pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Adopt the Attitude

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5 – “Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.”

Paul begins chapter 2 writing about choosing humility over selfishness. This brings unity and joy to the body of believers in Philippi and also to the world around them. The same is true today. Turning to verse 5, Paul connects this idea to the example set by Jesus Christ. Here we read, “Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.” In other words: be like Jesus.

Using what is believed to be an early Christian hymn that predates the writing of Philippians, Paul lays out “the attitude of Christ.” Holding more power than anyone before or since, Jesus did not exploit it. Just the opposite: he emptied himself, “taking the form of a slave.” Jesus chose to be a servant to all, not a master over all. Each of us hold some degree of power, whether over many people or just a few. Do we do as Christ did, using our power not to exploit but to lift others up?

Jesus became humble without limits – except in his love. Jesus’ love knew no bounds. His humility led to an absolute obedience to God, driven by his love of God, which ended at the cross. Jesus never sought to glorify self or to draw any attention to self, practicing a piety that was not about self in any way. He sought to serve, to love, to teach and practice forgiveness. Through this example, God “highly honored” Jesus, giving him “the name above all names:” Lord.

Jesus was first in line in heaven, seated at God’s right hand. Coming to earth he stood at the end of the line, thinking of self last. Because of his humble obedience to God, Jesus became the first of many to enter the kingdom of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, others, others, others. Serve, serve, serve. Give, give, give. Lift up, lift up, lift up. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Surrender, surrender, surrender. Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love… Amen.


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Called, Guided, Protected

Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9

Isaiah 50:9a – “Look! The Lord God will help me.”

Turning to Isaiah 50, the prophet describes his work. This section is subtitled “The faithful servant.” As we read these words they are both a description of Isaiah’s ministry and a reminder of who and what we are called to do and be as disciples. This passage is known as the “Third Servant Song.” These three songs all connect to Jesus in the Christian tradition, adding to our call to live out and to share God’s word.

In our passage today the faithful servant begins the day with God. During what we might call “quiet time with God,” the prophet receives God’s word and guidance on how to apply and share it. While this early morning option is my preference too, God is present and available 24/7, ready and willing to “open our ear” anytime and anyplace.

Verses 6-8 reveal the “cost of discipleship.” The prophet experiences attackers and those who insult him and even spit in his face. The word of God is not always well-received. With trust in God – “Look! The Lord God will help me” – Isaiah remained true to his calling. He was determined and unafraid. He knew that the one who “will declare me innocent” was right by his side. This belief and trust allowed and empowered him to walk forward in faith.

If we are being faithful to God’s call upon our lives, we too will likely face rejection and perhaps abuse. It can be tempting to be quiet or to turn from our task. In those moments of temptation, may we first remember that God calls us to witness to our faith. Second, may we remember that God goes with us too, our ever-present guide and protector. May we go forward in faith this day and every day, proclaiming God’s kingdom here on earth.

Prayer: Lord God, each day, as we come to you, fill us with your word, your wisdom, your guidance and direction. As we seek to minister to the world, encourage and strengthen us, especially when we are attacked and rejected. Lead and guide us to joyfully and willingly count the cost of discipleship, knowing that we are serving and glorifying you. Amen.


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Possible and Available

Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-6

Ezekiel 37:5 – “The Lord God proclaims to these bones: I am about to put breath in you, and you will live again.”

As we prepare to spend time today and tomorrow in Ezekiel 37, we begin with some framing context and with a few questions. The valley of dry bones, we will learn, represents the nation of Israel’s dead faith. Because of this dead faith, they worshipped false gods, leading to physical death and destruction, followed by 70 years in exile. In light of this, where and how have you and I become disconnected from God? Are there areas of our faith and/or life that are like dry bones? And, how might the breath of God restore life to you and to me?

The opening verses of Ezekiel 37 set the scene. The Spirit brings Ezekiel to a broad valley. As he is led about, he sees that there are “a great many” of these “very dry bones.” An entire nation had been defeated by Babylon. Most died and the survivors were taken away into exile. Despair and hopelessness have grown as the years ticked by. The exiles question the prophets recent words of hope. They desire to return to the land that God once gave them, but…

The Lord’s Spirit asks the prophet if these bones can live. This is a relevant question for Israel, for our nation, perhaps for us as individuals. Ezekiel defers to God. The prophet witnessed the absolute defeat of Israel and he was one of those hauled off into exile. He’s been living in Babylon for many years, speaking to a people who are still far from God. The thought of resurrection feels too big, the idea impossible. So he gives it to God. And God has a plan. God instructs Ezekiel to say, “The Lord God proclaims to these bones: I am about to put breath in you, and you will live again.” This is a statement of faith. God will do this. God will restore and redeem Israel. Then, “You will know that I am the Lord.” How might God be reaching out to restore your relationship with God? How can the Spirit’s breath bring you new life?

