pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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A Spiritual Kingdom

Readings: Ezekiel 37:22-23 and Matthew 11:2-6

Ezekiel 37:23 – “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

The prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s word to those living with him in exile in Babylon. Both Israel and Judah were conquered and many people were relocated to this foreign land. It was hard to maintain their faith in this pagan place. Living in oppression in captivity, these words would spark hope in a hopeless people. God speaks of bringing them home, reuniting them as one people under one king. In this new reality the people of God will no longer pursue idols or other things that lead them into rebellion against God. They will be cleansed. God declares, “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

In Matthew 11:2 John the Baptist is in prison, arrested for speaking out against Herod’s immoral behavior. As news of Jesus’ work spreads, John sends his disciples to Jesus. They ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus responds with a report about what he’s been up to. The blind see and the crippled walk. The deaf hear and the dead are raised. The poor hear the good news. These words are from Isaiah 35 and 61. These words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah speak of a day when God would restore Israel.

The religious leaders and most of the people of Jesus’ day longed for a mighty Messiah to free them from Rome’s oppression. They read the words from Ezekiel 37 with this longing in mind. Slight problem. They forgot the context of these verses. These words follow and are connected to the vision of the dry bones – God’s vision for restoring Israel’s dry and dead faith. These words speak of a Messiah who will restore Israel’s faith, not their political might. Digging deeper, we see that Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too want you to be what we think we need. Because of our situation or circumstance we want you to be this or that. Help us, instead, to see with eyes focused on your kingdom, on your will and way. Guide us to know your heart, for there we find out who you truly are. Knowing you intimately and personally, you are our God and we are your people. From this place of connection, use us to be your good news for the world. Amen.


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Alert and Ready and at Work

Reading: Mark 12:35-13

Mark 13:36-37 – “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”

We begin in the temple today as Jesus corrects the legal experts. The crowd delights in his teaching. He then condemns the religious leaders self-seeking ways: they wear long robes and say long prayers; they desire the best greetings and the best seats; and, they “cheat widows,” leaving them homeless. A sharp contrast to this arrogance comes in the next verses. A poor widow gives all that she has to live on. The rich give “out of their spare change.” This humble, faithful, trusting widow is the model.

As they leave the temple, one of the disciples points out the grandeur of the temple itself. Jesus predicts its demolition. Peter, James, John, and Andrew later ask him when this will happen… what will be the signs? Jesus warns them of deceivers. There will be wars, famines, and earthquakes. The disciples themselves will be handed over and persecuted (but the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say.) Then the war will culminate as the temple is defiled. People will flee to the mountains to escape the Romans. There will be great suffering.

Sometime after this suffering, the sun and moon will grow dark, the stars will fall, and the planets will shake. Then the “Human One” will come on the clouds in power and splendor. The angels will gather the “chosen people” from the corners of the earth. Jesus tells them that just as the fig tree’s new leaves tell them summer is near, so too will these signs tell the world that his return is near. Jesus tells them (and us), “Watch out! Stay alert!”

Jesus closes his teaching on the end times with a story. As an owner goes on a trip (perhaps back to heaven for a time?), he assigns tasks to his servants. For all disciples, the task will be to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus closes with this warning: “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!” Jesus is coming soon. May we be found ready and alert, working on our task as we strive to live a daily life that seeks to make disciples for the transformation of the world.

Prayer: Lord God, please walk closely in Spirit with us. Attune us to the charge you give each of us. Defend us from our human tendency to make it all about us. Lead us to walk as humble servants, seeking to be witnesses of your love and power in this world. Amen.


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New Heart, New Spirit

Reading: Ezekiel 33-37

Ezekiel 36:27: “I will give you my spirit so that you may walk according to my regulations and carefully follow my case laws.”

Ezekiel is reminded that he is Israel’s lookout. As such, he is to speak when God speaks to him. That is his responsibility. If he fails to speak, then the people’s blood will be on him. But if he speaks and the people ignore him, their blood is on them. The people question God’s judgment next. They are wasting away because of their sin. God encourages them to turn away from their evil ways. Then they will live. God is simply judging each of them “according to your ways.”

