pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Praise – Our Response

Reading: Psalm 147:1-11

Psalm 147:11 – “The Lord treasures the people who honor him, the people who wait for his faithful love.”

Psalm 147 is a song of praise for God’s grace, care, sustenance, and love. In today’s reading, the first six verses focus on praising God for God’s gracious care for those in need. In verses 7-11 the praise shifts towards God’s care for all of creation.

Our reading opens with an invitation to sing to the Lord. The psalmist correctly identified why: it is good to do so and it brings pleasure – to God and to our spirits. The focus then shifts to God’s care for the people’s needs. It is post-exile. God is rebuilding Jerusalem and is bringing the exiles home. God heals their wounds, both physical and emotional/spiritual. This care and attention is just as careful and complete as God’s counting and naming all of the stars. So great and strong is God’s love and care, it cannot be truly grasped.

Verse 7 again invites us to praise God. Continuing we again receive why: for the rains and for the green grass that care for creation itself. God’s love extends to all of creation. There is no one excluded; there is no favoritism. Strength or speed (or anything else humankind may value) are not favored. No, God’s favor goes to those who walk with the Lord, to those who honor God by trusting in God’s faithful and steadfast love and care.

So here is our question: How will we praise God today for the love and care that we receive? What words – spoken, sung, prayed – will praise God today? What acts of heart and hands will honor the Lord today?

Prayer: Lord God, mighty are you and great is your love and care for us! From the smallest need to the greatest suffering, you are present to us and to our world. This day we ask that you would use us to minister to others, offering love and care in your name. Amen.


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One to Exalt

Reading: Isaiah 2:10-18

Isaiah 2:17 – “People’s pride will be brought down and human arrogance humiliated. The Lord alone will be exalted on that day.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

We return to the beginning of Isaiah again this week. In chapter 1 we read about Judah being far from God, turning to idols and foreign powers to save them. The leaders were taking advantage of and oppressing the least among them. Even so, God offered grace and mercy, forgiveness and restoration – if the nation would humble themselves, confessing and repenting of their sins. If only…

Turning to verse 10, Isaiah suggests that the people “go into the rocks” to hide from the Lord’s terror. The sin of Judah will be dealt with. The people’s “proud gazing” and “humanity’s arrogance” will be brought low. The day is coming, says the prophet, when all that is prideful, haughty, and lofty will be “laid low.” These sins have led Judah to the precarious place that they find themselves in.

Next we find a list of some of the things that humankind’s pride can be rooted in: natural resources, man made structures, the means of war. In our day, does the list look much different? Pride and arrogance continue to drive many of the sins and evil of our day. Again speaking of the difficult and painful day soon to come, in verse 17 we read, “People’s pride will be brought down and human arrogance humiliated. The Lord alone will be exalted on that day.” It is good and right to that God alone is exalted, that God alone is worshipped. It is a choice that we can make. May it be so in our lives. Yes, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be so easy to look around, to see others with ‘things’ we’d like – power, status, possessions. Once there it is an easy step to lust and envy, to greed and want. But to desire and pursue these things us to move in the opposite direction of you. The world is all about self, elevating self, gathering things. In that arena, pride and arrogance are rampant and infectious. Shield us from these desires. Lead us to find our worth in you. Guide us to seek you above all else. Center our lives on worshipping you alone. Amen.


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Protected and Safe

Reading: Psalm 27:1-5

Psalm 27:1b – “The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?”

In Psalm 27:1-5 we find a song of confidence in the Lord. As a whole, though, the Psalm is a hopeful prayer offered in the midst of a time of suffering in David’s life. It is optimism and trust in the midst of a storm. These words speak of a security found in the protection of the Lord. The hope, trust, and assurance are not found simply in the moment of need but are built in the daily walk of faith, a walk taken regularly and steadfastly on the good days, on the hard days, and on all the days in between.

In verse 1 David declares that God is his light and salvation, his fortress of protection. Because of this belief David can ask, ‘Who or what should I wear?’ The answers are ‘no one’ and ‘nothing.’ Those evil doers? They will be the ones who stumble and fall. That ‘army’ that comes against me? I will trust in the Lord. My friend, God is our light and salvation, our fortress. We can trust in our God.

