pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Come Near

Reading: James 4:1-12

James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and God will lift you up.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

James 4 addresses the conflict in the early church. In general, conflict over the things of this world are normal in the world. It should not be so in the church. In the opening verses of chapter 4 James identifies the issue: “cravings that are at war.” He then names want and jealousy as the primary drivers of these cravings. Our human natures focuses on self and our desires for power, status, possessions. These desires, left unchecked, lead us down evil paths. On this path we “struggle and fight,” we gossip and judge and slander, and even “commit murder” in extreme cases

James chooses language such as “hostility… enemy…” because there is a battle within us. Echoing Jesus’ teaching about our inability to serve two masters, James pits friendship with the world against friendship with God. He then offers the Christian choice: “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.” When we make this choice it leads us to repent of our sins, to purify our hearts. Continuing, we read, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and God will lift you up.” Humility – thinking less of self and more of God and neighbor – is one of the key practices of an authentic faith and is absolutely essential in this battle. Walking in humility works against those worldly lures that tear apart community and fellowship.

Our prayer life is where much of this battle is fought. It is in prayer that we offer humble confessions and commi to repentance. It is in prayer that we find strength to resist the lures of this world. It is in prayer that we offer thanks for God’s blessings, provision, and grace. It is in prayer that we “Come near to God” so that “God will come near to you.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, the walk of faith is not an easy walk. The voices of the world are loud and powerful. But you are far greater. Your Spirit places us within your power. In that place, fill us with strength today, O God, so that we can walk faithfully with you and with one another. Amen.


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But I Say to You…

Reading: Matthew 5:21-22 and 38-39

Matthew 5:21 – “You have heard that it was said…”

As the Sermon on the Mount progresses, Jesus begins to address the Law, starting in verse 17. He begins by stating that he did not come to do away with the Law and prophets but “to fulfill them.” Jesus declares that teaching and keeping the Law will result in righteousness. Then, in verses 21-48, Jesus teaches on the Law, calling on his followers to go above and beyond the basic letter of the Law. Each section begins with “You have heard that it was said…” followed by “But I say to you…” Each time Jesus expands the Law, getting down to the heart of the matter.

Our first verses deal with “Do not murder,” one of the 10 Commandments. Yes, Jesus begins, murder brings judgment. Then he expands this idea, getting down to the root causes, adding anger as something that places one in danger of judgment. And if one speaks harshly or cruelly to another, we are “in danger of a fiery hell.” Jesus goes even deeper in the next verses, demanding reconciliation and forgiveness, steps leading to the restoration of right relationship. We are not simply to stuff down our feelings of anger or judgement. We are to eradicate them if we want to be righteous.

Verses 38-38 deal with another Old Testament Law. This Law was given in Exodus 21, just after the giving of the 10 Commandments. “An eye for an eye…” was a means of limiting revenge and punishment. By Jesus’ time this has mostly shifted away from physical to monetary compensation. Again, Jesus calls his followers to more. He calls for forgiveness not revenge, for blessing not punishment. Jesus calls his followers to forgive as God forgives us – freely, generously, graciously. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in each of these case studies of the Law, Jesus calls us to much more than the minimum. He calls us to stand out from the ways of the world, to rise up to the law of love in all situations. This is a call to surrender – to die to the human nature within us, to take on your nature. Lord, strengthen and encourage us in this pursuit of love. Be our guide. Be our power. Amen.


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Heart Conditions

Reading: Matthew 5:21-22 and 27-30

Matthew 5:30 – “It’s better that you lose part of your body than that your whole body go into hell.”

As we continue to wrestle with the question of heaven or hell we turn today to some of Jesus’ words concerning what can lead a person into hell. Our two short sections on murder and adultery begin a series of teachings where Jesus also addresses divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love. In all of these teachings, Jesus calls us beyond the minimum of the letter of the Law. He’s really digging down into the condition of our hearts.

One of the Ten Commandments says, “Do not murder.” Yes, Jesus says, but he adds a warning about anger. This first emotion leads to harsh words which can lead to… Jesus could’ve warned about envy or arrogance or… Anger is not the only sin that could lead to murder.

Another of the Ten Commandments says, “Don’t commit adultery.” Again, Jesus goes to the root, warning about even looking lustfully at someone else. And, again, lust is not the only emotion that can begin the journey towards adultery. Illustrating that sin is often a progression, Jesus tells us to cut out our eye if it causes us to lust. And if a hand next continues the lustful action – “cut it off.” Sin is serious. It begins with temptation. It leads to separation from God – often temporarily but potentially eternally. Therefore, Jesus summarizes, “It’s better that you lose part of your body than that your whole body go into hell.” Clearly we must begin with an honest evaluation of the condition of our heart.

