pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: peace


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A Solid Foundation

Readings: 1st Chronicles 28, 1st Chronicles 29

1st Chronicles 28:9c: – “If you seek God, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever.”

As we close 1st Chronicles we close the story of David’s reign. Who and what David was and much of what he did will live in through Solomon and through the construction of the temple. The peace and prosperity that Solomon and Israel will enjoy are also byproducts of David’s life and legacy.

David gathers all Israel to Jerusalem. He begins by explaining why Solomon will build the temple: David has shed too much blood. He reminds the people that God chose him as king and declares that God has chosen Solomon as the next king. We once again read the call to obedience. This time it is summed up this way: “If you seek God, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever.” David then gives Solomon the plans for the temple. These plans include both the building plans for the physical temple and the plans for ordering and administrating the temple. David is thorough.

Turning the focus to Solomon, David tells him to be “strong and courageous.” He tells him to get to work. David tells him that there is nothing to fear – God is with him. All is ready. David then gives generously from his own personal wealth. He then challenges the leaders to do the same. Their “wholehearted and willing” generosity inspired the people to rejoice. David then blesses the Lord, recognizing first God’s power and might. He then acknowledges that all comes from God. He rejoices in their choice to return some as a blessing to God.

A great celebration follows. Solomon is crowned and, according to the chronicler, “All Israel obeyed him.” David does, having lived well, having provided well for the future. I wonder, are we as intentional about living this way? Do we live in such a way that we die well, leaving a solid foundation for those who will follow?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the great reminder today. David saw beyond himself and worked hard and gave generously for that future. David set a great example. Use us too as good, faithful, generous examples for others. And maybe most importantly, David knew that all he had – all Israel had – were gifts from you. Grant us this perspective too. All is yours. Lead us to treat our lives and all that we have and are this way. Amen.


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Antidotes

Readings: 1st Kings 1, 1st Kings 2, 1st Kings 3, 1st Kings 4

1st Kings 2:3 – “Guard what is owed to the LORD your God, walking in his ways and observing his laws… commands… judgments… testimonies.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As 1st Kings opens David is failing. A beautiful young woman, Abishag, is brought in to care for David. Sensing an opportunity, Adonijah gathers support from Joab the general and Abiathar the priest and declares himself king. Nathan and Bathsheba respond quickly to establish Solomon as the king. David makes it happen. Adonijah’s support disappears.

David then speaks to Solomon. He instructs him to be strong. He then instructs him to be faithful, saying, “Guard what is owed to the LORD your God, walking in his ways and observing his laws… commands… judgments… testimonies.” Obey God and it will go well. Oh, and by the way, take care of Joab and Shimei. David then dies and Solomon follows orders. Adonijah asks to marry Abishag. This potential power move costs him his life as Benaiah murders him. Abiathar is then banished from the priesthood and from Jerusalem. Eli’s family is now fully removed. Joab dies next, also at Benaiah’s hands. Shimei is placed under house arrest. After two years he breaks his pledge and also pays with his life.

In chapter 3 God comes to Solomon in a dream and says, “Ask whatever you wish.” After remembering God’s loyalty and kindness to his father, Solomon acknowledges that he is young, inexperienced, and doesn’t know it all. So he asks God for a discerning mind to govern well. God is pleased. Solomon will be abundantly wise. Plus he will have fame and riches. And a very long life – if he is obedient to God. Solomon’s wisdom is demonstrated in the case of the two prostitutes. News of his wisdom grows and spreads.

Chapter 4 marks the high point of Solomon’s reign. His administration is vast. The population explodes and life is good. They eat, drink, and celebrate and there is peace. Abundance is the word of the day. It is also the other edge of the sword. It can lead to dangerous places. It can be a trap for us as well. Humility and obedience to God are the antidotes.

Prayer: Lord God, things are going great for Solomon – if one overlooks the murder and revenge and the accumulation of great overabundance. We know the dangers and trappings of these things. Yet we can also struggle with them. So, Lord, guide us by the power of your Holy Spirit; keep our focus on you and on walking in your ways. Help us to be strong and to be faithful. Amen.


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Finding God

Readings: 1st Samuel 4, 1st Samuel 5, 1st Samuel 6, 1st Samuel 7

1st Samuel 5:11 – “Send the chest of Israel’s God away! Let it go back to its own home so it doesn’t kill us and our people.”

