pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: lives


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Readying Hearts and Lives

Reading: Matthew 3:1-6

Matthew 3:2 – “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

Advent is a season of longing and waiting. There is an anticipation that builds as we await the coming Messiah. Entering into Matthew 3 today, the people of God have been waiting, longing deeply for the Messiah to come. About 400 years before John the Baptist was born, the prophet Malachi called the people of God back to holy living. Channeling his inner Isaiah, in 3:1 Malachi writes, “Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me.” A few verses later God speaks these words through the prophet: “Return to me and I will return to you.” These words and others from prophets including Isaiah have hung in the air and in the peoples’ hearts for many, many years. The most recent occupation, this time by the Roman empire, has heightened their longing and anticipation.

John the Baptist arrives onto this scene and steps out into the wilderness, proclaiming, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” Out in the desert, dressed as he was, both mark him as the “Elijah” who was to come. John struck a chord with the people of God. Identified as the one of whom so many prophets have spoken, John drew large crowds. They confessed their sins and were baptized in the Jordan. The people were committing themselves to living holy lives, readying themselves for the coming Messiah and the kingdom of heaven that was drawing near. As we read this passage and hear John’s call to repent and prepare ourselves, may we ready our hearts and lives anew to welcome the coming Jesus and his kingdom here on earth.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us near, hear our confessions, receive our repentance, and guide our hearts and lives. Ready us to welcome the Christ child and all that he offers: joy, peace, hope, love, mercy, grace. As we prepare ourselves O Lord, use our voices to proclaim the one who rescues, redeems, saves, and sets free. Use us as heralds and bringers of your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Willing Participants

Reading: Isaiah 65:17-19

Isaiah 65:18b – “I’m creating Jerusalem as a joy and her people as a source of gladness.”

As we turn to Isaiah 65 today and tomorrow we turn to a new period in Israel’s history. It is now post-exile. The people of God have returned to Jerusalem, and like in much of Israel, there is hard work to be done. Almost everything must be rebuilt, replanted, or remade. Before much progress is made, the people have turned away again, allowing greed and the worship of idols to take over their doing and being. Isaiah speaks into this reality. But instead of harsh words or condemnation, he speaks words of hope that give an invitation into God’s preferred future.

God is planning to create something new – “a new heaven and a new earth.” God invites the people of God into this new creation, into a time of hope. The things of the past – the sins and bad memories – they will be no more. God declares, “I’m creating Jerusalem as a joy and her people as a source of gladness.” In this new creation God will find joy and gladness too as the Israelites once again become the people of God. In contrast to much of Israel’s recent past, there will be no weeping or crying in this new heaven and earth.

While God is eager to create anew, Israel still must choose to be a willing participant. As God continues to desire to transform this world and our lives into something new, we too must be willing participants. If this is our desire, then we must first be aware of how and when and where God is at work. Once aware we must then choose to willingly enter into that work, whether in the world or within ourselves. May we be willing participants in God’s transformation projects.

Prayer: Lord God, you are ever at work seeking to make our world and your people more loving, more gracious, more just. Open our eyes and hearts to this work, encouraging us by your Spirit to be your voice and your hands and feet in the creation of a new heaven and earth in this time and place. Amen.


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This Jesus

Reading: Luke 19:1-6

Luke 19:6 – “So Zacchaeus came down at once, happy to welcome Jesus.”

“Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he.” Did your brain jump to the next line? The children’s song and the story are familiar to most followers of Jesus. While we only read the first part of the story in today’s text, we know what happens when Zacchaeus comes down out of that sycamore tree.

One day Jesus was passing through town. The chief tax collector is curious. He wants to see this man that lots of people are talking about. Wild stories of healings and of profound teachings circulate amongst the Jews in Galilee and beyond. Zacchaeus was short – both physically and in statute amongst the local people. Collecting the burdensome taxes for the hated occupying force did not win him any friends. So he has to resort to climbing a tree so that he can simply see this Jesus as he walks through Jericho.

We will encounter people like Zacchaeus – sinned and flawed like us, curious about this man they’ve heard about. We are other believers are the stories the curious have heard and seen. The abnormal kindness, the ever present grace and peace, the contentment, the care and concern for those others ignore or shun – there is something attractional about this Jesus we follow and strive to emulate. This Jesus noticed, stopped, and talked with Zacchaeus. In verse 6 we read about the results: “So Zacchaeus came down at once, happy to welcome Jesus.” May we too be willing to engage those seeking, opening the door of their hearts to welcome this Jesus home.

Prayer: Lord God, first, walk with us daily, filling us with your Spirit and your presence, empowering us to be a good example of your love, grace, compassion… Second, prepare us for the conversations that come with living our lives for you and for others. By the power of your Holy Spirit, give us the words to say to those seeking, drawing them deeper in their curiosity about this Jesus, the life changer. Amen.


