pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Redeeming the Lost

Reading: Romans 11:1-2

Romans 11:1a – “So I ask you, has God rejected his people?”

Photo credit: Mitchel Lensink

As we begin two days in Romans 11, we begin with the first two verses. These verses continue Paul’s argument against salvation through the Law. Instead, Paul sees grace as the saving agent. In our two verses today, Paul touches on when God’s people (or us) are not faithful to God. Verse 1 begins, “So I ask you, has God rejected his people?” When I first read this verse, to be honest, my mind said, “Maybe.” I thought of the policies and things done today by those claiming to be Christian, and thought, surely God is at least deeply grieved by this. But upon more reflection, I realized that this has been going on since the actual time of Jesus. In his day it was the Pharisees who used the Law for their own purposes. Later it was those who led and funded the Crusades. There have always been folks who have used “faith” as a weapon.

Paul’s response to his opening question is this: “Absolutely not!” God always remains faithful. Paul offers himself as proof. He is an Israelite through and through – and he loves and follows Jesus. Paul invites us to remember Elijah. He felt like he was the only faithful person left. But the faithful were actually down to a small fragment – 7,000 who had not turned to idols. Through the faithful, God redeemed the lost. God continues to do so today. You and I – we are living examples. Through our sin and failures, God has not rejected us once. Through grace we are redeemed again and again. Like the story of Elijah and God’s faithfulness, our story of grace and redemption has power. Our story can change lives. Who do you know that needs to hear the story of how Jesus changed your life?

Prayer: Lord God, today many worship idols. They aren’t carved of stone or wood but are found in the mirror, parked in driveways, stashed in bank accounts, put forth in social media. These folks are as lost as most in Elijah’s day. So, Lord, use us to turn people to you – some back to you, many encountering you for the first time. Fill our stories with a Holy Spirit power – with the power to change lives. Amen.


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Genuine and True

Reading: Genesis 45:9-15

Genesis 45:9-10 – “Come down to me. Don’t delay. You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Finishing up this week’s Genesis 45 text, Joseph gives his brothers instructions. He is once again the man in power. This is the main message to his father, Israel: “Come down to me. Don’t delay. You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me.” Joseph adds that he will support the whole family and all that they own. This will last at least as long as the famine – five more years. Believing that he was sent ahead for this purpose, Joseph is stepping into God’s plans and purposes for his life.

Joseph then embraces and weeps over Benjamin – his younger brother that he had never met. He then turns to his other brothers. Kisses and hugs and tears draw them in. Fear subsided, they are able to talk with Joseph. Joseph’s honesty and compassion led them to accept his offer of forgiveness and reconciliation. Yes, he spoke the words of forgiveness, but the brothers were wary. These additional assurances allowed them to know that the forgiveness was genuine and true.

As a kid, every once in a while I heard these words from my mom or dad: “Say ‘I’m sorry. ‘” And often, after a mumbled “I’m sorry,” I would hear these words: “Say it like you mean it.” At times we forgive or are forgiven because it is expected or because it is the “right” thing to do. But it does not come from the heart. There is no grace. There is hard work yet to be done. When within our power, may we truly forgive from the heart, bringing reconciliation with our forgiveness. Then healing can begin. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we just go through the motions. But hurt and anger still reside, just below the surface. Lead us to practice true forgiveness, full of grace. Guide us then to a place of reconciliation, where the relationship can be restored. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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I AM Is with Us

Reading: Matthew 14:22-27

Matthew 14:27 – “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Turning to our gospel lesson, Jesus has just fed 5,000 men plus women and children. His focus returns to why he originally came to this deserted place: to grieve the beheading of John the Baptist. And perhaps to wrestle with his coming fate as his hour too draws near. Jesus sends the disciples across the lake in a boat and then dismisses the crowd. Finally alone, he ascends the mountain to pray. Jesus spends the night in prayer.

