pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: present


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Present and Future Reality

Readings: John 5:25-29 and Luke 19:7-10

Luke 19:10 – “The Human One came to seek and save the lost.”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

God sent Jesus to save, not to condemn, to give eternal life, not to bring eternal punishment. Today’s readings speak to this and to the reality that salvation is both a present and future reality.

In John 5 Jesus declares that “the time is coming – and is here!” Those who are dead in their faith can hear Jesus’ words and have their faith come to life. This is the present reality. Jesus also speaks into the heaven-hell reality. “All who are in their graves” – the physically dead – they too will hear Jesus’ voice one day. When that day comes, some will be resurrected to life (heaven) and some will be resurrected to judgment (hell.) In the end, we all have a destination. How we live in the present will determine our outcome.

Turning to Luke 19 we enter the story of Zacchaeus. Jesus has just invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house. This causes everyone to grumble. A large crowd had gathered to see Jesus. What could or would he do for them? To choose Zacchaeus, tax collector and known sinner – unbelievable! In response to the crowd or to Jesus’ invitation (or both?) Zacchaeus declares his faith. He speaks in the present. Jesus tells the crowd that salvation has come to Zacchaeus. Jesus adds, “The Human One came to seek and save the lost.” Jesus came to change hearts and lives in the present. Jesus came to save and to bring eternal life to the lost. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your intent for all people isn’t just to enter heaven one day. It is also for us to experience heaven on earth here in the present – “on earth as it is in heaven” is what we pray each Sunday. Help us to walk daily in faith, being heaven to others so that they too can begin to experience your intent for their lives in the here and now. Amen.


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Live in Love

Reading: 2nd John

2nd John 1:6 – “This is love: that we live according to his commands. This is the command that you heard from the beginning: live in love.”

2nd John is a short letter from “the elder” (likely John the apostle) to the “chosen gentlewoman” (likely a personification of a local house church.) The letter begins by expressing joy over some that are “living in the truth.” These believers are being faithfully obedient, living an active faith out in the world. This joy then becomes an invitation as the elder invites all in this community of faith to be love in action. In verse 6 we read, “This is love: that we live according to his commands. This is the command that you heard from the beginning: live in love.” This community of faith is being called to demonstrate God’s love for them to others – to those both inside and outside the church. This continues to be the call for all Christian communities of faith.

The elder also addresses false teaching. These false teachers, later known as Docetists, were teaching that Jesus did not come in a real body. They taught that Jesus just “appeared” to have a body. Imagine what this teaching would mean to the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and to recent readings about Jesus emptying himself, laying aside equality with God to walk with us. The elder warns the faith community about receiving or welcoming these teachers into their homes. To bring a false teacher into the place that the community of faith met would be to affirm their teachings.

The letter closes by stating that there is much more to say. The elder hopes to visit, to see this faith community face to face. Being present to one another is the best way to “live in love.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us today to be love lived out loud in the world. In all ways, may we seek to love you through loving neighbor and stranger alike. Guide us to walk in your truths. Protect us from falsehoods and the ways of the world. Amen.


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A Steadfast, Patient Resolve

Reading: James 3-5

James 4:7-8 – “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Chapters 3-5 deal with living as a friend or enemy of God. To be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God. James first addresses speech: taming the tongue. Though small, like the rudder of a ship or a spark, the tongue is powerful: “a world of evil at work in us.” With the tongue we both bless God and curse one another. “It just shouldn’t be this way!”

A better way is suggested: “wisdom from above.” Contrasted with the jealousy and selfish ambition of the world, the better way is “pure… peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions, fair, and genuine.” The ways of the world lead to murder, fighting, theft… Instead, James says, pray to the Lord, go to God: “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” When we cry out to God, humbly seeking the Lord, God will “lift you up.”

James encourages us to live in the present, not looking too far ahead, not relying on our wealth or other things of this earth. Soberly, we are reminded, “You are a mist.” We are but a tiny blip on God’s eternal timeline. All we do and say and think should be done with God’s will, plan, and purposes in mind. Accordingly, we are to pray for one another, confess our sins to each other, and hold one another accountable. And as we live this life, looking forward to the day of the Lord, we should do so with patient resolve. Like the prophets and like Job, may we be steadfast in our walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, the battle is real, the war wages on. We are helpless and weak; you are strong and mighty. Come alongside us in Spirit, fight for us and with us. Give us a patient resolve and a sure faith. Guide us moment by moment. Amen.