Word from back home comes: “The city has fallen.” Twelve years into Ezekiel’s exile, Jerusalem falls. This leads the people in exile to seek Ezekiel and to hear his words. They listen, yes, but they still refuse to heed his words. God then turns the focus to the “shepherds” – to the leaders. They do not tend to the flock. They care nothing for the weak, sick, lost… They prey on them instead. God will rescue and care for the flock. Eventually a Davidic king will be their new shepherd. In chapter 37 God declares that they will once again be one nation with a new covenant.

Ezekiel then prophesies against Israel’s parasitic neighbors. They plunder and take possession of the land, nursing “an ancient grudge.” God promises to restore Israel’s land itself. The land will be renewed and restored. So too will be the people. In chapter 37 Ezekiel is carries to a valley full of very dry bones. They represent Israel’s faith. God will bring them back to life, one step at a time. God will bring them home and cleanse them. God will give them a new heart and then a new and right spirit. Restored to the land, Israel’s faith will be alive.

Prayer: Lord God, when the lookout comes, be it in your Word, your Spirit, or through another means, give us ears to hear and hearts to follow. Give us good and righteous shepherds to guide us, caring well for our souls. And don’t let us get too dry – keep that breath in our lungs so that we can bring you the glory. Amen.


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Rule with Justice and Righteousness

Reading: Isaiah 13-16

‭Isaiah 14:1 – “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob, will again choose Israel, and will give them rest in their own land.”

Our readings for today and tomorrow contain mostly oracles against the nations surrounding or occupying Judah/Israel. We do find hope sprinkled in these verses too. For example, tucked in the middle of the oracle against Babylon and her king, we find: “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob, will again choose Israel, and will give them rest in their own land.”

Chapters 13-14 detail the fall of Babylon. Isaiah makes it clear that God is “mustering an army for battle.” God will raise up the Medes to make Babylon like “Sodom and Gomorrah.” A restored Israel will then taunt the broken king of Babylon. The underworld will wait restlessly for this king. His final rest will be on “a bed of maggots” under a “blanket of worms.” His arrogance and pride will be laid low. God will also cut off all of his offspring too.

Before an oracle against Philistia, we read, “I will break Assyria in my land… and remove its yoke from my people.” The Philistines are not so blessed. They rebelled against Assyria, yes, but a new viper will come from the north.

Chapters 15-16 hold an oracle against Moab. They will be devastated and humiliated. In verse 2 we read, “Every head is shaved, every beard cut off.” The waters will be full of blood. In three years Moab’s remnant will be “few and feeble.” Amidst this sadness and loss we also find hope, mercy, compassion. Isaiah’s heart “cries out for Moab.” God invites Judah to “consider carefully, act justly.” Judah is told to hide the outcasts and fugitives. Isaiah also speaks of the time when the oppressor is gone, of a time when one will rule with justice and righteousness from the throne of David. This too is our ultimate hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to oppose leaders and nations that bring evil and oppression upon this world. You oppose us when we do the same. Instead, Lord, use us to create the kingdom of justice and righteousness that Isaiah spoke of today. Then you will be with us, walking amongst us in Spirit and power. Amen.


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Saul’s Warning Signs

Readings: 1st Samuel 8, 1st Samuel 9, 1st Samuel 10, 1st Samuel 11, 1st Samuel 12, 1st Samuel 13

1st Samuel 8:7 – “Comply with the people’s request… because they haven’t rejected you. No, they’ve rejected me as king over them.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

Today we transition with Israel from judges to kings. Samuel is the last judge and Saul is the first king. Problems with leadership continues to derail things. Samuel’s sons are just as evil as Eli’s were. The people see this as the writing on the wall and they ask Samuel to appoint them a king. Although Samuel knows it is a bad idea, here is God’s response: “Comply with the people’s request… because they haven’t rejected you. No, they’ve rejected me as king over them.” Samuel then explains how a king will exploit them and they still want a king – “so that we can be like all the other nations.”