The disciples spent the night battling a storm. Maybe there was some praying going on in the boat too. We read that very early in the morning, Jesus came to the disciples, walking in the water. In the storm, the waves, the early morning light, the disciples think Jesus is a ghost. Only God walks on the waters. They are “terrified.” Responding to their fear, Jesus shouts out, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Do not fear – the power and presence of God almighty is here with you. Take courage – you are not alone. I AM is with you.

In times of sorrow and grief, in moments of fear and doubt, in situations where we are unsure or paralyzed, may we do as the human Jesus did: pray to God. Get alone if necessary and enter into a time of honest conversation with God. And in the storms of life, in the long hours of struggle, in the days of oppression or addiction or abuse, may we trust in what the disciples came to know: I AM is with us. God is always here. God’s power and presence are always with us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, draw us into your sure and strong presence. In times when we feel powerless, pour out your power. In moments when we feel alone, pour out your abiding Spirit. Lead us and guide us, protect us, and provide a way. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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A Confessing Faith

Reading: Romans 10:5-9

Romans 10:9 – “Because if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and in your heart have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

As we step into Romans 10 today and tomorrow, Paul begins with Moses and the Law. For Moses and for the Jews, righteousness comes through keeping the Law. Do all these things and you will live. Except no one can keep all of the Law. It is not possible. Therefore, if we cannot keep the Law, then it cannot bring life. The greatest effort to keep the Law still leaves one dead in their sin.

In verses 6 and 7 Paul removes the responsibility for finding or earning eternal life from our hands. In a very roundabout way, Paul reminds us that we don’t need to go to heaven or hell – either figuratively or literally – to find Jesus. No, he writes, “The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” Jesus in Spirit is right here with us. We don’t need to go on a search for Jesus. God has already done the work. It’s not about us doing anything. The Spirit of Christ is here, available to us.

Verse 9 confesses faith in the work that has already been done on our behalf. Here we read, “Because if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and in your heart have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Faith in Jesus is the way to salvation. If we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we receive grace, the gift that defeats the power of sin and death. Freed from the power of sin and death, we are able to live as light and love in the world, inviting others to know the source of light and love and grace: Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Lord God, we first thank you for the gift of salvation received through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We thank you for doing the hard work that defeated the power of sin and death. We thank you for the grace that flows from Christ’s sacrifice, the grace that removes our sin and makes us new again. We ask that you would use us to reveal these things to the world, so that others can come to a confessing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Amen.


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The Kingdom of Heaven

Reading: Matthew 13:31-33

Matthew 13:31a and 33a – “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… is like yeast.”

Beginning our gospel reading today we find two parables that tell us about the kingdom of heaven. Tomorrow we will read three more parables that speak of the kingdom of heaven. I think, in general, when most people hear the phrase, “kingdom of heaven,” they think of a place in the clouds with angels and streets of gold. While some version of this might be the kingdom of heaven some day, today and tomorrow, Jesus is speaking of the kingdom of heaven here on earth – right here and right now.

In verses 31-33 Jesus speaks of two very small things that have large impacts. The teacher says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… is like yeast.” The smallest seed becomes a large plant, giving rest and a home to the birds. Yeast, a tiny organism, works its way through a whole bushel of flour, causing it to rise so that it can feed many people.

The kingdom of heaven is found today in our small acts of faithful witness. It is found in that visit to a sick friend, in the meal brought to a struggling family, in the money used to pay a single parent’s water bill. The kingdom of heaven is found in the time given to help at VBS and in the monthly donation to a child in a far away country. It is found in the way you walk through a hard situation with peace and in the way you handle another’s anger or insults with grace. The kingdom of heaven is found everywhere that Jesus’ light and love are made real. Be the kingdom of heaven today.

Prayer: Lord God, instill in us a sensitivity to the kingdom-building opportunities that you bring our way. Make us willing servants, ready to give generously of our time, talents, resources, prayers, and presence. Open our eyes to see how small acts of faith hold tremendous power – the power to change lives and to change our world. Amen.


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Faith in Difficulty

Readings: Psalm 119:109 and Genesis 25:19-26

Genesis 25:23a – “Two nations are in your womb; two different people will emerge from your body.”