Prayer: Lord God, you see all things, know all things. Bring this truth to the fore when our humanity begins to wander towards less than you call us to be. May the voice and the nudge of your Holy Spirit work powerfully in our hearts and minds, aligning us with your charge to love you and neighbor more than self. Guide us to walk faithfully this day and every day. Amen.


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Consequences of Choices

Reading: Jeremiah 39-45

Jeremiah 40:2-3 – “The LORD your God declared that a great disaster would overtake this place. Now the LORD has made it happen.”

Our reading begins with the fall of Jerusalem. After a siege that lasts about a year and a half, the Babylonians conquer the city. Zedekiah tries to escape but is caught. His officials and children are slaughtered before him. He is then blinded and taken into exile. The palace and houses are burned down. The walls come down. All but the poorest (and a few who are in hiding) are taken into exile.

Jeremiah is rescued. He is known by Nebuchadnezzar. He sends the captain of the special guard to find Jeremiah. Once he does, he says to Jeremiah: “The LORD your God declared that a great disaster would overtake this place. Now the LORD has made it happen.” Jeremiah is respected by the Babylonians. He’s given the choice to stay or to go. He chooses to stay, living under the care of Gedaliah, the Babylonian appointee. Most of the Judeans left in the land rally around him. Johanan, an army officer, warns Gedaliah of a plot. He ignores this warning – to his own peril. Ishmael and his men murder Gedaliah and flee with some prisoners.

Johanan hears of the murder and he rescues the captives. Ishmael and eight men escape to Ammon. Johanan and the remaining Judeans fear what Babylon will do in response to Gedaliah’s murder. They ask Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord: should we stay or go? After ten days, God tells them to stay put. God will build them up and will protect them from the king of Babylon. They are warned: refuse to listen, go to Egypt, and the war they fear and the famine they dread will strike them in Egypt. They accuse Jeremiah of lying. Baruch put him up to it!

Jeremiah warns them of the consequences of their choice to go to Egypt. He reminds them of their past sins and of the consequences of those sins. Jeremiah and Baruch are hauled off to Egypt. Once there, Jeremiah builds a stone platform in front of Pharaoh’s palace, declaring that Nebuchadnezzar will place his throne there. The people remain stubborn and disobedient. The hand of death is coming.

Prayer: Lord God, how can your people run to you, asking for guidance, only to turn against your response. But wait. We do that too. We allow fear and insecurity to drive our decisions now and then. Lord, build up our faith, guiding us to listen to your guidance, choosing life over death. Amen.


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Gracious and Compassionate

Readings: 2nd Kings 11, 2nd Kings 12, 2nd Kings 13

2nd Kings 13:23 – “But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, turning back to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Chapters 11-13 are chapters filled with evil done in the sight of the Lord. Our readings begin with Athaliah killing off almost her entire family – so she can rule Judah. But one of Ahaziah’s sons escapes. Hidden away and raised in the temple, Jehoash becomes king at age 7. The priest Jehoiada orchestrates this. He then makes a covenant with the people to belong to the Lord. Jehoash is mostly a bright spot. He oversees the repair of the temple in spite of the priests’ reluctance. But he allows shrine worship to continue. And he buys off Aram’s King Hazael with the Holy objects and gold from the temple. In the end, a conspiracy by his own officials ends Jehoash’s reign after 40 years.

Shifting back to Israel in Samaria, Jehoahaz becomes king. He rules for 17 mostly evil years. A bright moment comes amidst heavy oppression from Aram. He cries out to God and God sends a savior who defeats Aram. There is peace, “But they didn’t deviate from the sins.” Joash is the next king. His 16 years are filled with what was evil in God’s sight. He dies and Jeroboam becomes king in Israel.

Our readings end with Elisha’s final appearance. He becomes gravely ill and King Joash pays him a visit. Through the use of a bow and some arrows, Elisha prophesies some rescue from Aram. He dies and is buried. And then his bones bring a man back to life. God is still present, in more ways than one. In verse 23 of chapter 13 we read, “But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, turning back to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Ah, the covenant. Ah, the love.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the closing reminder of your covenant love. No matter the evil done by Jehoash or Jehoahaz or Joash or by us, your love remains. You remain compassionate and gracious. You even work through some we least expect – like Jehoash and maybe even through us. You can use any situation and any person for your plans. Restore us when we fail. Use us as you will. Amen.