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In Every Way

Reading: Romans 11-13

Romans 12:1 – “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

In chapter 11 Paul addresses God’s people – both the Jews who still reject Jesus and the Gentiles who’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul argues that God has not rejected Israel. A remnant remains. They’ve not fallen permanently. In fact, Paul has intentionally been so public about his ministry because he hopes to “make my own people jealous and save some of them.” Paul also warns the saved Gentiles about bragging about their grafted in status. It is the root (God) that sustains them – not the other way around. In the end, Paul believes “Israel will be saved.”

In chapter 12 Paul begins to address behavior. In verse 1 he writes, “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.” Constantly give self up in surrender to God’s will and way (not to the world’s) and one will become “good and pleasing and mature.” As we do so we live more and more as one unified body, each playing a vital and necessary role. Paul lists prophesying, serving, teaching, and encouraging as some roles. He then elevates love, evangelism, hope, prayer, empathy, and equality as marks of faith. Paul warns against arrogance, revenge, and other evil actions. These are those “patterns of the world.”

Paul addresses our civic responsibilities at the start of chapter 13. Live well under the authority of the government because they have been “put in place by God.” Pay your taxes and don’t be in debt to anyone. And love really well. Paul reminds us that all the commands are summed up in the one to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Our reading closes with a great reminder. Salvation is closer now than ever. So, “Dress yourself with the Lord Jesus” – be like Christ in every way. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for our place in your family. Encourage us to see the family as an ever-growing family, as one that seeks to graft in all people. As we walk in faith day by day, nurture us and guide us into a more and more mature faith. Above all, may we love without limit, helping others into the path of salvation and life. Amen.


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The Lord Will Reign

Reading: Zechariah 10-15

Zechariah 13:1 – “On that day, a fountain will open to cleanse the sin and impurity of David’s house.”

In the last chapters of Zechariah, Judah and Jerusalem are lifted up and are torn down. They experience defeat and victory – both through the Lord. Zechariah refers twice to a king who has been seen as Jesus since the earliest days of the church. In the end, God is present in the new Jerusalem. All nations come to worship and give glory to God.

As our reading begins, God invites the people to ask God for rain. Instead they turn to idols as their shepherd(s) lead them astray. God will punish “the goats.” Judah will then be strong because God is with them. Strengthened, they will walk in the name of the Lord. But this faith doesn’t remain long. Two staffs – Delight and Harmony – are made and then are broken. The covenant is ended and the alliance between Judah and Israel is over. A bad shepherd won’t care well for the flock and will be doomed by God.

In chapter 12 God again defends and restores Judah. They again become strong in the Lord. God promises to pour out a spirit of grace and mercy. But then the people will “look to me concerning the one whom they pierced.” There will be mourning throughout the land. In 13:1 we read, “On that day, a fountain will open to cleanse the sin and impurity of David’s house.” Later in chapter 13: Zechariah returns to what the church reads as Jesus. They will strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. There will be a purifying fire (persecution) that will refine the faithful. God will look upon these and say, “They are my people.”

In the last chapter we read of Jerusalem falling and half going into exile. Then God, along with the “holy ones,” fights for them, bringing them home. Running water will flow from this new Jerusalem. It will be secure. Nations will come to pay homage to God. The Lord will reign forever. This is the end of the story we know too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, although sin and disobedience separated you from Judah and Israel – as it does us at times – you remain unconditionally committed to loving your children. I am grateful for your faithfulness, mercy, and grace through all of our failures. You are so worthy of our praise. Use us this day to bring glory and honor to your name. Amen.


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What a Turn!

Readings: Esther 5, Esther 6, Esther 7, Esther 8, Esther 9, Esther 10

Esther 9:1 – “On the very day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, the tables were turned against them.”

Photo credit: Justin Luebke

As the story continues, Esther goes to and is received by the king. He offers her anything she wants – “even half the kingdom.” She requests that the king and Haman come to a banquet first. Haman leaves the banquet in high spirits. But seeing Mordecai angers him. It is suggested that he has a 75′ pole built to hang Mordecai on. The pole is built. But that night the king can’t sleep. The royal records are read and he hears of Mordecai’s heroism. The next day, thinking it is for himself, Haman comes up with a grand plan to honor this man. He ends up parading Mordecai around the city. What a turn!

At the second banquet Esther shared her wish: “give me my life… and the lives of my people.” Haman’s cruel plan is unveiled and eventually he is impaled on that 75′ pole. What a turn! The next day Esther and Mordecai appear before the king. They receive permission to write an order that will “call back” the original order. The Jews are allowed to defend themselves. Mordecai is greeted with shouts of joy in Susa. Jews everywhere are elated. Yes, what a turn.