In today’s verse from Psalm 119, the psalmist expresses a commitment to God’s will and way, even when life is unsure and feels unsafe. This is not always an easy thing to do. Too often we can try to take matters into our own hands. We then only turn to God when we have failed and/or made matters worse.

Turning to Genesis 25, we are reminded that Isaac and Rebekah were married. We recall that this marriage had God’s fingerprints all over it. The relationship felt blessed. But Rebekah is barren. Soon, Isaac begins praying to God about this concerning situation. This is a departure from his parents’approach. Sarah and Abraham took matters into their own hands, producing Ishmael. Because Isaac remains faithful to God during this difficult time, God is moved by his prayers and Rebekah becomes pregnant – 20 years into Isaac’s praying.

Rebekah’s pregnancy is not easy. There is violence within her womb. This is a foretaste of the unrest and conflict that will overshadow Jacob and Esau’s relationship. They are not the first brothers like this, nor will they be the last. Before them were Cain and Abel, then Isaac and Ishmael. Jacob emerged from the womb gripping Esau’s heel. He is already at odds with the customs of firstborn privilege. Tomorrow we will see how this plays out further, creating two nations.

Prayer: Lord God, at times things in this life can be challenging. Life can be hard and we can want a way out. In these moments, Lord, turn us towards you and not towards self. Remind us of the psalmist’s trust and of Isaac’s faithfulness. With these examples, may we seek your guidance, your plans, and your power and presence. Amen.


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Always Seeking to Deliver

Reading: Romans 7:15-25

Romans 7:21 – “So I find that, as a rule, when I want to do what is good, evil is right there with me.”

At the end of chapter 7, Paul describes his own struggle to do and be good in the world. He often does the things he hates to do. In his mind, he knows God’s Law is just and good and right. If it were up to his mind, he’d do all the good stuff: worship God, love neighbor, meet the needs of the poor… But he just can’t quite…

In verse 21 Paul writes, “So I find that, as a rule, when I want to do what is good, evil is right there with me.” Have you found this to be true in your life? That fleshy part of you – that part that just wants pleasure, that part that easily turns to pride and judging, that part always seeking to elevate self to the throne – that fleshy part is always pulling you away from holy, God-pleasing living. Paul chooses the word “war.” And in those moments when he feels like he is totally losing the “war” – it is then that Paul feels like a “miserable human being.” Ever felt this way? Ever allowed sin to win and you instantly see how it hurt someone you love?

Paul correctly realizes two things in verses 24 and 25. First, on his own, his fate is “dead corpse.” Ouch. Second, and most importantly, he realizes that Jesus Christ is his deliverer. Jesus is always with us too, always fighting for us in Spirit, always seeking to deliver us from temptation and sin. Through Jesus Christ, we will have the victory over sin and death. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, the power of evil is strong and pervasive. It runs rampant in our world. All sorts of messaging, people, and situations draw us to sin. We need you Lord. Desperately. Be the constant voice too, calling us to good and holy living. Empower and equip us, O God, to live by your will and ways. Amen.


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Rest, Peace, Hope

Reading: Matthew 11:27-30

Matthew 11:29 – “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.”

Finishing out our gospel reading for this week, Jesus first claims authority over all things. He declares, “My Father has handed all things over to me.” God has empowered Jesus to be over all things, to have power over all of creation. Jesus then invites you and me to be a part of his kingdom, part of this creation, saying, “Come to me…” Come and experience my power. Come and experience my love. Come and live under my authority. Come and find rest, hope, peace.

In the rest of verse 28 Jesus names two of humanity’s realities. Many people are “struggling hard and carrying heavy burdens.” For many people, they struggle through a paycheck-to-paycheck existence, making choices between necessities. Others struggle through addictions and others struggle against injustice and others with abuse or violence. Many people are carrying heavy burdens – financial, emotional, relational, physical. For some of these folks, the burdens are their own to try to carry. For others, they carry burdens for those they love. These realities, especially in combination, can make us feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and/or defeated.

