pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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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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A Sad Saga – Then and Now

Reading: Jeremiah 1-4

Jeremiah 3:11 – “Then the LORD said to me: Unfaithful Israel is less guilty than disloyal Judah.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Jeremiah begins with context. He ministered to Judah in the years that led up to the exile. The prophet has been claimed since the womb. Even so he tried to evade the call: I’m too young. God says, no, you’ll go where I send you and you’ll say what I tell you. And, don’t be afraid. Prepare for battle, but don’t fear, I’ll be with you. Judah’s sins are laid out. They’ve abandoned God, they worship idols, they think they can save themselves.

In chapter 2 God longs for what could have been. Israel followed God in the wilderness and entered the land of plenty. But they turned away, rebelled, chose Baal over God. Israel forsook the living water and dug wells for themselves – ones that failed, ones that couldn’t hold water. And even though they became skilled at sinning and even though their clothes were stained with the blood of the poor, they still claimed innocence before God.

In response God declared that the prostitute could not return to God. That would be illegal. Jeremiah invites Judah to look at Israel. Her sins led her into exile. Israel has ignored God and received “divorce papers.” Even with this warning and Israel’s example, Judah continued to walk in sin. God declared, “Unfaithful Israel is less guilty than disloyal Judah.”

In chapter 4 God offers mercy to Israel, inviting them to return, to get rid of their idols, to choose truth, justice, and righteousness. God invites Judah to break up the rocky soil of their hard hearts, to dedicate themselves to the Lord. They too refuse. Jeremiah then foresees the coming devastation, recalling the state of earth before the creation. The earth will grieve and heaven will grow dark with sadness. But God won’t change the plan. Desolation is coming. And even then, even with this news, Judah still gets all decked out, looking for another lover, seeking to find help on their own. Sadly, this “lover” will be the one who seeks and takes their life.

Prayer: Lord God, what a sad saga we read today. What a tough road Jeremiah had to walk. What a clear choice Judah had before them. And, alas, things are the same today. We have a clear choice: life through you or death by the ways of the world. The Spirit joins your word and your son’s example. And we can still rebel, still be faithless. Lord have mercy. Lord, strengthen us for the battle. Enrich the soil of our hearts. Walk with us, O God. Amen.


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On That Day…

Reading: Isaiah 8-11

‭Isaiah 11:10 – “On that day, the root of Jesse will stand as a signal to the peoples. The nations will seek him out, and his dwelling will be glorious.”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

Chapter 8 begins with a prophecy about the downfall of Aram and Israel. It will come before Isaiah’s newborn son can speak. Assyria is on the rise. They will destroy Aram and Israel. They will sweep into Judah, getting all the way to Jerusalem. But they won’t conquer it. God tells Isaiah not to fear. Wait on the Lord. Yes, distress will come, but God is with us. The people will rejoice as God shatters the yoke, lifting their burden. And one day a great light will come. A child will be born. He will establish justice and righteousness forever. One day…

The Assyrians fall mightily upon Israel. This is meant to be a word of warning to Judah. To those who have deprived the needy of their rights and who have robbed the poor, God asks, “Where will you stash your wealth?” One day they too will become prisoners. But at present, it is Assyria who went too far. Because of the king’s pride and arrogance the word of warning became an assault on Judah. The Assyrians swept in, right up to Jerusalem, “the neck.” God will punish the Assyrians. God asks, “Will the ax glorify itself over the one who chops with it?” The hand guiding Assyria’s success will turn on it. The Assyrians army is destroyed with “terrible power.” They limp home, thoroughly defeated.

Chapter 11 brings more words of hope. It is similar to 9:2-7. While Isaiah and later readers hoped for a David-like king in their time, for centuries Christians have read these words as words that foretold Jesus. A shoot, a king, will come from Jesse’s line. The Spirit of God will be upon him. The Spirit will give him wisdom, strength, knowledge, and a fear of the Lord. He will be a champion for the poor and the suffering. What a contrast to the leaders described at the start of chapter 10! Peace and harmony will abound. The nations and the survivors will stream to this king on the holy mountain. “On that day, the root of Jesse will stand as a signal to the peoples. The nations will seek him out, and his dwelling will be glorious.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for continuing to shape and form us to be your people, to make us into who you created us to be. As you choose to use the powers and things of this world to refine and remake us, help us to see your hand of love guiding it all. Lead us to trust in your ways. Help us to faithfully walk the path illuminated by the light shining in the darkness. Amen.


