pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: love


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But I Say to You…

Reading: Matthew 5:21-22 and 38-39

Matthew 5:21 – “You have heard that it was said…”

As the Sermon on the Mount progresses, Jesus begins to address the Law, starting in verse 17. He begins by stating that he did not come to do away with the Law and prophets but “to fulfill them.” Jesus declares that teaching and keeping the Law will result in righteousness. Then, in verses 21-48, Jesus teaches on the Law, calling on his followers to go above and beyond the basic letter of the Law. Each section begins with “You have heard that it was said…” followed by “But I say to you…” Each time Jesus expands the Law, getting down to the heart of the matter.

Our first verses deal with “Do not murder,” one of the 10 Commandments. Yes, Jesus begins, murder brings judgment. Then he expands this idea, getting down to the root causes, adding anger as something that places one in danger of judgment. And if one speaks harshly or cruelly to another, we are “in danger of a fiery hell.” Jesus goes even deeper in the next verses, demanding reconciliation and forgiveness, steps leading to the restoration of right relationship. We are not simply to stuff down our feelings of anger or judgement. We are to eradicate them if we want to be righteous.

Verses 38-38 deal with another Old Testament Law. This Law was given in Exodus 21, just after the giving of the 10 Commandments. “An eye for an eye…” was a means of limiting revenge and punishment. By Jesus’ time this has mostly shifted away from physical to monetary compensation. Again, Jesus calls his followers to more. He calls for forgiveness not revenge, for blessing not punishment. Jesus calls his followers to forgive as God forgives us – freely, generously, graciously. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in each of these case studies of the Law, Jesus calls us to much more than the minimum. He calls us to stand out from the ways of the world, to rise up to the law of love in all situations. This is a call to surrender – to die to the human nature within us, to take on your nature. Lord, strengthen and encourage us in this pursuit of love. Be our guide. Be our power. Amen.


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I Am… or Maybe?

Reading: Mark 14:61-62, Matthew 26:63-64

Mark 14:61 – “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed one?”

Our two readings come from the same place in Jesus’ story. He has been arrested at night and stands trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This group leads under the power of the Romans. While this arrangement limits their power, the religious leaders still have a great amount of influence over the Jewish people.

For the first part of his trial, Jesus remains silent. He will not respond to false accusations. When the high priest, Caiaphas, asks, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed one?” Jesus answers. The question is worded differently in Matthew’s gospel, but the intent is the same. The hope is for Jesus to incriminate himself.

In Mark’s gospel Jesus responds, “I am.” It is a definitive answer. This aligns with the direct nature of Mark’s gospel and with his focus on encouraging the church to be thr church. Mark would like the church to respond to this type of question definitively. In word and action, Mark would like to see the church talk and act in ways that are easily identifiable as “Christian.”

In Matthew’s gospel the response is almost a non-response: “You said it.” Maybe. In both gospels Jesus adds that they’ll see the “Human One” sitting at God’s right hand and then coming on the clouds. In Matthew this feels like a “one day” statement: “One day you’ll know that I am the Messiah.”

As I read and ponder these two accounts, I wonder what kind of a follower I am. And I wonder what kind of a church we are. In my/our words and actions, do I/we state that I/we follow Christ as Lord and Savior? Or does our example say, “Maybe?”

Prayer: Lord God, encourage and empower me and my brothers and sisters in Christ to declare our faith in you in all ways. In the kindness, mercy, grace, love, care, compassion, generosity… that we live out, may the world know that you are Lord and Savior. Amen.


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Keep at the Walk

Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Mark 16:7 – “Go, tell the disciples… You will see him there, just as he told you “

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As originally written, Mark’s gospel seems to end abruptly and without resolution. It ends with the women fleeing in fear. They were so afraid, they didn’t say anything to anyone. That’s the original ending point. In the fourth and second centuries one verse 9 and verses 9-20 were added, respectively. In these additions the women do tell and the risen Jesus does appear to his followers. But Mark’s original ending, it really does beg the question: Why end it there, that way?!

