pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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For All People

Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-4

1st Timothy 2:1 – “First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

As we begin 1st Timothy 2, Paul encourages Timothy (and us) to offer prayers for everyone – “for all people.” Paul assumes that Timothy will pray for the regulars: family, friends, people he knows who need specific prayers. This is likely familiar territory. Maybe you, like me, have a standard list of people and situations that you pray for every day plus a few that are in your prayer list for a time or a season.

Paul next singles out praying for “kings and everyone who is in authority.” Why would Paul do this? Well, look no further than our current reality. In Timothy’s day it was the Roman authorities and the Jewish religious leaders who were persecuting the church. What prayers might Timothy lift for those in authority? What prayers might help lift that are in alignment with God’s will and heart? May our godly thoughts on these questions guide our prayers for our leaders.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul gives Timothy (and us) the “why.” Paul reminds us that it is “right” and that it “pleases” God when we offer prayers for all people, especially for those that are hard for us to pray for. It is our charge. First and foremost, it should be so because God desires for “all people to be saved” and to come to “a knowledge of the truth” – to understand and know God’s will and heart for themselves. Second, to pray hard prayers, that changes and empowers our hearts too. As our prayers become better aligned with God’s desires, our world will better reflect God’s kingdom here on earth. May our prayers work towards this goal and hope.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts wide, enabling us to pray as you call us to pray. And, Lord, open wide the hearts of our leaders, filling them with what fills your heart: mercy, grace, compassion, love. Guide all of our leaders to be leaders for and of all people, working for the good of all people. Amen.


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The Will to Choose

Readings: John 3:16-16 and 34-36, and John 14:1-7

John 3:17 – “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

John 3:16 is about as well-known as any verse in the Bible. God sent his one and only son into this world, taking on flesh, becoming one of us, so that he could die on our behalf, removing our sins, opening the way for us to enter eternal life. This is a beautiful picture of sacrificial love.

The next verse reminds us of God’s unconditional love: “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” God’s first choice is not to be a God of judgment but a God of love, mercy, grace, and salvation. This is what God desires for all humanity, not judgment. God also created humanity with free will or the will to choose. So we can choose to not choose Jesus as our Savior. We can choose to live for self. We can choose to be judged. We can choose to ignore the words of life that Jesus speaks, to ignore the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we invite “the angry judgment of God” upon ourselves.

Jumping forward to John 14, it is a heavy moment. Sandwiched around the command to love one another “as I have loved you” is the news of Judas’ betrayal and of Peter’s denial of knowing Christ. Jesus tells the disciples to not be troubled but to trust in God and in him. He then promises that he will come back for them so that they can be with him in heaven. In response to Thomas’ confusion, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus’ life and example are the way to know God and God’s truths. They are the way to live the life that God intended for us to live, the life here and now that leads one day to life eternal. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you sent your son to save and redeem us. You desire this for each and every one of us. It must break your heart to see the one you wove together in the womb, the one you created for relationship with you, choose the ways of the world. Lord, break our heart for what breaks yours. Amen.


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Worthy is the Lamb

Reading: Revelation 3-5

Revelation 5:5 – “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.”

Chapter 3 concludes the messages to the seven churches. The church in Sardis looks good on the surface but is really dead. They need to remember what they first learned, changing hearts and lives. If so, their names will be declared in heaven. The church in Philadelphia has little power but they have stood strong. They will be pillars in heaven, names written there. And Laodicea… neither hot nor cold, just lukewarm. This church is perhaps most relevant today. Jesus is about to “spit them out.” They are “miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, naked.” Yet Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If they hear and open the door, he will come in and be with them. If they emerge victorious, they will sit with Jesus on his throne in heaven.

Chapters 4 and 5 shift to heaven as John enters his second Spirit-led trance. At the center God sits on the throne. 24 elders on thrones surround God. There are seven torches and four living creatures before the throne of God. The creatures have six wings and are covered all over with eyes. They never rest but praise God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” The elders join in the praise, declaring God to be the one worthy of glory, honor, and power.

John then noticed that there is a scroll in the hand of God. He weeps because no one is worthy to open it. Then an elder says, “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.” The Lamb, Jesus Christ, comes and takes the scroll. The elders, the living creatures, millions of angels, and all of creation praises and worships the Lamb, the one who was slain. What a glorious day it will be!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reality check as we began today. Draw us out of the comfy middle ground. Empower us to stand boldly for you. And thank you for the peak into heaven, for the reminder of your majesty and power, for the reminder of who and what the Christ child will be and become. All praise and honor and glory are yours! Amen.