Saul has a “chance” encounter with Samuel. Here we first see Saul’s insecurity – “smallest tribe… smallest family.” Samuel anoints him in private and prophesies three encounters. All come true. Next Samuel calls all of Israel together at Mizpah. Saul is selected by lot. Except he is hiding. Saul is presented as a king but some people question the choice. Saul then leads Israel to victory over the Ammonites. The naysayers are remembered and the people want to kill them. Saul chooses mercy instead. It is a day of victory. The next day all of Israel gathers to make Saul their king.

Samuel then warns the people. Obey the Lord and it will go well with you. Disobey and feel the Lord’s hand against you. He encourages them to fear the Lord and to serve God faithfully. Our passage closes with a story of impatience. Saul has Jonathan attack the Philistines, who respond in force. Fear leads to soldiers deserting and Saul takes matters into his own hands, sacrificing the well-being offering himself. Samuel arrives just then and asks, “What have you done?” Saul’s days are now numbered. God will seek a new king – “a man following the Lord’s own heart.”

Prayer: Lord God, what familiar foes – insecurity, doubt, fear, impatience. Saul is not alone in these battles. It’s in the hearts of Israel, it is in our hearts. Grant us an abiding faith, a resolute heart, a trusting spirit. Lord, teach us your ways, instill in us your heart. Amen.


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Choose God, Find Life

Readings: Deuteronomy 26, Deuteronomy 27, Deuteronomy 28, Deuteronomy 29, Deuteronomy 30

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – “Now choose life… by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.”

Chapter 26 begins by establishing a solemn oath to be taken when entering the Promised Land. The oath recalls the past and celebrates all that God has done. It reminds them of the important role that they will play upon entering Canaan – to obey God’s word. If Israel lives this way they will be God’s “treasured people.”

Moses instructs the people to set up giant stones and to write the Law upon them once they cross the Jordan. There is then a blessing-cursing ceremony in which Moses reviews a sampling of the Law. Failure to keep these brings curses. This is then followed by “future blessings.” If Israel carefully keeps all of God’s commandments, blessing will come in many ways. The other nations of the world will be in awe of Israel.

Next comes a long section on the curses that will come if Israel does not obey God. Death and destruction, plague and oppression and death, exile – it will be horrific. Much of this will come to pass. Chapter 29 halts this bad narrative and invites the people into a covenant relationship with God. The good and the bad have been laid out. Chapter 30 returns to reality. The sin cycle will be fully lived out. The curses will befall Israel. But… when you turn back to God, you will be restored. Israel will be gathered back up.

Our reading closes with words of encouragement. To obey – it’s not too difficult. These words, this God – “in your mouth and in your heart.” Life and death, blessing and curse, they have been set before Israel – and before us.“Now choose life… by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you lay out the reality before us – life with you versus life without you. It is not a promise, though, of everything being good if we’re obedient. The promise is your presence. There we do find good in all things, even in the defeats and exiles. Thank you for being our constant God. Amen.


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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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Necessary Steps to Take Steps

Readings: Numbers 1, Numbers 2, Numbers 3, Numbers 4

Numbers 1:2-3 and 46 – “Take a census… of every male 20 years old and above… All those enlisted were 603,550.”

Today is day 34 of our Bible Year reading project. Today we begin Numbers, the fourth book of the Bible. Leaving Mount Sinai in chapter 10, their journey will continue. As God leads, guides, and provides, Israel is shaped more and more into a kingdom of priests. At times they will step forward as a faithful nation. Much of the time they will allow fear to lead to disobedience. The generation that walked out of Egypt will pass and the next generation enters the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. Along the way God walks with this holy nation.

Numbers begins with a census. All males 20+ are counted. The men eligible for military service totals 603,550. The Levites are not included in this census. They are assigned to the tent of meeting. God orders the camp – three tribes will camp on each side of the tent of meeting. Then the Levites are counted and assigned places to camp. They form a buffer zone around the tent of meeting. There are 22,000 Levite males age one month and older. A tally of the oldest males is made for all the Israelites. This equals 22,273. The extra 273 are redeemed to their families by paying 5 shekels each.