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God Is Our Hope

Reading: Isaiah 1-4

‭Isaiah 3:8-9 – “Yes, Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen… like Sodom, they display their sins in public.”

Today we begin with the prophets. Isaiah kicks off almost six weeks with the five “major” prophets. The original Isaiah ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Chapters 1-39, known as First Isaiah, were written around 700 BCE. Second and Third Isaiah pick up around 545 BCE. Today, in chapters 1-4, we find both judgment and hope. This balance is typical of the whole book of Isaiah.

Chapter 1 begins by detailing Judah’s sin and disobedience. They have turned their backs against God. They have endured beatings yet remain unfaithful. There are frequent references to Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities utterly destroyed by God because of their great sin. God is also disgusted by their sacrifices – just going through the motions! In verses 16-17 Judah is invited to change her ways, to do good instead. To do so will bring blessing. To continue walking in disobedience will bring sword and fire.

Chapter 2 begins with a hopeful vision of their possible future. This picks up again in chapter 4. Zion will be lifted up high and war will be no more. Zion will be called holy. Instruction will flow from her and nations will stream to her.

In between this hope we find the sins of Judah. The land is “filled with idols.” Pride and arrogance is rampant, especially amongst the leaders. A day is coming, says Isaiah, when all will suffer as the poor and needy currently are. God asks, “How dare you crush my people and grind the faces of the poor?” Sadly, this behavior continues today. Yet hope also persists. God is still in control. There is still a plan. God is our hope.

Prayer: Lord God, the battle continues on: obedience or disobedience, good or evil? In our lives we so need you. The powers and temptations of this world remain great. Idols and the lures of wealth and power ever pull at us. God, strengthen us with your Spirit. Hold us in your love. Amen.


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God Looks Within

Reading: Proverbs 31

‭Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

As we close our Proverbs we read from Lemuel, also from Massa. Our passage begins with the words the king heard from his mother. She warns him against the woman of folly who steals men’s strength. She warns him against strong drink – it leads one to forget the Law and the rights of the needy. She encourages him to speak for the voiceless and to judge righteously, defending the poor and needy.

In verse 10 the focus shifts to the “competent wife.” Recent scholars believe this poem is really about Lady Wisdom and not some earthly woman. The elevated status she enjoys in these words would’ve been most unlikely in the ancient world. Even so, this can represent the ideal, then and now, for all of us.

The “competent wife” possesses the traits of Lady Wisdom. She brings good, not trouble. She works joyfully with her hands, even at night. She buys vineyards and makes and sells garments. She cares for the poor and needy. She is confident about the future because “her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue.” Her children bless her and her husband praises her. Indeed, her value is “far above pearls.”

A good and competent woman – or any person for that matter – will possess these qualities. They are inner qualities. In verse 30 we are reminded, “Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” God looks within to see who and what we are. May that be pleasing in God’s sight.

Prayer: Lord God, help us all to aspire to the example set by Lady Wisdom, an extension of you. Guide us to work diligently and joyfully, to stand and speak for the voiceless, to care for those in need, and to honor you above all else. Amen.


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Truth and Contentment

Reading: Proverbs 30

‭Proverbs 30:5 – “All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.”

Today’s words of wisdom come from Agur, an otherwise unknown man. He was likely not an Israelite. Massa is connected to Assyria. In the first few verses he admits that he had no knowledge of God. He was tired and exhausted. Questions about creation drew him towards God. Finding God, he can now declare, “All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.” Agur recognizes God’s power and might. This is a first step in gaining wisdom and understanding.