Mark’s whole gospel is aimed at getting the church to be the church. The teachings he chooses and the parables Mark employs are all aimed at reminding the church of how Jesus taught and called them to live in the world. Chapter 16 is no different.

Mary, Mary, and Salome go and buy spices to anoint a body. Their hopes were dashed at the cross. Here they do the next thing. Church, disappointment and apparent failure will come. Keep doing the next thing. The women worry about the stone. They wonder who will move it. Here God does a thing. Church, if you are faithful, trust God to act. Inside the empty tomb an angel gives them instructions. They’re afraid. They do nothing. But we’re reading these words so the story doesn’t really end this way. Church, when God speaks something to you that feels scary or risky or hard to believe, say or do it anyway. Believe in God’s whispers, nudges, and movements. Then be amazed by what God does. This story is ongoing. The call to keep at the walk of faith, to trust and believe, to be amazed by God – that’s still our story. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be the faithful church. Guide us on an obedient walk. When there is struggle, when there is disappointment, when there is uncertainty, when there is fear and worry – whisper words of love, nudge us with your presence, move alongside us. Use us as your church. Amen.


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Certainly God’s Son

Reading: Mark 15:25-39

Mark 15:32 – “Even those who had been crucified with Jesus insulted him.”

In verses 25-39 of Mark 15, he encapsulates the actual death of Jesus Christ. Fifteen verses is all that Mark gives to this event. Most of these verses cover how the outsiders insulted, made fun of, and mocked Jesus. Most turn Jesus’ words upon him, demonstrating their lack of understanding. Even his fellow sufferers join in, insulting Jesus.

At 9 AM Jesus is nailed to the cross. A charge of insurrection hangs above his head: “The king of the Jews.” Passersby and the religious leaders insult and mock Jesus. These taunts contain truth though. The temple of his body will be “rebuilt” as he rises three days later. He will save many as they do see and believe in the resurrected Christ.

At noon the world goes dark. For three hours God and creation mourn what is happening. Perhaps this is the time that Jesus took our sin upon himself, suffering on behalf of sinners. It would make sense turn that at the end of this time he would utter his last earthly words, shouting, “Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani.” God could not abide being in the presence of sin.

At 3 PM Jesus lets out a loud cry and breathes his last. At this moment the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the temple’s common area is torn in two. The old temple system has come to an end. The new covenant has been established. We join the centurion, declaring, “This man was certainly God’s Son.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, how the world misunderstood you. With at least one eye always focused on self, it was hard to see you clearly. We too can struggle with this, with only being partly committed. Yes, in our own ways, we insult and mock you. Lord, forgive us and draw our eyes to the cross, where we see the depth of your love and grace. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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An Invitation to All

Readings: Mark 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-21

Mark 14:24 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

In both passages that we read today, we see Jesus instituting the sacrament of communion. This event is set within the context of the Passover meal. This meal was an annual event in which the Jews would remember and celebrate how God saved them as the angel of death passed over their houses. This final plague led to Pharaoh releasing Israel from bondage and slavery.

Mark and Luke both present Jesus offering the bread as symbolic of his body, broken for them and for us. Jesus’ body will be broken on the cross. In using the common element amongst the rich and the poor and all in between, Jesus takes the everyday and connects bread to himself and to us all.

Both gospels present the cup – representative of Jesus’ blood – as poured out for many, establishing the “new covenant.” Mark recalls these words of Jesus: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” The new covenant is wrapped in mercy and grace, in forgiveness of sins. This common element of wine – again Jesus connecting the ordinary to his extraordinary gift.

In Mark’s gospel they sing a few songs and head to the Mount of Olives. But in Luke’s gospel, Jesus says, “But look! My betrayer is with me; his hand is on this table.” Jesus celebrates the first communion knowing that Judas will betray him. This is an invitation to us all – sinners each of us – to come to the table of grace. There we too will find welcome and forgiveness. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we humbly thank you for the gift of grace. Your Son did for us what we could not and cannot do for ourselves. It is only because of and through Jesus’ sacrifice that we are forgiven and made new, freed from the bonds of sin and death. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.


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Anointed for Service

Readings: Leviticus 8:10-12 and 1st Samuel 16:6-13

1st Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.”

