pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: might


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The Second Law

Readings: Deuteronomy 1, Deuteronomy 2, Deuteronomy 3, Deuteronomy 4

Deuteronomy 4:29 – “You will seek the LORD your God from there, and you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your being.”

Today we begin the book of Deuteronomy. This book’s name translates “second law” and is the gateway to the rest of the Old Testament. This book presents itself as Moses’ last sermon. It focuses on teaching Israel what to do, how to do it, and why it ought to be done. “It” refers to living in right relationship with God and with the community of faith. The standards or guidelines established in Deuteronomy guide Israel forward into the Promised Land and they continue to guide us today.

Moses begins his narrative by recalling the promises of God – to give them this land and to make them “as countless as the stars in the sky.” Moses then gives structure to the people by appointing leaders to guide and to judge. Moses then recounts much of their wilderness lessons – the do’s and the don’ ints learned on the journey. This is primarily to remind them how they got to this point. It includes the “spy disaster” and its consequences. It includes the journey to the Transjordan and its victories. It reviews settling Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh and their promise to lead into upcoming battles. It concludes with Moses’ petition to enter the Promised Land, God’s rejection of this, and Moses’ charge to strengthen and encourage Joshua, their next leader.

Chapter 4 closes today’s readings with reminders of God’s power and might and of God’s call for them to be a holy and set apart nation. It speaks of an exile in their future. And even there God promises, “You will seek the LORD your God from there, and you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your being.” This has been true all along and will continue to be true – even for us today. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, in every high and in every low, you are our God. You led Israel through peaks and valleys; you guided them without fail. We too seek to live into this kind of relationship. Lead and guide us; teach us your ways. Walk with us day by day. Amen.


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Sure and Steady

Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Verse 38: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

In today’s Luke passage we receive the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. Our text is proceeding with the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. Through these angelic visits the lives of Elizabeth and Mary are intertwined, as are the lives of their sons. Continuing on in the text after today’s passage, Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

As we begin in the text for today the angel Gabriel comes to Mary. He tells Mary that she is “highly favored” by God and that God is with her. This is no random visit. Mary is troubled. And probably a bit afraid too as Gabriel next says, “Do not be afraid.” I wonder how I would feel if an angel of the Lord appeared to me. Would I be afraid too? Or would I be filled with joy and excitement over what was about to happen? How about you?

Gabriel explains much of what will happen. It is not “might” but “will.” Huge difference here. Mary will be with child – a child conceived by the Holy Spirit – and she will give birth to Jesus – the Son of God. To perhaps add assurance, maybe to let her know she’s not alone in all of this, Gabriel shares that Elizabeth is pregnant. Old and barren, now with child: “For nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary’s response is sure and steady: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Mary’s response comes from a place of deep trust and faith in God. Indeed, God knew exactly who Gabriel was being sent to. So if God sends an angel – or the Holy Spirit – to you or to me, may we too respond surely and steadily. God knows exactly who we are.

Prayer: Lord God, I am humbled and amazed by Mary’s response. Her faith and trust in you are awesome. When you call, may I answer as she did. Amen.


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Step Forward and See

Reading: Joshua 3:10-17

Verses 15-16: “Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests… reached the Jordan… the water from upstream stopped flowing.”

If yesterday’s lesson from the first part of Joshua 3 was “come here and listen,” then today’s lesson is “step forward and see.” In verses 10-13 of today’s passage, Joshua tells the Israelites what is about to happen: God will be ahead of you, 12 men will pick up stones for a memorial, the water will be cut off. What is implied is this: we will cross through into the Promised Land. Then, in verse 14, they break camp and the priests, with the ark, lead the way. The ark of the covenant is God’s presence going ahead of them. As they step forward towards the Jordan we learn that “now the Jordan is at flood stage during the harvest.” There is potential in this realization to falter, to doubt, to question moving forward.