Lastly, duties are assigned to the 3 Levite clans. The Kohathites are responsible for carrying the Holy items – the chest, table, lamp stand, altar… The Gershonites are responsible for carrying the coverings and the Merarites are responsible for the frames, poles, bars, bases… Only Aaron and his sons can touch the holy items. These are packed and covered in cloth and then in fine leather. In all, there are 8,580 Levite males age 30-50 responsible for taking down, setting up, and transporting the tent of meeting and all of its equipment.

These laws and counts and organization are necessary steps for the holy nation to step forward towards the Promised Land. Again today we are reminded that God is a God of order and detail. There is a plan. And, always, everything is done “as the Lord commanded Moses.” Obedience is necessary too. Likewise, may we too do all that the Lord commands us to do.

Prayer: Lord God, what efforts are made to organize this holy nation of Israel. These are practical things necessary for your people to move forward. Lead and guide us today, Lord, so that we too can move into the world to take the good news of Jesus Christ to all people. Amen.


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Glorious and Beautiful – One Day and Now

Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 (Link only partial. Sorry.)

Verse 9: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.”

As we turn to John’s book of Revelation we turn to a vision that gives hope for eternity, offers a picture of the kingdom of God, and calls us to a glorious kingdom here on earth. Our passage today and much of the book of Revelation is a “then, now, and will be” vision.

John sees a “great multitude” gathered in heaven – far too many to count. In this vast crowd there are people “from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” Oh how the religious leaders of yesterday’s text must’ve cringed when they first heard of this vision of heaven! But what a beautiful picture of heaven it is! One day we will be gathered with a representation of all of humanity. To John’s audience this was a reminder that they do not suffer alone. Many all around the world suffer alongside them. To us it is a reminder to work to make our churches and faith communities look more like the actual community all around us.

The scene in our passage is filled with worship. The multitude, the angels, the elders, and the four living creatures all worship God and the Lamb. They joyously offer praise and thanksgiving and adoration. This scene is “church” at its finest and most glorious. Next an elder identifies those in “white robes” as those who have gone through the “great tribulation” – the suffering and persecution and trials of this life. The passage closes by contrasting this life with the life to come. In glory there will be no hunger or thirst, no oppression or suffering. God will “wipe away every tear” and the Lamb will lead us “to the springs of living water.” What hope these words gave to John’s audience. What hope these words give to all who long to one day be redeemed by Jesus Christ. Oh what a glorious and beautiful day that will be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the hope that today’s passage gives. Thank you for the seed of what will be. But, God, help us to see that this vision is also a vision for today and an understanding for our time now. As we hold onto our hope for eternity, guide us to expand the kingdom here and now. Use us to satisfy hunger and thirst now. Use us to end oppression and suffering now. Use us to make our churches and communities more like the kingdom to come. Amen.


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Ever at Work

Reading: Genesis 25:19-28

Verse 23: “Two nations are in your womb… the older will serve the younger.”

Similar to the story of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah find themselves without children. Rebekah is barren and unable to bring any children into their lives. Sitting on his dad’s knee Isaac must have surely heard the promise of God making Abraham and Sarah into a great nation. And yet no children for Isaac and Rebekah. So Isaac prays to the Lord and God answers. Rebekah becomes pregnant, bearing twins. Almost from the get-go, these twins “jostled each other,” even in the womb. Rebekah asks why. God responds, “Two nations are in your womb… the older will serve the younger.” This also parallels the Ishmael-Isaac story found in Genesis 21.

God is at work in this situation too. Esau, the older, is born hairy and red, a “man of the open country.” Esau is tough and rugged, a skilled hunter. Isaac, the father, favors Esau. Jacob comes out second, already grasping at Esau’s firstborn status. Jacob is an indoorsy kind of person. Rebekah, the mother, takes a liking to him.

The rivalry and favoritism will play out tomorrow in the readings in the weeks to come. Both are evidence of God’s guiding hand, even at work in spite of human decisions and actions. Through the twists and turns and in the hard-to-believe moments, God remains at work, orchestrating, redirecting, leading and guiding, even wrestling. This love of God remains at work, in the world and in our lives. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you hear our cries and you answer our prayers. You lead and guide, you direct and redirect when necessary. Thank you for a love that never gives up on us, even when we don’t walk according to your plan. Thank you for that grace. Amen.