pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: power


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They Forgot

Reading: Psalm 106:19-23

Psalm 106:21 – “They forgot the God who saved them, the one who had done great things…”

Returning to Psalm 106 today, we read of the incident that happened in Exodus 32. It is the sin of the writer’s “ancestors” that was referenced in verse 6. It is the remembering of how their great grandfathers or great, great grandmothers “acted wickedly.” It is a reminder of how capable the current Israelites are of going down this same path. And it is a warning about how quickly we can turn to idols and sinful behaviors.

As we walk daily with God, we might wonder how this could happen to Israel. God has done so much for them lately: the plagues, the Passover, the parting of the sea, the manna and quail, the water from a rock… If we are tending to our faith, one of our daily habits is thanking God for the blessings, guidance, direction, protection… in our lives. We too should be able to quickly come up with a list of what God has done for us. With this in mind, we do wonder how they ended up worshipping an idol, “a bull that eats grass.”

The answer comes in verse 21: “They forgot the God who saved them, the one who had done great things…” They forgot God. We do this too. We allow temptation to become sin. We turn to our own devices and means instead of to God. We grasp control and seek power instead of surrender. And I am pretty sure that God has gotten ready a time or two to smite us. Or maybe that number is closer to four billion.

In the second part of verse 23, the psalmist reminds Israel of how Moses interceded and of how God’s anger subsided as love and mercy won the moment. This same love and mercy pours out over us when we are less than we are created to be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder that even when we chase after promotions and possessions and pleasures, you are nearby, waiting to reconnect with us, ready to pour out your great mercy and love. We are grateful for your Spirit that works and works within us and for your Son who intercedes for us. You are an awesome and amazing God. Amen.


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Power and Might, Love and Mercy

Reading: Exodus 32:11-14

Exodus 32:12 – “Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people.”

Yesterday we read about the creation of the golden calf. The Israelites were quick to return to what they learned during 400 years in slavery: the golden idols of their enslavers. To return to the familiar was easier than trusting in a God who called them “chosen.” God was furious. God was ready to destroy them all – except Moses.

Turning to today’s reading, Moses first pleads with God on behalf of the people of God. Moses reminds God of the relationship that far exceeds their time in slavery. He reminds God of the ways that God has just begun to rebuild and renew the relationship through the revelation of “great power and amazing force.” Then Moses’ pleading turns to direction as he says to God, “Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people.” Moses invites God away from the feelings of anger and rage. From a better place of heart and mind, Moses reminds God again of the long relationship and of the promises that God made to these people. God relents. God will not destroy the people of God.

This is the first of four times that Moses will intercede on behalf of God’s people. As Moses has walked closely with God, he has come to know not only God’s power and might, but also God’s love and mercy. This second part is what Moses appeals to in today’s text. At times, this is the role that we are called to play. Sometimes through prayer, sometimes through words and/or action, we intercede on behalf of others. Sometimes it is on behalf of those who do not yet know God and sometimes it is on behalf of the powerless or downtrodden. Sometimes it is on behalf of a brother or sister in Christ. Whatever the case, may we always be people who call upon God’s power and might and upon God’s love and mercy as we stand for and with others. Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the immediate moment of need, give us the courage to pray or to speak or to act. Guard our hearts against judging or wanting to fix the situation first. There will be time to learn and grow and maybe even to change later. But in the moment, use us to intercede for others, relying upon your power and might and upon your love and mercy. Amen.


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Authority

Reading: Matthew 21:23-27

Matthew 21:23b – “What kind of authority do you have for going these things? Who gave you this authority?”

As we delve into our gospel reading today and tomorrow, we begin with some context. We are in the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. The triumphal entry that we know as “Palm Sunday” started off the week. Large crowds cheered and shouted praises, identifying Jesus as “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus proceeds to the temple, where he tips over tables and chairs, causing a ruckus in this “hideout for crooks.” Jesus then heals the blind and the lame right there in the temple. The children run around, continuing the excitement of the palm parade, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

The next day, as Jesus entered the temple, the religious leaders asked him, “What kind of authority do you have for going these things? Who gave you this authority?” Jesus sees right through their hypocrisy. They’re more concerned about maintaining their place of authority, the status quo, and the side hustle selling and buying in God’s house. Jesus turns their question back on them, substituting John the Baptist as the focus of where true authority comes from. The religious leaders are afraid to answer. Either answer will take away some of their earthly authority. So they act like politicians, saying what they need to say to maintain their status and power.

