pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: mercy


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Choose Good

Reading: Romans 12:14-21

Romans 12:18 – “If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.”

Wrapping up our Epistle reading for this week, Paul has some tough words for us. He first asks us to bless those who harass us, to laugh with those who are laughing, and to cry with those who are crying. The invitation is to be present to one another in all of life. The “all” idea continues: “consider everyone as equals” and hang out with people “who have no status.” Don’t just try and see people as all the same. Demonstrate it with your daily life. While these actions are challenging, they are all choices that we can make.

Verses 17 and 18 up the degree of difficulty. In verse 17 Paul proclaims, “Don’t pay anyone back for their evil actions.” It can be so tempting to try and get even. If we manage to not do this, we can be tempted to hold a grudge, nursing that hurt. You know, the lesser of two evils kind of thing, we can tell ourselves. But even holding a grudge is an evil action. It lessens a relationship. It places someone outside of “all.” In a world that certainly champions “justice” – as long as it is our understanding of justice – we have to work hard at following Paul’s proclamation.

In verse 18 we read, “If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.” We might read those first eight words as an out. Until we remember that in Paul’s world, all things are possible with God. And, we are not called to rely on our own ability but upon God’s power and presence. So we are left with this: “live at peace with all people.” Paul is back to that inclusive thing: all people. Not just those who are like us or who love us. Also those who harass us, those who take evil actions against us, and those who need a good dose of justice. When we live at peace with all people, then we “defeat evil with good.” May it be so day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be easy to get lost in the weeds of revenge and anger, to get caught up in the ways of the world. There we lose sight of unconditional love and the beauty of grace. We lose sight of those bright “flowers” that are right there and life becomes hard and filled with discontent. When our vision lessens, and all we see are the weeds, Lord raise our eyes up to you. Fill us up with your love, mercy, and grace. Be ever present to us, O God. Amen.


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Shaping and Reshaping

Romans 12:2 – “Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”

Reading: Romans 12:1-2

As we begin in Romans 12, today we read what I would consider a “Top 10” verse for our time. Paul’s argument, however, begins back in chapter 11, where he writes of God’s great mercy. It is so great, he writes, that even Israel will be saved one day. At that point in time, the Jews felt like and were acting like the “enemies” of Jesus and his newly forming church. Even so, God’s mercy is great enough to one day draw Israel into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

With that in mind, Paul writes, “So… I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.” Paul encourages the believers in Rome to live like they have been saved. He is inviting them to serve God and others even if there is a personal cost. Paul deems this “appropriate priestly service” for the great love and mercy that they have received from God.

Next we turn to the key verse: “Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” Another translation writes of not being so well-adjusted to the culture that we fit right in without even thinking about it. The patterns and ways of this world are tempting and powerful. They are portrayed as “success.” They promise us “happiness.” Greed, want, the desire for power, the need to satisfy self – these things are endless cycles that only draw us downward. There is no rest or peace or contentment. We only find these blessings when we confirm our hearts and minds to Christ. Jesus then renews and transforms our hearts and minds, shaping and reshaping us into someone who is “good and pleasing and mature.” This is where we want to be. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, the call of the world is constant – a neighbor’s new side by side, a friend’s new cell phone, a coworker’s stories of their amazing vacation… These things tug at us, pulling us towards the ways of the world. In our moments of temptation and trial, O God, draw us into your love and care. Remind us of the peace, contentment, and rest that we find in you alone. Hold us in that place, changing our focus, renewing our hearts and minds, drawing us deeper into our relationship with you. Amen.


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Faith and Persistence

Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

Matthew 15:25 – “But she knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, help me.'”

Photo credit: Ben White

After clashing with the religious leaders, as our passage continues in Matthew 15, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon. This is in Phoenicia, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Jesus is west of Mount Hermon, a site in Psalm 133. Given the way Jesus initially interacts with the woman, perhaps this trip was intended for some time set apart. But even outside of Israel, Jesus’ reputation proceeds him.

A Canaanite woman from this area shouts out to the “Son of David,” seeking mercy. Her daughter is possessed by a demon. The title she uses for Jesus is a traditional Jewish confession of faith. Jesus is silent. She persists. The disciples want Jesus to address her – so that he can send her away. Maybe directed to the disciples, but certainly loud enough for the woman to hear, Jesus declares that he was sent “only to the lost sheep” – to Israel. Remaining persistent, she kneels right in front of Jesus. From this position of humility, she pleads, “Lord, help me.”

