pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: presence


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Embolden and Empower

Reading: John 20:19-23

John 20:21 – “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.”

Following the risen Lord’s encounter with Mary Magdalene, Jesus goes to the disciples later that first day. They have heard the news from Mary. But simply hearing these words does not change their current reality. No one has ever been resurrected in this way. What it means is totally unknown. Fear is what the disciples primarily know at this point. They just killed Jesus. What is in store for his followers?

Standing amongst the disciples, Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” This standard Jewish greeting meant more now. For example, we casually say, “How’s it going?” to friends today. Or, to a friend struggling with grief, we can look them in the eye and ask, “How are you doing?” After showing the disciples physical signs of his identity, Jesus says, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” The disciples are to continue the work of Jesus. To make this possible, Jesus breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This indwelling presence of Christ himself will lead and guide, strengthen and encourage, embolden and empower the disciples as they return to the world.

Jesus also reminds the disciples of what that work looks like. As people of peace, they are to work at reconciliation. This task involves reconciling people to God and to one another. Our sin is what separates us from both. As people of peace, this work of reconciliation continues to be our task. Emboldened and empowered by the Holy Spirit, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, breathe anew the Holy Spirit into our lives this day. Guide us to claim the Spirit’s power and Christ’s peace as we seek to bring healing and wholeness to our sinful and broken world. May this work begin within as we reconcile ourselves to you and to one another. Amen.


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More Is Better

Reading: John 13:1-9

John 13:7 – “Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.”

The scene today is the celebration of the Passover meal. Present are Jesus and the twelve disciples. This is the fourth time in four weeks that we’ve read about this night. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke the focus is on the sharing of the bread and the cup, on the establishment of the new covenant. In all three the story then moves to the garden and on to arrest. In John’s gospel there is no bread or cup. John places the meal about half way through his story. Much is spoken by Jesus before his arrest happens in John 19. This is but one example of John’s disregard for time and historical sequence.

As chapter 13 begins we see that Jesus’ knows that “his time had come to leave this world.” Ever the one to love and serve, Jesus leaves the disciples one more tangible example of both. The meal is under way. Jesus knows that Judas will betray him. Jesus gets up, takes off his robes, and begins washing and drying the disciples’ feet. There is great symbolism in Jesus’ act. Taking off his robes is symbolic of taking off divinity to dwell in the flesh. Kneeling and performing this lowly, menial task is symbolic of how we are to serve others. The washing itself is symbolic of baptism, where our sins are washed away.

When Jesus comes to Peter, he protests. Jesus replies, “You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.” We also experience this is our faith journeys. Only later, through prayer or study or through the Holy Spirit’s presence do we come to understand what Jesus did for us. After some back and forth, the all-in Peter asks Jesus to wash his hands and feet too. If a little Jesus is good, more is better. While this is true, often it is only later that we, like Peter, truly understand what it is that we are asking for.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you first for the call to love and serve. It is who and what we are called to be as followers of Jesus. Grant us the courage and the willingness to do even the lowest things in our efforts to love and serve the other. And, Lord, lead us to seek to be more and more like Jesus. Empower us to do whatever you place before us. Amen.


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The King of…

Reading: John 12:12-19

John 12:13 – “They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, ‘Hosanna!'”

Entering into Holy Week in the gospel of John, we begin the passion of the Christ with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Unique to his gospel, John gives a reason for the large crowd that celebrates Jesus. People were buzzing over Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb after being dead for four days. In 12:10 we read of the jealousy caused by this miracle: “The chief priests decided that they would kill Lazarus too.” This jealousy shows out in verse 19 too, where the Pharisees pettily says, “Look! The whole world is following him!”

In verse 12 we read that the “great crowd” in town for the Passover festival heard that Jesus was coming. So, “They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, ‘Hosanna!'” The word “hosanna” translates to “save us, we pray!” Also from the Psalms, the crowd offers blessings to “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” The crowd identifies Jesus as “the king of Israel.” Mid-story Jesus finds a young donkey and begins riding it. He too claims the title of “king,” quoting from the prophet Zechariah.