Even against those with real earthly power, Jesus stood on the power and truth of God. The religious leaders were not willing to accept Jesus for who he was because it would cost them socially, politically, and economically. When our faith and the actions that it leads us to cause us to be questioned, challenged… may we too stand firmly on God’s power and truth. This is the source of true authority.

Prayer: Lord God, when our faith has led us to stand or speak against an injustice or to give voice and power to the oppressed and marginalized, encourage and strengthen us when those with power over question or move against us. Be present to us in Spirit. Fill us with the words to speak and with the conviction to stand. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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To Love and Sacrifice…

Reading: Philippians 2:5-13

Philippians 2:7 – “But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings.”

Photo credit: Jean Wimnerlin

As we read on in Philippians 2 today, Paul uses an existing Christian hymn to illustrate what Jesus’ humility was like. This kind of humility is what we are to imitate. Jesus was fully God and therefore could have used his power to do anything. Placing himself on the throne and/or wiping away the Romans and the Jewish religious leaders would be examples of how Jesus could have exploited his power. It is how many in positions of power today would exploit or wield their power.

In verse 7 we read, “But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings.” Jesus emptied himself of his divinity to become fully human, to become like you and me. He stepped away from heaven and glory, setting aside the throne beside God, in order to give himself for us. Jesus became a “slave” to God’s will and way, revealing what true obedience to the Father looks like. In his ministry, he gave and gave and gave and gave himself away, always thinking of others, always “watching out for their own good.” And at the end of his earthly life, Jesus poured himself out even further, going to the cross to open the way of salvation to us. The depth of this pouring out is hard to understand. Why would Jesus pour himself out so completely? Love. The answer is love.

As hard as it is to wrap our heads around this depth of love and sacrifice, we are asked to imitate it. We’re charged with the task of loving and being like Jesus. Add to this challenge the fact that some days we simply do not feel like we can love at all, and it feels nearly impossible to love and sacrifice like Jesus did. Turning to verse 13, though, we get the good news: “God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.” Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, what great love you have for us that you would set aside the glory of heaven to come to this earth. And to take on flesh. We’d be deeply upset with these changes. But you lived into them, loving and giving of yourself in all ways possible. Walk with us, live in us, lead and guide us as we strive to imitate you, your love, and your sacrificial life. Amen.


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Stories of God

Reading: Psalm 78:12-16

Psalm 78:13… 16 – “God spilt the sea… led them… split rocks… made streams flow.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today’s verses from Psalm 78 focus on some of God’s “wonders” that happened during Israel’s time in the wilderness. Yesterday’s call was to remember the stories of God and to tell and retell them so that the next generation will know the stories too. For the people of God, to know that “God spilt the sea… led them… split rocks… made streams flow” is to know God and to trust in God’s continuing presence, power, and provision. These miracles are evidence of God’s love for God’s people.

There are times in our lives when God works in miraculous ways. Sometimes we are aware of them in the moment and other times these are things we see when we are looking back. Both are ah-ha moments – moments when we feel and know God’s love for us.

The moments and miracles often come in times when things beyond our control are creating suffering, trial, and/or hardship. Because it is beyond our control, God becomes present and acts on our behalf. About seven years ago our denomination was filled with tension around the inclusion of LGBTQ+ folks. My personal understanding of the scriptures and of God’s love for all people did not align with a small but powerful group at the church I was serving. As meetings and events unfolded, I felt like Israel up against the sea. In the darkest moment, God parted the troubled waters and brought light and peace to my heart. God guided my prayers, thoughts, actions, and conversations. God provided hope and light and strength when I needed it most. And God’s blessings flowed as my appointment changed and ministry became a joy once again.

What stories of God splitting seas… do you have to tell? And who will you tell them to?

Prayer: Lord God, we read of rescue and provision and presence in the wilderness and throughout the scriptures. We also experience your presence and miracles in our lives. Lead and guide us to be good storytellers, helping others to know you and to see how you move and act in their lives too. Amen.


