pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Oh to Love Like Jesus

Reading: Romans 12:9-13

Romans 12:11b – “Be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord.”

Photo credit: Christopher Beloch

As we turn to Romans 12 today and tomorrow, Paul focuses on how we are to live out our Christian love at all times. In the opening verse he writes, “Love… without pretending.” Our love must be genuine, without pretense or conditions. Our love should be as Jesus’ love was in these ways too: fierce and generous.

Genuine love means that it applies equally to everyone, not just to those like us or those in our families or churches. To say we love all people must be backed up with evidence of us actually loving all people. To love without pretense and without conditions means that, at times, we love others who may not love us back. It means that we do things for others and we meet needs without expecting a return of the action or a repayment of the gift.

In verse 11 Paul encourages enthusiasm in our faith, adding, “Be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord.” To me, this is a fierce love that Paul calls us to. To practice a fierce love is to love through hard situations and to love people especially when they’re hard to love. A lesser love would give up or walk away. A fierce love stays in the fight, even when it gets really hard. It continues its walk to the cross, being willing to pay the price, even if it is very steep.

This is one way that Christian love is generous. It is generous in other ways too. It helps with a utility bill a second, third… time as the person learns to control their spending. It continues to love the addict when they’ve stumbled again, offering support without judgement. And when it gets hard to love in all of these ways, we just need to remember how Jesus loved and still loves us, wretched sinners that we are.

Prayer: Lord God, oh to love like Jesus loves. This is the mark, the goal, the model. We often fall short, Lord. We often choose who and when and why to love. Each time we love in ways that are less than Jesus’ ways, remind us of his love for us, fierce and unconditional and generous even then. Through these experiences, teach us to love more like Christ. Amen.


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Marks of Faithful Discipleship

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-4

2nd Thessalonians 1:3 – “Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you.”

2nd Thessalonians is Paul’s second letter to the churches in and around Thessalonica, a city in what is now Greece. This second letter is not Paul’s second interaction with these believers. Paul visited here on his second missionary journey, likely establishing these churches. He returned on his third journey, likely bringing encouragement and more teaching. Paul’s letters were continuing education and encouragement. It is believed that this second letter is written in response to a letter from these churches. Amidst the persecution that has ramped up, they seek assurance and more encouragement in their battle against fear and doubt.

Paul opens the letter in typical fashion, with a greeting followed by a blessing. The blessing is also a reminder: grace and peace are already yours. These gifts from God and Jesus will remain present in their communities of faith as long as Jesus remains their focus, their centering presence. Next Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you.” Although struggling under some heavy persecution, these churches remain models for other Christian communities. Paul wants to elevate and celebrate their faithfulness and love.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul lifts up three ways that these churches are living out their faith. First, their faithfulness is “growing by leaps and bounds.” They are maturing in faith, growing closer to Christ. Second, their love for one another is increasing. They are becoming more intimately connected. And third, they are faithfully enduring the “harassments and trouble.” As the world beats against their faith, their are holding fast to their faith as they stand firmly on the rock of Jesus Christ. These three markers identify faithful discipleship. May these be the daily marks of our lives too!

Prayer: Lord God, in this world we will have trouble. In this walk of faith, it will get difficult. Challenges will arise. Doubt and fear will creep in. By the power of your Holy Spirit in us, lifted by your grace and peace, strengthen and encourage our daily walk with you. Thank you, Lord Jesus. 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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God/World

Reading: Mark 8:27-33

Mark 8:33 – “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”

Chapter 8 is about the halfway point of Mark’s gospel. In Mark’s 16 chapters, he covers the three years of Jesus’ ministry. There is no birth story or Jesus in the temple as a teenager. This short gospel begins with John the Baptist already baptizing in the wilderness. Chapter 1 through part of chapter 8 covers the first 155 weeks of Jesus’ ministry (+/- a week or so.) Mark 8:27 through chapter 16 cover the last week of Jesus’ ministry, known as the passion of Christ.

As Jesus turns toward Jerusalem and the cross he asks for an evaluation of sorts: “Who do people say that I am?” Generally, the people believe that he is a prophet. He is seen by many as one sent by God, speaking on behalf of God. They are partly correct. Wanting to go deeper, Jesus asks, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” This is a question we could and should ask ourselves regularly.

Peter responds, “You are the Christ.” We want to give Peter props for his answer identifying Jesus as the Messiah. But as we read on, we see that Peter’s understanding of Jesus (at this point) is not our understanding of Jesus. After Jesus shares what the passion of the Christ will look like, Peter scolds him. The suffering, trial, death… does NOT match Peter’s definition of a Messiah. Jesus’ response is swift and cutting: “Get behind me Satan.” Perhaps Jesus is thinking of when Satan tempted him in the wilderness, dangling human desires before him. Is Peter’s vision tempting to Jesus at this point?