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The Lord Reigns

Readings: Luke 22:67-69 and Acts 7:56

Luke 22:69 – “But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God.”

Photo credit: Fuu J

As the passion of the Christ continues to unfold in Luke’s gospel, the religious leaders ask Jesus if he is the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus begins by addressing their hard hearts. No matter what Jesus says or even asks the religious leaders they will not believe that he is God’s Son. If they did or even thought that he might be, Jesus would not be standing trial before them. Jesus is calling out the hypocrisy of their question.

To answer their question, Jesus paraphrases from Psalm 110:1. In verse 69 he says, “But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God.” This Psalm of David reaffirms the messianic promise of God, offering hope for Israel’s future. David refers to this coming Messiah as “my Lord.” In claiming to fulfill the words of David, Jesus infuriates the religious leaders. For them this seals Jesus’ fate.

Fast forwarding a few years, we turn to Acts 7. The apostles and followers of Jesus Christ have been spreading the good news in both word and deed. The church is growing. This has heightened the tension and conflict with the Jewish religious leaders. Overcome with jealousy, the religious leaders began harassing the church. Stephen “stood out among the believers.” God’s grace was clearly at work in his life. There is a conflict and false charges are made up. Stephen is arrested and finds himself before the ruling council. Stephen outlines Israel’s history for these religious leaders, greatly angering them. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Stephen declares, “Look! I can see heaven on display and the Human One standing at God’s right side!” In anger, the religious leaders stone Stephen..The truth is too hard to hear.

Prayer: Lord God, from the lips of David to the lips of Jesus to the lips of Stephen, the message remains: Jesus is Lord. This day we humble ourselves and ask that you would reign in our hearts and in our lives, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Heed the Teachings

Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Luke 16:31 – “If they didn’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.”

Our parable for today comes just after a clash between Jesus and the Pharisees. In verse 14 this group of religious leaders is identified as “money-lovers.” Jesus told them that their worldly wealth is “deeply offensive to God.” After reminding them that they have Moses and the Prophets and now the good news, Jesus launches into today’s parable. It is clear who the rich man really is.

There is a rich man, finely dressed, who feasts “luxuriously” every day. Outside his gate is a poor man, Lazarus, who longs for crumbs from the rich man’s table. Lazarus dies and is carried to Abraham’s side in heaven. The rich man dies and now suffers torment in the flames. Their places in life are reversed in the afterlife. The rich man now longs – for a drop of water to cool his tongue. But it is not possible, says Abraham. A great crevasse separates heaven from hell.

The torment of hell is so great that the rich man finally thinks of someone other than self. He begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers. Apparently they are as self-centered as he was in life. They too have ignored the call of the great commands and more. Abraham reminds the rich man that his brothers have the Law and Prophets. Alas, he knows they’ve ignored them just as he did. The rich man again asks that Lazarus be sent. Then they’ll change hearts and lives. No, Abraham says, “If they didn’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.” How true.

May we heed the teachings in the Bible and the example set by Jesus, he who rose from the dead.

Prayer: Lord God, wealth is not all that can drag us away from loving you and loving neighbor. We can love power or status or titles or beauty or… more than you, which, in turn, means more than others. Lord, remind us again and again of the danger of placing anything above you. The harm, the cost, the outcome – all detrimental to our relationships with you and with those around us. Heal our brokenness. Break our selfishness. Lead us to find wholeness and contentment in you alone. Amen.


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Present and Future Reality

Readings: John 5:25-29 and Luke 19:7-10

Luke 19:10 – “The Human One came to seek and save the lost.”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

God sent Jesus to save, not to condemn, to give eternal life, not to bring eternal punishment. Today’s readings speak to this and to the reality that salvation is both a present and future reality.

In John 5 Jesus declares that “the time is coming – and is here!” Those who are dead in their faith can hear Jesus’ words and have their faith come to life. This is the present reality. Jesus also speaks into the heaven-hell reality. “All who are in their graves” – the physically dead – they too will hear Jesus’ voice one day. When that day comes, some will be resurrected to life (heaven) and some will be resurrected to judgment (hell.) In the end, we all have a destination. How we live in the present will determine our outcome.

Turning to Luke 19 we enter the story of Zacchaeus. Jesus has just invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house. This causes everyone to grumble. A large crowd had gathered to see Jesus. What could or would he do for them? To choose Zacchaeus, tax collector and known sinner – unbelievable! In response to the crowd or to Jesus’ invitation (or both?) Zacchaeus declares his faith. He speaks in the present. Jesus tells the crowd that salvation has come to Zacchaeus. Jesus adds, “The Human One came to seek and save the lost.” Jesus came to change hearts and lives in the present. Jesus came to save and to bring eternal life to the lost. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your intent for all people isn’t just to enter heaven one day. It is also for us to experience heaven on earth here in the present – “on earth as it is in heaven” is what we pray each Sunday. Help us to walk daily in faith, being heaven to others so that they too can begin to experience your intent for their lives in the here and now. Amen.