John admits, in verse 16, that the disciples didn’t connect the dots at first. John and his fellow disciples wouldn’t understand the meaning and connections until after Jesus died and rose. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit would help with this. In the same way, the Holy Spirit leads and guides is in our faith if we are willing to listen and obey.

Prayer: Lord God, we see a crowd caught up in the miracle Jesus offered. They cheer and shout. We too can do these things. We can come to Easter and shout “He is risen!” Then the Monday after is like any other Monday. Lord, may it not be so. Draw us deeper into our faith. Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, bring us understanding and obedience too. Lead and guide us to see and follow Jesus as the one who sits on the throne of our hearts. Amen.


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Today

Reading: Luke 23:32-43

Luke 23:41 – “But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Photo credit: Thanti Nguyen

Most of Luke’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion takes place in our reading for today. In some ways Jesus is treated like a common criminal. He is crucified between two. His charge is placed above his head: “This is the king of the Jews.” Like the crucifixion itself, the posting of the charge was also a deterrent.

Almost everyone present mocks or insults Jesus. The religious leaders mock the one who saved others. If he really was who he said he was then he’d save himself. The soldiers mock his kingship. If he really was a king, he’d surely be able to save himself. One of the criminals being crucified insults Jesus for not saving himself – and his fellow criminals. All of these people understand “save” in a different, more limited context. The immediate situation is all they are thinking about. Perhaps that is part of the reason Jesus prays at the outset, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

The second criminal sees beyond this moment on the cross. He rebukes the other criminal, admits that they are “tightly condemned,” and states, “But this man has done nothing wrong.” Grasping who Jesus truly is, this man asks Jesus to remember him “when you come into your kingdom.” This repentant man is told, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Today. Not some distant, future date. Today. The same is true for us. When we ask Jesus to remember us, he is present with us today. The kingdom of God is here and now. Jesus is with us here and now. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to see and to live into your kingdom here on earth. Open our hearts to feel your presence. Open our eyes to see you with and among us. And, Lord, use us to build your kingdom here on earth as we seek to be love and light to the world. Amen.


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Shining the Light

Reading: Luke 22:39-53

Luke 22:53b – “But this is your time, when darkness rules.”

On the Mount of Olives, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus goes to God in prayer. This was a place Jesus went to regularly. He invites the disciples to pray too, so that they “won’t give in to temptation.” Moving away from them, Jesus prays earnestly, so much so that he sweats profusely and needs angelic strengthening. His prayer reveals both his humanity and his understanding of his purpose. In this hardest moment, Jesus ponders if the “cup of suffering” can be taken away. Then, in obedience, he prays, “not my will but your will must be done.” He returns to the disciples and finds them sleeping, “overcome with grief.”

At times we will struggle or waver. The thing God is asking of us is hard, maybe feels risky, possibly includes a cost. So we teeter. At times we do step forward. Other times we choose the easier way. In our own way we too “sleep,” giving in to the temptation of non-obedience. As we grow in our faith, as we mature, we come to better understand our purpose in the kingdom of God. While we’ll still fail, the frequency lessens.

The story continues as the mob arrives to arrest Jesus. A disciple starts to defend Jesus. He quickly halts the violence, healing the injury, reminding the disciples of who he is and who he is not. Jesus questions the mob – the swords and the clubs. He reminds them of his daily presence in the temple. The implied question is, “Why didn’t you arrest me there?” Jesus answers this unspoken question: “But this is your time, when darkness rules.” In an isolated place, under cover of darkness, Jesus is arrested.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this look into Jesus’ humanity, into his struggle. In our battles with obedience, remind us of this moment. May we draw upon strength moving forward, upon grace in failure. Encourage us to be people of the light, shining your love and power into the darkness of this world. Amen.


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Here and Now

Readings: Luke 17:20-21 and 22:14-20

Luke 17:21 – “Don’t you see it? God’s kingdom is already among you.”