We can come to this place in our journeys of faith. We’ve heard the voice or felt the nudge. We’ve been beckoned and have drawn near to hear, to be invited into the plan that God has placed before us. And then that challenge or obstacle appears and it seems huge – “at flood stage.” We can give up or can turn back. Or we can return to what we heard when we drew near, trusting in God’s plan, continuing to move forward in faith.

In the next verse we read, “Yet as soon as the priests… reached the Jordan… the water from upstream stopped flowing.” Yes, see the power of God at work! That step of faith opened the door for God to do an amazing thing. This too is our promise. When we are faithful to draw near and to listen to God, when we step forward in trust, then we too will see the power of God at work. That huge obstacle or giant challenge – nothing to God. With this assurance, may we boldly move forward in faith in the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, you plant seeds and you whisper visions and dreams. You open my heart to acts of mercy, to people and places in need of your experiencing your love and grace. As I draw near and hear your heart for those in need, guide me to step forward, to move out into the world, assured that you go with me and before me in power and might. Amen.


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Present in All of Creation

Reading: Psalm 19:1-6

Verse 1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Psalm 19 speaks of two sides of God. They are different aspects of God in some ways yet work in unison to draw us deeper into our relationship with God. Today’s portion points us to the created world, where God’s power, might, and design are revealed. Tomorrow we turn to the second portion of Psalm 19. Here David rejoices in God’s word. Although very different from nature, the word also reveals God’s power, might, and design.

The opening verse sets the stage for today’s passage: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” To step outside right now, to gaze up at the stars dotting the sky – it moves me to awe and wonder. The stars that God knows by name paint a picture of beauty and grandeur. Soon enough the sun will rise and the “champion” will move across the sky, bringing light and warmth and life to all. Clouds will form and float across the sky, sometimes bringing rain to water the earth, sometimes being part of the water cycle in other ways. Plants, animals, and the earth receive the water and are blessed. All of this displays God’s power and might and it reveals God’s attention to the finest detail. Our response should be to worship God the creator.

At times we can lose this perspective. Driving east last summer, headed to camp, the sun was really hot pouring in through the windshield. I grumbled about it. Then I spent a week at camp, surrounded by God’s amazing creation, blessed by the sun and the water. In this place set apart, God was present. Today I am reminded that God is present in all of creation – in the hot sun and in the waves that break in the beach and in all things in between. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, I praise you for the created world and for the many ways in which you are revealed in it. Your infinite design awes me. Your creative power draws me to worship you. Thank you for this world and all that is in it. Amen.


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Shared with Joy and Laughter

Reading: Genesis 21:1-7

Verse 6: “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’”

Returning to Genesis we see the outcome of the promise made in chapter 18. God is “gracious to Sarah.” Very late in life she “became pregnant and bore a son.” Sarah and Abraham’s son is named Isaac, which means “he laughs.” With this name they are inviting others to laugh and to share in their joy. In verse 6 Sarah says, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” This wonderful thing that God has done is now part of her story of faith.

While none of us will become first-time parents at 90 or 100, in our lives we all do have wonderful things that God has done. If we are intentional about seeing God’s hand at work, we can see fingerprints all over our lives. Through a name Sarah and Abraham were inviting others into one of their God moments. This was a moment impossible without God. It was a moment so incredibly wonderful that they could not but smile from ear to ear.

So we must ask: When have we ourselves experienced God in such a way that we were left with joy and laughter? What “well, I’ll be” moments has God given you? What surprising turn of events has God blessed you with? This is part of our faith story to share with others. The joy-filled, you-wouldn’t-believe-it stories also tell of God’s power and might, of God’s love and grace. May our faith be shared with Joy and Laughter, helping others to know this side of God too.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the times you’ve filled my heart with joy, when you’ve plastered a smile on my face. Thank you for the unexpected times that came out far better than I ever could’ve imagined. This too is part of how you touch our lives. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Proclaim! Worship!