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Telling and Retelling

Reading: Psalm 78:1-4

Psalm 78:4b – “We’ll tell the next generation all about the praises due the Lord and his strength – the wondrous works God has done.”

Photo credit: Priscilla du Preez

Psalm 78 begins with words intended to draw readers into the Psalm and its teachings. It begins with “Listen, my people… tilt your ears…” This is a call to active and engaged listening. It says to us and to other readers, “Pay attention, I have a good story to tell.” The drawing in continues: “I’ll declare riddles from long ago.” The story itself is interesting, maybe even intriguing. It’ll draw readers in even deeper as it progresses. I wonder, do we tell others about our God with such energy and passion? Is there excitement generated in the ways that we share our stories of faith with others?

In verse 4 the psalmist leans into the importance of telling the next generations. We too are called to pass on the stories of faith to our children and to the children in our communities of faith. In the last part of this verse the author declares, “We’ll tell the next generation all about the praises due the Lord and his strength – the wondrous works God has done.” In the telling and retelling of God’s wondrous works we help those new to the faith to understand the power and might of God. Learning all about the things that God has done for Israel begins to build trust and faith in new believer’s hearts.

The telling and retelling also impacts the hearer in another important way. Hearing the stories of what God has done opens their eyes to see what God does in their lives. This step makes God personal and intimate – another wonderful side of God. This realization further moves trust and faith from head to heart. And let’s not forget the teller. We too are impacted. As we tell and retell God’s story and our story, our faith grows and deepens too. Our eyes and hearts become more aware of and sensitive to the God moments in our lives. And our story widens and deepens. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes – both to see your presence in our lives and to see the opportunities that we have to share these experiences. Open our hearts too, O God. Opened wide we can better take in your love and strength, and we can then pour these things out, building up others’ faith and trust in you. Thank you. Amen.


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Living for Jesus

Reading: Romans 14:7-12

Romans 14:12 – “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

Pressing on in Romans 14, Paul declares that we do not live or die for ourselves. While this becomes truer and truer the longer we walk with Christ, there was a time in my life and probably in your life when this was not the reality. Even though I grew up in the church, during my late teen and college years I lived for self. My time, energies, and priorities were focused on pleasure, desires, and other things of this world. Over time, though, God drew me back into relationship and reoriented my focus. Yes, there are still days when that old self rises up and I become less than God created me to be. But now I am quicker to hear the Spirit that has always been there, drawing me back to God.

Living (or dying) for Christ is the focus of a life lived in faith. All that we think, say, and do becomes focused on pleasing God and bringing God the glory. As Paul continues to work to combat the judging going on in the church in Rome, he reminds them and us that “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” While this is very true, as we walk with Christ, we find that our “motivation” is not fear of condemnation, but is the joy and peace, the hope and contentment found in living for and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With these as the outcomes of living for Jesus, the temptations of this world fade. So when judgment or desire or another sin rises up, the Spirit that lives within us has greater voice and more power. Thanks be to God for the power and presence within us!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your grace that brings us back into your presence when we fall short. Thank you for your love that pursues us when we are lost in our sin. And thank you, Lord, for your steadfastness. You are always there for us. Amen.


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God Will Rescue

Reading: Exodus 14:19-21

Exodus 14:20 – “The cloud remained there, and when darkness fell it lit up the night. They didn’t come near each other all night.”

Photo credit: Paul Garaizar

Following the Passover and the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh practically kicks Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites out of Egypt. They left in haste – 600,000 men plus women and children. But soon Pharaoh changed his mind and began to pursue God’s people with his army. The Egyptians caught up with Israel as they were camped alongside the sea. Terror spreads among God’s people. Moses offers words of assurance – God’s rescue is coming. After giving Moses escape instructions, God’s messenger and presence – the column of cloud and fire – moved from leading Israel to standing between Israel and the Egyptians. In the last part of verse 20 we read, “The cloud remained there, and when darkness fell it lit up the night. They didn’t come near each other all night.”

At times in our lives we feel fear and maybe even terror. While it is not caused by a literal army seeking to return us to slavery in Egypt, we’ve had situations rise up that make us feel trapped. Fear, worry, stress… begin to rise up. We have experienced threats against our health, well-being, safety, security… We’ve watched a powerful force approaching from afar, fear and dread growing as our depression or addiction or loneliness or… grows in power. In those moments, we are not alone. God stands between us and that which threatens us or causes us fear. Light grows in the darkness, keeping the enemy at bay.