To these folks and really to us all, Jesus says, “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.” Jesus invites us all to give our lives to him, to enter into a relationship, to know his love. He invites us to really get to know him, to study his words and his way of life. In exchange, Jesus gives us rest. Walking in Jesus’ way of love, we grow to trust our burdens and struggles to him. He walks with us, lifting some of the struggle, some of the burden – enough so that we can find some rest. Jesus gently and humbly leads us, bringing renewal, life, rest, hope, and peace. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, how we need you! This life, even on a good day, can be hard and difficult. Add in limited finances or challenges with health or other factors, and life can feel heavy and hopeless. If this is our reality, Lord, help us to choose you and the peace, hope, and rest that you offer. If this is not our reality, use us to reveal Jesus’ love and way to others as we seek to walk alongside people in need of rest, hope, and peace. Thank you, God. Amen.


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The Simple Way of Love

Readings: Matthew 11:16-19 and 25-26

Matthew 11:19b – “Wisdom is proved to be right by her works.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

Two kindergarteners were best friends. Just before Christmas break, one got a buzz cut – to look sharp for family pictures. Over break the other one got a buzz cut – so their teacher couldn’t tell them apart. One boy was Caucasian. The other was African American. We are not born knowing hate, prejudice, sexism, greed…

In the first part of this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus is lamenting how “this generation” misunderstood John the Baptist and even Jesus himself. When he says this, I think he’s looking at the religious leaders. This becomes clear in the second half of today’s reading. John was sober and very serious. He lived an austere life out in the wilderness. Yet the religious leaders said he was possessed by a demon. What demon would call people to repent of their sins?

Jesus, by comparison, was pretty social. Instead of taking up residence in the church, oops – in the wilderness – and waiting for people to come to him, Jesus went to where the people were. He ate and drank with those who needed to know God’s love. That included those looked down upon and shunned by the religious leaders. So they called Jesus “a glutton and a drunk.” To this “opinion,” Jesus replied, “Wisdom is proved to be right by her works.” Wait and see how God works in and through Jesus.

Speaking more directly to those with the power and authority of his day, Jesus thanks God for hiding who he truly is from those thought wise and intelligent. He thanks God, too, that his simple way of love is known by “babies.” There is a story about two kindergarteners…

Prayer: Lord God, the “wisdom” of this world leads us so far from who and what you created us to be. Sadly, sometimes the wisdom of religion also can lead us astray. Living as the world lives, there is little room for the way of love. Focused on self or on protecting an institution, there is no space for “the other.” Lord, like you always did, may we make space both at the table and in our hearts for those who are in need to love, belonging, worth. And, when needed, may we sit at their tables and be present there. Amen.


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Ever Present

Reading: Matthew 10:24-31

Matthew 10:27 – “What I say to you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, announce from the rooftops.”

Closing the week with the first half of our gospel passage from Matthew 10, we hear more on the call to discipleship. The passage begins with a humble call for disciples to be like their teacher. Our implication here is to be like Jesus. All that we do and say and think should be aligned with and reflect the example and teachings of Jesus.

Starting in verse 24, Jesus encourages us to be bold in our faith. If we walk in faith, we can trust that all will be brought into the light. What is hidden and secret will be revealed. Therefore, with trust in him and with confidence in our faithful God, Jesus declares, “What I say to you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, announce from the rooftops.” To help us live out this invitation, Jesus points to the long game. Those who can kill the body? No need to worry about them. Eternity awaits. But, yes, “be afraid of the one who can kill body and soul.” Be aware of and cautious of Satan. The evil one is always lurking. Be alert and stand firm.

Jesus reminds us that God is right there too. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without God’s knowledge. Therefore, the Lord says, “Don’t be afraid.” We are much more important to God. Our worth to God is immeasurable. God is intimately aware of our needs. God is ever present. As we seek to be like Jesus, may we ever remember that God is always with us.

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to walk as disciples of Christ, fill us with your presence. Remind us again and again that you are with us and within us. By the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, lead us to boldly proclaim our faith in both word and action. Amen.