pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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A God That Is Known

Reading: Psalm 91:14-16

Psalm 91:14 – “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

As we close out Psalm 91 we read some pretty awesome promises from God. These words are words of rescue, protection, presence, and salvation. In verse 14 God says, “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name.” For the people walking with God, for those who are devoted to following God’s instructions, for those who strive to daily live out God’s will and way – God will rescue and protect them. If we live daily within these descriptions, we will be rescued and protected. This absolute feeling guarantee is set partly in Israel’s understanding of themselves as God’s “chosen” people and partly in the reality that for one to be aware of God’s rescuing and protecting, one must know and believe in God’s power and presence.

Our God is a loving and compassionate God. Our God knit every person together in the womb. We are therefore all God’s beloved children. God will rescue and protect those who do not know God at times. These moments are chalked up as karma or good luck or to personal efforts. These folks would not cry out to God as the psalmist speaks of in verse 15. The “cry out to me” in this verse is a knowing cry. It is a cry or a plea to a close friend for help, rescue… To make this kind of a cry – one that is heard and responded to – one must know God.

The crying out to and being answered by the God that is known results in bringing glory to God. The rescue, protection… is credited to God through praise, thanksgiving, witness, and worship. These experiences lead to a long walk with God, to walking with God into “old age,” as the psalmist puts it. And, ultimately, a long and faithful walk with God leads us to experience our salvation – the eternal saving and redemption of our souls. For our God who is known, who is present, who walks daily with us, we say thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you move and act, guide and direct, rescue and protect, redeem and restore all the time – even when we and others are unaware of it. But as your sons and daughters, make us ever aware of your acts of love and compassion in our lives. Lead us to praise your holy name as our response. It is so good to walk daily with you. For your constant love and care, we say “Thank you!” Amen.


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A Clean Heart, A Faithful Spirit

Reading: Psalm 51:1-17

Psalm 51:10 – “Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!”

Today’s Psalm is believed to be David’s response to Nathan confronting him about his great sins around Bathsheba. When he realized the depth of his sin, David became deeply remorseful. While adultery and murder are serious sins, we must keep in mind that any and all sin separates us from God. There are no levels or degrees of separation from God’s view.

David seeks God’s mercy and cleansing. Only God can offer these means of grace and newness. David longs to be made clean so that he can “hear joy and celebration again.” He wants to be restored. And he wants to be able to teach others – so they can return to God as well.

In the Psalm we see an acknowledgement of our human condition. David admits “my sin is always right in front of me.” Sin is ever knocking at the door of our heart. While our sins can certainly affect others, sin primarily affects our relationship with God. It is God alone that has the power to change our hearts and, in turn, to create the praise that comes from a heart tuned to God.

Because God desires truth and wisdom in “the most hidden places” (in our hearts,) David invites God to “create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!” God alone empowers us in our battle with sin. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can our “broken spirit” become a “faithful spirit,” the sacrifice that God desires. Dying to our old self, breaking that worldly pull, we open ourselves to living as a child of the light. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, bring us again and again to the place where David is at in this Psalm. Bring us to the place of honesty with ourselves and with you, to the space where we can lay all of our sin before you, begging to be made new again. Walk forward from there with us, O God, encouraging and empowering us to be Spirit-filled creations, living joy, bringing you glory and praise. Amen.


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Fill Us, O Lord

Reading: Colossians 2:6-12

Colossians 2:11 – “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands… stripping away the old self dominated by sin.”

Paul begins our encouragement for today by imploring the believers to “live… in the same way you received him.” Harkening back to the day they came to faith, Paul implores the believers to keep up the same fire, the same zeal. Paul encourages them to remain rooted in Jesus and to build up their faith, establishing themselves in Christ. This process, Paul writes, will lead to an overflow of thanksgiving and joy. These are good reminders for us too.

Next Paul invites them to be wary about falling back into our being drawn into the ways of the world. Potential dangers include new philosophies and false teachings that are counter to Christ’s teachings. Perhaps if even greater danger is conforming back to their old ways, back to the selfish and sinful ways of the world.

Paul reminds the believers that they have been “filled” with Christ. He reminds them that “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands… stripping away the old self dominated by sin.” The physical act of circumcision that sets the Jews apart from the world has become a spiritual act that sets the Christian apart from the world. The old self was “buried” in the waters of baptism. The new self emerged and was “raised up” through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Now the power of God resides in Spirit in the believers.

