pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: neighbor


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Jesus Calls

Reading: Luke 19:1-10

Luke 19:10 – “The Human One came to seek and save the lost.”

Today we read the story of Zaccheaus, the height-challenged tax collector. In addition to being looked down upon physically, he was also looked down upon socially and religiously. Zaccheaus worked for the occupying force, collecting taxes to fund their empire. As the story goes, one day Jesus is passing through Jericho. Zaccheaus wants to see this Jesus, just to watch him pass by. He climbs a tree to do so.

When Jesus gets to the place in the road by the tree, he stops and engages the one whom everyone else avoids. Then, to the great dismay of the crowd, Jesus invites himself into the home of Zaccheaus. I wonder, where could I go, where could you go, that would upset our good, upright friends and family?

Zaccheaus is moved, both physically and spiritually. He climbs down out of that tree, leaving the safe place, up high and at a distance. He is also moved in his heart. All it took was Jesus stopping and engaging him, inviting him to begin a relationship. Zaccheaus commits to becoming a generous giver and a righter of wrongs. He will use some of his wealth to do good, to love his neighbors in need. Zaccheaus will also use some of his wealth to correct wrongs, repaying those he held power over and cheated as a tax collector.

Jesus continues to call people out of their safe, far off places. He continues to change hearts, once people draw near. You and I are living examples of this. We are living proof of verse 10: “The Human One came to seek and save the lost.”

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for our rescue. Thank you for calling us near, for changing our hearts, for empowering us to be people of generosity and reconciliation. Use us today to model these things when called upon. Guide us to live out our faith in ways that lead others to hear your call. Amen.


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A Simple Walk

Reading: Luke 17:5-10

Luke 17:10 – “When you have done everything required of you, you should say, ‘We servants deserve no special praise. We have only done our duty.'”

In the opening verses of chapter 17 Jesus calls the disciples to live in a community of faith that both holds one another accountable and forgives a repentant brother or sister in Christ again and again and again and… Hearing this call to really love well, the disciples think themselves incapable of being this faithful. In response to this feeling, they say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” In verses 6-10 Jesus gives two responses to their request. In both responses the bottom line is clear. The disciples have enough faith – they just need to act on the faith that they already have. The same can often be said for most of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith, like the roots of a tree, are our “unseen” foundation. Claiming faith in Jesus establishes those roots in our hearts. As we live out our call to be light and love in the world, our roots develop and grow stronger. Growth that is visible begins to emerge in small ways – helping a neighbor, standing against an injustice, feeding the hungry. While the idea of doing these kinds of things may feel outside of our comfort zones at first, Jesus tells us that if we just had “faith the size of a mustard seed” and if we put that faith to work, then we could do all these things and so much more. If we would trust the power of the faith that is already in our hearts, then we will experience God moving in and through us.

The small, incremental acts of faith are what lead to a greater and greater application of our faith. The path Jesus calls us to walk, though, is quite simple at its core: love God, love neighbor. This is everything required of us. It is our duty, it is our call, it is our means to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need of love and hope and peace.

Prayer: Lord God, at the dawn one can sense that the sun is about to poke through. It is simply what happens every time. At the moment of opportunity, when we are in a place to love well, may our faith poke through. Lead and guide and empower us daily, Lord, so that as we grow in our faith, loving well is simply what happens all the time. Amen.


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A Spirit Within

Reading: 2nd Timothy 1:1-7

2nd Timothy 1:7 – “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

In the greeting of his second letter to Timothy, Paul drops in a reminder of one of the core teachings of the faith: “the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.” Paul subtly reminds Timothy of a truth that he knows and claims but maybe doesn’t live out all of the time. This can happen to us too. In the difficult times and even in times when the daily routine gets rut-like, we can temporarily lose or drift from our faith. This happens most often for me when I bypass God – when I don’t stop and pray about something and when I just try to do whatever on my own.