David expresses the one thing he asks God for, the one thing that he seeks in verse 4. It is “to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life.” David us not talking about actually living in the temple. He is talking about walking and talking daily with the Lord, about being in a constant relationship and, therefore, always in God’s presence. In this ‘place,’ God will shelter David and will shelter us. In the presence of God, David is kept safe. So too will we be kept safe. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, give us the dedication and the stamina to walk with you each and every day. When it’s easier to skip time with you, whisper words of love into our hearts. Bless each time that we give to you so that we are drawn more and more to enter that space once again. Thank you for your unfailing and sure love. Amen.


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Diligent and Intentional

Reading: 1st Timothy 4:7b-12

1st Timothy 4:10 – “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.”

Today’s reading comes from a section where Paul is instructing Timothy about spiritual leadership. In today’s verses and throughout this section Paul consistently connects the message and the messenger. For Paul, this life of faith was 24/7. The character of the message and of the messenger were integrally connected. This is why Paul exhorted Timothy to “Train yourself for a holy life.” To ‘train’ is to give focus and attention, to be diligent and Intentional about the condition of one’s soul.

Paul then focuses in on the mission: “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.” The work, the mission, the example Paul and Timothy set – it is to reveal their own hope and faith AND it is to help others to come to know Jesus Christ, the Savior, the source of our living hope. Paul encourages Timothy to “Command these things. Teach them.” This happens two ways. First, in his role as church leader. Second, in his daily living of a holy life. Again, these two sides of Timothy are inseparable. It is the same for you and me.

The apostle then addresses Timothy’s age. Paul reminds him and is that it is not about how old or how young you are. It is not about how much or how little religious education you have. It is not about your wealth or your poverty, you family history or lack thereof… To witness to our living hope, it is simply about your faith and living a holy life. For each of us, we know that God has chosen us and equipped us to share Jesus, our hope and our salvation. Knowing this, may we be diligent and intentional about sharing our faith with others.

Prayer: Lord God, please lead and guide us, strengthen and encourage us today to live a holy life, bearing witness always to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In all we do and in all we say, may our lives draw others towards the hope and saving grace that we find in you, our living God. Amen.


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Choices

Reading: Jeremiah 17:12-14

Jeremiah 17:14 – “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for you are my heart’s desire.”

Jeremiah lived and shared God’s word during a turbulent time in Judah. The northern kingdom has fallen to Babylon and he would witness the fall of Judah during his ministry. Jeremiah speaks words that are hard to hear – the sin of the leaders and the people are great. At the start of chapter 17 the prophet writes, “Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron pen… on the tablets of their heart.” Their faith situation is grave. Judah’s fall is close at hand.

Turning to our passage for today, Jeremiah recognizes that God still sits enthroned in the sanctuary. This echoes yesterday’s reality that God was, is, and always will be. He recognizes God as “the hope of Israel.” While all of this is true concerning God, free will is at play. Very few people remain faithful. Jeremiah acknowledges that those who forsake or turn away from God “will suffer disgrace” or will be “written off.” Choices.

In spite of this present reality, Jeremiah also makes a choice. In verses 14 he speaks his heart: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for you are my heart’s desire.” Jeremiah, in spite of all the sin and evil around him remains fully committed to God. This is a choice that we must make at times. In personal situations, in our relationships, in the world that we live in today, will we choose to be faithful and totally committed to the Lord our God? Or will we walk the easier, safer road?

Prayer: Lord God, in the moments where we are tempted by sin, drawn to the desires of the flesh, and/or pondering just letting evil win, speak into our hearts. We, like Jeremiah, desire to walk faithfully with you. Remind us of your love and care, of your protection and provision, especially in these moments of decision. Empower us through the Spirit that dwells within. Thank you, O Lord our God. Amen.


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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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Everywhere All the Time

Reading: Revelation 21:10 and 22-27

Revelation 21:24 – “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.”

Just as we did in Ezekiel, we enter into John’s visionary experience towards the end. John’s vision in Revelation speaks of the culminating work of the risen one, Jesus Christ. His visionary experience is broken down into four encounters guided by the Holy Spirit. In verses 10 of today’s reading, the fourth encounter begins “in a Spirit-inspired trance.” John is taken to a high mountain where he can see “the Holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven.”