Continuing on, Jesus adds, “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.” Peter and likely the other disciples cannot see beyond themselves right now. At times, we too struggle with this. Our selfish and sinful nature is ever at odds with the divine within us. May the Holy Spirit ever whisper and nudge (and convict) us to choose God over the world.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we can be like Peter, thinking not if you and your purposes. Our thoughts can turn to self and to our wants. We can be quite selfish. In those frequent moments, remind us of who Christ truly is – humble servant, gentle good shepherd, redeemer, salvation. Draw us back into obedience to your will and way. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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God at Work

Reading: Mark 2:1-12

Mark 2:2 – “So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

In Mark 2 we find a story that is not directly about prayer but can speak to us about prayer. We’re early in Mark’s gospel. According to what’s written, Jesus has healed people and is beginning to draw a crowd. Of those who packed out the house in today’s reading, how many do you think prayed on their way there?

The story first focuses in on four people who have brought their paralyzed friend to be seen by Jesus. Surely all five prayed in the way to see Jesus. So great was their perseverance, so strong their love for their friend, they tore open the roof to get their friend before Jesus. And Jesus’ initial words? “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Likely not what these five were praying for. Great for the man, but…

Jesus then perceives the thoughts of the legal experts. He calls them out. What prayers do you think they quickly muttered? They certainly were not praying to be put in their place by Jesus. Yet they are. Their thoughts opened the door for God to work good in many ways. It is at this point that the man is healed, answering the prayers of the group of five. In this moment, the crowd is amazed and praises God.

While many prayers went unanswered this day, God was still very much at work in the lives of all of these people. We hold hope for the legal experts. Maybe this humbling experience led to growth in their faith too. God’s desire was and is to draw all people to a saving knowledge of God. So may we continue to pray faithfully, trusting in God to work good in our lives and in our world.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder to ever seek your presence, to linger in that space, expecting good from you. Help us to ever be open to what you are doing, especially when it is beyond our limited vision or understanding. Draw us closer to you, moment by moment, encounter by encounter. Amen.


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Endure and Remain Faithful

Reading: Revelation 12-14

Revelation 12:12 – “But oh! The horror for the earth and sea! The devil has come down to you with great rage, for he knows that he only has a short time.”

Photo credit: Micah Tindell

In today’s chapters the story of God’s people is retold – this time from a cosmic perspective. It begins with a woman giving birth to a son. Her crown has 12 stars (tribes of Israel) and her child is saved from the dragon (evil), snatched up (resurrected) into heaven. A battle is waged in heaven. Michael and his angels defeat Satan and his angels, who are thrown down to earth. In 12:12 we read, “But oh! The horror for the earth and sea! The devil has come down to you with great rage, for he knows that he only has a short time.” Woe to the earth. Woe to us.

Satan chases the woman but cannot catch her. So Satan makes war on her children (the church.) Next a beast emerged from the sea. It is a parody of the Lamb. The head that was slain is healed, awing the whole earth, drawing followers. The beast then makes war on and defeats the saints. Verse 10 speaks into John’s readers’ present reality of arrest and martyrdom, calling on them to remain faithful and to endure.

A second beast emerged from the land. It deceives many and forces them to worship the first beast. People are made to wear the number of the beast. Without this they cannot buy or sell. This beast is a parody of the Spirit. The Lamb then appears in heaven with the 144,000. They are pure and blameless. A series of angels comes next. They announce the “eternal good news” and the downfall of Babylon (evil.) The earth is harvested – first the righteous and then those who end up in “the great winepress of God’s anger.” The end is drawing near.

Prayer: Lord God, as the story unfolds from the heavenly perspective, the choice to live for you or for the world becomes clear. Evil continues to tell lies in attempts to deceive and draw us away from you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to endure and to remain faithful. Amen.


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What Will You Do?

Reading: Mark 15-17

Mark 16:6 – “Don’t be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus… He has been raised. He isn’t here.”

We close our Mark’s gospel today. Jesus is brought to Pilate, who asks, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus grows silent before his accusers. This question will become a statement, hung above his cross. Pilate tries to release Jesus but the crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, calls for Barabbas’ release. They want Jesus crucified. Giving in to the crowd, Pilate begins the process as Jesus is whipped.

The soldiers mock, hit, and spit upon Jesus. A man, Simon of Cyrene, is forced to help carry the cross. Jesus is crucified at Golgatha, between two criminals. The soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes. Everyone – passers by, the religious leaders, the crowd, the two criminals – they all mock Jesus. It grows dark from noon until 3. Jesus then cries out, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” With a loud cry, Jesus dies. Mary Magdalene, Mary, Joses, and Salome are there, watching it all.

