pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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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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Surrender and Live

Reading: Jeremiah 34-38

Jeremiah 36:3 – “Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I intend to bring upon them, they will turn from their evil ways, and I will forgive their wrongdoing and sins.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Our reading opens with King Zedekiah inquiring about the future. Jeremiah tells him that Jerusalem will fall but that he’ll live. He’ll be taken to Babylon where he will die in peace. Zedekiah then makes a covenant to release all Hebrew slaves. This is done but is quickly reversed. God declares that Judah will be freed instead: free to “die by the sword, famine, and disease!” Judah will become a wasteland.

In chapter 35 we find a great contrast. God sends Jeremiah to the Rechabites. They are a nomadic family group that has long kept the commands given to their ancestor. God asks Judah, “Can’t you learn a lesson?” No, they can’t, won’t, don’t. God will bring disaster on Judah, blessing in the Rechabites.

God directs Jeremiah to record all of his words in chapter 36. Perhaps Judah will hear them and turn from their evil ways. Baruch is the scribe. Because Jeremiah is in confinement, Baruch reads the scroll in the temple. It’s then read to some officials, who tell Baruch to hide with Jeremiah. The scroll is read to King Jehoiakin, who burns the scroll piece by piece as it is read. God directs Jeremiah to make a new scroll. Jehoiakin will die without heirs.

In chapter 37 Judah gets false hope. Egypt marches our. Babylon withdraws from the siege on Jerusalem to face this threat. Egypt will return home. But Jeremiah takes the opportunity to try and see his new land. He is arrested as he exits the city and is accused of defecting. He’s beaten and imprisoned. He repeats Zedekiah’s fate to him. It provided an opportunity to ask for a prison upgrade. But there he continues to call for surrender. This leads him to be put in a muddy cistern, where he sinks. Ebed-Melech rescues him from this. The message remains the same: surrender and live, refuse and die. The message remains the same today. May we choose to surrender to God and live.

Prayer: Lord God, surrender – such a hard thing. We like control, power… We think we’re the master of our own destinies. How wrong and sinful we are. Help us to hear anew today the call to surrender to your will and way. There we find true life. Loosen our grips, open our hands to you. Amen.


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Beautiful Feet

‭Isaiah 49:6 – “I will also appoint you as light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

In today’s readings we have two Servant Songs. In 49:1-7 Isaiah speaks of his calling before birth and of his role to bring Jacob back to God. In verse 6 we hear the expanding of God’s circle: I will also appoint you as light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” In 50:4-11 we find the third Servant Song. The prophet is given words by God, words to instruct others in the way of the Lord. The servant suffers but remains faithful to his call. There is a confidence in God’s power and presence: “The one who will declare me innocent is near.” A sure faith resides in the one who loves and fears the Lord.

The tone of the rest of today’s reading is mostly celebratory and joyful. God has chosen Israel. The day of salvation is near. Their compassionate God will make a way home, safely passing through the heat, drinking abundantly of the water God will provide. The deserted land will soon be overflowing with children. Isaiah calls the people to remember Abraham and Sarah and God’s promises to them. God will honor the covenant promises, making Zion into Eden, a place of happiness, joy, and singing.

Here is Second Isaiah we also have other glimpses beyond the return from exile. For God, Isaiah proclaims that righteousness is forever and salvation is for all generations. For the faithful servant, Isaiah declares “how beautiful are the feet” of those who proclaim peace, bring good news, and proclaim salvation. Beautiful indeed! May our feet be beautiful today.

Prayer: Lord God, what hope for Israel and Judah, what hope for us! We too have been chosen, we too have been talked with being “a light to the nations.” Lord, encourage us, empower us, and engage us in bringing the hope we have in you to a world in need of hope. Amen.


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God’s Power and Goodness

Reading: Isaiah 36-39

‭Isaiah 38:16 – “The LORD Most High is the one who gives life to every heart, who gives life to the spirit!”

Today’s four chapters come almost word-for-word from 2nd Kings 17-18. The stories of Sennacherib’s invasion and Hezekiah’s illness are also recapped in 2nd Chronicles 32. The only “new” words are Hezekiah’s Psalm-like praise in response to God healing him from his deadly illness.

Chapters 36 and 37 deal with Assyria’s invasion. It began by conquering all of the smaller outlying towns in Judah. Attention was then turned to Jerusalem and King Hezekiah. Sennacherib’s field commander comes and taunts Judah, God, and the king. He calls for their surrender, warning them about trusting in God. Hezekiah humbles himself and goes to the temple, mourning the situation. He prays. Isaiah brings words that assure him. The taunts come again. Hezekiah prays again. Isaiah assures him again. God is in control. God has a plan. That night 185,000 soldiers are struck down by God’s messenger. Sennacherib withdraws. He is assassinated by his sons once back home.

Chapter 38 recounts Hezekiah’s illness and God’s healing. Because of his prayer and tears, God grants him 15 more years. In verses 9-20 we read Hezekiah’s grateful response. There is insight into common thoughts on the afterlife: he will no longer see God because God isn’t there. He also acknowledges God’s gift: “The LORD Most High is the one who gives life to every heart, who gives life to the spirit!” As this is true for us as well, may we too make music to God “all the days of our lives.”