Timothy is a gifted young pastor who is also too timid and too easily intimidated. Paul spent time with him, modeling what it looked like to preach the gospel with power and authority. Paul expresses gratitude for this time. He also celebrates the family legacy of faith that Timothy received from Lois and Eunice. Paul is “sure that this faith lives in you [Timothy].” Timothy is also reminded that Paul prays “day and night” for him and that he and his ministry was blessed by Paul’s “laying in of my hands.” Timothy has all he needs to faithfully serve the Lord.

The same is true for us. While we might not have had a Paul or Lois or Eunice in our lives and while preaching might not be our gift, we all have what we need to faithfully serve God. Paul writes of it in verse 7: “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.” When we claim the love, power, and self-control available through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in us, then we can serve God and neighbor faithfully. Doing so, we do “preach” the good news of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, fill us with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Through that presence make us aware of both the gifts that you’ve given us and of the call that you’ve placed on in our lives. With the Spirit’s presence, lead us out in bold service to your kingdom. Through this service and through the power of the Spirit at work in and through us, may others come to know, claim, and live into the promise of eternal life found in Jesus Christ. Amen.


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Take Hold of True Life

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:17-19

1st Timothy 6:17-18 – “Tell people who are rich… to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others.”

Photo credit: Shane

Continuing in 1st Timothy 6 today, Paul instructs Timothy on how to minister to those Christians who do have wealth, power, status… There were and are people that God has blessed with gifts and talents and legacies that has and have allowed them to be rich in the things of this world. Paul first addresses the dangers of this place in life. One can easily become prideful and arrogant. This often leads to isolating oneself from those who are seen as “less than.” From this place of heart and mind one can place their hope in their worldly riches instead of in God. Some falsely think, “Who needs God when I have all of this?”

Paul’s instruction to Timothy is this: “Tell people who are rich… to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others.” To do good and to be rich in good works is to engage the world around you. This counters the choices to isolate and to look down on those without wealth, power, status… To do good for others draws us into relationship and here we find our commonality, which leads to unity. To be generous and to share what we have lifts up those without and it grows one’s compassion and empathy, deepening one’s desire to practice generosity. To do good and to be generous draws us closer to God and to one another.

In verse 19 Paul states that these actions lay a “good foundation for the future.” This foundation is an ever-growing compassion and love for neighbor and a continual growth in one’s relationship with God. Living out our faith in these ways allows us to “take hold of what is truly life.” This is loving God and neighbor with all that we have and are. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to be people of love and compassion. Guide us to people and places that need to experience these things. Open our hearts and hands to serve you through serving those in need. In these ways, use us to draw others closer to you. Amen.


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Love of God and Other

Reading: 1st Corinthians 13:4-7

1st Corinthians 13:4 – “Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous… doesn’t brag… isn’t arrogant.”

Photo credit: Freestocks

Continuing in the theme of love of self versus love of God and neighbor, today we turn to a familiar wedding verse. Chapter 13 is titled, “Love: the universal gift” in the Bible I use at home. In this chapter, Paul elevates love above all else.

If one takes just a bit of time and watches or observes someone, it becomes apparent rather quickly if they love self more than God or other. Yes, we all have our bad days and challenging moments, but if one gets a large enough sample size, the answer to who sits on the throne of our heart becomes apparent.

Verse 4 begins with “Love is patient, love is kind.” These observable traits show up, especially in hard situations. To practice patience and kindness at all times is the first sign of love of God and other. Paul continues, love “isn’t happy with injustice.” Yes, to truly live means standing up for the other, usually putting self at risk. Paul adds, “Love puts up with… trusts in… hopes for… endures…” all things. These are all ways that one elevates love of God and other over love of self.

In verses 4-6 Paul shares a list of what love is not. These are also easily observable. Love “isn’t jealous… doesn’t brag… isn’t arrogant… rude… irritable.” Love does not “keep a record of complaints” (wrongs.) There are ways that we keep score, that we try to maintain our place atop the ladder or sand pile, that we love self above all else. May it not be so with you and I.

