pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: mercy


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Wedding Clothes

Reading: Matthew 22:11-14

Verse 12: “How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?”

Jametlene Respk

The wedding hall has been filled with guests – “both good and bad.” All we’re invited to come. As we continue in Matthew 22, the king comes and begins to mingle with the guests. Soon he noticed a man who was not dressed properly. The king says to the man, “How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?” While we might be puzzled by this question, Jesus’ audience would’ve known good and well that you dress (and act) for the occasion, especially if you’re invited by the king!

The man in question is bound and tossed into the darkness, where he will weep and gnash his teeth. This harsh metaphor is the reality that some people will face when they meet the King of kings. Then comes the point of the parable: “Many are invited but few are chosen.”

It can be tempting to respond to God’s invitation as this man did. He thought that he could just show up and be acceptable. Here is where some context is really important. Jesus is saying that there is a big difference between being called and being chosen. We are all called into a relationship with Jesus. Matthew’s audience would also understand that the wedding clothes were a metaphor for clothing oneself in Christ. To accept and live out Christ’s invitation into relationship was to put on Christ’s love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, compassion, hospitality… Understanding this, we can turn to our important question for today: Are you dressed in the proper attire for the great banquet of Christ?

Prayer: Lord God, day by day, as you call me into humble service, may I make the very intentional choice to clothe myself in Christ. Help me to soak in your word, to open my eyes and ears and heart to your Holy Spirit, and to find the strength and courage to live faithfully and righteously each day. Amen.


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Honest, Generous, Righteous

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Verse 4: “You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.”

Returning to the parable today we first recognize that the scenario played out in the market was very familiar to Jesus’ audience. Men hanging around hoping to be hired for seasonal work was the norm. Having people to fill this role was a necessity in their agrarian culture, much as it is today in that sector of our economy.

For those hired earliest, they agree with the owner on the usual daily wage. One denarius was the coin used to pay a Roman soldier and it was enough to feed a family of four for a few days. These day laborers would hope to work 2-3 days a week to provide for their families.

The owner offers a different deal to the rest of the workers. They accept his offer to pay them “whatever is right.” Although it turns out well for these workers, there is some trust required in this open-ended offer. Right is objective. One denarius is not. These workers choose to entrust their lives to the character or reputation of the vineyard owner. He is honest and generous and righteous. This sounds like someone that I’d like to work for. How about you?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being kind and generous and righteous with us. You do not demand a strict adherence to an agreed-upon set of rules. As it was impossible to keep the list in Jesus’ day, so too is it in our time. So thank you for your grace and mercy too. Amen.


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A Manner Worthy

Reading: Philippians 1:27-30

Verse 27: “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

In the second half of our Epistle text, Paul encourages the Philippians and us to represent Christ and one another well. He begins by challenging us all to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” What does it mean to live a life that is “worthy” of Jesus and the gospel? In a general sense it means to live as Christ lived – obedient to God; generous with love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness; and, overflowing with humility and care for the needy.

Paul focuses on 3 more ways in today’s passage. First he calls us all to “stand firm in one spirit.” The unity of spirit was very important in Paul’s day. These early Christians were living in a pagan world as members of a small minority group. Sticking together in body and in spirit was essential to survival. The same is true today for us.

Paul then tells us not to be afraid of those who oppose us. These ‘opponents’ were many in Paul’s day (he was in prison, right?) and there are no less today. To have confidence in our eternal God battles the fear of these temporal threats. Lastly Paul encourages the Philippians and us to step into what has been “granted” to us as a privilege – to suffer for and with Christ. Nothing without cost is worth much. If we are not suffering a bit for our faith, then we aren’t fully conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ. If we are blending in and living like the world around us, let us return to the actual gospels for a refresher on the life of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to be a person of peace and unity. Use me to build connection and community – two things at the heart of faith. Remove any fears that I have and empower me to be bold in my faith. And as John Wesley said, put me to doing, put me to suffering. May it all be for your glory. Amen.


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People of Forgiveness

Reading: Matthew 18:28-35

Verse 33: “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”

As we continue today in the gospel lesson for this week, we see that the servant now goes out, fresh from being forgiven a huge debt. But instead of being filled with joy and good will he latches onto a fellow servant who owes his a small sum. Demanding payment and refusing to be patient, he has the man thrown into jail, where he will remain until the debt is paid.

Other servants see what has happened. Knowing how great a debt this man has been forgiven, they are “greatly distressed” by how he treats his fellow servant. They go to the king to right this great wrong. It all is so unfair. I don’t know about you, but I have and I can act this way at times. I know that God and others have forgiven me for things big and small and every place in between. I did not deserve to be forgiven some of the time. Yet I was. Even knowing all this and being so grateful for such mercy and grace, I can struggle to forgive someone for the smallest thing. I get stubborn or arrogant or prideful and it becomes hard to let something go, to get to the place of forgiveness. At times I’m not so unlike this forgiven servant.