Insulting and/or testing her faith and persistence, Jesus says, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Acknowledging the insult – “Yes, Lord” – she persists: “But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” She acknowledges Jesus as “master,” as her Lord. Because of her great faith and persistence, Jesus is moved and he heals her daughter from afar. May we have such great faith and may we be so persistent with our trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone are Lord. You alone have the power to meet all of our needs. To you alone may we turn. To you alone may we look to be our all in all. Amen.


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What Truly Contaminates

Reading: Matthew 15:10-20

Matthew 15:18 – “What goes out of the mouth comes from the heart. And that’s what contaminates a person in God’s sight.”

Heart in Fire and Water Isolated on Black Background. Computer Graphics.

Leviticus 11 through 15 contain the laws of Moses that deal with being clean (or unclean if you break a law.) Many of the laws in these five chapters were concerned with keeping healthy. Eating certain foods, for example, in a time without refrigeration often led to illness. So… do not eat pork. Since five chapters worth of dietary and other cleanliness laws were not enough, the religious leaders added more over time.

“Wash your hands before eating” was one of them. This rule is not found anywhere in the Law. But this manmade rule had power in Jesus’ day. His disciples had just eaten without washing their hands, breaking “the elder’s rules handed down to us.” Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ criticism by quoting from Isaiah 29, where the prophet speaks about “empty worship.”

In verses 10-20 Jesus addresses and explains what truly contaminates or makes a person “unclean.” To be unclean is to be separated from God. He declares that it is NOT what we put into our mouth that matters. Food just comes out and goes into the sewer. However, “What goes out of the mouth comes from the heart. And that’s what contaminates a person in God’s sight.” What comes out of our mouth matters. And that all comes from the heart. It is in the heart that one finds the sources of sin: “evil thoughts… sexual sins… false testimony… insults.” These are some of the things that have the power to “contaminate” or to make us unclean before God.

Jesus is talking about what John Wesley would later call “personal holiness.” If we practice personal holiness (or holiness of the heart,) then we walk in right relationship with God. And if we walk in a right relationship with God, then we tend to walk in right relationships with one another. Living out our social holiness, we do not harm others. Instead, we do good and practice love, mercy, grace, compassion… And what flows from the mouth is good and pleasing to the Lord our God. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, empower us to look deep within our own hearts. Give us the strength and the courage to root out those things that can separate us from you, leading us to then treat others as “less than.” Transform our hearts and lives, O Lord, filling us with love and grace and compassion and mercy. Then, may these flow from our hearts and may they be upon our lips. Amen.


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Stories of Mercy

Reading: Romans 11:29-32

Romans 11:31 – “In the same way, they have also been disobedient [and] because of the mercy you received, now they can receive mercy too.”

As we conclude our time in this week’s Epistle reading, the main idea is that God’s mercy extends to all people. This is a common theme in the New Testament and in Paul’s writings in particular. In many ways, Paul reminds us that we all fall short. Because of our human nature, we are tempted and we sin. Yet this is not our fate. Because of God’s great love revealed in Jesus Christ, we receive mercy. Our sins are forgiven and through repentance we become closer to the image of God. This is a process we experience again and again – hopefully with less and less frequency as we mature in our faith!

As it is with all aspects of our faith, mercy is meant to be shared with others. Because we receive mercy, we are to help others to receive mercy. This begins by being people who practice mercy in our lives and in the relationships that we keep. It extends by sharing our stories of redemption, and perhaps of rescue. By sharing our stories of mercy, we open other’s eyes and hearts to the possibility of them receiving God’s mercy. Because God’s mercy knows no bounds, our stories vary greatly. Some of us were saved from an addiction – alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex. Some of us were rescued from a vice – greed, pride, sloth, judging, control. Some of us were redeemed from a poor decision – theft, cheating, abuse, dishonesty. We each have our story of mercy. We are called to be conduits of God’s mercy. Who do you know that needs to hear your story of mercy?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to know and to develop our stories of mercy so that we can be articulate about your boundless mercy. Use us like prevenient grace – that which goes before and opens doors, inviting others to experience your mercy for themselves. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Good and Pleasing

Reading: Psalm 133

Psalm 133:1 – “Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!”

