pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: peace


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God Is Still God

Readings: Psalms 73-75

‭Psalm 74:1 – “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?”

Psalm 73 faces a reality that we all deal with from time to time. The psalmist envies the wealth and blessings of the wicked. The psalmist states, “I’ve kept my heart pure for no good reason.” He feels as if he stayed innocent for nothing – except to be weighed down by hard work. We can feel this way. We can question if holding onto our faith is really worth it. We can be jealous of what others have: wealth, power, health, popularity. The psalmist then enters the sanctuary. He prayed. He understood that the wicked will perish and that God is always with him. He declares that God is “my heart rock and my share forever.” Hallelujah!

Communal tragedy has struck in Psalm 74. The enemy has won, the temple is burned down, no prophet is left. The psalmist asks the “how long?” question: “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?” A shift comes in verse 12. Remembered are the mighty works of God’s hand. The psalmist calls on God to remember the covenant. He cries out, “God, rise up! Make your case!” Prove to us and to the world that God is still God.

Psalm 75 closes today’s readings. It “balances” Psalms 73 and 74. It is a promise that God’s justice will come. It is a reminder that God will bring this person down (the wicked) and that God will raise up that person (the righteous.) It is a Psalm that trusts deeply in who and what God is and will be. May we too live righteous lives, trusting in our God of justice and righteousness.

Prayer: Lord God, when our flesh longs for the things of this world, remind us of your everlasting love. When envy or jealousy rises up in our hearts, remind us that you are a jealous God. And when tragedy strikes, remind us of your peace that passes all understanding. Lead us to rest and trust in you. Amen.


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God Is Still God

Readings: Psalms 73-75

‭Psalm 74:1 – “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?”

Psalm 73 faces a reality that we all deal with from time to time. The psalmist envies the wealth and blessings of the wicked. The psalmist states, “I’ve kept my heart pure for no good reason.” He feels as if he stayed innocent for nothing – except to be weighed down by hard work. We can feel this way. We can question if holding onto our faith is really worth it. We can be jealous of what others have: wealth, power, health, popularity. The psalmist then enters the sanctuary. He prayed. He understood that the wicked will perish and that God is always with him. He declares that God is “my heart rock and my share forever.” Hallelujah!

Communal tragedy has struck in Psalm 74. The enemy has won, the temple is burned down, no prophet is left. The psalmist asks the “how long?” question: “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?” A shift comes in verse 12. Remembered are the mighty works of God’s hand. The psalmist calls on God to remember the covenant. He cries out, “God, rise up! Make your case!” Prove to us and to the world that God is still God.

Psalm 75 closes today’s readings. It “balances” Psalms 73 and 74. It is a promise that God’s justice will come. It is a reminder that God will bring this person down (the wicked) and that God will raise up that person (the righteous.) It is a Psalm that trusts deeply in who and what God is and will be. May we too live righteous lives, trusting in our God of justice and righteousness.

Prayer: Lord God, when our flesh longs for the things of this world, remind us of your everlasting love. When envy or jealousy rises up in our hearts, remind us that you are a jealous God. And when tragedy strikes, remind us of your peace that passes all understanding. Lead us to rest and trust in you. Amen.


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Listen, Save, Deliver

Readings: Psalms 37-41

‭Psalm 37:37 – “Observe those who have integrity and watch those whose heart is right because the future belongs to persons of peace.”

As we close our Book 1, today’s Psalms have a more personal, more intimate feel. Psalm 37 lifts up the life of righteousness. I love verse 3: “Trust the Lord and do good… farm righteousness.” What a great image – plant it, water it, feed it, tend it, nurture it, produce a crop. There’s an honest admission in verse 23: the righteous will trip up. But they won’t be thrown down because God holds their hand! We find great advice in verse 37: “Observe those who have integrity and watch those whose heart is right because the future belongs to persons of peace.” And let us tend to the other side of this equation too: may we model the faith well; may we be persons of peace in this world.

Psalms 38-41 all share connected themes. They speak of the consequences of our sin, of God’s forgiveness, and of the brevity of life. In Psalm 38 the writer acknowledges that the weight of our sin is “way too heavy for me.” Psalms 38 and 41 speak of how people abandon us when we struggle in our sin. In Psalm 40 their wrongdoings have caught up with them. We too have played this game. Psalm 41 begs for healing from their sin. These Psalms also express a strong belief and trust in God’s forgiveness and restoration. There is a deep confidence in God’s unconditional love. Psalm 40 closes with these words: “You are my help and rescuer. My God, don’t wait any longer.” Save me NOW!

Sitting in the middle is Psalm 39. It is a reflection on the brevity and difficulty of life. The psalmist tried holding their tongue to avoid sinning. It did no good. Sin resides in not just our words. The psalmist compares our lives to “a puff of air.” Our blip is just that on God’s eternal timeline. Yet, even so, the psalmist says to God, “Please don’t ignore my tears.” They matter to us, each day. God, don’t ignore our tears either. Listen to our cry. Deliver us, O God.

Prayer: Lord God, what are we, really, that you are mindful of us? Our lives come and go with a blinking of your eye. Yet from our perspective, our years hold meaning. Moments and seasons matter. Teach us to value our time, to use it wisely, to live it all for your glory. Be our helper and rescuer, O God. Hold our hand. Walk with us each of our days. Amen.


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As Long As You…

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 14, 2nd Chronicles 15, 2nd Chronicles 16

2nd Chronicles 15:2 – “The LORD is with you as long as you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but…”

Photo credit: Marcel Eberle

Asa’s reign fills chapters 14-16. Asa is a good king who seeks to walk in God’s ways and to lead Judah to do the same. Good, however, is not perfect. Following Abijah’s kingship and his sound defeat of Israel, Asa experiences 10 years of peace to begin his reign. He removes all of the foreign altars, shrines, pillars, and poles. He builds fortified cities to strengthen Judah.

After 10 years the Cushites come against Judah. They outnumber Judah almost 2:1. Asa turns to God, asking God to help the weak. He declares their reliance on God. The Lord strikes the Cushites and Judah wins a great victory. Judah collects a great amount of loot and plunder.

It is at this high point that the prophet Azariah comes. He begins by saying, “The LORD is with you as long as you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but…” We know what comes after that “but…” Azariah closes this word from God with an encouragement to be brave, to not lose heart. This word leads Asa to remove all idols. All Judah gathers, joyfully and wholeheartedly entering into a covenant with God. They declare that those who refuse to seek God will be out to death.

In Asa’s 35th year Israel attacks. Asa seeks an alliance with Aram instead of seeking God. Aram attacks Israel, ending that threat. But Hanani the seer comes with bad news. Because Asa did not seek God, war will now be the norm. In anger Asa throws Hanani in jail and takes his anger out on “some other people.” What a far cry this is from repentance.

Asa’s reign ends with continued disobedience. Good but not perfect – just like us. In illness Asa seeks help from doctors instead of from God. In our times of need, where do we turn other than the Lord?

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to be faithful and obedient, help us to remove the shrines and idols that we set up in our lives. Give us the bravery and the faith to remove these other gods. Fill us with your Holy Spirit power so that we can confidently rely on you alone. Strengthen and encourage us in our times of need. Amen.


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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.