A foreshadowing of what’s to come fills chapter 39. Rising power Babylon has come and seen all that Judah has. Isaiah tells Hezekiah, one day “nothing will be left.” Hezekiah reveals his human nature as he is glad it won’t be in his lifetime. After enduring a siege and surviving a deadly illness, we too might have this same thought!

Prayer: Lord God, it is good to review your mighty acts once again. They remind us of your power and your goodness. You continue to give life to our hearts and to our spirits. Thank you for this gift. Amen.


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Rule with Justice and Righteousness

Reading: Isaiah 13-16

‭Isaiah 14:1 – “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob, will again choose Israel, and will give them rest in their own land.”

Our readings for today and tomorrow contain mostly oracles against the nations surrounding or occupying Judah/Israel. We do find hope sprinkled in these verses too. For example, tucked in the middle of the oracle against Babylon and her king, we find: “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob, will again choose Israel, and will give them rest in their own land.”

Chapters 13-14 detail the fall of Babylon. Isaiah makes it clear that God is “mustering an army for battle.” God will raise up the Medes to make Babylon like “Sodom and Gomorrah.” A restored Israel will then taunt the broken king of Babylon. The underworld will wait restlessly for this king. His final rest will be on “a bed of maggots” under a “blanket of worms.” His arrogance and pride will be laid low. God will also cut off all of his offspring too.

Before an oracle against Philistia, we read, “I will break Assyria in my land… and remove its yoke from my people.” The Philistines are not so blessed. They rebelled against Assyria, yes, but a new viper will come from the north.

Chapters 15-16 hold an oracle against Moab. They will be devastated and humiliated. In verse 2 we read, “Every head is shaved, every beard cut off.” The waters will be full of blood. In three years Moab’s remnant will be “few and feeble.” Amidst this sadness and loss we also find hope, mercy, compassion. Isaiah’s heart “cries out for Moab.” God invites Judah to “consider carefully, act justly.” Judah is told to hide the outcasts and fugitives. Isaiah also speaks of the time when the oppressor is gone, of a time when one will rule with justice and righteousness from the throne of David. This too is our ultimate hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to oppose leaders and nations that bring evil and oppression upon this world. You oppose us when we do the same. Instead, Lord, use us to create the kingdom of justice and righteousness that Isaiah spoke of today. Then you will be with us, walking amongst us in Spirit and power. 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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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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A Strong Tower

Readings: Proverbs 17 and 18

‭Proverbs 18:10 – “The LORD’s name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and find refuge.”

There are three themes that stand out to me today as we read and ponder Proverbs 17 and 18. To read these words in a few months or in a couple of years, other themes might stand out. That is one reason we read and read and read our Bibles. That being said, the first theme that emerged today was that wisdom or understanding brings peace to our lives. It is better to eat crusty, dry bread in peace than to feast in a quarreling house. It is love that covers offenses. But fools keep repeating words and actions that bring or lead to division. Therefore, it is “safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in their folly.” Let that sink in.

The second theme concerns God’s testing and refining and correction. Like a crucible refines and purifies silver, so God tests our hearts. For the wise and understanding, a rebuke goes deeper and impacts us more than “100 lashes to a fool.” For those who seek understanding and wisdom, these draw us together. As the community of faith we too love one another all the time, especially in times of trouble and trial.

The last theme has to do with the power of our words. First, the wise restrain their talking. The wise are cool headed. The understanding recognize that words are “deep waters” and hold the power of life and death. The wise guard their words, loving life, eating well of its fruit. Fools babble on and on, caring just for their own opinions, allowing careless and thoughtless words to bring harm and hurt.

Proverbs 18:10 stands out today as a summary verse, as words to cling to: “The LORD’s name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and find refuge.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed our strong tower, our rock of refuge, our place of peace. Walk closely with us, guiding our words and actions so that we too might bring peace and refuge and strength to a world in need of these things in their lives. Use us in the building of your kingdom. Amen.


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Faithful Love Forever

Readings: Psalms 131-136

‭Psalm 135:14 – “The LORD gives justice to his people and has compassion on those who serve him.”

We begin with Psalm 131, a song of humility. The psalmist isn’t proud or conceited, doesn’t stray from his or her lane. There is contentment in God’s presence. So, “Israel, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 132 speaks of why they can and should. God dwells in the temple and God made a covenant with David. The promise was to have a Davidic king on the throne forever – if they’re faithful. God’s presence provides food, salvation, and protection. The faithful one will shine.

Psalm 133 speaks of unity: “how good and pleasing it is.” Living in unity brings blessings and leads to eternal life, two gifts of God. Psalm 134 gives a pattern of response: lift your hands, bless the Lord! Praise the maker of heaven and earth! Psalms 135 and 136 develop this theme.

Psalms 135 and 136 are very similar. Both call for praising the Lord. Both recall acts that show God’s wonder, power, and might in nature and in Israel’s history. Psalm 135 reminds us that idols are “just gold and silver.” How we still need that reminder. Wealth, in whatever form we chase, is “just gold and silver.” Psalm 136 repeats the line, “God’s faithful love lasts forever,” 26 times. It is the repeated response to all that God has done and to all that God is. May it be our response as well!

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to walk humbly today with you and with all that we encounter. Guide us to live as light, as ones anointed in your love. Remind us too of all the ways that you have compassion on us, your children. And use us today to reveal your faithful love to all of creation. Amen.