pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: lives


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What a Turn!

Readings: Esther 5, Esther 6, Esther 7, Esther 8, Esther 9, Esther 10

Esther 9:1 – “On the very day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, the tables were turned against them.”

Photo credit: Justin Luebke

As the story continues, Esther goes to and is received by the king. He offers her anything she wants – “even half the kingdom.” She requests that the king and Haman come to a banquet first. Haman leaves the banquet in high spirits. But seeing Mordecai angers him. It is suggested that he has a 75′ pole built to hang Mordecai on. The pole is built. But that night the king can’t sleep. The royal records are read and he hears of Mordecai’s heroism. The next day, thinking it is for himself, Haman comes up with a grand plan to honor this man. He ends up parading Mordecai around the city. What a turn!

At the second banquet Esther shared her wish: “give me my life… and the lives of my people.” Haman’s cruel plan is unveiled and eventually he is impaled on that 75′ pole. What a turn! The next day Esther and Mordecai appear before the king. They receive permission to write an order that will “call back” the original order. The Jews are allowed to defend themselves. Mordecai is greeted with shouts of joy in Susa. Jews everywhere are elated. Yes, what a turn.

The fateful day arrives. “On the very day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, the tables were turned against them.” No one is able to stand up to the Jews. They win sweeping victories over their enemies. The days end in great celebration and feasting. What a turn! Esther and Mordecai make it an official day of celebration – the Feast of Purim. It is named after “pur” – the dice tossed to decide the day of the Jews’ demise. Yearly, though, it is two days of celebration and feasting, remembering God’s rescue. What a turn indeed!

Prayer: Lord God, what a grand story of rescue. Although behind the scenes, you were there at every turn – prompting, leading, guiding, orchestrating, making a way. We rejoice in you, our good, good God. And we humbly ask, O Lord, that you are present in our lives too. Show us, lead us, guide us, prompt us, rescue us, O God. Amen.


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Plans

Readings: Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27

‭Exodus‬ ‭25:40… – “See to it that you make them according to the blueprint for them that you were shown on the mountain.”

Today’s readings shift into the building of the tabernacle. The great detail and planning remind us once again that God is good and ordered and creative. All of these details and specifications and vision for the tabernacle were given to Moses by God when he was on the mountaintop. Over and over we read, “See to it that you make them according to the blueprint for them that you were shown on the mountain.” God has a plan and calls Moses and then Israelites to follow the plan exactly. As I pondered application for today’s readings, it came to me: our lives are much like the construction of the tabernacle. God has given us a detailed plan. We read three chapters from it today. Within that plan, in the gospels God even gives us a perfect example of what following the plan exactly looks like. And to boot God gifts us with the Holy Spirit, the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ that leads and guides us.

There is great detail in the plans and in the execution of the plan. We find exact dimensions. We find specific colors and designs. We see specific metals used for specific spaces and purposes. We see talents and gifts put to use to execute God’s plan for the tabernacle. As I read through these chapters I imagined each step and what each item looked like. I envisioned the final product. As Moses received these instructions on the mountain I bet he tried to see each item and the final product as God laid out the plan. This thought draws me back to the Holy Spirit – that indwelling presence that knows God’s plans for our lives and works and prays and works to shape and guide and lead and make us into who and what God created us to be. I wonder: In what ways are we contributing to the Holy Spirit’s efforts in our lives?

What also struck me today was the people’s commitment. Every single thing they used for the tabernacle came from them. Every single thing. In the same way, the church (not the building but the church) relies on each of us to be a part of bringing God’s light and love into the world. What are you bringing?

Prayer: Lord God, we see a wonderful and detailed plan for the tabernacle. You have the same kind of plan for our lives and for our churches. Move us to active involvement in the completion of these plans. Amen.


