pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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The Blood of the Lamb

Reading: Exodus 12:11-14

Exodus 12:13 – “The blood will be your sign… Whenever I see the blood, I’ll pass over you.”

We move deeper into the Passover story today. The lamb has been selected, watched over, slain, and roasted. Some of its blood has been placed on the door frames of their houses. The table is set. Beginning in verse 11, instructions are given for how to eat the meal. Equal parts anticipation and readiness, the Israelites are to eat the meal ready to go – sandals on, walking stick in hand. God then tells the Israelites what will happen: “I’ll pass through the land… I’ll strike down every oldest child… both humans and animals.” Knowing this, there must have been great fear and angst in their homes that night. To know that widespread death was occurring just outside your home would’ve been very unnerving. And to know that you and your family were saved by the blood of the lamb – amazing.

God reassures Israel, saying, “The blood will be your sign… Whenever I see the blood, I’ll pass over you.” Death will not visit their homes, families, or livestock. They have been marked by the blood of the lamb. This great act of salvation will be remembered “for all time.” Every year, Passover is celebrated. One of those years, thousands of years after this first one, Jesus and his disciples sat at a table in an upper room, celebrating Passover. Present were the lamb and bitter herbs, the bread and the cup. At this final Passover for Jesus, new instructions were given. His disciples are to remember this gift every time we take the bread and cup. Through the blood of the lamb, through Jesus’ sacrificial death, we are to remember that we are freed from the power of sin and death. The plagues of our day are power, greed, and selfishness. Jesus frees us from all of these, empowering us to live as people of love, grace, welcome, forgiveness, belonging, and community. Through our daily living, we carry the mark of Jesus. Because we bear the mark of Christ, we are saved daily from our sin and we will be saved one day into eternal life. For these acts of salvation, we say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for marking us with the blood of the lamb. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, we become a part of your family. The blood that protects also washes us clean, again and again. And through Jesus’ new, risen life we are shown the way to eternal life. Thank you for making us yours and for keeping us yours. Amen.


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An Act of Salvation

Reading: Exodus 12:1-10

Exodus 12:2 – “This month will be the first month; it will be the first month of the year for you.”

We begin in Exodus 12 this week. Moses has arrived in Egypt, along with Aaron. To this point in the story, nine plagues have occurred. Pharaoh has pondered letting the Israelites go, but God has hardened his heart. This tenth plague is the climax of the story, the final plague. Our story begins with these words: “This month will be the first month; it will be the first month of the year for you.” So important is the Passover, God reconfigures the calendar. From this time forward, the most important act of salvation in the Old Testament will be tied to the beginning of each new year.

Through Moses, God gives instructions to the Israelites. Each household or small group is to take in a perfect lamb and to keep “close watch” over it for four days. On the fourteenth day of the month, they will all slaughter the lamb and place some of its blood around the doors of their homes. This will be a sign for God. The lamb should be roasted and eaten with “unleavened bread and butter herbs.” There will be no leftovers, nothing left behind. All will be burned up. This meal will prepare the people, strengthening them for the journey ahead.

This first Passover meal had a practical side to it. All elements played a role: the perfect lamb, the careful watch, the sign on the doorframes, the physical sustenance, the communal nature of the celebration. Each had meaning in the moment and each had purposes in God’s plans – present and future. As we continue in the story tomorrow, we will develop these connections and purposes.

Prayer: Lord God, there is no other god. You alone are our God. In days of old you freed your people so that they could worship you and walk in your ways. Free us too from all that binds us and keeps us from loving you with all that we are. Thank you for our salvation. Amen.


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Healing Brokenness

Reading: John 9:1-17

John 9:2 – “Rabbi, who sinned so that he was born blind, this man or his parents?”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

Today’s gospel reading begins with an important question and an even more important answer. The disciples ask Jesus about the root causes of a man’s blindness. It is a question wrapped in that culture’s understanding of disease and illness. Because medicine had not yet provided explanations for blindness, skin disease… the assumption was that sin or some other brokenness in the community caused the illness, disease, plague… To be healed or cured was to be restored to community or for the community to return to wholeness.