Prayer: Lord God, you really can do anything. You are the God of all things, even that which seems impossible. Help us to see and then to trust our dryness and brokenness to you. Remind us once again that because of your great and unconditional love, new life is always possible and available. Deferring to you, lead us to new life as you breathe into our hearts today. Amen.


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Keep, Rest, Trust

Reading: Psalm 95:1-7

Psalm 95:4-5 – “The earth’s depths are in his [God’s] hands… the mountain heights… the sea… the dry ground.”

Psalm 95 is a call to worship God with heart and voice. We are encouraged to “sing out loud… make a joyful shout… to the rock of our salvation.” On days when it is sunny and bright, on days when we feel good, it is pretty easy to worship the Lord our God. On these days we readily sense God’s goodness and presence in our lives and in our world. Verses 4-5 speak of God’s presence in our world: “The earth’s depths are in his [God’s] hands… the mountain heights… the sea… the dry ground.” The extension of this list is found in Genesis 1. The creatures of air and sea, the plants and animals – all created by and held in God’s hands.

The psalmist then takes the next step, completing the Genesis creation story: “He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture… the sheep of his hands.” We are included in God’s creative works. This too is a reason to sing out with joyful shouts. In communion with God and in community with one another we find love, relationship, belonging, purpose, meaning… Yes, thanks be to the Lord our God, our shepherd, our maker.

There are times, days, and seasons when we need to remember these verses, when we need to remember that God has the whole world in God’s hands – including you and me. When war rages, when oppression is great even in the streets of our land, when leaders seem more focused on personal gain than on the common good, when a loss feels crippling, when mother nature deals a devastating blow – God is still present, God still holds us all in the divine hands of our maker, God still deserves our praise and worship. In these times, days, and seasons, may we is keep the faith, resting in God’s goodness, trusting in God’s love and promises and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, walk closely with us at all times and in all situations. In the highs and lows, in the joys and sorrows, be near to us. In our minds, yes, we know you are all-powerful and ever-present. So when our hearts falter or doubt or question, remind us again. And again. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Surrendering Control

Reading: John 3:1-3

John 3:3 – “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.”

Today and tomorrow we dive into Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus. In verse 1 we learn that Nicodemus is a Pharisee, a leader amongst the Jews. As a Pharisee, he is set apart from others Jews. He knows the Law inside out and keeps it devoutly. He is also a part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus is a powerful man by cultural standards. Nicodemus would appear to be “on top of the world” when viewed through the lens of “success” in his day. And he comes to Jesus at night.

Nicodemus calls Jesus, “Rabbi” – a term for Jesus that in John’s gospel always implies incomplete faith. He acknowledges that Jesus is “one who comes from God.” The Pharisee is not referring to this in terms of a Jesus being the Messiah but a prophet. Yet he must be wrestling with this distinction. Nicodemus must be questioning his own faith somehow. Why else would he come under cover of night to ask Jesus some questions? Perhaps Nicodemus is sensing that there may be something more than a faith that is well within his control. Maybe he has seen from afar how following Jesus has changed people’s lives.

Jesus opens the conversation with this earth shaker: “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.” With these words, Jesus resets the direction and tone of the conversation. Jesus is the one with power and authority. Being “born anew” has nothing to do with following the letter of the Law or any other moral guideline. It has everything to do with surrendering the control of one’s life and faith to God. It is the only way to see God’s kingdom from the inside.

Prayer: Lord God, faith is so much easier when it is on our terms. Doing what we think is required is manageable. It is safe, comfortable. This happens when we think we’ve somehow “arrived” spiritually. And it falls short of seeing and being your kingdom here on earth. Open our hearts to the power of your love, mercy, and grace. Guide us out of our easy, gentle, static faith into a place where we are transformed daily, born anew again and again, each time closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Make it so, O God, make it so. Amen.


