pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: presence


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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.


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Hearts to Receive

Reading: Mark 4:10-13

Mark 4:11 – “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables.”

Entering into today’s reading, Jesus has just told a parable to a large crowd. Jesus’ teaching of the parable of the soils ends with him saying, “Whoever has ears to listen should pay attention.” He is telling the crowd that their hearts must be attuned to God’s heart to understand these words that he speaks.

Our reading shifts to a scene where Jesus is alone with his followers. They ask him about the parables. In essence they are asking two questions. First, why do you speak in these parables, in these riddles? And, what are you trying to say to us? They want to understand Jesus’ teaching.

Jesus begins with assurance : “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables.” They know and follow Jesus. This daily connection is all they need. They’ve heard and believed. But to those still outside the kingdom, the kingdom will not simply be given. There is some effort required. There needs to be some “skin in the game.” In verse 12 Jesus is paraphrasing Isaiah 6:9-10. In this Old Testament context, God is directing the prophet to speak these words to point out how stubborn and resistant they are to following God’s will and ways. The same us true for many in Jesus’ day. The same is true today.

The parable Jesus just taught was about receptivity to his words. For some people then and now, Jesus’ words were foolishness. These are those with hard soil/hearts. Jesus invites his followers, then and now, to be the good soil, to have hearts that grow deep roots. It is a choice. May we have ears to listen, hearts eager to receive.

Prayer: Lord God , sometimes we too hear your words and wonder what they mean for our lives or for our world. In these moments open our eyes to see. Make our hearts willing to receive and make our spirits willing to engage. Help us to overcome our stubbornness and selfishness when these become obstacles. Guide us to be more fully yours. Amen.


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An Invitation to All

Readings: Mark 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-21

Mark 14:24 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

In both passages that we read today, we see Jesus instituting the sacrament of communion. This event is set within the context of the Passover meal. This meal was an annual event in which the Jews would remember and celebrate how God saved them as the angel of death passed over their houses. This final plague led to Pharaoh releasing Israel from bondage and slavery.

Mark and Luke both present Jesus offering the bread as symbolic of his body, broken for them and for us. Jesus’ body will be broken on the cross. In using the common element amongst the rich and the poor and all in between, Jesus takes the everyday and connects bread to himself and to us all.

Both gospels present the cup – representative of Jesus’ blood – as poured out for many, establishing the “new covenant.” Mark recalls these words of Jesus: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” The new covenant is wrapped in mercy and grace, in forgiveness of sins. This common element of wine – again Jesus connecting the ordinary to his extraordinary gift.

In Mark’s gospel they sing a few songs and head to the Mount of Olives. But in Luke’s gospel, Jesus says, “But look! My betrayer is with me; his hand is on this table.” Jesus celebrates the first communion knowing that Judas will betray him. This is an invitation to us all – sinners each of us – to come to the table of grace. There we too will find welcome and forgiveness. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we humbly thank you for the gift of grace. Your Son did for us what we could not and cannot do for ourselves. It is only because of and through Jesus’ sacrifice that we are forgiven and made new, freed from the bonds of sin and death. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.


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Anointed for Service

Readings: Leviticus 8:10-12 and 1st Samuel 16:6-13

1st Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.”

During the high priest’s ordination Aaron is cleansed and then dressed in the tunic, robe, vest, chest piece, turban, and gold flower ornament. Dressed for service to the Lord, Moses first anoints the Tabernacle and all in it – the altar and its equipment, the basin and its base. As Moses anoints these items, they are made holy. Lastly, Moses pours anointing oil on Aaron’s head, making him holy. This anointing proclaims Aaron’s special standing before the Lord on behalf of Israel.

In the first verse of 1st Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to fill his horn with oil and to head to Bethlehem, adding, “I have found the next king.” In today’s second reading we join the story as Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house. Eliab begins the procession before Samuel. Tall, strong, the oldest – he must be the one. God says no. God tells Samuel that God looks past physical appearance and looks into the heart. Seven sons pass before Samuel. He anoints none.

I imagine an awkwardness settled over the room. Samuel has to ask Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” Well, no. The youngest is brought in from tending the sheep. God says, “That’s the one.” In the next verse we read, “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.” Anointed, David is filled with God’s presence, readied for service. Anointed, Aaron is able to stand in God’s presence. Today may we be anointed by God’s Holy Spirit, set apart for service in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, in days of old you called those you chose, anointing them with oil, claiming them as your own. In these days, pour out your Spirit upon us, your children. Empower and embolden us to live out our faith in the world, serving you and neighbor as we share your love with those in need, as we bring your light to those dwelling in darkness. Amen.


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Redeem, Restore, Rescue

Readings: Psalm 137:1-3 and 8, Zechariah 9:9

Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem. Look, your king will come to you. He is righteous and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass.”

The people of God had already experienced much trauma leading up to their exile in Babylon. The nation had split into Israel and Judah. Both parts experienced good and bad kings – much more of the latter. Israel, and later Judah were conquered and hauled into exile. It is in this foreign land, living under a pagan oppressor, that Israel’s longing for a Messiah really begins to take shape.

Psalm 137 is a song of lament. In the first few verses the writer expresses the people’s collective sadness. Their captors are forcing them to sing songs of joy. These songs are intended to be sung as they ascend to the temple, preparing themselves to worship God. They were forced to sing these songs out of place, to a God whose home – the temple – was destroyed. It is no wonder that they long for destroyer Babylon to be paid back by the one who will come to redeem and restore Israel.

This longing for a rescuer, for a Messiah, is expressed in Zechariah 9:9. These words will be brought to life by a king riding into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt. Psalms will be waving and shouts of “Hosanna!” will fill the air. It’s just the Romans who now oppress, who now need overthrown. This is the king that Israel still longs for. It is just not the kind of king that Jesus will prove himself to be. His rescue, redemption, and restoration is not military but personal and spiritual.

Prayer: Lord God, for many the longing for a Messiah remains very real. Today people long to be redeemed and rescued – from an abusive relationship, from addiction, from financial hardship, from illness, from oppression, from injustice… These real struggles weigh upon their hearts, upon our hearts. Lord Jesus, please ride into our hearts, enter through those gates, bringing a peace to the battles, a calm to the chaos, a strength to the weakness, a wholeness to the brokenness. Rescue, redeem, and restore. Amen.


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Faithful Actions

Reading: James 2:14-24

James 2:24 – “So you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone.”

As we come to a close reading scripture and applying is to John Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules,” we turn to James 2. This short passage works well to illustrate how doing no harm, doing good, and staying in love with God should work together in the life of a believer.

Our passage begins with a question: What good is it to say you’re a Christian if you don’t act like one? To claim to have faith does nothing. James points to wishing well someone in need without meeting those needs. You are, then, in fact, doing harm to the image of Christ.

As he continues, James argues that one cannot separate faith from your actions. Yes, he says, to believe is good. But our faith cannot stop there. It must flavor or impact all areas of our lives. James cites Abraham as an example of one whose faith was “made complete” by his actions. Nearly sacrificing his only son Isaac, Abraham’s obedience to God through faithful actions brought him to the place of righteousness. To faithfully follow God’s word, nudges, whispers… leads us to do good for the image of Christ.

Woven into Abraham’s example is one who stays in love with God. Abraham listened to the voice of God. He chose to worship God alone – elevating his love of God over his love for his own son. In summary, James writes, “So you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone.” May this be what the world sees through our faith as well.

Prayer: Lord God, interweave into our lives these three practical pieces of faith. Guard us against doing harm and lead us to do good. Fuel both of these practices through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. May our love for you arch over all we say, do, and think, drawing others into the great love that you have for us all. Amen.