During the high priest’s ordination Aaron is cleansed and then dressed in the tunic, robe, vest, chest piece, turban, and gold flower ornament. Dressed for service to the Lord, Moses first anoints the Tabernacle and all in it – the altar and its equipment, the basin and its base. As Moses anoints these items, they are made holy. Lastly, Moses pours anointing oil on Aaron’s head, making him holy. This anointing proclaims Aaron’s special standing before the Lord on behalf of Israel.

In the first verse of 1st Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to fill his horn with oil and to head to Bethlehem, adding, “I have found the next king.” In today’s second reading we join the story as Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house. Eliab begins the procession before Samuel. Tall, strong, the oldest – he must be the one. God says no. God tells Samuel that God looks past physical appearance and looks into the heart. Seven sons pass before Samuel. He anoints none.

I imagine an awkwardness settled over the room. Samuel has to ask Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” Well, no. The youngest is brought in from tending the sheep. God says, “That’s the one.” In the next verse we read, “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.” Anointed, David is filled with God’s presence, readied for service. Anointed, Aaron is able to stand in God’s presence. Today may we be anointed by God’s Holy Spirit, set apart for service in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, in days of old you called those you chose, anointing them with oil, claiming them as your own. In these days, pour out your Spirit upon us, your children. Empower and embolden us to live out our faith in the world, serving you and neighbor as we share your love with those in need, as we bring your light to those dwelling in darkness. Amen.


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Radical and Unconditional

Readings: Isaiah 56:1-8 and Matthew 21:12-16

Isaiah 56:6-7 – “Everyone who keeps the Sabbath… who hold fast to my covenant: I will bring them to my holy mountain, and bring them joy in my house of prayer.”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

Beginning with Isaiah 56 we feel the connection that God desires to have with all people who act justly and do what is right. To those who keep the Sabbath and honor the covenant, God’s salvation is “coming soon.” God’s prophet includes two groups that are normally excluded from the temple: immigrants and eunuchs. In verses 6 and 7 we read, “Everyone who keeps the Sabbath… who hold fast to my covenant: I will bring them to my holy mountain, and bring them joy in my house of prayer.” In New Testament language we would say there is no Jew or Gentile, no slave or free, no rich or poor… All people – all – who are devoted to God’s ways are welcome in God’s “house of prayer,” the temple. These were radical words to the closed-circle Jews of Isaiah’s day.

Turning to Matthew 21 we see another prophet doing and saying radical things. Entering God’s house, Jesus forces out the people changing money into temple coins and the folks selling animals for sacrifice. Quoting from our Isaiah 56 passage and Jeremiah 7:11, Jesus denounces these profiteering practices. Cleared of these “crooks,” the blind, the lame, and the children enter the temple. Jesus makes space for these normally excluded groups, mirroring the spirit of Isaiah 56. He heals the blind and the lame and rejoices over the children. The religious leaders are angry about all of this. Their closed circle has been broken wide open by the radical and unconditional love of God present in Jesus. May this breaking open of the circle and of our hearts also be our regular practice as we seek to follow Jesus’ example.

Prayer: Lord God, it is a beautiful thing when you reclaim and include those often excluded and unwelcome by the religious of the world. You create each and every one of us in your image. You weave each of us together in the womb with intention and purpose. From our first breath you long to walk in relationship with each of us. Lord, as you walk with us, fill us with your radical and unconditional love. Filled with this great love, may our regular habit be to include and welcome all people into your house and into your family. Amen.


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Blessings and Peace

Reading: Luke 19:28-39

Luke 19:38 – “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”

As our passage begins, Jesus prepares to enter Jerusalem. He is just east of the city itself. He gives instructions to two disciples to go and get a colt. Following Jesus’ directions, all unfolds just as Jesus said it would. Even this is a demonstration of his power.

In verses 35-38 we see the actions of others taking over. It is the disciples who place their coats and then Jesus on the colt. It is the disciples who place clothes on the road and rejoice as they near Jerusalem. The crowd begins to praise God because of the “mighty things they had seen” Jesus do. They begin to shout, “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” Why do they do and say all of these things?!