Agur has two requests of God. First, may he be a man of truth. He asks God to keep fraud and lies far away. Second, he seeks contentment. He doesn’t want to be rich or poor. “Give me just the food I need.” We reflect this idea in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Truth and contentment are two core pieces of our faith.

This is then contrasted with foolish behavior. Fools curse mother and father, they are arrogant and greedy – ready to devour the poor and needy. Agur then writes of power that are never satisfied, perhaps analogies for the greed and lust of the fool. The grave and the barren womb always long to be filled. The desert and fire consumes all before them. In the next verses he recognizes things large and small that amaze him. He finds pleasure in God’s creation. Is this not an extension of truth and contentment?

Agur closes by calling out to the foolish and arrogant. He invites them to cover their mouths, ceasing their evil words and behaviors. May we too guard our words, offering good words, silencing the evil.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to your presence and guidance in our lives. Bring for a contentment in you and a trust in your word. Fill our hearts and mouths with your truths. Lead us to walk in the way that leads to life eternal. Amen.


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The Lord Gives Light

Reading: Proverbs 27-29

‭Proverbs 28:13 – “Those who hide their sins won’t succeed, but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.”

The value, weight, and power of our words is a major focus today. To brag, that’s dangerous because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Pride lays people low, but humility gains honor. A good word holds power as iron sharpens iron. Bruises (correction) from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy (flattery.) Correcting someone (in love) brings favor. Flattery is just “a net for their feet.”

Good and wise words have little effect on fools. Even grinding them in the mortar won’t drive out their foolishness. The simpleton sees and rushes towards evil and receives punishment. The wise see evil and hide from it. Fools are stubborn. The warning: after many corrections they will suddenly be broken. The wise? “Those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.”

There are certainly outcomes to our choices. One can be wealthy and walk a crooked path. Or one can be poor and walk in innocence. Fools trust their own understanding and suffer. Walk in wisdom and be safe. Work the land and have plenty to eat. Spend your energy on “worthless pursuits” and have plenty of poverty.

Lastly, the sage touches on care for the poor. If we give to the poor we will lack nothing. But if we turn a blind eye, then we will be “greatly cursed.” The righteous know the rights of the poor because they listen to God’s Instruction. The fools do not understand. They won’t listen. Yet the sage also reminds us that the poor and the oppressor have this in common: “The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.” Wisdom calls out to all of humanity. Will we have eyes to see and ears to hear?

Prayer: Lord God, guide us in our walk as we choose between wise and foolish, between good and evil, between you and the world. Fill our hearts with your instruction, with your wisdom. Steer us clear of the crooked path and the lies of folly. Pour words of healing and truth into our hearts. Guard us against speaking words that harm or oppress. May your light and love flow from each of us, flooding this world with your presence. Amen.


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The Lord Made Us All

Reading: Proverbs 21 and 22

‭Proverbs 21:15 – “Acting justly is a joy to the righteous, but dreaded by those who do evil.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

The contrast between good and evil, between righteousness and folly – they are on clear display in today’s readings. We are called to pursue righteousness and kindness and to live with humility and the fear of the Lord. We are told that these yield life, honor, and wealth. We are called to guard our mouth and tongue. Doing so we guard ourselves from trouble. We are called to act with justice. God values this more than sacrifices. We are called to train up our children in these ways. Good training and discipline sets them on the right path in life. And we also receive a warning: We might think our path is straight but it is God who weighs our hearts. God judges our motives…

Those with prideful eyes and arrogant hearts, those who walk in the ways of the wicked – they are sinful and their lamp will go out. They sow injustice, harvest evil, and close their eyes to the poor. These will receive no answer when they call out to God. The “rod of their fury” will come to an end. Those who steal from the poor and oppress the needy, God will “press out” their lives. The wicked will be swept away by God.

We find a bit of ancient relationship advice too. The sage advises us that it is better to “live on the edge of the roof” or in the “wilderness” than to live in a house with a contentious and angry wife. Perhaps today we too should remember that the Lord weighs our hearts too.