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Life to the Full

Reading: John 10 and 11

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.”

In today’s reading we really see the division created by Jesus’ words and ministry. It is first revealed in the healing of the blind man. The “light of the world” ends the man’s darkness, restoring his sight. There is division amongst those who now see him. Some say it is the blind man and others say it just looks like him. This question is answered as the man is brought to the Jewish leaders. Calling in his parents, they testify that he is their son who was born blind. They say they don’t know how he sees. Even though he has already told them, the leaders ask again. He asks them, “Do you want to be his disciples too?” They insult him. In response he reminds them that God doesn’t listen to sinners but to those who are devout and do God’s will. The man is expelled from the synagogue.

The story transitions next to spiritual blindness. Jesus centers this teaching on the shepherding metaphor. The shepherd enters through the gate, the sheep know his voice, he leads them out. Jesus declares, “I am the gate.” Others come to “steal, destroy, and kill.” The good shepherd, Jesus, “came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.” Life to the fullest. What an image! What a reality for those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The metaphor continues with Jesus telling the Pharisees that he will “lay down his life for the sheep.” Unlike the hired hands now listening to the story, Jesus cares about the sheep – and about the sheep not if this pen too! More division reveals itself as they argue about Jesus having a demon. Others ask, how then could he heal this man?

As chapter 11 closes, Jesus tells the “Jewish opposition” that the signs he does should testify to his being one with the Father. He invites them to see this, to believe in him. But they are ready to stone him. As Jesus’ time has not yet come, he escapes, going out to Bethany to minister there.

Prayer: Lord God, reading these stories we so clearly see that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Yet when we step away, going out into that world, we can become blind to needs, to our own sin, to injustice. Lord, help us to live with eyes wide open, living and enjoying the fullness of life that you give to all who believe. Amen.


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Ripe for Harvest

Reading: John 4

John 4:35 – “Open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

As Jesus travels from Judea to Galilee, he passes through Samaria. Stopping at a well to rest, he encounters a Samaritan woman. Jesus shocks her by asking for a drink. Eventually he offers her “living water” – a water that satisfies and that “bubbles up to eternal life.” She desires this water. Jesus reveals that he is a prophet and then as the Messiah. The woman goes back to town and says to all, “Come and see… Could this man be the Christ?” Many do come and see and others encounter Jesus as he stays and teaches for two days. Many believe that Jesus “is truly the Savior of the world.”

In the moments when the woman is in town, Jesus tells the disciples that he is “fed by doing the will of the one who sent me.” Turning to their call to be sent, he invites them to “Open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.” Jesus encourages them to “gather fruit for eternal life.” The disciples will see and experience this at the well and in the town of Sychar.

Chapter 4 closes with Jesus traveling to Cana. Along the way he meets a man who asks Jesus to heal his dying son. In faith this man has sought out Jesus. Jesus says, “Go home. Your son lives.” On the way back home the man meets his servants, who tell him the son was healed at the very moment Jesus spoke the words. The man and his entire household come to believe in Jesus.

In each encounter people experience Jesus’ power to change hearts and lives. Many come to believe. Jesus still has the power to change hearts and lives. May this power be revealed in and through you and me. With eyes wide open, may we faithfully enter the harvest field.

Prayer: Lord God, with a word you change hearts and lives. Through the Spirit, plant your words in our hearts. Place your words of life upon our tongues. Use us each day to draw others to you, changer of hearts and lives. Amen.


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Are we? Do we? Will we?

Reading: Luke 10-11:36

Luke 10:36 – “What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?”

Jesus sends out the 72 because the harvest is big and the workers are few. They are to heal and cast out demons. They are to share their blessing with people of peace. They are to trust in God to provide. Because they bring the kingdom of God near to people’s lives, they can rejoice: their names are written in heaven. We can be like the 72. Are we?

Next Jesus speaks of those places that have rejected the kingdom of God. It will be better for Tyre and Sidon and for Nineveh – the first would’ve listened and Nineveh did change hearts and lives. Jonah stood as a sign for Nineveh and now one stands in Israel’s midst who is greater than Jonah. Christ stands in our midst yet today. Which city will we be like?