Prayer: Lord God, in our world and in our culture, there are ample examples of what it is and what it looks like to love self. These ways neglect love of you and therefore love of other. Speak into our hearts, O God, calling us to the most excellent way of love. In humility may we ever seek to love you with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.


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Imitate Christ, Find Joy

Reading: Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 2:4 – “Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.”

Selfishness and sinfulness have been a part of the human condition since very early in creation. These two traits are opposed to the will and way of God. Within each of us there is a daily battle between the inherent love of self and the call to live God and neighbor.

In Philippians 2 Paul encourages those in the churches in and around Philippi to imitate Christ. Jesus set for the church and for us the example of what it looks like to daily love God and neighbor more than self. Paul invites his readers – then and now – to find encouragement in Jesus’ example, to find comfort in his love for us, to draw on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, and to have sympathy (compassion) for others. Paul tells the Philippians that this kind of living will “complete my joy.” Living this way is pleasing to God today.

To live like Christ one must work against our nature to do things for self. Instead, Paul encourages us, writing, “With humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Stripped of arrogance and pride, life is not all about us and our wants and our pleasures. Keeping in line with this practice, Paul then writes, “Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.” Focus on the ways that we can care for and love on others. Focus on the ways that we can provide for and protect our neighbors. Doing these things, we imitate Christ. Doing these things, we find great joy in living for Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to look outward rather than inward. Break the tendencies to think first of self and to strive for the world’s “success.” Draw us to the heart of Christ, to humble service and sacrificial love. From this place of heart, use us to care for the weak and vulnerable, to feed the hungry and the lonely, to stand for and with the oppressed and the marginalized. As we seek to imitate Christ, fill us with joy. Amen.


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Not Far

Reading: Mark 12:28-34

Mark 12:34 – “He said to him, ‘You aren’t far from God’s kingdom.”

The Pharisees and Sadducees have just taken turns trying to trap Jesus using questions based on the Law. Jesus has answered these questions that seemingly has no correct answer with answers that left these religious leaders stumped. Entering today’s passage we find a legal expert, impressed with Jesus’ previous answers, also asking Jesus a question. Based on the interaction that Jesus with the man, this seems like a legitimate question.

The religious expert wants Jesus’ opinion on the most important command. There are a lot of potential answers to this question but only one truly correct answer. I wonder, if someone asked this question of us and then examined our lives to find evidence for our answer, would the results match Jesus’ words? Observing our daily living for a few days, would our love of God and our love of neighbor be the guiding forces in our lives?

Jesus answers with the two great commands from Deuteronomy 6 and Leviticus 19. For all devout practicing Jews, this was the only answer: to live God with all that you are and to love neighbor as yourself. This should be our lives’ answer too. The legal expert appreciates and adds to Jesus’ answer. In response Jesus says, “You aren’t far from God’s kingdom.” May the evidence of our lives reveal the same.

Prayer: Lord God, your call is to love – to love you completely and then to allow this love to flow into the relationships we have with others. Love is to guide our decisions and actions, our words and our thoughts. Empower us this day and every day to be love lived out in the world. Amen.


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A Big Love

Reading: John 13-31-35

John 13:34b – “Just as I have loved you, so you also must love one another.”

Jesus is nearing the cross at this point in John’s gospel. Judas has just left to betray Jesus. Soon, through his death and resurrection Jesus will be glorified. He has spent his life, especially the last three years, glorifying God through how he lived. This process of mutual glorification is a part of the life of a Christian. Our faithful living brings glory to God. This is the building of the kingdom here on earth. In the end, our faithful living will result in our place in God’s glorious heaven.

For Jesus, the return to God’s side is rapidly approaching. He plainly tells the disciples, “I’m with you for a little while longer.” They will want to remain with Jesus, but for now this is not to be. Jesus, however, will remain a part of their lives. In spirit, Jesus will continue to be present to his disciples.