Reading: Psalm 65:32-35

Verse 35: “You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary.”

Today we pick up the second part of this week’s Psalm 68 reading. The psalmist again encourages us to praise God and to proclaim God’s power and might. Whether corporate or individual, we can lift up the name of God and tell of God’s presence and activity in our lives.

In verse 35 we read, “You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary.” The word ‘sanctuary’ often brings to mind that space that we gather in on a Sunday morning. While that is one definition, look at how David defines it. It is where God “rides the ancient skies.” It is where one hears the thunder of God’s “mighty voice.” It is wherever and whenever God “gives power and strength to God’s people.” In essence, God’s sanctuary is everywhere because God is everywhere. So, yes, “kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to God!”

Wherever you find yourself today, whether in a sanctuary or as part of online worship, whether out in the woods or sitting on a beach, whether in a hospital room or at the office, know that God is there with you. And whether part of a group or all by yourself, proclaim God’s power and might. Worship the Lord your God!

Prayer: Lord God, in all times and in all places may we know your loving presence. Nudge us, whisper to us and remind us of the power and strength that you give us, your beloved children. And in response, lead us to praise you in word, song, and deed. Amen.


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Words and Actions Most Unlikely

Reading: Luke 23:32-38

Verse 34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

In Luke’s gospel we enter the scene of Jesus’ crucifixion this week. As we draw near to “Reign of Christ” Sunday and then the season of Advent that begins a week later, we come to the cross. Here Jesus demonstrates his kingship, not in earthly power and might, but in an act of humble sacrifice and mercy.

On what we commonly call “Good Friday,” Jesus is nailed to the cross, a criminal on either side. They are at Golgatha, “the Skull.” It was along a busy street just outside the city. Crucifixion was a public spectacle, one meant to deter other would-be criminals. Yet Jesus does not fit this description. He is innocent. Being without sin, he couldn’t have been more innocent. Yet the religious leaders ramrodded their accusations through Pilate and Herod, with Pilate finally caving into their demand to crucify.

Jesus had every right to be angry or bitter or resentful about what was happening to him. That’s where I’ve gone when unjust or unfair or cruel things have happened to me. Yet Jesus is filled instead with love and mercy. His first words from the cross are these: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” At a time when these words seem most unlikely, Jesus offers words of mercy and grace. Those hearing these words must’ve taken pause, at least for a moment. That’s what unconditional love does: it makes others notice. This day, may we too love others this way.

Prayer: Lord God, when I’m tempted to fling words right back, give me peace. When I’m tempted to get even, remind me of mercy. When I’m tempted to withhold forgiveness because of the pain or anger, place this picture of Jesus in my heart. Again and again, lead me to practice unconditional love. Amen.


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Everything That Has Breath

Reading: Psalm 150

Verse 6: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

This week’s Psalm is all about praising the Lord. It is about where to praise the Lord: in the sanctuary and in the heavens. It is about why we praise the Lord: for God’s acts of power and surpassing greatness. It is about how to praise the Lord: with trumpets, lyres, harps… and with dancing. We are called to a jubilant and exciting worship of the Lord!

The psalmist calls for “everything that has breath” to praise the Lord. This is a call to all things living – to humanity, to the many creatures of the world, and to the natural world of trees and plants. Nature offers praise to the Lord in many ways. Even the howling wind and blowing snow outside my window right now are a testimony to God’s power and might.

As we consider this invitation to praise this morning, what will be our response? Whether we venture out to church or if we go to church on our couch, will we use our breath to praise the Lord this day? We began the week with Jesus walking out of the grave. As he drew his first breath of new life, I can’t help but think he breathed out words of praise. Maybe a heartfelt “thanks be to God” or a rousing “Hallelujah!”

Today as we celebrate this day that the Lord has made, our first little Easter, may we join all of creation in praising the Lord. May our praise be joyful and may it resound up to the heavens!

