pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: penetrate


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Grasp the Anchor of Hope

Reading: Hebrews 4-6

Hebrews 5:9 – “After he has been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for everyone who obeys him.”

Chapter 4 begins with the hope that those without faith won’t miss out on eternal rest. This hope is grounded in faith, rooted in obedience. The Israelites were disobedient and didn’t enter their rest (the Promised Land.) But the promise is still open to God’s people. The author of Hebrews encourages all to become obedient so that all can enter into God’s rest (heaven.)

Next the writer of Hebrews declares that God’s word is great. It is “active, living, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” It penetrates us to our core, judging our thoughts and actions, leaving us “naked and exposed” to the Lord. Yet we are not condemned. We have a great high priest that sympathizes with our weakness. Christ, though without sin, was tempted in every way. Therefore we can draw near to Christ, confident that we will receive mercy and grace.

Hebrews then turns to a call to spiritual maturity. They are drinking milk now. Solid food is for the mature in faith. When they (or we) turn away from Christ, it is like crucifying Jesus again. So, the author says, let’s press on, leaning into the “better things,” making every effort to make our hope sure. Take refuge in Christ, grasp the hope that he gives. It is “a safe and secure anchor for our whole being.” May this be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, be our source of hope and strength. Guide us into faithful obedience to you alone. When we are tempted may the sword of your truth, the Spirit, cut through our temptations, securing the hope we have in you. Amen.


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More and More God’s People

Readings: Nehemiah 8, Nehemiah 9, Nehemiah 10

Nehemiah 9:33 – “You have been just in all that has happened to us; you have acted faithfully, and we have done wrong.”

The people gather to have Ezra read the instruction scroll to them. Men, women, and children old enough to understand gathered. There is a real sense that this represents the whole community. Ezra reads for about six hours and then the Levites go out amongst the people to explain the reading. The people begin to weep. But Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites tell them not to weep – this day is holy. It is a day of great celebration.

The next day they gather again. Ezra reads about the Feast of Booths. The people make booths, remembering Israel’s time in the wilderness. This hasn’t been celebrated since the days of Joshua. Ezra reads for seven days. The Levites interpret. On the eighth day they put on “funeral clothes” and they fast. They confess their sins and the past sins of Israel. Then they worship God.

Most of chapter 9 is a beautiful retelling of the highlights of Israel’s history. The Levites go from creation to Abram and the covenant to the plagues… and right up to their own time. The cycle of sin, punishment, crying out occurs several times. Each time is followed by God’s mercy, patience, and faithfulness. Verse 33 is a great summary statement: “You have been just in all that has happened to us; you have acted faithfully, and we have done wrong.”

All of Israel then makes a written and sealed agreement – a covenant – to be faithful and obedient to God. They will be holy and set apart. They will honor the Sabbath and they will support the temple. The direction is set. Israel will be God’s people once again.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this beautiful picture of a faithful and committed family of God. Your word penetrated hearts and transformed them. As we read and study your word may we too be transformed. Make us more and more into who and what you want us to be. Amen.


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Sees All, Knows All

Reading: Hebrews 4: 12-13

Verse 13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.”

Photo credit: Hermes Rivera

So far this week we have read about Job and David coming before God, offering bold prayers. There was lament in their prayers. But there was also a recognition that God could act or intervene on their behalf in restorative ways. Both also struggle to sense God’s presence. In today’s passage we read, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” We know this is true. Job and David were bold approaching God knowing this truth as well. Can we approach with such boldness? Or do we have parts of ourselves that we do not really want God to see?

In Hebrews we read that the word of God is “active and alive… penetrating” and that it “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Job and David felt alone; they could not sense God’s presence. Here in the New Testament we read that God sees and knows all things, that the word of God judges our thoughts and attitudes. Nothing is hidden from God. Then why do we try to hide some things or feel unable to bring all things to God in prayer? It is not because we do not want to “lay bare” these things to God – God already sees and knows them! To take these things before God fully exposed them in our own hearts and minds. What then?! What then do we do with these ongoing struggles within, with these parts of ourselves that are not pleasing to God?

We begin by bringing them to God, by admitting our failures and shortcomings to ourselves and to God. We allow the living and active word of God to penetrate and separate us from the things of this world that we so closely cling to. We commit to turning from these things in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We pledge ourselves to a deeper walk of faith in and through Jesus Christ. Yes, God knows and sees all things. A faithful walk begins with a humble and repentant heart. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: God of all creation, make my heart right today. Draw out of me those things that hinder my walk with you. Empower me to admit them to myself so that the work of rooting them out may begin. Strengthen me for this hard work. Amen.