is creating a new heaven and earth where there will be no tears, where they will thrive. Their relationship will deepen. God will answer before they call, God will hear before they speak. If only our hearts were so in tune with the Lord our God. May it be so one day.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your presence with us. Your love and mercy, grace and compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness – these continue to flow to your people. You remain at work, rebuilding when we break down, restoring when we fall away. Your justice and righteousness call us to reflect all of this as we seek to bring your good news to all people. Lead and guide us, O Lord. Amen.