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A Great Crowd

Reading: Revelation 6:1-8:5

Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and there was a great crowd that no one could number… from every nation, tribe, people, and language.”

In chapter 6 the Lamb opens 6 of the 7 seals. The first four bring the four horses and their riders. Death, war, violence, famine, and disease sweep across the earth. One-fourth of humanity dies. The fifth seal is broken and those who have been martyred for their faith cry out, “How long…?” Given white robes, they’re told to wait just a little longer. The sixth seal is broken, first bringing a great earthquake. Then the sun turns black and the moon red. The stars fall from the sky. All the people of the earth try to hide. They beg the mountains, “Fall on us!” They know that the great day of wrath has come upon them.

The seal of God is then placed upon the foreheads of the 144,000 – 12,000 from each remaining tribe of Israel. John looks back to heaven and sees a great multitude. In 7:9 we read, “After this I looked, and there was a great crowd that no one could number… from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” Wearing robes that have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb, holding palm branches, they worship God. They’ve gone through hardship. Now they will not hunger or thirst. God has wiped away every tear. The Lamb guides them to the life-giving waters. The seventh seal is broken and there is silence in heaven for half an hour.

Seven angels with seven trumpets take their places. Another angel holds a bowl with incense. The prayers of the saints rise in the smoke up to God. The bowl is then filled with fire from the altar. It is thrown down upon the earth. The angels are about to blow their trumpets.

Prayer: Lord God, over and over, Old Testament and New, we hear the calls to change hearts and lives. Today in our reading the outcomes of our choices become clearer and clearer. As we rejoice today in the coming of our Savior, remind us of his ultimate purpose at the end of this age. Lead and guide us, O God, to live lives worthy of our calling. Amen.


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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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God Is… Patient

Reading: 2nd Peter 3

2nd Peter 3:9 – “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promises… but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change hearts and lives.”

Chapter 3 begins with a reiteration of the encouragement to recall what the prophets and apostles have taught. Peter then tells them that scoffers will come, jeering, living in sin, questioning the second coming of the Lord. Peter writes, “they fail to notice…” This is another way of reminding his audience of these truths. The word that created the world now “holds in reserve” the ungodly for the coming Judgment Day. Yes, Peter agrees, the wait feels long. But don’t forget, God’s time is not our time – “a single day is like a thousand years…”

Peter continues this thought as he tells them that God isn’t slow, he’s patient: “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promises… but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change hearts and lives.” As Christ said, the day will come like a thief – suddenly, unexpected. On that day, “all will be exposed.” So… be ready every moment by living holy and godly lives always. Wait for the new heaven and earth, making every effort to be found in Christ – at peace, pure and faultless. And as you wait, the apostle urges, be on guard against temptations as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

In Peter’s day, when suffering was real and when voices and cultures spoke against a faithful walk of faith, holding onto and trusting into God’s promises was essential. Times have not changed. We live in a post-Christian world that teeters on anti-Christian at times. May we be on guard, striving to live holy and righteous lives, eagerly awaiting the day of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, your word and promises endure forever. Empower us to hold to these truths, especially when the world challenges our faith and our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Strengthen us for this journey, O Lord. Amen.


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Rooted and Built Up

Reading: Colossians 1-2

Colossians 2:7 – “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.”

Colossians, as a whole, presents a beautiful picture of Christ as the fullness of God, as the agent of creation and redemption, and as the one who empowers the church to faithful living. In the face of rival, more worldly teaching, Paul presents a Christ fully capable of changing and transforming hearts and lives into a new, holy, and blameless way of living.

Colossians begins with thanksgiving and a prayer. Paul offers thanks for their faith in Christ and for their love of all of God’s people – both outcomes of Epaphras’ teaching. The message of hope has been growing and producing fruit in all of their good works. Paul prays that they will be strengthened and will grow in their knowledge of God’s will. He prays that they will endure hardships with patience so that they “can take part in the inheritance” – eternal life.

A hymn about Christ’s work comes next, in verses 15-20. This hymn celebrates Christ as the creator of all things and as the glue that holds all things together. Christ is the one who reconciles all to God – including those in the Colosse church. Paul encourages them to stay rooted in their faith. He warns against this “philosophy and foolish deception,” these human rules. Paul encourages them to live in and with Christ: “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.” Being baptized into Christ’s death, Paul says, now live alive in Christ. Stay connected to Christ, Paul implores. May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us in our walk of faith. Open our hearts and minds to the fullness of Jesus Christ. Help us to truly be reconciled to you, living as light and love in this world. Guard us from the false teachings of the world and of the evil one. Root us deeply in Christ. Establish our faith on the rock. Empower us to faithful living through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.