In answer to their question, Jesus responds that neither the man nor his parents sinned. It was not a grandparent or great grandparent either. The blindness (and its healing) are an opportunity for “God’s mighty works” to be displayed. Being light to the world and to this particular man, Jesus makes some mud, puts it on the man’s eyes, and sends him to wash in the pool of Siloam (which means “sent.”) The man is healed – he can see. There is some disagreement over the healing. There is concern over when the healing happened. We delve into all of this tomorrow as we press on in John 9.

But today, within the context of the community’s wholeness, we wrestle with the brokenness of our world today. In a world that produces enough food to feed itself many times over, why do many go hungry? What sins cause this? In a nation with the best possible medical care, why do many go untreated? What sin causes this? In a place where there are abundant resources and space, why do we refuse to welcome some in? What sins cause this?

Prayer: Lord God, heal our hearts, heal our nation, heal our world. The sins of some cause many to suffer or to live in scarcity. The desire for the pleasures and riches of this world lead some to turn their backs on the sufferings and injustices of our time. Our own sins of omission result in silence and inaction, allowing evil and darkness to reign. Lord, pour your healing love into our hearts. Use us to engage in healing the brokenness of our world, of our communities, and of our lives. Amen.


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Instead…

Reading: Job 20:19-29

Job 20:22 – “Even in their plenty, they are hard-pressed; all sorts of trouble comes on them.”

Today’s reading comes from the book of Job. Much of the content, including today’s, is set in the belief of the day: “God blessed the righteous and punishes the wicked.” In the understanding of the day, there were no exceptions. Zophar, today’s speaker, and Job’s wife and other friends – they cannot begin to fathom the possibility that Job is righteous. Job lost almost everything, therefore Job is a sinner.

In verse 19 Zophar is speaking of “they.” These are the wicked in the land. These are the sinners in the context of the day. These crush and abandon the poor, stealing their houses. These do not know contentment. The constant desire for more leaves their “belly” ever hungry. And what they’ve accumulated, Zophar says, “their riches will not endure.” He adds, “Even in their plenty, they are hard-pressed; all sorts of trouble comes on them.” Yes, there is no true peace or joy, no true contentment for the wicked of this world.

One day, though, Zophar tells us, God will fill the wicked’s bellies with “burning anger.” One day the wicked will enter the “complete darkness” that awaits them. Yes, one day heaven will “expose their guilt” because this is the fate of the wicked. All of this remains true for those who live for self, who trod over others and do not care, who take advantage of the powerless and the marginalized. There is a choice to be made. There is a better way: the way of Christ. Instead of accumulating, we can practice generosity. Instead of running over, we can stand with. Instead of seeking advantage, we can strive to level the playing field for the lowly and the downtrodden. Brothers and sisters in Christ, may it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, turn our hearts away from selfish thoughts, desires, and actions. Turn our hearts towards compassion, generosity, and justice. Use us to stem the tide of evil that plagues our land. Use us as light and love that shines into the darkness and hate. Amen.


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Much Lament

Reading: Ezekiel 27-32

Ezekiel 28:18 – “Therefore, I will bring fire from your midst. When it has consumed you, I will turn you into dust on the earth.”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Most of chapters 27 and 28 are a lament for Tyre. Tyre had it all: beauty, trade, allies, wealth, abundance. Until God took it all away. Their prince was arrogant, saying, “I am God, I rule the seas!” God conceded that his wisdom and discernment were great, making him rich and powerful. But the claim, the pride – too much. Because the prince exalted himself, God declared, “Therefore, I will bring fire from your midst. When it has consumed you, I will turn you into dust on the earth.” At the end of chapter 28 we find a prophecy against Sidon. There will be a plague followed by the sword. Into this land, God will gather Israel. There they will build houses, will plant vineyards, and will live in safety.