Have you ever been around someone who has said something like, “I feel like we should say a prayer or something?” This thought reminds me of Israel at this point in their story. They have a vague notion of God but have no clue about how to really connect to the Lord. As the battle with the Philistines goes badly, they wonder why God would let this happen. But instead of praying or doing anything else that might connect them to God, they decide to bring the ark of the covenant to the next battle. This battle turns out worse. 30,000 die, the ark is captured, and Hophni and Phinehas die. This news causes Eli to fall over dead.

The ark brings nothing but trouble to the Philistines. They put it in their temple and their god Dagon falls over. They set it aright and the next morning it’s toppled again, this time missing its head and hands. The hand of God brings tumors on the people. Finally the Philistines say, “Send the chest of Israel’s God away! Let it go back to its own home so it doesn’t kill us and our people.” The Philistines even include an offering to honor God. At this point they know God better than the Israelites know God. The ark is received back. Time passes and Israel begins to long for God. Something is beginning to stir in their hearts.

Samuel calls the people back to God. He tells them to get rid of their idols and foreign gods. They gather with Samuel at Mizpah. Samuel draws and pours out water. They fast and confess their sins. And the Philistines gather an army. Israel is afraid. They look to Samuel. He prays to God and makes an offering. God brings Israel the victory. Samuel sets up an Ebenezer – a stone of remembering. There is peace. Samuel rules as a judge. All seems well…

Prayer: Lord God, today I’m reminded of how life seems to go when we go it on our own versus walking with you. When I’m tempted to sort of seek you, call me out. Remind me that it is my whole heart, soul, and mind that you seek. Pour those temptations out like water and draw me to the rock of faith that is a sure foundation. Amen.


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Again and Again

Readings: Joshua 3:7-31, Joshua 4, Joshua 5

Joshua 3:15 – “Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD. So the LORD raised up a deliverer for them.”

Photo credit: Sophie Walker

Today’s readings establish the cycle that we find in Judges: Israel sins, God’s anger leads to foreign oppression, Israel cries out, God raises up a judge, Israel wins the battle, peace returns. As today’s reading begins the people worship other gods. Eight years of oppression comes. The people cry out and God raises up Othniel. God is with him and he leads Israel to victory. There is then 40 years of peace – until Othniel dies.

Sin and then oppression return. After 18 years Israel cries out. God sends Ehud. He assassinates Moab’s king and then leads Israel to victory. There is peace for 80 years. During this time Shamgar rescues Israel from the Philistines. Ehud dies and sin returns. Oppression lasts 20 years. Sisera and his 900 iron chariots cruelly oppress Israel. They cry out and God raises up Deborah, one of only four female prophets in all of the Old Testament. She sends word to Barak, who has apparently heard God’s call but won’t act. He agrees to lead the army – if Deborah comes along. She agreed but foretells the honor of victory going to a woman.

Barak leads 10,000 soldiers drawn from Zebulun and Naphtali, the main areas of oppression. God gives them the victory. Sisera flees on foot and finds refuge in Jael’s tent. He falls asleep, exhausted, and Jael kills Sisera, driving a tent stake through his head. The enemy commander dead, Israel wins a complete victory.

In chapter 5 we read “Deborah’s Song.” It is really a duet with Barak. The song recalls the troubles and the victories. The tribes that did not help are questioned – where were you? God is credited for the victory – along with Jael. Sisera’s mother longs for his return. There will be peace for another 40 years.

As I consider the cycle that we see today and will see again and again, I acknowledge that this is a cycle I am familiar with personally. I am grateful for the grace that Israel also experienced over and over.

Prayer: Lord God, at first I think, how can Israel go there again and again? And then I realize I do too. That pride, that desire for control, just to name a couple O God, they keep coming round. God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, guide me past these sins that entrap me over and over. God, I need you in this battle. Amen.


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Bringing the Good News

Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

Verse 7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace… who proclaim salvation.”

Photo credit: Gary Butterfield

Our Isaiah 52 passed is viewed through our New Testament lens as a passage about Jesus. These words certainly “fit” Jesus and the ministry that he offered to his world. The good news of Jesus Christ brought peace to the afflicted and troubled. It brought salvation from those things that kept people bound up and outside of community and wholeness. As disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to share this same good news with our world.

In today’s Disciplines devotional Cherisna Jean-Marie writes this: “Peace is a human right that comes only when justice is realized” (page 428.) In the devo she shares many injustices – police brutality and violence, immoral elected officials, the inequity of pay for the same job. I could add hunger and poverty, discrimination, and unequal health care and education to her list. You could probably add to the list too. None of these things are things that Jesus would’ve tolerated.