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Remember the Promise

Reading: Psalm 121

Psalm 121:8 – “The Lord will protect you on your journeys – whether going or coming – from now until forever from now.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Psalm 121 was one of a small collection of Psalms that were sung by pilgrims heading to Jerusalem. It is a song about God’s protection, something we often need on our journeys. There is a practical side to the Psalm. Safety when traveling in the heat of the day or in the shadows of the night could be a real concern. For God to shade or protect the pilgrims – whether going or coming – this could be a real need.

There was likely also a spiritual need held in the Psalm. As Disciplines writer Mark Feldmeir points out, the mountaintops around Jerusalem held shrines to Baal and Asherah at many times in Israel’s history. Seeing these idols of false hope, one could be drawn in. Perhaps the question, “Where will my help come from?,” was one asked to snatch one’s focus back to God. For many in our modern world, we may scoff at the idea of worshipping false gods at altars and fertility poles.

We scoff until we consider the idols that we look to (instead of God) in our times of need and want. Primary is self. If I can just work hard enough, be good enough, try long enough… success and happiness will come to me. This drive is often to gain the things of this world: wealth, popularity, status… So the psalmist speaks to us too. As we look towards the mountains, we remember that is where Moses, Elijah, and Peter, James, and John all met the Lord almighty. When we need strength, guidance, direction, protection… may we too look to the Lord our God as we remember the promise: “The Lord will protect you on your journeys – whether going or coming – from now until forever from now.” Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you are our only hope, our only help against the desires and pulls of this world. When we are tempted to look elsewhere, may you Holy Spirit turn us away from the altars of self and the towers of consumerism, individualism, and materialism. May the Spirit within us draw our eyes and hearts to you – to your love, care, provision, protection… Guide us on our journeys and walk with us each day, leading us to peace and contentment and joy. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Completely Loved

Reading: Matthew 4:1-7

Matthew 4:3 – “Since you are God’s Son…”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

As we stand on the edge of Lent, we begin to lean into the themes of this season. We begin and end the week in Matthew 4, with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Today we spend time with the first two temptations. Each of the two begin with the same phrase: “Since you are God’s Son…” The tempter is very well aware of who Jesus is. The devil seeks to test Jesus’ own sense of identity in these first two temptations. This is often where Satan attacks you and me in our moments of weakness.

After fasting for forty days, Jesus is “starving.” We can often find ourselves wrestling with hunters and wants, although not often physical. Satan invites Jesus to command stones to become bread. ‘Satisfy your hunger,’ Satan says. Jesus has the power to do this. Jesus instead centers himself on the word of God – that which truly satisfies every hunger. In moments when we really want that new phone or outfit or… may we too remember that our true identity comes not from the world but from the word of God.

Satan then takes Jesus to the top of the temple and invites him to test God’s love and care for him by throwing himself down. Jesus again quotes scripture, saying, “It is written, Don’t test the Lord your God.” The devil is testing Jesus’ sense of his belovedness. Satan invites Jesus to test the depth of God’s love. We can fall into this temptation. In a dark valley, we can question if God really, really loves us. In a season of unanswered prayer, we can question if God really cares. In these moments of trial and weakness, may we too remember the truth that even Satan knows: you are God’s son or daughter. You are completely loved. May it ever be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when the voices of discontent or doubt begin to rise up, may the voice of your Holy Spirit be clearer and stronger. When we’re tempted to chase after happiness or status outside of our relationship with you, whisper into our hearts the truths about our true purpose and about our place of belonging. And when we question your love in our times of trial or suffering, draw us into your abiding presence, ground us in your unconditional love for each and every one of us, your sons and daughters. Lord, we need you. Amen.


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Lord of All

Reading: Acts 10:34-43

Acts 10:36 – “This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all!”

As cultures and as individuals we are well-practiced at placing ourselves and others in categories, boxes, distinct groups, pecking orders… There are a variety of reasons that we tend to do this. It is easy. But easy is cheap. It discards our uniqueness. It makes us feel better about ourselves. But it is an artificial and temporary identity. It gives us places to fit in, to belong. “Fitting in” – it is shallow and limited. It is freeing. We don’t have to worry about, care for, or make space for “them.” This excludes and disrespects whole swaths of people and/or groups in one fell swoop.

In today’s Acts reading, Peter’s speech comes after Peter has been summoned by God to go to Cornelius’ home. This Roman centurion was about as far outside of any box that Peter thought was acceptable as one could get. Yet here Peter was, right where God wanted him to be. That’s the thing about the Holy Spirit – it will do the same with us if we hear, listen, and follow. When we go there, where the Spirit leads, we will come to truly know what Peter learned: God shows no partiality.