In Luke 17 some Pharisees ask Jesus when God’s kingdom is coming. Maybe they hope Jesus will turn into the kind of Messiah they’re looking for: strong, powerful, able to defeat the Romans. Or maybe they hope that since Jesus claims to be the “Son of Man,” then he’ll be able to tell their when their Messiah will come. Inviting these religious leaders into the present reality, Jesus says, “Don’t you see it? God’s kingdom is already among you.” Open your eyes and hearts, it is here and now.

This can be a question Christians can ponder too. One can think that accepting Jesus will be a cure for all that ails us. One can think that life will only be blessed because we’re following Jesus. No, all of life still happens. Jesus will and does walk with us, bringing peace and hope in the storms, comfort and strength in the trials… In turn, we offer these to others. This is the kingdom of God at work here and now.

Almost a week later, Jesus gathers in Jerusalem with his disciples. It is Passover and they are gathered around the table. Jesus shares two interesting things with the disciples. First, he “earnestly desires” to share this meal with them. Second, he tells them, “I won’t eat it until it is fulfilled in God’s kingdom.” Little did they know, this would be the next day. Jesus then share the bread as his “body… given for you.” Then the cup is shared as the “new covenant… poured out for you.” After Jesus fulfills these words and their promise, completing this act of sacrifice, followers of Christ will remember this gift by celebrating Holy Communion. Each time, in that moment, God’s kingdom is here and now.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your presence with us and through us. When we experience or share your light and love, your grace and peace, your hope and strength, the kingdom of God manifests itself here and now. We are reminded of the depth of your light and love… in the sacrifice you made on the cross. When we remember this act, we are made new again, here and now. Thank you for this gift. Amen.


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With Us, Every Day

Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Matthew 28:20 – “Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Matthew closes his gospel with Jesus commissioning to disciples to carry on his work. There is no ascension here. Matthew is intentional in how he ends his gospel. Perhaps he picked up this idea from Mark. The abrupt end to Mark invites us to be the continuation of the story, to be the church. Matthew’s ending offers the same invitation.

Eleven disciples go to the mountain in Galilee. The women who met the risen Lord remind them of this planned gathering. In what feels curious to us at first, some disciples worship Jesus and others feel some doubt. But we too find ourselves here at times. We can feel some doubt even as we seek to cling to our faith.

Being given all authority in heaven and on earth, Jesus tells the disciples first to go. They are to go out into the world just as Jesus was out in the world. He spent also all of his ministry hours out in the world. Once our in the world, the disciples are to make new disciples. A disciple is one who repents of their sin, who trusts in Jesus for salvation, and who obeys Jesus’ teachings. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a public act of faith in and of surrender to Jesus Christ. Following baptism, the disciples are to teach new believers all of Jesus’ commands. This faith in and obedience to Jesus, to his teachings and example, this is the mark of a Christian and of the church.

This commission must’ve felt like a lot to the disciples. It feels like a lot to us. So may we too hear the promise Jesus makes to the disciples as his promise to us: Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to live into our commission. Use us to draw others to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. When the task feels big, help us to hear the guidance of the Holy Spirit, your promised presence with us. Walk with us, carrying us along as needed. Amen.


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Keep at the Walk

Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Mark 16:7 – “Go, tell the disciples… You will see him there, just as he told you “

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As originally written, Mark’s gospel seems to end abruptly and without resolution. It ends with the women fleeing in fear. They were so afraid, they didn’t say anything to anyone. That’s the original ending point. In the fourth and second centuries one verse 9 and verses 9-20 were added, respectively. In these additions the women do tell and the risen Jesus does appear to his followers. But Mark’s original ending, it really does beg the question: Why end it there, that way?!

Mark’s whole gospel is aimed at getting the church to be the church. The teachings he chooses and the parables Mark employs are all aimed at reminding the church of how Jesus taught and called them to live in the world. Chapter 16 is no different.