The king (God, right?) is so upset with this man that he says, “You wicked servant.” He reminds the man (us) of how much was forgiven. Then he asks this pointed question: “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” It is a great reminder for us. The man is then thrown into prison (hell). Jesus closes the parable by reminding us all that God will treat us this way too if we refuse to forgive one another. Each Sunday we pray for the ability and strength to do just this. May this passage and our weekly prayer reminder help us to be people of forgiveness always and without condition or limit. This is what God offers us. May we go and do likewise.

Prayer: Lord God, without your grace and mercy that leads to forgiveness, I would face a most dreadful future. Without practicing your model of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, my relationships would be a shambles. Thank you for showing me the way to truly live and love. Empower me to live it out daily. Amen.


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As We Receive Mercy…

Reading: Matthew 18:21-27

Verse 23: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.”

After Jesus’ teaching about how to solve conflicts in the church, Peter wants to define the expectations. On second thought, no, Peter wants to limit the expectations, much like the expert in the law did when he asked Jesus to define his ‘neighbor’ (Luke 10). Yes, Peter is generous in offering to forgive 7 times. He is going way past the current cultural norm of 3. As it was with the parable of the Good Samaritan, in this week’s gospel passage Jesus blows the doors off of somehow trying to limit God’s love, grace, and mercy.

In verse 22 Jesus tells Peter, “I tell you, not 7 times, but 77 times.” Jesus is not, however, playing Peter’s game. He isn’t really setting 77 as the magic number. His point here is simple: quit counting. Counting wrongs is an exercise in patience, not forgiveness. When we keep a count of wrongs against us, we are just asking, ‘How long do I have to put up with this person?!”

Jesus then launches into a parable, beginning with, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.” In the parable the king represents God and we are the servants. The debt is our sin. The first servant owes a HUGE debt. He begs for forgiveness. The king is moved; he forgives the debt. The servant is set free. Now, what if this is really the king’s (God’s) goal in calling in the servants (us)? The king (God) doesn’t want to punish or extract payment. No, the king (God) wants to grant mercy to the servant (us). God desires that as we receive mercy, not 7 or 77 or 7,777 times, that we then, in turn, extend it to others. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help me, O font of mercy, to model your heart for mercy, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Above all, you want a relationship with us. You’ll go to almost any length to achieve that. Lead me to do the same, both with you and with all those in my life. Amen.


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Generously… Diligently… Cheerfully…

Reading: Romans 12:3-8

Verse 6: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”

Continuing with the line of thinking where Paul called us to be “living sacrifices,” he now offers application in terms of our unity and giftedness. As Paul begins he warns us not to think too highly of ourselves, to “think of yourself with sober judgment.” Although he does not mention it, we must be aware of when we and others slide to the other end of the self-esteem spectrum. Those with little or no self-esteem can wrestle with depression, doubt, isolation… With these in mind we turn to verse 5: “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” We watch out for one another. We support and care for one another. We love one another.

To help us do this well, God gives us all gifts. These gifts are to be used to benefit others. Because we belong to one another, there is a responsibility to use our gifts well. As individuals, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Some have the gift of prophesy – to give vision and to explain God’s revelations to us. Other gifts include “serving… teaching… encouraging… giving… leadership… showing mercy.” This is a partial list. If you don’t see your gifts on this list, what are your gifts as you think about that blessing from God?

To close, how are we to use these gifts? “Generously… diligently… cheerfully.” We should be grateful for the graces that God has given to us. In turn we should use these gifts to bless others, leading both us and them to fuller experience the abundant life that we find in community. May it be so for all of us.

Prayer: Lord God, you designed us to live and be in fellowship and community with you and with one another. You gave us each gifts to bless these relationships. Guide us by the power of the Holy Spirit to faithfully use each gift that you’ve given us. May we, through our gifts, bring you all the glory. Amen.


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Irrevocable and Forever

Reading: Romans 11:29-32

Verse 29: “God’s gifts and God’s call are irrevocable.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Paul writes today of the unmerited gift of God’s mercy. It is a mercy that has been present since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. Since that moment humanity has been sinful and fallen. We too stand in this long line of those who have received mercy and its companion, forgiveness. Instead of the punishment that our sin deserves, again and again we receive God’s mercy.

Writing to the church in Rome, Paul reminds them that “God’s gifts and God’s call are irrevocable.” He reminds them that they once were disobedient to God and yet received mercy. And he reminds them that others will be disobedient so that they too can have the opportunity to experience mercy. We, like the church in Rome, need this reminder. We, like the church in Rome, need to remember that all people are worthy of God’s love and therefore of God’s mercy. We, like the church in Rome, can become guardians and gatekeepers, wanting to limit or control who can enter the circle of God’s unmerited mercy.