Jesus is then tested by a legal expert. He asks what he must do to gain eternal life. When asked what he thinks, the expert offers the two great commandments. Pushing the issue, he asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Well, a man going down to Jericho was attacked and left for dead. A priest and then a Levite see the man and pass him by. A Samaritan, moved by compassion, cares for the man – extravagantly. Jesus asks the expert, “What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?” Yes, the one who showed mercy is the neighbor. The expert is told: “Go and do likewise.” We are told the same thing, again and again in the Gospels. Do we?

Choosing faith is the focus of the teaching about Martha and Mary. Being persistent is the focus of Jesus’ teachings about prayer. Jesus tells us, “Ask… receive. Seek… find. Knock… the door will be opened.” Our good, good father God wants to and will give the Holy Spirit to those of us who ask, seek, and knock. But will we?

Prayer: Lord God, we read today of the call to trust, to witness, to change our hearts and lives, to be a good neighbor, to be persistent, and to go to you expecting a good answer from a good, good God. We see the results of lives lived in these ways. Our question today, God, is if we choose this way of life. Today, Lord, encourage and empower us to “go and do likewise,” loving you and neighbor extravagantly with all of our being. Amen.


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Jesus’ Power

Reading: Matthew 7-8

Matthew 7:14 – “The gate that leads to life is narrow and the road difficult, so few people find it.”

Jesus first addresses our tendency to be judgemental as we begin chapter 7. He asks why we’re concerned with a splinter in our neighbor’s eye when we have a log in our own eye. It is so true. We’ve all been here – again and again and again… His advice? Take care of the log first. Then maybe, just maybe, you can help your neighbor with that splinter.

From this great challenge, Jesus next brings encouragement. Ask, search, and knock and you will receive, find, and have the door opened. God wants to give good things. In the same way, treat others as you wish to be treated. Simple words to hear and comprehend, challenging to live out daily. That’s why Jesus next says, “The gate that leads to life is narrow and the road difficult, so few people find it.” By contrast, the gate to destruction is broad and the road is wide. Many walk this path.

Jesus then teaches about false prophets and false faith. Both are evident by their bad fruit or by their lack of fruit. “Fruit” is the good done in the world. This kind of fruitful faith comes from our foundation. Are we building faith on the bedrock of Jesus Christ or on the shifting sands of the world? On the rock, our faith will not only produce good fruit, it will also withstand the storms of life.

Chapter 8 begins with many healings. Central is the healing of the centurion’s servant. He knows that he is unworthy of having Jesus in his home. He also knows authority when he sees it. He knows Jesus has it. Jesus can say a word and healing will come. Jesus declares he hasn’t seen faith like this in all of Israel. A few are drawn to follow Jesus after the healings, but they have too many worldly concerns to really be a disciple.

The chapter closes with two different reactions to Jesus’ power. After calming the storm (and admonishing the disciples for their weak faith), people are amazed at Jesus’ power. After freeing two men of their demon possession, the townspeople are afraid of his power. They plead with him to leave. Today people have the same reactions when they brush up against Jesus’ power.

Prayer: Lord God, you invite us to love well – ourselves and others. You invite us to bring your healing touch – to ourselves and to others. You offer peace in the storms and relief from worry, doubt, fear – for ourselves and for others. May we know your power today, O God – for ourselves and for others. Amen.


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To See, To Hear, To Be Touched

Reading: Matthew 3-4

Matthew 4:21-22 – “Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

The ministry of John the Baptist begins today’s readings. He announces, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of God!” His work fulfills the words of Isaiah and his words and dress and diet remind people of Elijah. Many came, confessed their sins, and were baptized. John clashes with the religious leaders, challenging them to change their hearts and lives. Ancestry won’t save them. It will be the one stronger than John, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire – he will offer salvation to the people.

Jesus then comes to be baptized. John tries to stop him but ultimately relents. After Jesus’ baptism the heavens open and the Spirit comes to rest on him. God declares love for the Son. From here Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted. The devil and Jesus quote from Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and Psalms. God’s word will be Jesus’ bread. He will trust and not test God. He will worship and serve God alone. Defeated, the devil leaves.

John is arrested. This precipitates Jesus returning to Galilee (to Capernaum) and to begin his ministry. He proclaims the same message as John: “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of God!” He begins to build his team, calling Simon and Andrew, then James and John as he walks along the Sea of Galilee. It was a simple call: “Follow me.” And they did. In verses 21-22 we read, “Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” Jesus’ ministry grows as he teaches in the synagogues and heals every disease and ailment. Large crowds begin to follow this teacher and miracle worker. They came from all over to see and to hear and to be touched by Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, what a call John and Jesus both led with. The call continues to ring out today: change your heart, change your life, follow me. Each day may we hear this call and may we respond, seeking to be Christ’s hands, feet, heart, and love to the world. Amen.


