pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: mercy


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Mercy and Grace Persist

Reading: Genesis 3

Genesis 3:9 – “The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Continuing on from chapter 2, where we saw God’s desire to care for, to provide for to be in relationship with humanity, today we read of temptation and sin and of the broken relationships these evils produce. The snake, long identified with Satan, “tricks” the woman and man into eating from one of the forbidden trees. The woman initially resists, but the snake persists. Using a half-truth the snake tempts the man and woman enough. They both eat and they see their nakedness. Their initial shame leads them to cover this condition.

Later the man and woman hear God walking in the garden. In verse 8 we read, “The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God.” Their continuing shame leads them to try to hide from God. Yet God calls out. Death could have come the moment they ate the forbidden fruit. But here our God of mercy and grace calls out. Yes, there are consequences to their sin, as there often are in our lives. Yet God is right there, fully present to the man and woman. Death will come, eventually, as they are sent out of the garden, seemingly forever away from the tree of life – the tree that would allow them to live forever.

This rebellion in the garden is just the first of many. Countless sins have led to countless breaches in our relationship with God. And equally countless offerings of mercy and grace have reconciled these breaches. This struggle with sin is and will be our reality. The struggle, as John Wesley wrote, “will continue while there is a godly man on this side of heaven, and a wicked man on this side of hell.” Grace and mercy will likewise persist and will eventually triumph on the final day. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be easy to read this chapter and to look down on, to judge, to compare. And there sin is again, knocking on the door of our heart. Help us to see ourselves fully present in this story, in the struggle. There we recognize and appreciate and ready ourselves to receive the grace and mercy we so often need. Thank you, Lord, for always having more mercy and grace. Amen.


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Living as Immigrants and Strangers

Reading: 1st Peter 1-2

1st Peter 1:3 – “On account of his vast mercy, he has given us a new birth… born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Written by the apostle Peter, 1st Peter was originally written to house churches scattered across the Roman empire. They were experiencing conflict and persecution because their faith often ran counter to the norms of the culture. Peter encourages the believers to persevere, even in their suffering. Luke Christ, through this they too will accomplish their mission to witness to God’s love and mercy.

Peter begins his letter with a wonderful statement of faith: “On account of his vast mercy, he has given us a new birth… born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This living hope is our inheritance, “kept safe in heaven.” He calls these in diaspora to rejoice in this hope, even if distressed now by these trials. Their “genuine faith” in the one they’ve never seen yet love and trust will result in their “praise, glory, and honor” one day. Instead of being conformed to their former desires, Peter declares, “You must be Holy in every aspect of your lives, just as the one who called you is holy.” Be like Jesus, the one who liberated you by his blood.

Peter calls the faithful to “set yourselves apart” because they’ve been given this new birth. According to John Wesley, this new birth was “the commitment to a daily journey of intentional, painful, and sacrificial work of character formation.” This echoes Christ’s call to die to self – again and again and again… This results in believers becoming “living stones… a royal priesthood.” Built upon the capstone that others stumble over, believers have become “God’s possession.” As such, living as “immigrants and strangers,” Peter urges them to avoid worldly desires and to live faithfully, even in suffering. Endure in faith, just like Christ. Be healed by his wounds and walk with “the shepherd and guardian of your lives.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love and mercy, that which calls us to your living hope, Jesus Christ. In the highs and lows, in the trials and in the joys, build up in us a genuine faith and an endurance that yields fruit for your kingdom. Empower us to be conformed into the image and example of Christ. Equip us to walk faithfully, inviting others to join us on the journey to salvation. Amen.


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Faithful Activity

Reading: James 1-2

James 2:14 – “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?”

Today we begin the book of James. James advocates an active, world-engaging, lived out faith. To live this way, while “scattered” to the world, is indeed a great challenge. These words from James that we read today and tomorrow very much apply to our lives and world right now. As “resident aliens” it is easier to write a check than it is to show up. It eases one’s conscience to say, “It’s the pastor’s job.” Yes, a time comes in life when it is not possible to physically show up. And, yes, some “jobs” are the pastor’s. But to shelter one’s faith from the world and vice versa, well, better read and study James.

Chapter 1 from James deals with standing firm in our faith. James begins by encouraging us to think of moments of testing as “occasions for joy.” These moments produce endurance, which yields a mature faith. In times of trial, we are invited to turn to God for wisdom. Trusting in God, we will receive. This is because God is good and faithful. Such a God will not tempt us. No, James says, that comes from within ourselves. God only gives good things. The pinnacle of this is the word of God. The word has the power to make us slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to listen. It gives us power over our tongues. (More on that in chapter 3.)