In his speech, Peter states that acceptance into God’s family comes through worshipping God and living a righteous life. Luke writes, “This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all!” To be this message of peace is to be a person who is open to include all people, who finds worth and value in all people, who seeks to find common ground with all people. This is the example set by the one who did good and healed, who died and rose again. This is the one who offers forgiveness of sins to all who believe in him as Lord and Savior. It is a wide-open invitation. The only qualifier, the only requirement, the only need is belief. Jesus can be Lord of all. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in love you call all people to a saving faith. In grace you call us as we are: sinful, flawed, selfish. In mercy you show us who and what we can be for you when we walk faithfully and live righteously. With forgiveness, you restart our journey again and again. We thank you today for always being a God whose heart is bent on forming community and building relationships. Guide us, shape us, and form us to have your heart. Use us to share the goods news of Jesus Christ: he is Lord of all. Amen.


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Seekers and Searchers

Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:11 – “They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling on their knees, they honored him.”

Today is Epiphany, the day we celebrate the visit of the magi or wise men. Epiphany falls twelve days after Christmas every year. Yes, it is the reason for the song about a partridge in a pear tree. The magi were scholars who came from the east. They saw a new star in the sky and after studying various texts, decided that the star’s arrival was connected to ancient Hebrew stories about a coming Messiah. This led them to go on a journey, seeking and searching for this newborn king. The star guided their way.

I often wonder what first led these wise men to leave home and, second, to continue the journey for two years. While likely religious, the magi certainly were not Jewish. While likely naturally curious, as most scholars are, something must have kept them going. Jesus obviously had not yet performed any miracles or offered any amazing teachings. Yet something about the prophecies and the new star and the star guiding their way drew the magi day after day closer and closer to Jesus. Finally arriving, “They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling on their knees, they honored him.” Once there, the magi knew who they had found.

The story of the magi and the celebration of Epiphany is significant for Christians because it is the first instance of Jesus reaching out to the Gentiles, those outside of Judaism. Something about the story and/or something about the light and/or something about Jesus the Messiah drew them to Christ. The same is true for people today. Mingled together in people’s hearts as curiosity, a deep longing, a sense of the divine, whispers of good news, these things continue to draw people towards Jesus. As ones charged with making disciples of all nations, may we notice the seekers and the searchers and may we invest in their journeys to Jesus Christ, Savior of the world.

Prayer: Lord God, like the magi, many today seek and search for Jesus Christ. Some do not know what they are searching for, but they know that something is incomplete in their hearts. Some sense what is missing, but they don’t know how to find or get to Jesus. Use us as a light and as the presence of Christ in the world, helping the seeking and the searching to find connection and relationship with you. Amen.


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Worship and Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 147:12-20

Psalm 147:12 – “Worship the Lord, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!”

Photo credit: Jeremy Perkins

This week’s Psalm is a song of praise for God’s sustaining care and power. Verses 12-20 focus on God’s care specifically for Israel. In the opening verse of our reading, the psalmist issues an invitation: “Worship the Lord, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!” It is a charge to praise and worship God for all that God does and is for the faithful. It is a charge that goes out to you and to me too.

God’s protection and blessing are the focus of verses 13 and 14. Peace and security, safety and provision come to God’s people. These are the loving actions of God. The peoples’ role? Our role? Praise and worship the Lord. This response is easy when life is good, when all is well. But the charge does not change in hard times. God’s presence, protection, and blessing are ours even in the hardest of times.

God’s command over the created world is the focus of verses 15-18. God speaks and the snow, frost, and hail come. Another word brings the warm winds and the water again flows. The reminder of God’s power over creation is a reminder that God is in control of our lives too. In good, sunny times, God is with us. In cold, dreary times, God is with us. For God’s presence in all of life, we worship and praise the Lord.

Our Psalm closes with a reminder of what makes Israel and us unique as the people of God. God’s word, God’s will and way, they are with us in a physical form. In each day of life, the scriptures remind us of God’s love and care for us and for our world. The written word of God also holds the promises of God, anchors for us in all of life. For God’s presence in the word, we worship and praise God this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, we praise and worship you for your constant and steadfast presence with us. In all ways and at all times you guide and lead, care for and provide, comfort and encourage, convict and forgive… Your love for us knows no bounds. Thank you, God! All praise and worship is yours! Amen.