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Responding to the Call

Reading: Mark 1:1-8

Verse 4: “John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

Photo credit: Savvas Kalimeris

We begin the week in Mark’s gospel. It was the first gospel written. It is short and concise. Mark mostly focuses on the three years of Jesus’ active ministry. Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels were built upon Mark’s and add much more detail to Jesus’ life, particularly to his birth. John’s gospel is similar to Mark’s in its focus. After a short Genesis-ish “birth story,” John jumps right to where Mark begins, with John the Baptist. Just think – if we only had Mark’s and John’s gospels we’d likely not have nativity sets and childrens’ Christmas programs and…

Verse 1 states that Mark’s gospel is “about Jesus Christ, the son of God.” And then Mark leads us out into the Judean wilderness. Quoting from Isaiah as a means to quickly set the stage, Mark reminds his readers of the prophecy that foretold of one “calling in the desert.” The call was to prepare oneself for the coming of the Lord, to straighten out one’s life so that one was ready to receive the Messiah into one’s heart.

Responding to this call from God, we read, “John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” John called people to repent of their sins – to clean up their lives. This was the first step in readying people for Jesus’ coming. Laying their sins before God and repenting of them – committing to holy living – people were then baptized in the Jordan River. In this season of Advent may we too make ourselves right with God and, remembering our baptism, may we commit our lives once again to holy living.

Prayer: Lord God, may we hear the call of John the Baptist as a call upon our lives and hearts too. Help us to realize the full weight of the call to repent, to turn away from our sin and disobedience, and to walk closely with you again. And may we also remember that the burden is light and that the way is easy because you walk with us. Amen.


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Love Lived Out

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:1-8

Verse 8: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica is the focus of today’s passage. Paul, Silas, and Timothy preached the good news of Jesus Christ “with the help of our God.” In spite of opposition they spoke boldly. While the fruit of their faithfulness was converts to Christ, Paul clearly states that their ministry was offered to please God alone. And in order to best minister there, in order not to be a “burden,” Paul’s habit was to find work in each community, allowing him to care for them in the best way possible.

While we may feel like we live in a much different time than Paul and company lived, the principles and practices shared in today’s passage are very relevant to our faith and to our witness. Paul’s primary focus was to share Jesus. All he did and said and thought was aimed at this focus. Do we use all that we are and all that we have to share the good news? They spoke boldly, not fearing whatever opposition that may come. Do we speak boldly of our faith or do we worry more about what others might think or say about us? Do we allow the “cost” to sway how we go about witnessing to our faith?

And, perhaps most importantly today, are we “gentle” and caring with all of those that we encounter and engage? In a world that often sees Christianity in a negative light, do our words and actions always help people to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ? Do those we witness to feel that we are doing our “job” or do they feel what people felt when they met Paul or Jesus – our desire to be in relationship, to share our lives as well?

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly be your love lived out today. When others look at us, when they talk with us, when they spend time with us, may they feel like they have been in your presence. Guide us, Lord, to be gentle and kind with all we meet. And empower us to be bold in our sharing of the good news. In all of these things may others come to know your love and our love. Amen.


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Newsworthy

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1:4-10

Verse 8: “Your faith in God has become known everywhere.”

Photo credit: Vanilla Bear Films

Continuing in our Epistle text for this week, Paul recognizes that the Thessalonians have been chosen by God. The gift of the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction by which they live their faith is the proof that God has indeed chosen them. His words alone do not have that power. It is the power that comes through the Holy Spirit of God that changes hearts and lives.

Paul then commends them for becoming “imitators of us and of the Lord.” They lived out their faith joyfully just as Paul, Silas, and Timothy has: boldly even in the face of suffering. These disciples and this church were being Jesus to the world. They were sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. They model for us what it looks like to follow Jesus. Because of this, Paul is able to write, “Your faith in God has become known everywhere.” Wow!

Paul sees that their faith has “rung out” far and wide. What would it look like for your faith to “ring out?” How could your church engage the world in such a way that the church’s witness “rings out” in the community? This is what happens when we joyfully live out our faith and when we boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Our faith really can impact our world. It should impact our world.

For the church in Thessalonica, their faith was told of by others far and wide. Stories of turning from idols and of living for Christ were newsworthy. This is the end result of “work produced by faith… labor prompted by love… endurance inspired by hope.” May it be so for us.