Mary, Mary, and Salome go and buy spices to anoint a body. Their hopes were dashed at the cross. Here they do the next thing. Church, disappointment and apparent failure will come. Keep doing the next thing. The women worry about the stone. They wonder who will move it. Here God does a thing. Church, if you are faithful, trust God to act. Inside the empty tomb an angel gives them instructions. They’re afraid. They do nothing. But we’re reading these words so the story doesn’t really end this way. Church, when God speaks something to you that feels scary or risky or hard to believe, say or do it anyway. Believe in God’s whispers, nudges, and movements. Then be amazed by what God does. This story is ongoing. The call to keep at the walk of faith, to trust and believe, to be amazed by God – that’s still our story. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be the faithful church. Guide us on an obedient walk. When there is struggle, when there is disappointment, when there is uncertainty, when there is fear and worry – whisper words of love, nudge us with your presence, move alongside us. Use us as your church. Amen.


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Certainly God’s Son

Reading: Mark 15:25-39

Mark 15:32 – “Even those who had been crucified with Jesus insulted him.”

In verses 25-39 of Mark 15, he encapsulates the actual death of Jesus Christ. Fifteen verses is all that Mark gives to this event. Most of these verses cover how the outsiders insulted, made fun of, and mocked Jesus. Most turn Jesus’ words upon him, demonstrating their lack of understanding. Even his fellow sufferers join in, insulting Jesus.

At 9 AM Jesus is nailed to the cross. A charge of insurrection hangs above his head: “The king of the Jews.” Passersby and the religious leaders insult and mock Jesus. These taunts contain truth though. The temple of his body will be “rebuilt” as he rises three days later. He will save many as they do see and believe in the resurrected Christ.

At noon the world goes dark. For three hours God and creation mourn what is happening. Perhaps this is the time that Jesus took our sin upon himself, suffering on behalf of sinners. It would make sense turn that at the end of this time he would utter his last earthly words, shouting, “Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani.” God could not abide being in the presence of sin.

At 3 PM Jesus lets out a loud cry and breathes his last. At this moment the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the temple’s common area is torn in two. The old temple system has come to an end. The new covenant has been established. We join the centurion, declaring, “This man was certainly God’s Son.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, how the world misunderstood you. With at least one eye always focused on self, it was hard to see you clearly. We too can struggle with this, with only being partly committed. Yes, in our own ways, we insult and mock you. Lord, forgive us and draw our eyes to the cross, where we see the depth of your love and grace. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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Both Places

Reading: Mark 14:66-72

Mark 14:71 – “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'”

We turn from Peter’s bold profession of Jesus as Messiah in yesterday’s reading to his bold denial of even knowing Jesus in today’s reading. To his credit perhaps, Peter followed the action, wanting or needing to see what played out with Jesus. Perhaps Peter still held to his view of Messiah as a king like David. Perhaps he wanted to be an eyewitness to the legions of angels destroying all who opposed Jesus.

It is a servant who first says Peter was with Jesus. He denies it. And he tries to move away from her, going to the outer courtyard. As he does, a rooster crows. Apparently she follows him, saying, “He is one of them.” Peter denies it again. But soon the crowd he’s hanging with also accuse Peter of “being one of them.” His accent gives him away. He’s a Galilean. This time, though, we read, “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'” The rooster crows a second time, Peter remembers Jesus’ words, and he sobs. (Yes, the rooster crows two times in Mark’s gospel.)

What a sharp contrast we see in Peter. A handful of hours earlier Peter declared, “Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t.” Yet here in the courtyard Peter swears that he does not know Jesus. Before the Sanhedrin, before the powerful, Jesus declared, “I am,” when asked about his identity. Peter recoils in fear as the powerless servants question his identity as a follower of Jesus. We too will find ourselves in both places – before the powerful and before the powerless. Will we stand for Jesus in both and all places?

Prayer: Lord God, when we find ourselves in environments or around people where we feel fear rising up, remind us of your power and might. We know that while we are in this world we may be impacted by the powers of this world, but ultimately our home is with you. Be with us, strengthen and encourage us for this journey. Amen.