In our status quo world we mistakenly think peace is the absence of unrest or other disturbance. At school a few years ago some of my classmates and I were walking to get frozen custard. Suddenly sirens blared and tires screeched and two officers jumped out of their car in pursuit of two teenage skateboarders. All but one of us craned our necks to watch the pursuit. A bit later, as we ate our custard, one of the white, middle class students began to push back against the BLM movement prevalent at the time and on campus. To help him and most of us understand, my friend Will shared that while we were craning our necks, his first instinct was to run. Although a straight-A student who had never had a run-in with the police, “run!” was his first instinct. He grew up in the city. My eyes were opened.

This is just one example that helped me to realize that many injustices exist, even though they are outside of my little world. Just because there are currently no major protests in our cities – it doesn’t mean many people’s first instinct isn’t to run. Again, this is just one example of many ways that our world is unjust. Without total justice there can be no true peace. Without justice there is a need for salvation. May we be the hands and feet and voices that bring the good news to all people.

Prayer: Lord God, open my eyes to the injustices in my neighborhood and community. Help me to see and feel where there is no peace. Move me, O God of justice, to be your voice, your hands, your feet, your heart in bringing about a world where all people experience your salvation and fullness of life. Amen.


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The One True God

Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7

Verse 6: “And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Just over a week ago at youth group, one of our kids asked about the difference between God and the gods of the Greeks, Romans… It is a good place to begin today’s thoughts on Isaiah 9. The gods were limited and they were flawed. Each god was a god of something – war, love, rain, fertility… The gods fought with one another, played cruel tricks on humanity, sometimes had evil intents. These false gods, however, did not cease to exist with the Romans or whoever. They have new names today – wealth, popularity, beauty… – but they continue to lead us away from the one true God. Pursuing these gods limits our ability to fully be who we were created to be. Allowing these gods to drive our decisions and actions yields flawed results in our lives.

God is unlimited and is perfect. In God there is no darkness or evil. God has only good plans for us. God is everywhere and is always present. In today’s passage Isaiah identifies the coming son as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” God incarnate, in the flesh, is all of this and so much more. In our times of indecision and struggle, God gives us wonderful counsel and guidance. In our times of weakness and uncertainty, God gives us mighty strength and holy wisdom. In our times of frailty and humanity, God reminds us that he who was and is and always will be is right there with us in that moment. And in the storms and valleys, God covers us in peace and hope and walks right there by our side.

Today we rejoice in our God who upholds and establishes us. Thanks be to our God who both reigns forever and is present right here in our hearts.

Prayer: Lord God, these titles that we find in Isaiah are so true in so many ways. Yet they are just a small part of who and what you are to and for us. Thank you for your total love and for your complete care for us, your children. Amen.


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A Holy Kiss

Reading: Psalm 85:8-13

Verse 10: “Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.”

Our second half of Psalm 85 with promises of peace, salvation, and the glory of the Lord. What wonderful words for the people to hear. God has felt absent for a while now. To beg for God’s presence and to hear these words in response – what hope! Embedded in these words are also things that the people must live out. They must return to being God’s people, fearing the Lord by living lives that honor and adhere to God’s will and ways. The relationship is not one-way.

The Psalm pivots in verse 10. Here we read, “Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.” The coming together of these four qualities of God are sealed with a kiss. In our time, this is no longer a common practice or gesture. This kiss, one gentle expression of friendship, love, and peace, was a greeting between close friends and family. This kiss was tender and vulnerable. This kiss expressed genuine affection and it welcomed both parties back into intimate relationship.

Today’s equivalent may be the handshake and the hug. My wife and I went to a reunion of sorts last night. It was folks who had taught and worked together at a school that closed at the end of 2012. There were some folks I waved to and smiled at from across the room. Some I shook hands with and then we shared in small talk. A side hug was the greeting that was used. We shared in a bit deeper conversation about our lives. For many, the hug was embracing and lasted a few seconds. The conversation thereafter was genuine and deep, bringing us right back to 2012 and then up to last night. In today’s text, that is the holy kiss shared between God and God’s people. May that be how we greet God as we open our Bibles, as we bow our heads, as we worship, and as we engage God’s world.

Prayer: Lord God, each time that we draw near to you, may it be filled with genuine affection and deep love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. And as we go from our time together, may these be the fragrance and outpouring of our lives, drawing others towards you. Amen.