So what must we do to walk daily with and in the Lord? It goes back to the opening verses. Seek to live “in Christ” – to live as Christ lived, following his example. Pour into your faith – build it up, deepen your roots in Christ. Allow the joy of faith to fill your heart to overflowing – share your faith. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open wide our hearts today and fill us with your love. Open wide our minds today and fill us with your Spirit. Open wide our hands today and fill us with your strength. Then, in all things, use these things, allowing them to flow out of us and into the world, bringing you all the glory and praise. Amen.


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Hell? Heaven?

Readings: Psalm 92:5-8, Malachi 4:1-3, Daniel 4:9-11, and 12:1-3

Malachi 4:2 – “The sun of righteousness will rise on those revering my name; healing will be in its wings.”

This week we wrestle with the question of heaven or hell. We begin today in the Old Testament. The rest of the week will be in the New Testament. This “imbalance” is because there is no direct mention of hell in the Hebrew scriptures. There are references to a place we would call “hell,” but this concept did not have a place in Hebrew thought prior to Jesus’ days.

Psalm 92:5-8 is representative of Hebrew thought in the Old Testament. God is awesome. The ignorant, the wicked, the evildoers – while they “seem to blossom,” in the end they will be destroyed. Running throughout the Old Testament is the idea that the good will be rewarded and the evil will be punished.

This idea is echoed in Malachi 4. The prophet writes that the day is coming when the arrogant and evildoers will burn like straw, consuming them. But for those doing good? “The sun of righteousness will rise on those revering my name; healing will be in its wings.” The wicked will be crushed like dust, but the righteous, the godly, they will be filled with joy.

Even foreign kings experience this cycle of punishment and redemption. In Daniel 4, Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar calls upon Daniel, the one who has “the breath of the holy gods” in him, to interpret his dream. Daniel, with God’s help, explains the dream. All unfolds exactly as Daniel foretold. In the end, redeemed by God, Nebuchadnezzar worships, magnifies, and glorifies the goodness of God.

Turning to Daniel 12 we find the Old Testament passage that best connects to our understanding of heaven and hell. Speaking of the end times, Daniel writes that those whose names are in the scroll (of life) will be rescued, entering “eternal life,” shining like stars forever. Others – those not in the scroll – they will go to “shame and eternal disgrace.” So it will be.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us today to be people who do good and who seek to live holy and righteous lives that bring you honor and glory. Guard us from the temptations of this world, keeping evil and arrogance far away. In all that we do and say and think may our lives magnify and glorify your name. Amen.


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Come to Honor Jesus

Matthew 2:1-2 – “Magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?… we’ve come to honor him.'”

We begin our New Testament reading with the genealogy of Jesus. This establishes Jesus’ political, national, and covenantal relationship with and for Israel. In verses 2-11 we recognize most of the names, a product of our time reading and studying the Old Testament. Verses 12-15 are post-exile. We have very few writings from this time period, therefore the names are mostly unfamiliar to us. Within this list we find four female names – a rarity in Jewish genealogies. Ever rarer is the fact that these women are not Jews. These facts speak to Jesus’ mission to a much broader audience than simply “God’s chosen people.”

Turning to verse 18 we find Jesus’ birth story. During Mary and Joseph’s engagement, she becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Through a dream Joseph receives reassurance and a name for the child, plus the declaration, “He will save his people from their sins.” This birth fulfills the words of Isaiah 7. After the birth, some Magi arrive in Jerusalem, the capital city and logical place for their search. We read, “Magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?… we’ve come to honor him.'” This troubles Herod and “everyone in Jerusalem.” Herod gathers information – time and place. The magi continue following the star, arriving with joy at Mary and Joseph’s home. They enter and honor Jesus, presenting him with three gifts. This is why we have three wise men in our Christmas programs. In reality it could’ve been two, but was much more likely 6… or 11… or…

Warned in a dream, the magi do not report back to Herod. Warned in a dream, Joseph flees to Egypt with Mary and Jesus – “during the night.” In a fury Herod sends soldiers to the Bethlehem area, killing every child under two. There is weeping and grieving. The mothers refuse to be comforted “because they were no more.” And in another dream Joseph is told to return home. Yet fearing Herod’s sin, he settles the family in Nazareth, a small town tucked away in Galilee, far from Jerusalem. This fulfills the fifth Old Testament prophecy – so far.