Joseph of Arimathea asks for and receives Jesus’ body. He wraps the body in linen, lays it in the tomb, and rolls the stone in place. Mary Magdalene and Mary watch. After the Sabbath, early in the morning, these women and Salome go to the tomb with spices. The stone is rolled away. An angel says to the women, “Don’t be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus… He has been raised. He isn’t here.” The women flee, terrified. They say nothing to anyone. Here ends the original gospel of Mark. Left unsaid but hanging in the air is the question: Now that you know the end of the story, what will you do?

Prayer: Lord God, yes indeed, what will we do? Will we live in fear, afraid to tell the good news of salvation? Or will we live out a bold faith each day, living out the good news of Jesus Christ? Your plan continued, from the first disciples down through the generations. Use us to continue to spread the story to the ends of the earth. Amen.


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One in Christ

Reading: Mark 1-3

Mark 2:17 – “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Mark’s gospel moves along quickly, often presenting what feels like shortened versions of lots of the stories we read in Matthew. Although written after and based upon Mark’s gospel, I think Matthew’s is placed first in the New Testament because it gives details that inform our reading of Mark.

John the Baptist begins the story. Jesus is an adult. John calls people to a baptism that shows they are changing their hearts and lives. He tells of Jesus, “one stronger than I,” of one who will baptize not with water but “with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is then baptized by John, hears God’s words of love and affirmation, and it tempted in the wilderness. John is arrested and Jesus gets to work, declaring that God’s kingdom is here, so change your hearts and lives. Jesus then calls the first disciples, heals a demoniac and Simon’s mother-in-law, preaches, and heals a leper. That’s all in chapter 1!

We slow down slightly in chapters 2 and 3. Jesus begins to interact with the religious leaders. Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins, prompting muttering from the religious leaders. He heals the man next, showing he has authority over sin. He eats with tax collectors and other sinners after calling Levi (also known as Matthew.) In response to the religious leaders grumbling about this, Jesus tells them, “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” Then the religious leaders question Jesus’ about his disciples not fasting. Jesus tells them the disciples will when he is gone. For now, though, Jesus is here to do a new thing, to offer a new understanding of how to live a holy and righteous life.

Then there is conflict around the Sabbath. Jesus declares that the Sabbath is about doing good and drawing closer to God. The religious leaders begin to plan how to kill Jesus. Jesus then calls the 12 and appoints them to be with him, to preach, and to cast out demons. After clearing up which side he is on (it’s not Satan’s), Jesus claims that his followers are his true family, his one community. One in Christ, we too are one with each other. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are rooted and bound together in your love. That love leads, guides, flavors, influences our relationships with one another. As we seek to build your kingdom here on earth, draw us deeper and deeper into your love. Amen.


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Ends with Hope

Reading: Ezekiel 6-11

Ezekiel 11:19a – “I will give them a single heart, and I will put a new spirit in them.”

Chapter 6 addresses the consequences of Judah’s idolatry outside the temple. God will slay most of these idol worshippers. Some will escape and go into exile. God was “crushed” by the people’s “roving hearts.” They will fall by sword, famine, and plague. Chapter 7 continues this story line. God will judge Judah according to her ways. God won’t shed a tear, won’t show any pity. Those outside Jerusalem will die by the sword. Those inside will die by plague and famine. “Violent intruders” will defile the temple. Then Judah “will know that I am the Lord,” declares God.

Chapters 8-11 contain Ezekiel’s “Temple Vision.” God’s glory is in the temple as his virtual tour begins. Ezekiel is shown “terribly detestable practices” – a huge idol, 70 elders worshipping engravings on the wall, women worshipping a Babylonian god, men bowing to the sun. God then calls the “guardians of the city.” One of the six, the one in linen, is sent out to mark the foreheads of the faithful. The others follow along behind, killing all without the mark. They begin in the sanctuary and move outward from there. Ezekiel questions the depth of the violence. God is holding them accountable.

The guardian in linen is then sent out with fire from the temple chariot. He scatters fire about, burning down the city. The chariot rises up and moves to the threshold of the temple. God’s glory is on the chariot throne. There is a final confrontation with some evil and wicked men. God declares that they will die by the sword. And then God offers hope.

The exiles will be gathered back. God says, “I will give them a single heart, and I will put a new spirit in them.” Israel will be obedient. God will be their God. Then the chariot leaves, flying east towards Babylon. The vision ends and Ezekiel tells the exiles all that God has shown him. The story ends with hope. Our story does too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are almighty and all-powerful. You are just and righteous. Just as you held Judah accountable, so too do you hold us accountable. So God, create in each of us a single heart, a heart fully aligned with you. Pour your Spirit into our hearts, leading and guiding us to walk faithfully with you. Be our God. Make us into your people. 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.