Prayer: Lord God, may I lift my voice and hands to you in joyful worship today. May all know of your glory and power and might as I worship you today. Amen.


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Shine Upon Us

Reading: Psalm 80: 1-7

Verses 1 and 2: “Hear us, O shepherd of Israel… Awaken your might; come and save us.”

Today’s reading from Psalm 80 is a great plea for God’s presence and for God’s power to be manifest in our lives. It is a good plea for us to read, to consider, to pray over ourselves as we walk through Advent this year. Advent calls us to slow down, to become present to the Christ child in the manger, to focus our lives on the gift of Emmanuel, God with us. Christmas, on the other hand, calls for celebrations and parties, for rush, rush, rush. In the Psalm a phrase is repeated three different times. Against the worldly rush of Christmas, we pray this verse over ourselves today: “Restore us, O Lord God Almighty, make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.”

In verses one and two we read the psalmist’s plea: “Hear us, O shepherd of Israel… Awaken your might; come and save us.” The writer recognizes Israel’s need for one who will be like a shepherd – one who will lead and guide the flock. He pleads for God to “come and save us.” In power and might Jesus will come and save the people. Just as the notions of Advent and Christmas are different, soo to was Jesus’ revelation of power and might. He demonstrated power in love of God and neighbor. He revealed might in his obedience to God’s will and ways. This is how the Good Shepherd reigns. It is into this kingdom that we are invited – both to receive and to give away.

As we enter the third week of Advent, it is the week of joy. All of us can struggle to keep our focus on Jesus Christ, the Messiah, during this season. For some of us loss or grief feels heavy. For some it is busyness and expectations that limit our joy. What is it that is inhibiting your joy? What can you name right now that you need God’s light to shine upon, leading you towards restoration and wholeness this Advent season?

Prayer: Lord God, each of us needs your light to shine a little brighter into our lives. Shepherd, reveal our need and guide us to humbly ask you to restore us and to renew our sense of joy. May your face shine upon us; be gracious to us, O Lord. Amen.


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Deeper, Stronger

Reading: Job 42: 1-6

Verse 5: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes see you.”

Job has lived a righteous and upright life. God allowed Satan to test Job’s faith. He remained faithful. Job’s wife and friends add to his suffering with accusations and condemnations. Job longs to have an audience with God, to state his case. God responds to Job in a long speech that leaves Job humbled and with a new understanding of God. Today we read Job’s response.

Job begins by acknowledging that God “can do all things” and that “no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job has taken in the immensity of God’s power and the depth of God’s creative might. In the complexity of the created world and in the detailed order of animal life, God has done some amazing and awesome work. God speaks of the behemoth and the leviathan – two creatures with great power that are feared by humanity. These creatures are far outside of man’s control but well within God’s. God asks, “Can you make a pet of him?” No, God, certainly not. In response Job says, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me.” Job recognizes his place in God’s world. Along with all of humanity, Job realized that he was not the center of all things.

Job has been changed by this encounter with God. In reality Job knew God and followed God’s ways at least as well as any other human being on the earth. God lifted him up to Satan as an example of faith. But as God spoke out of the whirlwind, Job came to know God in a deeper and more intimate way. In verse five Job declares, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes see you.” Job had worshiped and followed a God that he thought was powerful, awesome, worthy of his praise. Now Job sees God in a clearer way. Job now knows that God is all these things and so much more. His connection to God is now so much deeper, so much more profound, so much stronger. Job’s faith in God has grown. As we delve into the word, as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide our lives, as we strive to follow Jesus’ example, our faith will grow deeper, the connection will become stronger. May it be so as we walk closely with the Lord our God day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, like Job, the more I know you, the longer I walk with you, the more awed and amazed I become. My faith journey has been filled with moments when I’ve come to know you more intimately, to love you more deeply, to praise you more sincerely. Continue to journey with me, ever allowing my eyes and heart to see and know you more clearly. Amen.