Chapters 29-32 bring judgment against Egypt. God will set hooks in the great crocodile, flinging it onto open ground. Egypt is condemned as a “flimsy crutch” that splintered or broke in times of need. Because Pharaoh also claimed divinity – he created and owned the Nile, God will make Egypt an utter ruin – the most ruined place anywhere. God will one day regather Egypt, but it will remain lowly. Nebuchadnezzar will conquer Egypt and carry off its wealth – “wages for his army.”

In chapter 31 God compares Egypt to Assyria – the tallest of trees. There was no equal to Assyria in Eden, God’s garden. And yet Assyria fell, going down to the underworld. Assyria’s allies went along too. Elam and Edom and Sidon are there too – laid among the uncircumcised, those slain by the sword. Many arrogant and evil nations will come to a bitter end. Much Lament will be shared.

Prayer: Lord God, open our ears today to these warnings against being arrogant and greedy and selfish. When we get to thinking we’re king of the roost, remind us that we’re not. Humble us, bring us down to where we should be. Guide us to walk in your will and way. Amen.


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Ends with Hope

Reading: Ezekiel 6-11

Ezekiel 11:19a – “I will give them a single heart, and I will put a new spirit in them.”

Chapter 6 addresses the consequences of Judah’s idolatry outside the temple. God will slay most of these idol worshippers. Some will escape and go into exile. God was “crushed” by the people’s “roving hearts.” They will fall by sword, famine, and plague. Chapter 7 continues this story line. God will judge Judah according to her ways. God won’t shed a tear, won’t show any pity. Those outside Jerusalem will die by the sword. Those inside will die by plague and famine. “Violent intruders” will defile the temple. Then Judah “will know that I am the Lord,” declares God.

Chapters 8-11 contain Ezekiel’s “Temple Vision.” God’s glory is in the temple as his virtual tour begins. Ezekiel is shown “terribly detestable practices” – a huge idol, 70 elders worshipping engravings on the wall, women worshipping a Babylonian god, men bowing to the sun. God then calls the “guardians of the city.” One of the six, the one in linen, is sent out to mark the foreheads of the faithful. The others follow along behind, killing all without the mark. They begin in the sanctuary and move outward from there. Ezekiel questions the depth of the violence. God is holding them accountable.

The guardian in linen is then sent out with fire from the temple chariot. He scatters fire about, burning down the city. The chariot rises up and moves to the threshold of the temple. God’s glory is on the chariot throne. There is a final confrontation with some evil and wicked men. God declares that they will die by the sword. And then God offers hope.

The exiles will be gathered back. God says, “I will give them a single heart, and I will put a new spirit in them.” Israel will be obedient. God will be their God. Then the chariot leaves, flying east towards Babylon. The vision ends and Ezekiel tells the exiles all that God has shown him. The story ends with hope. Our story does too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are almighty and all-powerful. You are just and righteous. Just as you held Judah accountable, so too do you hold us accountable. So God, create in each of us a single heart, a heart fully aligned with you. Pour your Spirit into our hearts, leading and guiding us to walk faithfully with you. Be our God. Make us into your people. Amen.


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God Has Spoken

Reading: Ezekiel 1-5

Ezekiel 3:4 and 7 – “Human one, go! Go to the house of Israel and speak my words to them… they will refuse to listen to you because they refuse to listen to me.”

The book of Ezekiel begins with the prophet in exile. He was brought to Babylon in the first wave of exiles, five years before the fall of Jerusalem. On his 30th birthday he is called by God to speak God’s word to these hardheaded and hard-hearted people. If not for exile, Ezekiel would’ve begun his formal duty as a priest in the temple on this day. He sees a vision – four magnificent creatures, each with four spinning wheels. Above them is a dome with a throne. On the throne is the glory of God. Ezekiel can feel God’s power and might in this scene.

