pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Mender and Restorer

Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-12

Isaiah 58:12c – “You will be called Mender of Broken Walls and Restorer of Liveable Streets.”

Continuing in Isaiah 58 today, we find some conditional statements: “If you…” These are not givens. They are choices. These are choices that the people of God need to make every day. If you remove the yoke of oppression and injustice… If you stop the finger-pointing, the name-calling, the blame shifting, the spin cycling… If you “open your heart to the hungry,” to the naked, to the lonely, to the abused… If you “provide abundantly” for the afflicted, the abused, the imprisoned, the lonely… “If you…”

If you choose to do all of these things, then “your light will shine in the darkness.” If you choose to do all of these things, then God will “guide you continually and provide for you in parched places.” If you live as God calls you to live all of the time, then the world will change. We cannot live as we are called to live just some of the time. We cannot live as God calls us to live when it’s easy or convenient, when it is personal, when it’s affecting us. The tide of evil is too great for us to pick and choose when we’ll live as God’s people. With this in mind, notice the shift in verse 12. This too is conditional. If we today live as God calls us to live faithfully and steadfastly, then one day “they” will rebuild and restore. Our example of holy living has the power to change the world.

These words of healing and hope are so needed for our broken world. The establishment of a world without brokenness, of a world where peace and justice are the norm – this world will not come through violence or coercion or power over others. The hard work of restoration and repair, of rescue and redemption will come through small acts of love, lived out again and again. These small acts of love will, one by one, change people’s lives and hearts. Standing against an injustice done to a stranger, speaking words of peace on behalf of the threatened, telling truth amidst the spin and false narratives, owning our part when we are complicit, mending a relationship that is broken, sharing a meal with the poverty-stricken, caring for a sick neighbor… These small acts of love are how our light shines in the darkness. May your light shine today.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many broken walls and many unlivable streets in our world today. How these unjust systems and evil practices must grieve your heart! Lord, may they grieve our hearts too. And then, Lord, with compassion and righteousness, use us to be your love and your light in the world, bringing healing and wholeness and peace and justice to our world. Amen.


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Red Flags

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-5

2nd Thessalonians 2:3 – “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.”

As we continue in 2nd Thessalonians this week, Paul addresses these churches first concern in today’s passage. There are false teachers in their community. They are teaching something that does not seem to align with who and what they know Jesus to be or with what Paul has taught them. This confusion has raised some red flags within these communities of faith.

Paul taught the churches that one day Jesus would return in glory to gather the faithful together to be with him in eternity. This was known as “the day of the Lord.” Some false teachers are telling the Thessalonian Christians that the day has already come. Paul first calls them away from these falsehoods, saying, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.” Next he invites them to remember. He reminds them, there will be signs and behaviors that will indicate evil and not good, that will point to Satan and not to God. Our passage today closes with Paul essentially asking, ‘Don’t you remember all that I taught you?’

We do not have to look very far today to see people who claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ that act and speak in ways that run against who and what Jesus said and did. Red flags should fly up when people who claim to be Christian speak and act in ways that are in direct conflict with the “red letters” of Jesus in our Bibles. When words and actions harm the most vulnerable among us, they are clearly not words and actions aligned with Jesus Christ. Care for “the least of these” and loving the outcasts and the marginalized were the focus of much of what Jesus taught and modeled. Christians follow and are obedient to Jesus’ teachings and example. My friends, don’t let anyone deceive you.

Prayer: Lord God, running throughout the scriptures we see your heart for the vulnerable in your commands to house the alien and foreigner, to clothe the naked, to feed the hungry, to protect and defend the immigrant. Jesus engaged the outsiders, drew in the excluded, spent time with the ignored, lifted up the downtrodden and lowly. Open our eyes, alert our hearts, Jesus, when people claim you as Lord yet ignore or even act counter to these commands and examples. Then move us, God, and use us to speak truth. Amen.


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Care Well

Reading: Genesis 1:26-28

Genesis 1:26 – “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of... all the earth.”

Today we turn to the day of creation when Father, Son, and Holy Spirit created humankind. In connection with one another, God says, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of... all the earth.” Humanity is to be like the divine in the ways that we are in the world. Keeping this in mind, how we understand “take charge” bends toward steward, care for, protect, guard, and love.