And the closer today, my favorite: “The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.” Same goes for male and female, black and white…, friends and enemies, those alike and those different from us… The Lord made us all. May we see and love one another in this spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, you know I want to pursue you and your righteousness, justice, kindness… You also know that I struggle with arrogance, pride, judging others… I seek your wisdom, the words of life, the voice of the Holy Spirit. And the lies of Satan and this world also ring in my ears. Lord you made me and did so for a purpose. Strengthen and empower me today to be who and what you created me to be. It is only possible through your power and presence. May it be so. Amen.


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Praise God!

Readings: Psalms 145-150

‭Psalm 145:8 – “The LORD is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.”

We close our time in the Psalms with Psalm 145 and then the “Hallelujah” Psalms, 146-150. These five begin and end with “Praise the Lord” – our translation of the original Hebrew: “hallelu” and “yah.”

Psalm 145 calls for us to praise the Lord, from one generation to the next. This praise is “proclaiming your mighty acts.” Doing so leads the worshippers to “rave in celebration.” That’s a phrase we don’t find often in the Bible! In verse 8 the psalmist writes, “The LORD is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.” Because of these traits, the psalmist can also write, “The Lord is close to everyone who calls on him.” True and true!

Psalms 146-150 celebrate God’s mighty acts, each with their own focus. Psalm 146 celebrates the God who brings justice to the oppressed and who frees the prisoners, the God who protects the immigrants and who straightens the bent. Psalm 147 celebrates this compassionate heart of God and then adds thanks for God’s generous hand in nature. Psalm 148 calls all of creation to praise God – sun, moon, and stars, hills and trees, all creatures, including “kings of the earth and every single person.” Psalm 149 calls for praise and expresses the belief that the execution of justice will bring honor to God and God’s people. Lastly, Psalm 150 closes with a snapshot of worship. Any and all instruments will be used to praise God. May that include our voices!

Prayer: Lord God, yes, we are called to praise you, to lift your name on high. Lead us to join all of creation in worshipping your holy name. Open our hearts to pour forth praise from our lips. All glory and honor and praise to you, O God! Amen.


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For Me. For Us. For You.

Readings: Psalms 113-118

‭Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”

Today’s six Psalms are known as the “Egyptian Hallelujah.” These words of praise were recited each year at the Passover meal. Psalms 113 and 114 were recited before the meal. These Psalms celebrate God’s actions on behalf of the poor and needy and on behalf of Israel during the exodus. Psalm 113 exalts the God who lifts up the poor, who raises the needy, who brings the barren woman the joy of motherhood. These words echo “Hannah’s Song” from 1st Samuel 2 where God acted on behalf of the faithful. Psalm 114 remembers the parting of the sea and river, the bringing of water from the rocks – more signs of God’s faithful love.

After eating the Passover meal, Psalms 115 through 118 would be recited. Although lost in translation, Psalms 115 and 118 were originally written and spoken as call-and-response liturgy. Psalm 115 lifts up God’s power and might, contrasting God with worthless idols who “have mouths, but they can’t speak.” God is Israel’s “strength and shield.” 115 closes with blessings to all. Psalm 116 is a celebration of an individual’s rescue, reminding Israel that God is a personal God too. Because of God’s deliverance the individual will “lift up the cup of salvation… will keep the promises” made to God. Psalm 117 lifts up God’s strong love.

The Hallelujah closes with Psalm 118. The setting is an individual coming to the temple to give thanks to God. This Psalm calls Israel, the priests, and all who honor the Lord to declare, “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” Because of their experience with this in the exodus, the psalmist writes, “The LORD is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” God was faithful. God is faithful. God will be faithful. What is to fear?

Verses 22 and 27 are often connected to Jesus – the stone rejected, the light that shined, the offering led to the new altar, the cross. These are echoes found in the ever expanding story of God’s love, reflections on the final Passover lamb.

Prayer: Lord God, today’s words celebrate your presence with your people. Just as you rescued and delivered, just as you provided and made a way, do so for us in our lives too, O God. We seek to walk in your strong and faithful love, a love that lasts forever. Thank you, Lord, for your love. Amen.