Prayer: Lord God, it is good to transition into the New Testament. We know this collection of stories a bit better. Even so, Lord, continue to open our eyes and hearts to the details, to the “new” that you want to reveal. Move us deeper into the story, closer to our call to bear your image to the world. Amen.


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Belief and Reality

Readings: Job 15 through Job 21

‭Job 16:6 – “If I speak, my pain is not eased; if I hold back, what have I lost?”

As we read cycle 2 of the discourse between Job and his friends, our initial reaction might be to condemn Job’s friends, to think them cruel and downright unfriendly. We must remember, however, that they are defending who and what they truly believe God to be and they are defending the ancients understanding of how and why the world works according to long held beliefs. To them, Job’s arguments rail against God and question how the justice of God really works.

Much of the friend’s conversation in today’s readings focuses on the wicked and what their lives look like. (These thoughts will apply to Job’s life in cycle 3.) Eliphaz argues that “all the days of the wicked are painful.” Bildad adds that the wicked are “snatched from the safety of their tents” and that “nothing they own remains.” Zophar notes that “the rejoicing of the wicked is short.” He adds “the fire that no one stoked consumes them.” All three friends argue from the belief that God swiftly punishes the wicked and sinful. God is just and cannot tolerate the ways of the wicked.

Job’s response to Eliphaz addresses how his “friends” are treating him. Job calls them “sorry comforters.” Job asks, “If I speak, my pain is not eased; if I hold back, what have I lost?” In his suffering he might as well cry out to God. Nothing to lose! In his response to Bildad, Job returns to his innocence. He points to how suffering has afflicted the righteous. God’s punishment is apparently not just for the wicked. And in his last speech for today, he counters his friends’ arguments. Job points to the reality of the actual world: “the wicked grow old,” “they spend their days contentedly,” and “on the day of disaster the wicked are spared.” Job states that the world is not as his friends would make it out to be. For Job, that simple understanding of God and the world does not match reality.

Prayer: Lord God, what a wrestling today with who and what you are and with who and what we are to be to one another. We are called to trust in your love and care and guidance. And we are called to be these things to others. We are called to walk in a right relationship with you. And we are called to help others back into that path when they stray. Lord, guide us as we walk this difficult journey with you and with one another. May we ever lead in love and grace. Amen.


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Faithful to the Call

Readings: Nehemiah 11, Nehemiah 12, Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah 13:22 – “Remember this also in my favor, my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your mercy.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

Chapter 11 begins with repopulating Jerusalem. Lots are cast in each town and 1 in 10 move into Jerusalem. Almost 3,000 move into David’s city. Chapter 12 begins with a list of the leaders of the priests and Levites who returned under Zerubbabel. Then all of Israel gathers to dedicate the wall. Priests, singers, and people from all over gather for the celebration. All are purified – including the people and the wall. Two groups March around the city in each direction, joining together at the temple. There were great sacrifices and joyous worship that day!

In chapter 13 Nehemiah returns to King Artaxerxes for a period. Eventually he returns to Jerusalem. He finds several things that need correcting. Old habits have returned. People are intermarrying again. Some of the children cannot speak the language of Judah – and therefore cannot participate in worship. This divisive practice is ended once again. The shares for the priests are being neglected, forcing some back to their fields. This too is corrected. People are working and buying and selling on the Sabbath. For many the day is no longer holy. Nehemiah puts a forceful stop to this too.

Several times today we read something along the lines of our key verse. Nehemiah is not universally beloved. Leading a people who are prone to sin and are easily influenced by the ways of those around them is hard. Many chafe at correction, rebuke, and being made to follow the rules. Yet Nehemiah was faithful to the call that God has placed upon his life. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be a people who remember your will and way. Lead us to resist temptations and empower us to stay true to you alone. Move us to respect and support those who seek to lead us to walk in faith, lifting them to you in prayer. Amen.


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Credited with Righteousness

Reading: Romans 4:18-25

Verses 20-21: “He did not waver… but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

Our passage begins with these words: “Against all hope.” I bet Abraham could have felt that way later in life. At 75 he was called by God. He was faithful and departed Haran, making his way to Canaan. Upon arriving he again heard God’s blessing to be a “father of many nations.” It is 25 years later and Sarah is still barren. Abraham himself was 100. He was certainly in a position where he could have felt it was “against all hope.”