Prayer: Lord God, enable and empower us and our churches, leading and guiding us to make your name known. Through our joy and through our boldness, may others come to experience the power of your Holy Spirit at work in their lives. May this be the witness that the Lord receives. Amen.


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Love Does No Harm

Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Verse 10: “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Turning to the first half of this week’s Epistle reading, Paul calls us to love one another. Paul, just as Jesus did, emphasizes that “he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the Law.” Paul, again reiterating one of Jesus’ teachings, offers a few of the 10 Commandments and says these and all other commandments are summed up in “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Whether reading Paul or reading Jesus, the charge is clear: love one another.

In verse 10 Paul writes, “Love does no harm to a neighbor.” Many years later this concept would become the basis for the first of John Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules”: Do no harm. Wesley picked up on Jesus’ example and on Paul’s words, making the verbage shorter while also expanding the scope to include things like the environment. While the world has changed greatly since the days of Paul or Wesley, this rule of life is still greatly needed in our world and in our lives.

How can we, how can you and I, embody and live out “love does no harm to a neighbor?” How do we model a love that intentionally chooses not to harm our fellow humans or the world we all live in? We begin by accepting the call to minister to all the world. We next recognize and engage the image of God that is inside all people. And then we really commit to loving all of our neighbors, especially when it is hard. From this place of being in the world as Christ was in the world, we will do no harm as we encounter each person from a place of love. May it be so for us all today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, open my heart wide to all people – those like me, those that are beloved by you. All people. Fill me with your love, Lord. Use me and guide me to truly love as you love – without condition, generously, abundantly. As I gather with others may it always be in your name. May your presence be with us and in us. Amen.


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Roles

Reading: Exodus 2:1-10

Verse 3: “But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch.”

Today we continue in the exodus story. We are yet many years from Pharaoh letting the people go. In today’s passage, though, God begins to work that plan. A Hebrew baby is born and the mother cannot bring herself to obey Pharaoh’s law that says to kill the baby boy. After 3 months she is led to a plan: “But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch.” The basket is strategically placed in the reeds right by where the Egyptian women bathe. The older sister keeps watch from a distance. As the basket and baby are found, she swoops in to offer to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. Just like that the baby is back at home, where he will remain until weaned. At that time he is given to Pharaoh’s daughter to raise as her own. She names the baby Moses. He will grow up and one day liberate his people from slavery.

The three main women in this story all play important roles. Each follows their hearts and allows love to guide their actions. The prompting of their hearts is God at work. Moses is a pretty big name in the storyline of the Bible. Yes, the three women play a much smaller role in comparison to Moses. But without any of their roles we wouldn’t have a Moses. We all can also play relatively small roles in God’s unfolding plan. Like these three women, what we do and say also impacts the kingdom of God. We too have the power to change lives. Following God’s promptings, may we choose to love as we are led out into the world and into people’s lives.

Prayer: Lord God, guide me today to step into the plans that you have for me. Give me a confidence to go where you lead. Help me to trust into your plans for building a kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Go in Power

Reading: Luke 24:44-53

Verse 47: “Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in my name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

At the beginning of his ministry Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness preparing himself to be in ministry. At the end of his time on earth, Jesus spends 40 days preparing his followers to carry on his ministry. On this last day, Jesus summarizes and reinforces his time with them, together in ministry. Jesus “opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures.” It is the next to last step.

Jesus begins their commission in verse 47. Here he says, “Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in my name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” The disciples will begin in Jerusalem and then will spread out into the world, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. He reminds them, “You are witnesses.” They have seen lives changed; they have been present when hearts have been made new. They know firsthand the power of Christ to transform lives. And, in verse 49, Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit. We will celebrate the giving of this gift soon, as the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, clothing the disciples with Jesus’ power. Filled with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, the disciples will proclaim Jesus to the world.

Today, on Ascension Day, may we too accept the commission anew, committing ourselves to the sharing of the good news. Jesus continues to transform lives and to bring healing to our broken world. Like the disciples, we too need the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. May we pause at times, allowing the Spirit to fill us, to lead and guide us, to help us discern the path, and to go before us. Filled in these ways, may we then go forth in power, witnessing to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, flood my heart and mind with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Open me up to you, filling me with your words and your love. Speak to my heart and mind today, Lord, and use me to spread the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need. Amen.