This week we have been considering prayer. Some of our thoughts have focused on unanswered prayer. What would it look like to blend the best intents of ‘take charge’ with some of the unanswered prayers that people pray? What would our world be like if we ourselves sought to be the answer to people’s needs?

If we saw the resources that we have been blessed with as ways to care for the hungry, the sick, the naked, the imprisoned, then how would our world change? If we saw our role as the protector and defender of the vulnerable, the weak, the marginalized, the oppressed, then how would their lives change? If we were willing to risk and sacrifice on behalf of those without voice, without power, how would a new reign of justice and mercy become the reality in our world?

Because we are created in the divine image, we have within us the ability, the power, and the heart to care well for our world and for all of the earth. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, bend our hearts towards your heart. Remove the selfish, inward focus that creeps into our hearts, our thinking, our way of acting and being in the world. Empower us to be the answer to these questions pondered today. Amen.


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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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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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Nevertheless

Reading: Ezekiel 12-16

Ezekiel 14:6 – “The LORD God proclaims: Come back! Turn away from your idols and from all your detestable practices. Turn away!”

Our reading begins with Ezekiel modeling the exile in a sign act. With people watching, he packs a bag and tunnels through the wall. Bag in tow, he heads out into the dark. Exile is coming. A few will survive to tell of their detestable practices. God then instructs Ezekiel to eat while trembling, to drink anxiously. During the siege, this will be Judah’s reality.

Some people question God’s timing. God says there will be no delay. The foolish prophets who proclaim peace and that God will be their wall – their lies will be exposed. The prophetesses who are misleading and entrapping people – God will rescue their victims. The focus then turns to those who are worshipping idols. God declares that if they come to God or to Ezekiel for prayers or for guidance, God will send them back to their idols. Yet God longs for Judah to repent. God says, The LORD God proclaims: Come back! Turn away from your idols and from all your detestable practices. Turn away!”

Noah, Daniel, and Job figuratively enter the story in chapter 14. They alone would be saved if wild animals or war or plague or famine were sent by God. These icons of the faith and virtue couldn’t even save their sons or daughters. They could save only themselves. God declares that all four tragedies are coming. Few will survive. Jerusalem is then compared to a vine. It is useful only for burning.

Chapter 16 details Jerusalem’s “detestable practices.” God recalls saving her when she was abandoned and naked. God fed and clothed and cared for her. She grew up and became very beautiful. She then prostituted herself with “all comers” – Egypt then Assyria then Babylon. Jerusalem was worse than Samaria and Sodom – so detestable that they looked righteous by comparison. Yet, in verse 60, we read, “Nevertheless…” God will one day reestablish the covenant. God will forgive their sins. Judah will then know that the Lord is God.

Prayer: Lord God, it was important for Judah to let go of false hope and to hear a call to repentance. It is important for us to be reminded that you are the only hope – our only hope, the only giver of mercy. We too will face judgment. Lead us to walk in covenant relationship with you, O Lord. Amen.


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A Holy Sabbath

Reading: Isaiah 56-59

Isaiah 58:2 – “They seek me day after day… like a nation that acted righteously, that didn’t abandon their God.”

Today and tomorrow we read Third Isaiah. As is the case throughout all of Isaiah, the focus remains on justice and righteousness. In today’s readings these key faith practices center on keeping the Sabbath holy. This holy day, kept once a week, had the power to keep the Israelites connected to God in a way that would be reflected out into how they lived their lives the rest of the week. The Sabbath retains this power yet today.

Chapter 56 begins with an invitation to keep the Sabbath. The invite goes even to those “outsiders” – to the eunuchs and to the immigrants. These too will join others who keep the Sabbath holy, coming one day to God’s holy mountain. This open, honest, and welcoming invitation stands in stark contrast to the condemnation offered around Israel’s unholy Sabbath practices: “They seek me day after day… like a nation that acted righteously, that didn’t abandon their God.”

Isaiah turns next to a condemnation of the leaders. They have “monstrous appetites” and “every last one [is] greedy for profit.” These lead to the displeasing Sabbath fast described at the start of chapter 58. The leaders oppress their workers (probably making them work on the Sabbath) and they quarrel and brawl on the holy day. God asks, “Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” Umm… no.

This behavior alienates them from God. It obscures their vision. Because it is inwardly focused, it blinds them to the injustice and oppression that they are practicing. Chapter 59 details this as well as adding that God will intervene, one day choosing to redeem Israel.