Beginning in verse 34, Jesus tells them how to continue this relationship. Giving what he calls a “new command,” Jesus tells the disciples to love one another. This command to love neighbor has been around for thousands of years. What’s ‘new’ is in the details: “Just as I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” Like Jesus’ “You have heard… but now I say…” statements, this new command takes Leviticus 19:18b to a whole new level. As disciples the call isn’t just to live as the good Samaritan loved. No, the call is to love as Jesus loves: unconditionally, without limit, completely. This is a big love. When we love this way, all will know that we are a disciple of Jesus. May this be the love that we practice always.

Prayer: Lord God, this is not an easy-to-accomplish call. To love others as you love us? That is a deep and rich and layered love. It is a love often with a cost. Lord, work in our hearts, open them wide so that we can practice and live a love that reflects your love. Guide us to be your love lived out in the world. Amen.


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The Divine Nature

Reading: Leviticus 19:15-18

Leviticus 19:18 – “You must not take revenge or hold a grudge…Instead, you must love your neighbor as yourself.”

Much of what God has to say about living as holy people has to do with our relationships with one another. Today’s verses begin with a call to being just in matters of the law. God sees all people as equal and charges us to do the same: don’t show favoritism or reference to either the poor or to the rich. All people deserve the same justice.

We also read of some prohibitions. We are not to slander our neighbors. This would include gossip and judging – two sins that we easily fall into. We are not to hate our neighbors. This sin has many roots: greed, jealousy, envy… We are not to stand by while our neighbor is assaulted. We are not to stand by while our neighbor sins. We are called to strongly rebuke them. Failure to do so places some responsibility for their sin upon us.

Turning to verse 18 we read the second of the two great commandments. But first we read, “You must not take revenge or hold a grudge.” This is hard because it is woven into our human nature. When someone hits us, our first instinct is to hit back. This action, however, often starts a vicious cycle. Maybe it’s better just to harbor a grudge? No, this causes a deeper, nagging, lasting issue in our hearts. Reading on we come to God’s command: “Instead, you must love your neighbor as yourself.” There it is. Live into the divine nature also within us. May this be the path we choose to walk with all of our neighbors.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to walk in your ways, loving others as you love us. Keep us free from bias and hateful words and actions. Fill us with empathy and compassion, with love and grace. Lead us to be people who stand for what is holy and just, speaking and acting in ways that promote these things in our lives and in our world. Amen.


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A Saving Faith

Reading: John 20:24-31

John 20:29 – “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

On the first Sunday, when Jesus came to the disciples, Thomas was not with them. After the disciples tell Thomas about it, he declares, “Unless I see the nail marks…” Thomas wants physical proof. We’ve been there. We’ve heard something that was too amazing to believe. In response, we say or think, “When I see it with my own eyes…”

A week later the disciples are gathered , still hiding behind closed doors. It is again a Sunday. (At this point, in their culture, they counted that day too.) Jesus enters into their midst – a sign of Jesus’ divinity and his risen nature. After greeting the disciples, Jesus offers Thomas his hands and side. It is the physical proof that Thomas demanded. Jesus then says to Thomas, “No more disbelief. Believe!” Thomas responds with a confession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas connects to the human and divine natures of Jesus, recognizing both as worthy of following and worshipping, respectively.

Jesus, speaking to those present, to us today, and to all who will read this story, says, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” Generation after generation will come to faith in one not physically seen. In summary, in what some scholars believe to be the original ending to John’s gospel, he writes, “These things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that believing, you will have life in his name.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, even though we do not physically see Jesus, his presence can be “seen” everywhere in our lives. As we love our neighbors, as we serve those in need, as we walk with one another through the valleys, evidence of your Son’s presence is manifested in and through us. Use our witness to draw others to a saving faith. Amen.