And yet… “He did not waver… but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” He continued to keep the faith. He continued to choose to believe that God was good and faithful and true. Paul reminds us that his faith grew. When most of us would waver, when most of us would doubt, Abraham doubled down. Because he believed, he gave glory to God. He trusted that God would do what God said would be done. Because of this, Abraham is credited with being righteous.

In verse 23 Paul includes us in this scenario. If we believe in Jesus Christ as Lord of our life, we too will be credited with righteousness. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins and that he was raised from the dead, we will be made right before God. We will be credited with righteousness. This is our promise too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the great example set by Abraham. His sure and steady faith is a model for us to follow. And thank you for Jesus Christ, the one who died for our sins , the one who opens the way to life eternal. Amen.


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Totally Worthy

Reading: Acts 2:14-21

Verse 17: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”

In our second half of this week’s Acts 2 reading Peter addresses the crowd. Some are “amazing and perplexed” and some are doubtful and skeptical. Peter says to the crowd, “Let me explain this to you.” That is what we all want to hear when we’ve seen something like the crowd has seen – something that is almost too much to believe.

Peter quotes from Joel 2, using a familiar passage for his Jewish audience. These words would be words that God’s people longed to see fulfilled. Peter says, in essence, today is the day! It is the day when sons and daughters, when old men and young men, and when even servants will prophesy, will dream dreams, and will have visions. When God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people,” God really means it. Through the giving of the Holy Spirit to all believers, the church is now empowered and equipped to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all of the world.

God did not look at the 100 or so gathered that day with the disciples and decide to pour out the Spirit on a select group. There was no age limit – one way or the other. There was no occupation parameters or gender requirements or any other limiting factors. All people received the Holy Spirit. All were totally worthy to receive the gift. The same could be said of the crowd. The Spirit didn’t enable the followers of Jesus to speak just some languages. All in the crowd heard the deeds of God in their own language. Again, there were no limiting factors. All were totally worthy to receive the word and all were absolutely welcomed into the community of faith. May it be so for our ministries and for our communities of faith. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you clearly love us all – believers and non-believers alike. You clearly want all people to come into a saving relationship in Jesus Christ – young and old, female and male, rich and poor, and everyone in between. There are no limiting factors. All are totally worthy of a place in your family. Lord, may it be so in all of our hearts and minds. Amen.


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Authentic and True

Reading: Colossians 3:5-11

Verses 9-10: “Since you have taken off your old self… and put on the new self…”

Continuing on in Colossians 3, Paul fleshes out the “old self” to “new self” transformation. He begins by giving us an overview of what actions we must die to in order to become new in Christ: “sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed.” Paul then gives us a list of emotions or emotional responses that we must also die to: “anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language.” Both of these lists are far from complete. Paul implores us, telling us that we “must rid ourselves” of all of these kinds of evil. To live in these ways is not to live in the way of Christ.

In verse 9 Paul begins by saying “Do not lie to each other.” He knows it is easy to look nice and shiny and good on the outside. That’s what he did for years. That’s what he was all about back in his Pharisee days. Today, with pretty minimal effort, one can look like a Christian. Until we have an affair… Until we join in the gossip during fellowship hour… Until we cheat on our taxes or business ethics… Until we slander our leaders… Until we lose our cool at work or with one of our children… If we’re honest though – if I am honest – the greater struggles are within my heart and head. I too easily slip into being judgmental and critical, into jealousy and pride. All inside the privacy of my heart and head. This is the self that we – that I – must die to daily.

On our own this is impossible. We do have hope. As he closes this part of the letter to the Colossians, Paul reminds us that when we are renewed in the knowledge of Jesus Christ there is no Greek or Jew, no… When we live an authentic and true Christian life we see one another as God sees each of us: beloved, worthy, forgiven. In this place, “Christ is all and is in all.” May we each work towards this beautiful vision for our world day by day, each beginning within our own heart and head.

Prayer: Lord God, sanctify me within. When the old self rises up or begins to surface, light up the Holy Spirit within me and burn away all that hinders the image of Christ in me. Guide me to live an authentic and true faith in all ways. Amen.