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Habits and Practices

Reading: John 2: 18-22

Verse 20: “It has taken 46 years to build this temple”.

Yesterday we read about Jesus clearing the temple and we’re asked to consider where we could stand against some wrongs or evils in the world around us. In today’s passage we see the reaction of the religious leaders – those in charge of the temple. They want to know by what authority Jesus can do what he has done. In a way, they are asking if they can just go back to business as usual tomorrow, when he is gone. They ask for a sign and Jesus does give them one. They will just have to wait to see the truth of him rising after three days in the grave. Most of the religious leaders will deny that event too. Almost all will fail to connect Jesus’ resurrection to his answer to the question about his authority.

The market place in the temple courts probably began simply – some guy looking to help out travelers from afar by selling doves for sacrifices. And then another guy set up shop selling sheep. Eventually the sellers moved out inside the temple courts and some priest thought about requiring temple coins for their purchases. Money changers became a necessity and soon enough a thriving enterprise was born. Jesus challenged the corruption of this system. In response to Jesus’ cryptic answer the religious leaders say, “It has taken 46 years to build this temple”. In a way they are saying that the temple and the market place have always been here. In our churches and other organizations we say, “We’ve always done it that way”. So what it has become broken or corrupt or no longer is effective or isn’t holy or sacred anymore? One of the good things about the pandemic is that it has forced us to examine the practices and routines of the church. This season has been a time to let some things die, to imagine new possibilities, and to make changes to things that were ineffective, irrelevant, or outdated. Many of us have gone through the same process in our own lives and in our faith. This season of Lent invites us to do that hard work, to go deeper.

Although perhaps not 46 years, what habits or practices have you fallen into or out of that have lessened your walk with the Lord? What needs changed?

Prayer: Dear Lord, you still have the ability to do wonders and to work miracles. What in me needs addressed? Open my eyes to see and bind my will to yours. Make me more like you. Amen.


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Questionable

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1: 18-25

Verse 23: “We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles”.

Photo credit: Taylor Smith

Paul is writing in today’s passage to a church that needs some words of wisdom concerning the idea of a crucified Messiah. These last two words just don’t make sense, they just do not fit together in many people’s minds. For Paul this is the overall message of the cross: Jesus died for you and for me. To those who believe that Jesus loved us enough to die for us, the cross offers the power of salvation and of eternal life. But if you cannot wrap your head around that gift and what it means and gives to the believer, then placing one’s trust and life in Jesus’ hands makes no sense.

In verse 23 Paul writes, “We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles”. The Jews, for the most part, saw Jesus as a good teacher, as one that inspired many people to a better life, as one who even did some amazing things (miracles). But Jesus was not the Messiah that they envisioned. A real Messiah would never allow himself to be crucified. A real king would not eat with sinners, heal on the Sabbath, regularly engage the outcasts and unclean… All of these things were stumbling blocks to most of the Jews. The Gentiles (read ‘Romans’ or ‘pagans’ here) worshiped many gods and saw the cross as the place of punishment for the worst criminals. To cast one’s life in with the lot of a mere human, one that died with such shame and so powerless – foolishness!

As Christians living in today’s world, sometimes we should be stumbling blocks to some, foolishness to others. For our Lenten series this year, we are calling this “living highly questionable lives”. Last week I read a story about a high school basketball player. During a game he noticed that a player on the other team was wearing shoes that were not suitable for basketball. After the game he took off his shoes and have them to this other player. To some this appeared as foolish. To others it may have been a stumbling block. But to those also touched by Jesus Christ that night, it was the love of God being lived out in a real way.

As we encounter those who see our faith as foolish or as a stumbling block to their preferred way of life, may the Spirit give us the words or actions that preaches the cross in a way that reveals the courage and strength of our faith in the Messiah.

Prayer: Loving God, use me today to reveal my faith in ways that draw others into conversation. Let me love so completely that the other is willing to look past what at first seems foolish or to step over what may initially feel like a stumbling block. May the power of the cross draw them in. May it be so. Amen.