Psalm 133 is short – only three verses long. But it lifts up one of the most important aspects of faith: unity. This song celebrates the community of faith and the ultimate blessing of living in a community of faith: “everlasting life.” In verse one we read, “Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!” Step back and look at your community of faith. Is it good and pleasing to God and to the world around it? Does it reflect unity in the body of Christ?

We must be careful not to mistake unity for conformity. That is a common mistake. Our unity is centered on Jesus Christ and following his teachings and example. Around this, yes, there is conformity. But Jesus certainly did not minister to and include only people like him. He included fishermen and a tax collector and a zealot. And that was just in his “church.” Jesus welcomed children and women and outcasts and even “sinners.” To one and all, Jesus extended love and created a sense of belonging. He found sacred worth in everyone he met. This fostered unity and community in the early church.

In the Psalm, this is described as anointing oil and life-giving dew. The psalmist envisions both flowing freely, pouring down. There is a joy and an abundance in these images. It should be this way in our lives and in our communities of faith. Love and grace should flow freely. Mercy and forgiveness should pour down. Sharing life and what we have should bring joy. These things should be the primary marks of a Christian community. May it be so as our communities of faith – our “families” – strive to be good and pleasing to the Lord and to the world around us.

Prayer: Lord God, our world tends to separate us into categories. It feels like the natural thing to do is to label – so we can divide and define. May it not be so in our churches and lives, O God. All are created in your image. All have sacred worth. All have a place at the table of grace. Shape and form us into people who see you in others, who draw others into our communities of faith so that they can know love, mercy, grace, belonging – both ours and yours. Amen.


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Forgiveness

Reading: Genesis 45:1-8

Genesis 45:7 – “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

As we turn to Genesis 45, we’ve jumped ahead in Joseph’s story. Joseph has had lots of ups and downs since being sold into slavery in chapter 37. Through the trials, Joseph has come to know God’s plans and purposes. Joseph’s brothers have made two trips to Egypt to buy food. Joseph has learned much about his brothers and about his family. Judah – the one who first voiced the idea of selling Joseph into slavery – offers his life in place of Benjamin’s. This selfless act brings Joseph to the place in today’s reading where he “could no longer control himself.” His emotions get the best of him.

Clearing the room of all but his brothers, Joseph weeps uncontrollably. Blurting out, “I’m Joseph,” his brothers are “terrified.” Calling them closer, Joseph shares his understanding of past events. He believes that it all was the hand of God at work. He says to his brothers, “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.” There is the promise of safety, protection, provision, and rescue in these words. These promises will be fleshed out tomorrow, when we read verses 9-15. Joseph can see how God was at work in his past and he believes that God will be at work in his future.

As we journey through this life we too will find ourselves in these places: either in a position to give or withhold forgiveness, or in a place to receive or reject another’s forgiveness. We may be in one of these places today. It will likely be sooner rather than later. In these moments, may we choose to move forward in faithful love, offering to others what God so freely gives to us or humbly receiving that offered to us in faithful love. Living as people of love and grace, we bless others and honor God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is not always easy to practice forgiveness. We want to hold onto grudges and wrongs done to us. We want to be right and asking for forgiveness puts dents in our armor. Humble us, O Lord. Remind us of your abundant grace and mercy. In turn, lead and guide us to be generous with our grace and mercy, with our love and forgiveness. Amen.


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Justice, Goodness, Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 17:1-2

Psalm 17:2 – “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.”

In Psalm 17 David names injustice and trusts that God will make things right. This is summed up in verse 2: “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.” God is the source of justice… and of goodness and righteousness, of mercy and compassion, of empathy and forgiveness… In God’s world, all of these things are interconnected and intertwined. When one stands against oppression, for example, it is driven by empathy and compassion for the victim(s) and it is fueled by one’s sense of justice.