God commissions Ezekiel to be the prophet to Israel, saying, “Human one, go! Go to the house of Israel and speak my words to them… they will refuse to listen to you because they refuse to listen to me.” God prepared Ezekiel, hardening his face so that he can speak to these rebellious people. God appoints Ezekiel as a lookout. His duty is to warn the people – no more, no less. Obedience falls on them. Or punishment for disobedience. God declares to Ezekiel that the prophet will speak when God speaks and will be silent when God is silent.

Chapters 4 and 5 describe Jerusalem’s fate using “sign acts.” These vivid visuals have a strong impact, amplifying his message. First, Ezekiel depicts the coming siege on Jerusalem. He then lies on his left side for 390 days then on his right side for 40 days – one day for each year of Israel’s and Judah’s rebellion, respectively. Ezekiel then makes bread from scraps. He eats and drinks a small ration of bread and water each day, representing the famine that will befall Jerusalem. The prophet then shaved his head and beard and divides the hair into thirds. He burns the first third. One third of Jerusalem will die by famine and plague. Ezekiel cuts up the next third. One third will die by the sword. Lastly, he scatters one third to the wind. The last third of Jerusalem will be taken into exile. The few strands in his pocket represent the very small remnant that will be left behind. When all of this literally happens to Judah, then God’s “anger will be complete.” Then Israel and Judah will know that God has spoken.

Prayer: Lord God, what a call and what a way to show your people what is about to happen to Jerusalem and Judah. These images raise up a level of awe and fear of you. It is good to recognize your power and might and justice. Help us to see the signs and to hear the words of warning and correction that you speak into our lives today. Soften our too often hard hearts and pry open our too regularly closed ears. Amen.


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Hope Even Then

Readings: Jeremiah 21-24

Jeremiah 23:3 – “I myself will gather the few remaining sheep from all the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back.”

Today’s words from Jeremiah and God are mostly addressed to the kings and priests – the leaders. Zedekiah asks Jeremiah to go to God on their behalf because Nebuchadnezzar is besieging the city. God’s response is that God will join in the fight against Zedekiah and Jerusalem. God will send a plague, destroying them from within the city. They are told that surrender is the only way to live. Almost all will die instead.

Jeremiah elevates the correct behavior of kings. Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the oppressed. Don’t mistreat the refugee, immigrant, orphan, or widow. Don’t spill innocent blood. Defend the rights of the poor and needy. Care well for the flock. Be fresh, good figs. Instead, the leaders chose to be evil, selfish, greedy, willful. God’s efforts will join theirs in scattering the flock.

Jeremiah also addresses the priests or “prophets.” They are telling lies and selling false security. They commit adultery with idols and teach in the name of Baal. God declares them no better than Sodom – a city completely destroyed by God because of their sin. The prophets have “destroyed the very word of God.” They too will join the kings and other leaders in exile, becoming objects of disgrace and shame.

We also find hope within these oracles and judgments. God still longs for the people to know and to love God. God’s love for them remains strong and steadfast. In 23:3 we read, “I myself will gather the few remaining sheep from all the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back.” Thanks be to God for unfailing mercy and unending grace.

Prayer: Lord God, I am grateful for your standards and expectations. You call us to justice and righteousness, to mercy and compassion. You call us to love all people. You ask us to be who you are. It is good. Amen.


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The Lord Gave…

Readings: 1st Chronicles 17, 1st Chronicles 18, 1st Chronicles 19, 1st Chronicles 20, 1st Chronicles 21, 1st Chronicles 22:1

1st Chronicles 18:14 – “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

As we continue in 1st Chronicles we read mostly familiar stories. They maintain the core content of what we read back in 2nd Samuel. But the chronicler also makes changes and he or she omits content, always for a purpose. In general, the chronicler elevates the good side of David while downplaying or even omitting content that portrays David’s sinful side.