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Generously and Graciously

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 9:6-15

Verse 13: “Men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ.”

On this Thanksgiving Day we read Paul’s words about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ “generously.” I wonder, is that how others would describe the way you and I live out the great commission to make disciples of all peoples?

Paul used a farming analogy to encourage how we answer that question about how we share the good news. He begins by telling us that if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. A seed here and a seed there may produce a few plants. But we’re looking for a crop. A seedling here and there soon withers and dies. A crop grows to produce a harvest. Half-hearted or lukewarm or reluctant sharing of the good news will not result in a bumper crop. Non-believers must feel the intensity of our Jesus relationship. They must come to know that Jesus is the source of the love and grace and hope and peace and… that they feel and see when they encounter you and me.

We’re also reminded that we do not work alone. God supplies all that we need to sow seeds of faith generously in the world. Equipped by God, our task is to “abound in every good work.” When we live out our faith in this way, then “Men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ.” This can be our truth every day.

May we generously and graciously share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all that we meet. Doing so we will draw others to Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, as we respond to your call to be sharers of the gospel, may your hand nurture the seeds we plant. As we bear witness to your love and grace with our lives, may your power produce an abundant crop for the transformation of the world. Amen.


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Actively Using our Gifts

Reading: Matthew 25:14-18

Verse 14: “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.”

This week’s parable begins, “Again, it will be like…” The ‘again’ refers to Jesus’ continuing teaching on the kingdom of heaven. That’s the ‘it’ in these opening words. The prior parable was all about keeping awake and being prepared. That is step one in our Christian journey. As Jesus continues, we get to step two.

In today’s text a man is “going on a journey.” Jesus is offering words of instruction to his followers. Right now the disciples are mostly watching Jesus. One day he’ll go and they will be the ones tasked with sharing the good news, healing a broken world… This task falls to each new generation of Christ followers.

The man in our parable gives each servant some talents or money. The amounts varied – “each according to his [or her] ability.” While there are no instructions given, the implication is that they will use this gift in accordance with their ability or giftedness. There are a few layers to this part of the parable. When Jesus departed this world he gifted the disciples with the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence leads and guides and teaches his followers. As we enter into a relationship with Jesus, we too receive this gift. The second gifting comes in the love, hope, peace, joy, forgiveness, grace… that we receive from the Lord. Our third gifting is our particular talents as nurses, teachers, parents, accountants, coaches… The implication of the parable applies to us in all of these layers. We are to use all of these gifts for the building up of the kingdom of God. So the question is this: Are we actively using our giftedness for God’s glory?

Prayer: Lord God, you’ve given me much – unconditional love, unending grace, undeserved forgiveness… As I know these more and more, guide me to use and share them more and more. You’ve blessed me with the gifts of teaching and serving. Employ these too to build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Alert and Ready

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:1-6

Verse 2: “You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

This week’s Epistle reading continues with the themes of holy living and being ready for Christ’s return. Chapter 5 in 1st Thessalonians begins with Paul reminding the faithful in Thessalonica that they don’t need to know “dates and times” because they are ready. He also reminds them, “You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” If you are not ready already, Paul says to us, then it will be too late. The thief will take you unaware.

Paul continues, telling the church that those who are saying and living in what they think is “peace and safety” will suddenly experience “destruction.” Many people in Thessalonica, including some of the religious leaders, were cozying up to the Romans. Because of this relationship, these folks did enjoy a certain level of privilege and prosperity. In these things of the world they felt a sense of peace and safety. There are many in our world today and even some in the arena of religion who feel a sense of security and safety in their wealth and status and in their connections to those with political power. Paul is warning against the entanglements of such relationships.

Instead Paul encourages the believers to be “alert and self-controlled.” Be aware of the dangers of these entanglements. Live as children of the light and as “sons of the day” so that the coming of the Lord will not surprise them. Live out your trust and faith in the Lord Jesus. Do not trust in the things and ways of the world. This focus and trust in Christ leads to holy living and to a daily readiness to stand face to face with the king of kings and lord of lords. May we too choose to walk daily in faith, always ready for the day of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, there are so many voices that tell us to put our lives in the hands of other things – popularity, success, wealth, status… All of these voices are one form or another of darkness. This path leads to destruction. Lead us to trust in you alone and to invest time and energy into our relationship with you. Guide us to walk and live as children of the light. Amen.