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With and Without

Readings: 1st Kings 20, 1st Kings 21, 1st Kings 22

1st Kings 20:13 – “Do you see that great army? Today I am handing it over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Today’s readings center on war between Israel and Aram. Ben-hadad leads a huge army and makes demands of Ahab. After giving in to the first, Ahab refuses the next demand. God sends a prophet to Ahab, saying, “Do you see that great army? Today I am handing it over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” District officials lead Israel to victory this day. Ahab sees what walking with God looks like. Warfare resumes the next spring. Again, the prophet brings basically the same words of assurance. A great victory is won. But Ahab is merciful to Ben-hadad, being disobedient to God. Another prophet reveals that it will now be Ahab’s life for Ben-hadad’s life. Walking without God has its consequences.

Upset and irritated, Ahab goes home. He tries to get something new to feel better. Been there? But Naboth refuses to sell his family inheritance. Ahab pouts. Jezreel notices and takes matters into her own hands. Through a sham trial she arranges Naboth’s death. While inspecting his new vineyard, Ahab is visited by Elijah. God condemns Ahab and Jezreel. In response, though, Ahab mourns and fasts. Because of this, disaster will fall in the next king.

There is again war with Aram. Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to fight alongside him. Prophets are consulted. A false spirit gives bad information. Sensing something is wrong, Jehoshaphat asks for another prophet. In the end, Micaiah reveals that soon Israel will be like sheep without a shepherd. Then, in spite of disguising himself, a “random” arrow hits Ahab. He dies. Israel and Judah retreat.

Jehoshaphat continues to rule in Judah, walking with God. Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, rules in Israel, walking without God. This angers the Lord. His story concludes tomorrow as we turn to 2nd Kings.

Prayer: Lord God, what a profound difference we find when we choose to walk with you. Spirit of God, help us when we are weak and tempted. Guide us to God’s heart and to walking with God. Amen.


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Antidotes

Readings: 1st Kings 1, 1st Kings 2, 1st Kings 3, 1st Kings 4

1st Kings 2:3 – “Guard what is owed to the LORD your God, walking in his ways and observing his laws… commands… judgments… testimonies.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As 1st Kings opens David is failing. A beautiful young woman, Abishag, is brought in to care for David. Sensing an opportunity, Adonijah gathers support from Joab the general and Abiathar the priest and declares himself king. Nathan and Bathsheba respond quickly to establish Solomon as the king. David makes it happen. Adonijah’s support disappears.

David then speaks to Solomon. He instructs him to be strong. He then instructs him to be faithful, saying, “Guard what is owed to the LORD your God, walking in his ways and observing his laws… commands… judgments… testimonies.” Obey God and it will go well. Oh, and by the way, take care of Joab and Shimei. David then dies and Solomon follows orders. Adonijah asks to marry Abishag. This potential power move costs him his life as Benaiah murders him. Abiathar is then banished from the priesthood and from Jerusalem. Eli’s family is now fully removed. Joab dies next, also at Benaiah’s hands. Shimei is placed under house arrest. After two years he breaks his pledge and also pays with his life.

In chapter 3 God comes to Solomon in a dream and says, “Ask whatever you wish.” After remembering God’s loyalty and kindness to his father, Solomon acknowledges that he is young, inexperienced, and doesn’t know it all. So he asks God for a discerning mind to govern well. God is pleased. Solomon will be abundantly wise. Plus he will have fame and riches. And a very long life – if he is obedient to God. Solomon’s wisdom is demonstrated in the case of the two prostitutes. News of his wisdom grows and spreads.

Chapter 4 marks the high point of Solomon’s reign. His administration is vast. The population explodes and life is good. They eat, drink, and celebrate and there is peace. Abundance is the word of the day. It is also the other edge of the sword. It can lead to dangerous places. It can be a trap for us as well. Humility and obedience to God are the antidotes.

Prayer: Lord God, things are going great for Solomon – if one overlooks the murder and revenge and the accumulation of great overabundance. We know the dangers and trappings of these things. Yet we can also struggle with them. So, Lord, guide us by the power of your Holy Spirit; keep our focus on you and on walking in your ways. Help us to be strong and to be faithful. Amen.


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Just the Beginning

Readings: 2nd Samuel 11, 2nd Samuel 12, 2nd Samuel 13, 2nd Samuel 14

2nd Samuel 11:1 – “In the spring, when kings go off to war, David sent Joab.”

Today begins the downward spiral of David’s reign. It sure begins simply enough. Instead of leading the troops on the annual springtime conquest, David stays behind. David sees Bathsheba as she bathes. Long story short, he sleeps with her and she becomes pregnant. In an attempted cover up, David brings Uriah to town. Given two opportunities to go and sleep with his wife, Uriah does the right thing. He is sent back to the battle front carrying his own death sentence.

God sends Nathan to confront David. He tells a simple story that is really the story of rich David and poor Uriah. David is very angry. Nathan responds, “You are that man!” David recognizes his sin and God forgives him. But the child will die. Soon Solomon is born. David goes out to lead in finishing off the Ammonites.