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Surrender and Live

Reading: Jeremiah 34-38

Jeremiah 36:3 – “Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I intend to bring upon them, they will turn from their evil ways, and I will forgive their wrongdoing and sins.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Our reading opens with King Zedekiah inquiring about the future. Jeremiah tells him that Jerusalem will fall but that he’ll live. He’ll be taken to Babylon where he will die in peace. Zedekiah then makes a covenant to release all Hebrew slaves. This is done but is quickly reversed. God declares that Judah will be freed instead: free to “die by the sword, famine, and disease!” Judah will become a wasteland.

In chapter 35 we find a great contrast. God sends Jeremiah to the Rechabites. They are a nomadic family group that has long kept the commands given to their ancestor. God asks Judah, “Can’t you learn a lesson?” No, they can’t, won’t, don’t. God will bring disaster on Judah, blessing in the Rechabites.

God directs Jeremiah to record all of his words in chapter 36. Perhaps Judah will hear them and turn from their evil ways. Baruch is the scribe. Because Jeremiah is in confinement, Baruch reads the scroll in the temple. It’s then read to some officials, who tell Baruch to hide with Jeremiah. The scroll is read to King Jehoiakin, who burns the scroll piece by piece as it is read. God directs Jeremiah to make a new scroll. Jehoiakin will die without heirs.

In chapter 37 Judah gets false hope. Egypt marches our. Babylon withdraws from the siege on Jerusalem to face this threat. Egypt will return home. But Jeremiah takes the opportunity to try and see his new land. He is arrested as he exits the city and is accused of defecting. He’s beaten and imprisoned. He repeats Zedekiah’s fate to him. It provided an opportunity to ask for a prison upgrade. But there he continues to call for surrender. This leads him to be put in a muddy cistern, where he sinks. Ebed-Melech rescues him from this. The message remains the same: surrender and live, refuse and die. The message remains the same today. May we choose to surrender to God and live.

Prayer: Lord God, surrender – such a hard thing. We like control, power… We think we’re the master of our own destinies. How wrong and sinful we are. Help us to hear anew today the call to surrender to your will and way. There we find true life. Loosen our grips, open our hands to you. Amen.


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A New Relationship

Reading: Isaiah 60-66

Isaiah 65:14 – “My servants will sing with contented hearts, but you will cry out from heartache; with broken spirits you will wail.”

As we close our Isaiah today chapter 60 encourages Israel to arise, to welcome sons and daughters home as they return from exile. Isaiah proclaims that peace and righteousness will reign. He tells of a day when the sun and moon won’t shine – God will be their light.

Isaiah 61 is a joyful proclamation that reveals God’s heart for justice and righteousness. The anointed prophet brings good news, heals brokenness, frees from sin, and promises the Lord’s favor to the faithful. He tells of God helping Israel to rebuild, to be restored and renewed. There is a promise of being clothed in victory and in a robe of righteousness. As we continue into chapter 62 God promises not to rest until Israel’s light shines and her salvation “blazes like a torch.” God delights in this people, will care for them, will lead them to be called “Holy People,” redeemed by God.

The prophet steps back in chapter 63, reminding the people why all this rebuilding is necessary. Edom’s sin raised God’s anger and wrath, just as Israel’s sin had. Yet for Israel there was also God’s love, mercy, and redemption. Isaiah invites more, asking God to “tear open the heavens” to come to them. He admits, Israel is the clay, God the potter. Good words of surrender and trust.

Isaiah closes out the book in chapters 65 and 66 with the usual good/bad news. The choice and outcome are summed up well in today’s key verse. No one listened when he spoke… God will repay their sin in full… God’s fire and sword will slay many. God is creating a new heaven and earth where there will be no tears, where they will thrive. Their relationship will deepen. God will answer before they call, God will hear before they speak. If only our hearts were so in tune with the Lord our God. May it be so one day.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your presence with us. Your love and mercy, grace and compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness – these continue to flow to your people. You remain at work, rebuilding when we break down, restoring when we fall away. Your justice and righteousness call us to reflect all of this as we seek to bring your good news to all people. Lead and guide us, O Lord. Amen.