In chapter 2 James encourages us to show faith, not favoritism. Favoritism is “evil-minded.” It is judgmental. It denies mercy. Instead, James advises, put your faith into action, like Abraham and Rahab. James asks, “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?” That is a great question. Yes, belief in God is good. But, we are reminded, “Even the demons believe this.” To wish well for a brother or sister who is naked or hungry without actually meeting their needs? James: “Faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.”

Prayer: Lord God, it is so much easier to just fly under the radar, to just think someone else will do it. It is so much harder to stand firm, to stand up, to show up. Faith isn’t supposed to be easy or convenient, is it God? Empower, equip, and encourage us, O Lord, to be doers of the word and not merely hearers. Amen.


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Grasp the Anchor of Hope

Reading: Hebrews 4-6

Hebrews 5:9 – “After he has been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for everyone who obeys him.”

Chapter 4 begins with the hope that those without faith won’t miss out on eternal rest. This hope is grounded in faith, rooted in obedience. The Israelites were disobedient and didn’t enter their rest (the Promised Land.) But the promise is still open to God’s people. The author of Hebrews encourages all to become obedient so that all can enter into God’s rest (heaven.)

Next the writer of Hebrews declares that God’s word is great. It is “active, living, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” It penetrates us to our core, judging our thoughts and actions, leaving us “naked and exposed” to the Lord. Yet we are not condemned. We have a great high priest that sympathizes with our weakness. Christ, though without sin, was tempted in every way. Therefore we can draw near to Christ, confident that we will receive mercy and grace.

Hebrews then turns to a call to spiritual maturity. They are drinking milk now. Solid food is for the mature in faith. When they (or we) turn away from Christ, it is like crucifying Jesus again. So, the author says, let’s press on, leaning into the “better things,” making every effort to make our hope sure. Take refuge in Christ, grasp the hope that he gives. It is “a safe and secure anchor for our whole being.” May this be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, be our source of hope and strength. Guide us into faithful obedience to you alone. When we are tempted may the sword of your truth, the Spirit, cut through our temptations, securing the hope we have in you. Amen.


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Rescued, Cleansed, Eager

Reading: Titus 1-3

Titus 2:14 – “He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.”

Paul’s letter to Titus is very similar to his letters to Timothy, another young, promising pastor and friend. Titus is instructed on how to establish a faith community, on how to counter false teachings, and on how to be a good leader. Paul reminds Titus of his original task: to organize things and to appoint elders in each city. Paul lists the qualifications for elders. They must be faithful and faultless. They must offer sound teaching and set a great example for others.

Paul then turns to correcting the “rebellious loudmouths,” some of whom are Jewish believers. He instructs Titus to “silence” them by correcting them firmly. Their minds are corrupt and they do things that deny God. Likely coming back to these men, Paul tells Titus to correct twice and then to disassociate from them.

Attention is then turned to the community of faith. These relationships and rules are based on what was assumed in Roman households. Older men and women are to be mature and faithful. Paul uses words like sober, dignified, reverent, and patient to describe their character. The older women are to teach the younger women to be sensible and morally pure and to work at home, being kind and submissive to their husbands. Paul’s words about slaves and masters also crosses a line for today’s readers.

Paul closes with the grace of God that came to “rescue” believers from all kinds of “lawless behaviors.” Christ saves the faithful because of his mercy, not because of anything they can do. Made righteous by grace, “cleansed as a special people,” believers inherit hope for eternal life. Paul instructs Titus, “insist on these things” because then the faithful will “give careful attention to doing good.” Following sound teaching, may we too be people who seek to do good.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be people who are faithful and faultless. Well, as much as we can be. Build up in us the character laid out by Paul. Redeem and restore us by your grace when we fall short and when we fail. Lead us to be people eager to be and do good. Amen.


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The Walk of Sincere Faith

Reading: 1st Timothy 1-3

1st Timothy 1:5 – “The goal of instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.”

1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus are “pastoral epistles,” written to teach these new pastors how to lead. A task for young Timothy is to counter the false teachings present in Epaphras. These letters include practical advice aimed at forming faithful communities of faith. Paul identifies Timothy as “my true child in faith.” He then identifies the keys to good instruction as living from the heart, keeping a good conscience, and holding to a sincere faith.