We begin today’s readings with the story of David’s desire to build God a house. Instead, God says David’s house will be built into a dynasty. David’s son will build the temple and God will love him always. There is no mention of the human rod that God will use to discipline Solomon and other future disobedient kings.

Several wars and battles come next. Some are engagements that Israel initiated and others are defensive in nature. These battles secure David’s borders far in all directions. We often read this about the victories that the Lord gave David: “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” God was with David in other ways too. The Lord gave him the desire and ability to lead well. In 18:14 we read, “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.” David is a good king. During this time of war, in 2nd Samuel we find the story of Bathsheba…

In chapter 21 a “heavenly adversary” tempts David into taking a census. This is a prideful act. Written 200 years after the exile, Judaism has developed a concept of the “satan.” This concept was not even a thought when 2nd Samuel was written – near the end of David’s life. God is justly offended by the census and offers David a choice of three punishments. David chooses the plague because God’s hand may show mercy. 70,000 die. As the plague nears Jerusalem, at Ornan’s threshing floor, God stays the messenger’s sword. David, not knowing this, offers up his own life for the lives of “these sheep.” David shows the same mercy God has shown. The Lord gave David a heart after God’s own heart. He is led to buy Ornan’s threshing floor and there sacrifices an offering upon the altar that he built. The messenger’s sword is sheathed. This place will be the site of the temple Solomon will build.

Prayer: Lord God, you generously gave to David – strength, guidance, wisdom, mercy, compassion. Lord, give us these same gifts as well so that we may honor you with the faithful living of our lives. Give us the desire to love you with our whole hearts. Amen.


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Unrest Around Every Corner

Readings: 2nd Samuel 20, 2nd Samuel 21, 2nd Samuel 22, 2nd Samuel 23, 2nd Samuel 24

2nd Samuel 22:31 – “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Trouble begins our reading and makes frequent appearances throughout. Sheba tries to lead Israel away from David. Only one clan joins his revolt. In the pursuit, Joab kills Amasa, eliminating a rival. In the end, Sheba is beheaded by the people of Abel. Next a famine falls upon the land. It is connected to Saul’s treachery against the Gibeonites. David inquires of the Lord, who sends him to them. The price to fix this wrong is set at seven sons of Saul. They are offered up by the Gibeonites as the blood price for Saul’s sin. Rizpah, the mother of two of the seven, mourns day and night for months, keeping guard over their bodies. This moves David. He reburied Saul and Jonathan in the ancestral grave of Saul’s family.

War and battles with the Philistines continues to be the norm. After a close call David is told he will never go into battle again. This is one hint that chapters 21-24 were written or at least take place before Absalom’s rebellion. David offers a Psalm of praise in chapter 22. God is his rock, fortress, rescuer, salvation. God hears his cries. God rewards David’s righteousness and integrity. God shows faithful love to God’s anointed. He then offers some “last words” about covenant and dynasty.

Then there is a list of David’s warriors along with some of their feats. Then 2nd Samuel closes with another sin and its consequences. A census is ordered. Joab questions this. David overrules him. Pride is at play in David’s heart. After the census David feels guilty and he repents. The prophet Gad is sent to David with three choices of consequences. David chooses the plague, trusting God’s mercy over what human hands might do. After 70,000 die, David cries out and God relents. Gad instructs David to buy a threshing floor at the place the plague stopped. He does so, building an altar and offering sacrifices. The plague ends. Yet unrest lies just around the next corner as we turn to 1st Kings tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God, unrest and turmoil and violence continue to be the norm. This feels like our world today. Yet here and there your love and goodness poke through – in a mother’s love, in your mercy, in David’s faithfulness. In the midst of the trials and sufferings of our world, remind us again and again of your love, mercy, and goodness. And, Lord, use us as conduits of these things in our world too, reminding others of your presence here with us. Amen.