The mercy of God is available for and is offered to all people. It was for the sinner then, it is for the sinners now, and it will be for all the sinners yet to come. Mercy is an abundant and generous gift, a gift that is irrevocable and forever. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, your mercies are new every morning – and every evening and every moment in between. Your mercy makes it possible to walk as a child of grace. Without this gift I’d be lost in my sin. So, thank you for your great love that extends mercy over and over. You are an amazing God! Amen.


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TBTG

Reading: Romans 11:1-2a: “I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew.”

Rejection. This is something that we can easily do to one another. Human beings can quickly find all sorts of reasons to reject someone: they were mean to me… they lied to me… they didn’t do what they said they’d do… they are not like me… they see things differently than I do… they believe things that I don’t… The list could go on and on. We’ve both rejected others and we’ve felt the sting of rejection. This is an intimate subject.

A couple of the things on the list above (and probably a few more) have created division between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians in Rome. Paul spent all of chapter 10 discussing Israel’s unbelief. Most of the Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. They rejected him. The issue creating the rift and the question that Paul addresses today is this: Has God, in turn, rejected Israel? “In turn” is often why we reject someone – they don’t like me so I don’t like them!

Paul answers the question emphatically: “By no means!” Thanks be to God, right? Thanks be to God because God has every right to ask all those things listed above about you and me. Regularly. Yet rejection does not follow. Paul writes, “God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew.” The key here is “whom God foreknew.” God designed us, knowing we’re imperfect. God created us for relationship with God, knowing we’re prone to sin and failure. Is God “sad” that people reject a relationship with God? For sure! But the door never closes. It is always open. Again we say, thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, I am so grateful for your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. Without these I’d have been lost forever years and years ago. Guide my response to be to live and be in this world this way too – seeing everyone as worthy and beloved. Use me as an example of your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. Amen.


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Restore, Reconcile

Reading: Genesis 45:1-4

Verse 3: “His brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.”

In chapter 45 of Genesis, Joseph finally reveals who he is to his brothers. In the previous 3 chapters he has demonstrated his power and might. Joseph has used his position of authority to both provide for and to test his brothers’ hearts. The brothers have felt totally powerless before this man who is second in command in all of Egypt. As chapter 44 closes it is Judah (the one who came up with the idea to sell Joseph to the traveling merchants) who begs for mercy, offering himself up in place of Benjamin. Judah tells Joseph that losing a second son would kill his father.

The willingness to sacrifice self for others finally breaks Joseph. He clears the room and sobs wildly before his brothers, so overwhelmed is he by this act of courage and love. Joseph then reveals his identity to his brothers. In the text we see their reaction: “His brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.” How they must’ve feared for their lives. What revenge would he seek? What justice would he extract from them?

Joseph does not want to punish. He wants to restore and reconcile. He wants a new relationship with his brothers. This type of love and mercy and grace and forgiveness is modeled for us almost 1,600 years later as Jesus offers these gifts from the cross. Even to those who treated him so, Jesus offers grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. These are the first steps towards a new and right relationship. Through Christ, God desires a relationship with you and with me. Through Christ we are offered restoration and reconciliation. May these, in turn, be offered outward as we strive to truly love our neighbors today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, what love and grace are modeled for us first in Joseph today and then ultimately in Christ Jesus. What depth of mercy and forgiveness that you offer to me, a sinner. As you continue to change my heart, O God, use me more and more to spread abroad your love and grace, your mercy and forgiveness. Amen.


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Abundance

Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

Verse 17: “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.”

After learning of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus withdraws to a lonely place. That is the setting where a large crowd tracks him down. Jesus sees them and he has compassion on them, spending the day healing the sick. As the sun begins to set the disciples remind Jesus of the remote location and of the time of day. The disciples want Jesus to dismiss the crowd so that they can get food for themselves. It is nice to think of others. But in what must’ve been a surprise to the disciples, Jesus says, “You give them something to eat.” Huh? What?!

Would’ve this been your reaction too? I believe it would be because it is too often mine when Jesus tells me something similar. When the Spirit nudges me to bring someone food or when the whisper tells me to reach across a line or barrier or when the scriptures condemn me for my inaction or my stinginess, I try and ignore it or I make excuses, just like the disciples. They protest Jesus’ nudge, saying, “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.” What is that for a crowd of 5000+?

Luke the disciples, I often have a scarcity mentality. I think who I am or what I have is not enough. Our world is stuck in this mentality. That’s why we hoard and accumulate. In our passage we see, though, that it’s not really about the disciples. It’s about Jesus. And when I struggle to follow through or to respond, it’s not really about me. It’s about God. And God, our God, is a God of abundance. In the end this is what the disciples learn: they each had a basket full of bread. 5 loaves? Hah! Yes, God is more than enough. May we learn to trust more fully in this God too.

Prayer: Lord God, you are so abundant – in your love, in your grace, in your mercy, in your forgiveness, in your provision. Guide me to live more fully into your abundance, trusting you with all that I am and with all that I have. Amen.