Next Paul addresses the Law. Used rightly it can guide sinners – those who are sexually unfaithful, untruthful, and opposed to sound teaching. Reflecting back on his own life, Paul rejoices in the mercy and grace that he himself received from God. Even though the “biggest sinner,” Paul is now an example for others.

Paul offers encouragement to Timothy. Based on the prophecies made about Timothy, Paul believes that Timothy can “wage a good war” for Christ. In chapter 2 the instruction begins: pray for everyone. Live quiet and peaceful lives. Look to the one mediator, Jesus Christ. Paul then touches on the expected behavior of the folks in the community of faith. Men are to pray with holy hands. Women are to be modest, to do good works, and to learn from their husbands. Paul says all will be well with both husband and wife if both are walking in love, faith, holiness, and self-control.

In chapter 3 Paul speaks of the qualifications for supervisors and servants in the church. Supervisors are to be without fault, skilled at teaching, faithful, gentle, peaceable, and not greedy. Servants should be dignified, sober, and faithful. They shouldn’t gossip or be greedy. Paul closes this section telling Timothy that these instructions are in case he is delayed. And remember the mystery of Christ!

Prayer: Lord God, in our walk of faith, help us to be dedicated to you alone. Lead us to love well, to be sincere and honest, to be people of peace. Guard our hearts from the things of this world, keeping our focus on the things that are above. In all we do and say, may we bring you the glory. Amen.


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Trusting, Confessing

Reading: Romans 8:18-10:21

Romans 10:10 – “Trusting with the heart leads to righteousness, and confessing with the mouth leads to salvation.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As we continue in Romans 8 today we find great hope. First Paul reminds us that this present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory. With hope we await being “set free” as we who have the Spirit become the “first crop.” Today these words remind me of the rapture imagery found in Revelation.

Paul then speaks of the Spirit’s role in our lives. The Spirit intercedes for us, praying for us, “consistent with God’s will.” Accordingly, God works all things – us included – towards the good. God is good. To work this process out, we are increasingly conformed to Christ’s image. In this process we become less and less like the world. Therefore nothing worldly – trouble, harassment, famine… death, rulers… – nothing can separate us from God’s love that we find in and through Jesus. Hallelujah!

The apostle shifts gears in chapter 9. Paul laments Israel’s rejection of Christ. He would give up his salvation to see Israel turn to Christ. Yet Paul also recognizes that this is God’s plan unfolding, not his. This is a good reminder to us. It is God who shows mercy and compassion to whom God chooses. This is why it is the Gentiles who came to faith that leads to righteousness. The Jews instead sought to “establish their own righteousness.” But keeping all of the Law proved impossible. The righteousness that leads to salvation comes only through faith. Paul summarizes in 10:10 – “Trusting with the heart leads to righteousness, and confessing with the mouth leads to salvation.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, faith, trust, hope, obedience, surrender – such simple concepts in many ways. In an ideal world, so easy. Yet our world is not easy or ideal. Many things can challenge or assault our faith – real things like death, harassment, famine… Lord, may your Spirit intercede for us always and may it walk with us, strengthening and encouraging us in our walk of faith. As ones who are conformed to your Son, and therefore to you, use us as love and mercy and compassion in your world. Amen.


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One Priority

Reading: Acts 5:17-7:60 (8:1a)

Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than humans!”

Jealousy and anger drive one side of the tensions found in today’s reading. The Holy Spirit drives the other side. One side is fully in alignment with God’s will and ways. One side focuses on worldly things.

Jealousy leads the Jewish leaders to arrest the apostles. An angel comes and frees them in the night, instructing them to keep teaching in Jesus’ name. Found and brought before the Jerusalem Council, Peter and the other apostles state, “We must obey God rather than humans!” A wise council member suggests patience. Gamaliel suggests that if this new movement is of human origins, ultimately it will fail. But if it is of God, then they will actually find themselves fighting God. The apostles are beaten and released, warned again not to teach in Jesus’ name. After rejoicing because they were counted worthy of suffering for Jesus’ name, they resume preaching and teaching.

After reading about the apostles working through an administrative issue with an administrative solution, we read the story of Stephen. He stood out among the believers because of the way that God’s grace and power was with him. Again jealousy stirs up tension and then false accusations. Stephen’s response is a history lesson that focuses in on Israel’s rejection of Moses, the Law, and all of the prophets, including Jesus. The council members are enraged. As he’s condemned Stephen has a vision of Jesus standing at God’s right side in heaven.