The disciples, the crowd, the Pharisees, and even Jesus – they knew the scriptures, the words of Isaiah, the Psalms written for such a day as this. Prophecy was being fulfilled. Their actions, their words – they were following the script. These events, this fulfillment brought joy and excitement to the people.

Another entry also occurred, on the other side of the city. Each year, at the Passover and other major festivals, Herod would ride into Jerusalem. He would ride in on a mighty warhorse with an entourage of Roman soldiers. This demonstration of force was a reminder to Jerusalem and its leaders: Rome is the power. The counterpoint is Jesus. He brings blessings and peace. What a contrast between the ways of the world and the way of Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the way of Jesus – the way of joy and blessing, of humility and peace. This stands in such stark contrast to the ways of the world: force and power and might. This divide continues today. O God, give us the courage and the faith to go into places of darkness and evil, empowered by the light of Christ, challenging these harmful and destructive ways. May our light be fueled by love, bringing blessing and peace. Amen.


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A Regular Practice

Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 3-5, 7-8

Isaiah 56:1 – “Act justly and do what is righteous because my salvation is coming soon.”

The opening of Isaiah 56 is about keeping the Sabbath. The idea of Sabbath originates in the creation story. After creating the heavens, the earth, and everything in and on them, God rested. When God began to formalize who and what God’s people would be, the practice of Sabbath was included in the Ten Commandments. During the time in exile and the period that followed, the keeping of the Sabbath was especially important. It set the Jews apart from the rest of the world. To be Sabbath-keepers remains counter-cultural.

In today’s reading Isaiah is reminding Israel that Sabbath is not just for the Jews. The idea of including immigrants and servants has been a part of Sabbath ever since Moses received what we identify as Exodus 20:8-11. Animals and the earth itself are part of Sabbath rest. Isaiah includes the eunuchs and other outcasts in his words that declare that God’s family and home are places of welcome and inclusion for all people who honor the covenant, who live according to God’s will and ways.

As I reflect on these words today I am struck by how wide open God’s heart is for all who seek to walk as a child of God. I’m also becoming aware that Sabbath is aimed at creating a just world. Rest is part of God’s design for all things – people and all of creation. This concept of rest and shalom, of blessing and renewal also reveals the wideness of God’s love for all people and for all of creation. It is in these times of not doing that we can foster our relationships with God and with one another. This investment of time builds connection and it builds community. May Sabbath be a regular practice for you and for me as we seek to build God’s kingdom here and now.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of Sabbath. This time set apart has the power to deepen our love for you and our love for each other. Open us to the wideness of your heart and your love as we practice this discipline. Lead and guide us in this regular practice, O God, so that holiness and justice, and peace and righteousness abound in our lives and in our world. Amen.


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Faithful Actions

Reading: James 2:14-24

James 2:24 – “So you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone.”

As we come to a close reading scripture and applying is to John Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules,” we turn to James 2. This short passage works well to illustrate how doing no harm, doing good, and staying in love with God should work together in the life of a believer.

Our passage begins with a question: What good is it to say you’re a Christian if you don’t act like one? To claim to have faith does nothing. James points to wishing well someone in need without meeting those needs. You are, then, in fact, doing harm to the image of Christ.

As he continues, James argues that one cannot separate faith from your actions. Yes, he says, to believe is good. But our faith cannot stop there. It must flavor or impact all areas of our lives. James cites Abraham as an example of one whose faith was “made complete” by his actions. Nearly sacrificing his only son Isaac, Abraham’s obedience to God through faithful actions brought him to the place of righteousness. To faithfully follow God’s word, nudges, whispers… leads us to do good for the image of Christ.

Woven into Abraham’s example is one who stays in love with God. Abraham listened to the voice of God. He chose to worship God alone – elevating his love of God over his love for his own son. In summary, James writes, “So you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone.” May this be what the world sees through our faith as well.

Prayer: Lord God, interweave into our lives these three practical pieces of faith. Guard us against doing harm and lead us to do good. Fuel both of these practices through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. May our love for you arch over all we say, do, and think, drawing others into the great love that you have for us all. Amen.