In the verses leading up to verse 22, John describes the beauty and brilliance of the new Jerusalem. Then, in verse 22, there is a departure from Ezekiel’s vision of the new heaven and earth. In Revelation there is no temple. Instead of a physical building, the “temple” is the presence of “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb.” While we often still try to limit God’s presence to our church buildings, this vision matches the actual reality: God is everywhere all the time.

In the new Jerusalem there is no night or day. God’s glory is the light and Jesus’ light is the lamp. Inside or outside, again, God is everywhere all the time. In verses 24 we read, “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.” All who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior will enter the city whose “gates will never shut,” bringing God all the glory, honor, and praise. In the new city, the faithful will dwell with God. The unclean and vile will be nowhere to be found. These cannot be in God’s holy presence. What a beautiful day this will be when all things are made new in Jesus’ final kingdom!

Prayer: Lord God, yes, what a day it will be! The beauty and brilliance of the new heaven and earth will be spectacular. But they will pale greatly in comparison to your glorious presence. All will walk in your all-encompassing light and love. And all that we say and do will bring you the glory, honor, and praise. What a new day it will be! Amen.


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What God Has Done

Reading: Psalm 22:19-31

Psalm 22:22 – “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; I will praise you in the very center of the congregation.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

Returning to Psalm 22 today we pick up on the desperate tone that dominated yesterday’s verses. David invites God, his strength, to come quickly and to help and deliver him. He pleas for rescue from the dogs, lion, and wild oxen that surrounded and threatened him. At the end of verse 21, though, there is a shift: “you have answered me!”

In verses 22-31 David offers a hymn of praise. In verse 22 David writes, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; I will praise you in the very center of the congregation.” God’s rescue and restoration are worthy of his praise and worship. In the New Testament, in Hebrews 2:12, the author claims these words for Jesus. Jesus’ life and ministry declared who and what God was and is. His “work” was done in Israel, then center of God’s people.

David also sees a widening of the circle in verse 29. Here he declares that both the rich and powerful and the lowly and downtrodden will worship and kneel together before God. The inclusion of all peoples is a theme begun by Jesus and expands as the church moves out into the world. As the Psalm concludes, David looks to the future. He foresees a time when future generations will learn of the Lord. From Jesus’ life and example people will declare God’s righteousness, “telling them what God has done.” This is the sharing of the good news. As it was for the disciples and apostles, may it be for you and for me as we share our faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the rescue from those things that surround and assail us too. Thank you for your answers to our pleas. Lead us to declare what you have done. Guide us to speak of the rescues and transformations that you have worked in our lives again and again. Each day use us to witness to your love and grace. Amen.


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Do as I Do

Reading: John 13:12-17 and 34-35

John 13:15 – “I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

After washing the disciples’ feet, all twelve pairs, Jesus returns to the table. He asks them, “Do you know what I’ve done for you?” Jesus is not going for “washed our feet.” Acknowledging his role as Teacher and Lord, he calls them to also be willing to wash each other’s feet. A disciple was to model the sacrifices made by their teacher, to follow their example. Jesus reiterates this cultural norm when he says, “I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.” Do as I do.

Now, this is just an example. Foot washing isn’t the only act of service Jesus calls his disciples to. He intentionally chose the lowest, most menial task in their present setting to illustrate his call to serving one another. We will all face unpleasant, menial, low-level tasks and situations. Will we humbly and willingly choose to serve or will we look around to see who we can force to do said task…? Jesus says: do as I do.

Jesus then elevates the call as we get to verses 34-35. I, you, we can go through the motions. We can do the hard thing when others are watching. Here Jesus calls his disciples to an always command to “love one another.” Fleshing this command out, he says, “Just as I have loved you, so you must love one another.” His love was unconditional covenant love. It is a love that remains committed and obedient no matter what. Of this kind of love, Jesus says, do as I do. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it would be easier to just kinda love like you love. Maybe we could pick and choose? Oh, but you loved Judas. You washed his feet, just like the rest. And Peter’s too. If there were any not to pick that night… Lord, help us to do as you do, to love as you love. Guide us to live out the love that you modeled 24/7. Help us to love this way. 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.