pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: outcasts


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A Regular Practice

Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 3-5, 7-8

Isaiah 56:1 – “Act justly and do what is righteous because my salvation is coming soon.”

The opening of Isaiah 56 is about keeping the Sabbath. The idea of Sabbath originates in the creation story. After creating the heavens, the earth, and everything in and on them, God rested. When God began to formalize who and what God’s people would be, the practice of Sabbath was included in the Ten Commandments. During the time in exile and the period that followed, the keeping of the Sabbath was especially important. It set the Jews apart from the rest of the world. To be Sabbath-keepers remains counter-cultural.

In today’s reading Isaiah is reminding Israel that Sabbath is not just for the Jews. The idea of including immigrants and servants has been a part of Sabbath ever since Moses received what we identify as Exodus 20:8-11. Animals and the earth itself are part of Sabbath rest. Isaiah includes the eunuchs and other outcasts in his words that declare that God’s family and home are places of welcome and inclusion for all people who honor the covenant, who live according to God’s will and ways.

As I reflect on these words today I am struck by how wide open God’s heart is for all who seek to walk as a child of God. I’m also becoming aware that Sabbath is aimed at creating a just world. Rest is part of God’s design for all things – people and all of creation. This concept of rest and shalom, of blessing and renewal also reveals the wideness of God’s love for all people and for all of creation. It is in these times of not doing that we can foster our relationships with God and with one another. This investment of time builds connection and it builds community. May Sabbath be a regular practice for you and for me as we seek to build God’s kingdom here and now.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of Sabbath. This time set apart has the power to deepen our love for you and our love for each other. Open us to the wideness of your heart and your love as we practice this discipline. Lead and guide us in this regular practice, O God, so that holiness and justice, and peace and righteousness abound in our lives and in our world. Amen.


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Heirs in Christ

Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

Verse 7: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are God’s child, God has made you also an heir.”

Paul connects into the story of Christmas as he writes, “When the time had fully come, God sent his Son.” When God’s timing said that now is the time, Jesus entered into the world. Paul reminds his audience that Jesus was born a Jew – “born under law” – who came to redeem his fellow Jews. I wonder if when Paul penned verses like these, if he thought of his former life as Saul and rejoiced in the redeeming work that Jesus had done in his own life. Paul writes of that which he knows firsthand.

Paul notes that when we are redeemed we “receive adoption to sonship.” This leads to each of us receiving the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which reminds us again and again of our family connection to God the Father. Another ‘right’ comes in verse 7: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are God’s child, God has made you also an heir.” Through our redemption we become brothers and sisters in Christ, heirs with and in Christ. To be a brother or sister is to be a part of the family. But to be an heir – what does that mean?

To be an heir means we receive an inheritance. Parts of our inheritance are things like salvation and eternal life. Parts are the peace, love, hope, joy, grace… that we receive and live in every day. And… we also inherit the living example of Jesus Christ. This part of our inheritance calls us to expand the family – to “make disciples of all peoples” is how Jesus put it. We are called to live as Jesus lived, bringing light and love into the world. We are called to do as Jesus did, standing with and caring for the hurting, the suffering, the outcasts. Living in these ways of Jesus, our lives will invite others to seek to be a part of this wonderful family of God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice over being a part of your family. We celebrate and offer thanksgiving for all that this means in our lives. Let us not be content here, Lord. Guide us out into the world, living as Christ’s brothers and sisters, so that others can be welcomed home. Amen.