The next step downward involves two of his sons – Amnon and Absalom. Amnon is in “love” with Absalom’s sister Tamar. Using deceit Amnon arranged an opportunity to rape Tamar. Disgraced, she ends up back in Absalom’s house. Revenge is plotted and executed. Absalom flees to a foreign land.

Joab, a wise man, orchestrates Absalom’s return. These two are cut from the same cloth. Similar to how Nathan drew David in, Joab uses a woman to draw David in. This story also turns and in the end, Absalom is restored to David’s presence. But this is just the beginning of the stories of violence, revenge, and murder. The sword will not leave David’s house.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see how power can corrupt, can be twisted, and can be used for evil. When we are tempted to use our power in these ways, reign us back in. Remind us of the righteousness that you call us to. Bring us to the path that you want us to walk. Amen.


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Lines Drawn

Readings: 2nd Samuel 1, 2nd Samuel 2, 2nd Samuel 3, 2nd Samuel 4

2nd Samuel 3:1 – “The war… was long and drawn out. David kept getting stronger, while Saul’s house kept getting weaker.”

The story of 1st Samuel continues into 2nd Samuel. News of Saul’s and Jonathan’s deaths reach David. The bearer of the news is dishonest in his account. He thinks it will bring him a reward. Instead, he pays for it with his life. David and all of Judah mourn the losses of Saul and Jonathan through a song that honors them. God leads David to move to Hebron. There the tribe of Judah gathers and anoints David king.

Ishbosheth, with Abner’s help, rules the rest of Israel from Mahanaim. Abner then leads Israel’s troops out to battle David’s troops, led by Joab. They meet at the pool of Gibeon and agree to send out 12 men each. They simultaneously kill each other. It is a sign of what is to come. The armies battle. Asahel, Joab’s brother, pursues Abner. Trying to end the pursuit, Abner accidentally kills Asahel. Finally, Abner asks Joab how long will brothers kill brothers. This ends the battle for now. It is just the beginning. In 3:1 we read, “The war… was long and drawn out. David kept getting stronger, while Saul’s house kept getting weaker.”

We then learn that six sons are born to David at Hebron – by six different wives. Meanwhile, Ishbosheth angers Abner and he decides to now side with David. After meeting with David, Joab murders Abner, getting revenge for Asahel’s death. David condemns this evil act. David and Judah then mourn Abner’s death. Next we learn of Rechab and Baanah assassinating Ishbosheth, bringing his head to David, looking for some personal reward. David, however, condemns this evil act too. These two men pay for the righteous Ishbosheth’s blood with their lives. David clearly draws the line against revenge and assassination. These evil things will have no place in his kingdom – for now.

Prayer: Lord God, we see in David a man that leads mostly well as he consolidates power. He seeks your guidance. He honors the dead. He calls out and punishes evil, even when it benefits him. And he has six sons by six wives and adds Michal back into the mix too. Lord, guide us to know right from wrong, good from evil. And help us to resist those temptations that we struggle with along the way. Amen.


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Lines Drawn

Readings: 1st Samuel 18, 1st Samuel 19, 1st Samuel 20

1st Samuel 18:3 – “Jonathan and David made a covenant together because Jonathan loved David as much as himself.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

Jonathan and David become bound together, making a covenant “because Jonathan loved David as much as himself.” He gives David his robe, sword, bow… – this symbolizes the passing on of the right to the throne. Jonathan is committed to David, and vice versa. Next, Saul’s anger rises as the woman sing of David’s greater victories. As the evil spirit returns to Saul, he tries to kill David – twice. David spends time away at war. The Lord gives him great success.

Saul then tried marriage as a means to control David. But David feels unworthy. A second attempt leads to a plot by Saul. God continues to be with David and he provides the wedding bounty. He married Michal, Saul’s youngest. After more success in battle, Saul orders David’s death. Jonathan defends David, placating Saul temporarily. But again the evil spirit rises up. David escapes a second spear and then Michal helps him to escape.

David flees to Ramah, where Samuel is. Saul sends three sets of messengers to retrieve David. All three sets fall into a prophetic frenzy and return empty handed. Saul himself goes and he suffers the same fate. Clearly the Spirit of the Lord is protecting David. These episodes lead David back to Jonathan. They devise a plan to see if Saul really wants to kill David. Yes, he certainly does. Jonathan and David renew their covenant and part ways for now. The lines have been drawn between Saul and David. Jonathan must now walk the difficult line between son and covenant friend.

Prayer: Lord God, in our moments of testing, may we be as faithful to you as David and Jonathan were. No matter what evil swirls around us, lead and guide us to walk in the way that is right and holy and true. Be a shield about us, O God, keeping us from harm. Amen.