Furious, the council members drag Stephen out of the city and stone him as Saul oversees and approves. As he is being stoned, Stephen asks God to accept his life and he asks for God to forgive his attackers. These statements parallel Jesus’ words from the cross in Luke’s Gospel. Here we again see steadfast faith built upon love, grace, and mercy. May our lives also exhibit all of these, bringing glory to God in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: Lord God, filled with the Holy Spirit the early apostles lived out their faith boldly, unafraid, and with passion. All that the world could do to them was counted as trivial, unimportant. All that mattered was faith in Jesus’ name. Proclaiming their faith to the world was their one priority in life. May it be so for us too, O Lord. Make it so. Amen.


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Day by Day

Reading: John 7:10-8:59

John 8:19 – “You don’t know me and you don’t know my Father. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.”

Much of today’s reading centers around this key verse. In many ways Jesus asserts that he is “I AM” – knowing Jesus is knowing God and vice versa. Some people recognize this truth. Others struggle to see it or to believe in Jesus. Such is the case to this very day.

Almost all of today’s reading is set in the temple. Jesus’ teaching astonishes the Jewish leaders, the people, and even the temple guards sent to arrest him. But the impact of Jesus’ teaching does not travel to everyone’s heart. Some want to arrest him and others believe Jesus is the Christ, God’s son.

Jesus’ authority is questioned again and again by the leaders and the people. Jesus points to the Law and to Abraham’s example, asserting that they don’t keep true to Moses’ words and that they don’t follow Abraham’s actions. Jesus tells them that the devil is their father because they listen to Satan’s lies. As proof, Jesus says, “You don’t know me and you don’t know my Father. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” They won’t accept God’s words that Jesus speaks, the words that are the light of life and that will set them free from their sin.

At the start of chapter 8 we find the story of the woman caught in adultery. This story generates many questions for me. Where is the man? What did Jesus write on the ground? Did the woman go and sin no more? This story also offers specific truths. We’re all sinners. None of us has right standing to judge or condemn others. Jesus offers us all grace and mercy. We are all called by Jesus to go and sin no more. Day by day may we grow in our capacity to live out these truths and this call.

Prayer: Lord God, like many in today’s text we struggle and we walk in belief some days, in doubt other days. We allow other voices, sometimes our own, to distract us from our walk with you. Lord, ground us in the truth of your word and in the guidance of your Spirit. Lead us to live daily as a repentant sinner saved by grace and as an unconditionally loved child of the one true God. Amen.


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Are we? Do we? Will we?

Reading: Luke 10-11:36

Luke 10:36 – “What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?”

Jesus sends out the 72 because the harvest is big and the workers are few. They are to heal and cast out demons. They are to share their blessing with people of peace. They are to trust in God to provide. Because they bring the kingdom of God near to people’s lives, they can rejoice: their names are written in heaven. We can be like the 72. Are we?

Next Jesus speaks of those places that have rejected the kingdom of God. It will be better for Tyre and Sidon and for Nineveh – the first would’ve listened and Nineveh did change hearts and lives. Jonah stood as a sign for Nineveh and now one stands in Israel’s midst who is greater than Jonah. Christ stands in our midst yet today. Which city will we be like?

Jesus is then tested by a legal expert. He asks what he must do to gain eternal life. When asked what he thinks, the expert offers the two great commandments. Pushing the issue, he asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Well, a man going down to Jericho was attacked and left for dead. A priest and then a Levite see the man and pass him by. A Samaritan, moved by compassion, cares for the man – extravagantly. Jesus asks the expert, “What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?” Yes, the one who showed mercy is the neighbor. The expert is told: “Go and do likewise.” We are told the same thing, again and again in the Gospels. Do we?

Choosing faith is the focus of the teaching about Martha and Mary. Being persistent is the focus of Jesus’ teachings about prayer. Jesus tells us, “Ask… receive. Seek… find. Knock… the door will be opened.” Our good, good father God wants to and will give the Holy Spirit to those of us who ask, seek, and knock. But will we?

Prayer: Lord God, we read today of the call to trust, to witness, to change our hearts and lives, to be a good neighbor, to be persistent, and to go to you expecting a good answer from a good, good God. We see the results of lives lived in these ways. Our question today, God, is if we choose this way of life. Today, Lord, encourage and empower us to “go and do likewise,” loving you and neighbor extravagantly with all of our being. Amen.