Our reading begins with David imploring God to listen. Listen to what’s right. Listen to my prayer. He feels he can come before God in this way because is living a righteous life – his lips don’t lie! When we live a devout and holy life, we too feel like we have standing before God. In turn, our alignment with God guides our sense of justice…

It is easy to name injustices in our world. The treatment of marginalized and vulnerable populations comes to mind. The high cost of living and limited access to health care are creating hardship for many. The ways that “power over” is exerted and abused, leaving people broken and hurting, needs to be addressed. Systems that increase the gap between the haves and have-nots continue to churn along, oblivious to the negative impact on many people’s lives.

The more challenging step is to take action, to give voice and power to those without, to stand for what is just and right and good. When we allow our faith to guide our way, when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead our words and actions, then we can declare as David did: “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, I know that my list is missing many injustices that tear at your heart. You see them all. But this list is my list. We all have our own list. Begin here, O God, in us all. Work in each of us so that we stand and speak for justice, goodness, and righteousness. Use us to fight for a better and more just world. Amen.


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The Covenant Keeper

Reading: Psalm 105:7-11 and 45

Psalm 105:8 – “God remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded to a thousand generations.”

As we turn to Psalm 105 today and tomorrow, the focus is the covenant God made first with Abraham. This covenant was reiterated with Isaac and Jacob and has been passed on “to a thousand generations.” The covenant that God made with Abraham was not just about him. Abraham was a part of the covenant, yes, but the focus from day one has been the people of God.

God’s justice is the foundation of the covenant. At its core, God’s justice calls us to just living. This calls us to live in a right relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. Living this way, we represent the covenant: God is our God and we are God’s people. The idea of covenant has been around a long time, likely even before Abraham. It is not unique to Israel. In all cases, at its core, covenant is meant to be a forever commitment.

This week’s Disciplines writer, Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnson, notes that the word translated “to cut” is the root word of our word “covenant.” In ancient times, the two parties entering a covenant would cut an animal in half. They would then walk between the halves, symbolizing their offer to be slain like the animal if they did not keep the covenant. The writer of Psalm 105 echoes this deep level of commitment using phrases like “solemn pledge” and “binding law.”

In Genesis 15, in a vision that came just after establishing the covenant with Abraham, God passed between a cut animal, demonstrating God’s commitment to this covenant with God’s people. This established the fact that the keeping of the covenant is dependent on God alone, not on us. At just the necessary moment, God sent Jesus, the bringer and giver of grace. It is through God’s grace that we now live under the covenant. For this grace, we say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being the covenant keeper. On our own we’d only be covenant breakers. Only through your love and strength can we begin to walk in covenant relationship with you and with one another. And only through your grace and mercy can we return to covenant relationship when we fall short or fail. Thank you, Lord, for walking with us. Amen.


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Pass Love On

Reading: Psalm 116:1-2 and 12-19

Psalm 116:12 – “What can I give back to the Lord for all the good things he has done for me?”

Psalm 116 begins with a declaration of thanksgiving for God’s mercy. This gift of God is something freely given. It is something we cannot earn or buy. God’s mercy is rooted deeply in God’s love. To receive mercy and the grace and forgiveness that follows simply by asking God for it, this is truly worthy of our praise and thanksgiving!

Jumping to verse 12, we see the natural response to this gift of mercy. This is not something required by God. Instead, it is our natural response to God’s love. The psalmist asks, “What can I give back to the Lord for all the good things he has done for me?” He or she has been moved to respond out of a place of deep gratitude in his or her heart. This response reminds me of the words found in the chorus of the song “Pass It On.” We’re reminded that once we have experienced God’s love ourselves, we want to “spread his love to everyone, we want to pass it on.”

The psalmist lifts up the “cup of salvation” and calls on God’s name. These acts of worship are a means of sharing God’s love with others. The author also commits to keeping the promises he or she made to God. At a minimum, this would be to keep the two great commands to love God and neighbor. Years later Jesus also lifted up these commands as essential to living faithfully in this world. When love becomes the core of who we are and it leads and guides all that we say, do, and think, then our very lives reveal the love of God to the world. Living and loving faithfully, we pass on God’s love to all people.

Prayer: Lord God, your love and mercies never end. They are poured out over our lives again and again. Our hearts are warmed as we receive these abundant gifts. Set us afire, Lord. Make your love blaze in our hearts so that all we encounter can feel and experience your love moving in and through us and out into the world, out into their lives. Amen.