In chapter 58:6-14 Isaiah lays out the Sabbath fast that pleases the Lord our God. It is a day to remove yokes and to stand against oppression. It is a day to care for the hungry, the homeless, the naked. To practice justice and righteousness – that is keeping the Sabbath holy. Then, the Lord says, “Your light will shine in the darkness” and then “you will take delight in the Lord.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we see once again the choice to be made: justice and righteousness or injustice and oppression. You clearly call us to choose justice and righteousness. This begins with how we treat the Sabbath, a day to be set aside for you, not for self. It is a day to reflect your love and concern for all people. Lord, lead and guide us to be holy Sabbath-keepers. And may the evidence of this sacred practice flow out through our daily lives, shining light into darkness. Amen.


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Sense It

Reading: Isaiah 17-23

‭Isaiah 22:11 – “But you didn’t trust its maker; you didn’t consider the one who planned it long ago.”

Today’s seven chapters hold the remaining oracles against the nations around Judah as well as against Judah itself. Our readings begin with the fall of Damascus and Ephraim. Their attempt at an anti-Assyrian alliance angered God. In response, God will “harvest armfuls at a time.” God then proclaims, “They will be a wasteland because you forgot the God who saves you, and didn’t remember the rock who shelters you.” There is a sadness that we can feel in God’s voice. We can sense it because at times we too create the same sadness.

The oracles against Cush, Egypt, Babylon, Tyre, and even Judah herself follow. The foreign nations will be cut down and pruned, will be naked and barefoot and humiliated, will be defeated and trampled, will be destroyed and prostituted. The consequences for their sin will be great. Judah too will suffer. Judah and its leaders relied on self instead of on God. When God called for prayer and fasting, there was “fun and frivolity.” God declared, “But you didn’t trust its maker; you didn’t consider the one who planned it long ago.” Again, we can sense the sadness in God’s voice. And, yes, it is so because we too fail to trust in God at times.

We also hear words of hope in today’s reading. At the end of chapter 19 Isaiah speaks of God’s blessing on all who “swear loyalty to the Lord.” God will hear their cries and will “send them a Savior and a defender to rescue them.” In response, the faithful will “worship with sacrifices and offerings, making promises to the Lord and fulfilling them.” We can sense the joy for God in this faithfulness. May we too bring this joy to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, forgive us when we forget your gifts of salvation and shelter. Forgive us when we try to go it on our own, forgetting the one who created and planned our world and our lives. Remind us and draw us once again to our Savior, defender, friend. Thank you, God. Amen.


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A Different Answer

Reading: Ecclesiastes 3-6

‭Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “God has made everything fitting in its time, but has also placed eternity in their hearts.”

Chapter 3 begins with the familiar “There’s a time for everything.” We recognize times in our lives when we’ve experienced both halves of each pair. In verse 11 we read, “God has made everything fitting in its time, but has also placed eternity in their hearts.” While we don’t know the whole plan, the sage’s advice is still to eat, drink, and enjoy your work. These are gifts from God.

The Teacher also acknowledges the fragility of life. There is justice and wickedness in the world. All will be judged; all will return to dust. So enjoy what you’re allotted in life.

Unless you’re oppressed. The dead are more fortunate than these and the unborn are better off yet. And unless you’re a miser. They’re lonely and they’re never satisfied with wealth… That’s why two are better than one. Add God into the mix and it becomes better yet.

Speaking of God, in chapter 5 the Teacher advises us to watch our steps and to not be too quick to speak before God. Guard your actions too. Keep your promises to God, pronto! He then repeats familiar themes. The money lover is never satisfied. People hoard to their own detriment. All end like they started: naked and with nothing. But eat, drink, and enjoy your work. All are God’s gifts to us.

In chapter 6 we find a stark statement. Better to be a stillborn child without a grave than to be one not content with life’s good things. The chapter then closes with two questions: Who knows and who can say what the future holds? The implied and expected answer is “No one.” We have a different answer. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you’ve designed and ordered the world for us to be content and to enjoy your good gifts of food, rest, and work. But we too envy and get caught up in chasing, accumulating, gathering… There is a finite nature to this life, yet you also place eternity in our hearts. May this be what guides and leads us each day. Amen.