Moses raises his hands and God parts the waters. Dry land appears as the waters are split in two. Rescue is on the way. When we raise our hands in surrender, humbly acknowledging our need for God and our inability to defeat the “army” on our own, then our God will make a way. Without fear, we can walk right through. Without worry, we can trust where God is leading. God will rescue. God is with us.

Prayer: Lord God, in those hard moments, guide us to a place of surrender. When life feels too big for us, may we give it to you, O Lord. With humility and trust, help us to turn to you, trusting in your power and might. Lead us through, part the sea, make a way. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Present Always

Reading: Matthew 18:18-20

Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”

Continuing in Matthew 18 today, Jesus emphasizes the power of his presence. We experience Christ’s presence when we gather in his name, working together to reconcile a broken relationship. We are extending Christ’s presence when we seek to rebuild connection and when we continue to pursue wholeness even when the other person is resistant. In today’s reading we learn that because Jesus is with us in the reconciliation process, our decisions and actions are guided by the Holy Spirit’s presence. There is divine support for our decisions made and for our actions taken under the guidance and direction of Christ’s Spirit.

Jesus assures us that these things decided upon and prayed over in his name will be done by God. God will do God’s will reflective of our thinking, speaking, acting, and praying according to God’s will. When our efforts at conflict resolution include holy conferencing, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and a desire to restore and redeem what was broken, then God will work in and through us to bring healing and wholeness to our relationships and to our communities of faith. Unity is God’s plan.

Jesus reminds us of this unity in verse 20, saying, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” As we undertake the holy work of reconciliation, Jesus is present in Spirit. And Jesus is present when we gather for worship, when we come together in fellowship, when we enter into a time of study or prayer as a small group, when we serve a meal to a school staff or to folks struggling with poverty… Yes, Jesus is always present to us when we gather in his name. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for your Spirit that leads and guides us in all of life. We are especially grateful for the Spirit’s presence in our times of conflict and hurt. In these uncomfortable and often tense situations, lead and guide us to be people of love and grace, mercy and forgiveness, kindness and compassion. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 149

Psalm 149:6 – “Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.”

Photo credit: Fuu J

Psalm 149 begins with words and images of praising God. Sing a new song! Celebrate with drum and lyre! Dance! Sing praises because “God is pleased with his people.” And then, in verse 6, the Psalm takes what feels like a hard right: “Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.” At first reading, one wonders what happened. Calls for revenge, punishment, binding chains, and justice follow. These actions will be an “honor” for God’s people? And then the Psalm ends with, “Praise the Lord!”

Well then. Verses 1-5 are great. But what are we to do with verses 6-9? A little context will help. Overall, the Psalm is about praising God for the deliverance and rescue that God has brought – past, present, and future. Scholars believe that the Psalm was written after the exiles returned from Babylon. They were rebuilding Jerusalem, the wall, and the temple. God has delivered them from exile. The images of battles won and enemies defeated is an extension of the rebuilding. The land is filled with pagans that also must be dealt with. Some of these nations helped with the destruction and death primarily brought on by Babylon. To rebuild and reclaim the land would not be possible without God’s power and presence. The psalmist is counting on God’s help.

How does our reading change, though, if we read verses 6-9 from a figurative viewpoint? We can be defeated and/or held captive by many things that can only be redeemed through God’s power and presence. We can find ourselves in need of a rebuilding that only God can accomplish. And by “we,” I mean all of us. So in a fight against injustice or oppression, maybe our words are like a sword that cuts through evil. Maybe our actions lead to justice and a binding up of unjust systems. Maybe we are shackled by anger or fear or addiction or… Maybe we need God to break these chains and to set us free. When we’ve experienced or are a part of God’s deliverance for others, we too shout out, “Praise the Lord!”

Prayer: Lord God, there are many things to praise you for and there are many ways to offer our praise. Thank you for the times that you have rescued and delivered us. Praise be to God! From a place of faith and wholeness, use us to help free others from all that binds so that they too can praise you. Amen.