The fateful day arrives. “On the very day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, the tables were turned against them.” No one is able to stand up to the Jews. They win sweeping victories over their enemies. The days end in great celebration and feasting. What a turn! Esther and Mordecai make it an official day of celebration – the Feast of Purim. It is named after “pur” – the dice tossed to decide the day of the Jews’ demise. Yearly, though, it is two days of celebration and feasting, remembering God’s rescue. What a turn indeed!

Prayer: Lord God, what a grand story of rescue. Although behind the scenes, you were there at every turn – prompting, leading, guiding, orchestrating, making a way. We rejoice in you, our good, good God. And we humbly ask, O Lord, that you are present in our lives too. Show us, lead us, guide us, prompt us, rescue us, O God. Amen.


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Joy and Sorrow

Readings: Ezra 1, Ezra 2, Ezra 3

Ezra 1:3 – “If there are any of you who are from his people, may their God be with them! They may go up to Jerusalem… and build the house of the LORD.”

Ezra continues the story of the chronicler. It might even be the same author. The start of Ezra 1 mirrors the end of 2nd Chronicles 36. King Cyrus of Persia issues a proclamation. God tells Cyrus to build a house for God in Jerusalem. In response he proclaims: “If there are any of you who are from his people, may their God be with them! They may go up to Jerusalem… and build the house of the LORD.” Cyrus also calls for support from those who do not go and he sends along the temple items that Nebuchadnezzar had looted. The ending of the exile and the proclamation to build the temple fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy.

Chapter 2 contains the list of those “whose spirit God stirred up” to go home to rebuild the temple. Almost 50,000 make the journey. This is the total for phase one – the rebuilding of God’s house. This is but a small piece of the multitude sent into exile. The first step is to settle in, to become inhabitants in the land. After seven months the returnees gather in Jerusalem. Jeshua and Zerubbabel rebuild the altar together. The head priest and the political leader work together. Entirely burned offerings are given. They celebrate the Festival of Booths – a reminder of God’s provision when Israel lived in tents (or booths) during their time in the wilderness. From this point on, the daily offerings required by the law of Moses will be given.

The work is organized and construction begins. Cedarwood is contracted for. In the second month of year two, workers begin to lay the temple’s foundation. Upon its completion, there is a great celebration. There is great joy amongst the priests and the people. But mixed in is great weeping. The oldest remember the first temple. There is a grief in this. The old and the new intersect in this moment of joy and of sorrow. God is present in both.

Prayer: Lord God, the rebuilding of your people has begun. You use an earthly power to fulfill your prophet’s words. Your presence moves some people to action. A new thing is being done both physically and spiritually. O Lord, continue to be at work in us, repairing what has been broken, shaping and forming us into your people too. Amen.


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Gracious and Compassionate

Readings: 2nd Kings 11, 2nd Kings 12, 2nd Kings 13

2nd Kings 13:23 – “But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, turning back to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Chapters 11-13 are chapters filled with evil done in the sight of the Lord. Our readings begin with Athaliah killing off almost her entire family – so she can rule Judah. But one of Ahaziah’s sons escapes. Hidden away and raised in the temple, Jehoash becomes king at age 7. The priest Jehoiada orchestrates this. He then makes a covenant with the people to belong to the Lord. Jehoash is mostly a bright spot. He oversees the repair of the temple in spite of the priests’ reluctance. But he allows shrine worship to continue. And he buys off Aram’s King Hazael with the Holy objects and gold from the temple. In the end, a conspiracy by his own officials ends Jehoash’s reign after 40 years.

Shifting back to Israel in Samaria, Jehoahaz becomes king. He rules for 17 mostly evil years. A bright moment comes amidst heavy oppression from Aram. He cries out to God and God sends a savior who defeats Aram. There is peace, “But they didn’t deviate from the sins.” Joash is the next king. His 16 years are filled with what was evil in God’s sight. He dies and Jeroboam becomes king in Israel.

Our readings end with Elisha’s final appearance. He becomes gravely ill and King Joash pays him a visit. Through the use of a bow and some arrows, Elisha prophesies some rescue from Aram. He dies and is buried. And then his bones bring a man back to life. God is still present, in more ways than one. In verse 23 of chapter 13 we read, “But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, turning back to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Ah, the covenant. Ah, the love.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the closing reminder of your covenant love. No matter the evil done by Jehoash or Jehoahaz or Joash or by us, your love remains. You remain compassionate and gracious. You even work through some we least expect – like Jehoash and maybe even through us. You can use any situation and any person for your plans. Restore us when we fail. Use us as you will. Amen.


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In Those Days…

Readings: Judges 17, Judges 18, Judges 19, Judges 20, Judges 21

Judges 21:25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel; each person did what they thought to be right.”

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

I got done reading today’s five chapters and just thought, “Wow…” Could Israel’s downward spiral get any worse? I read the last verse in Judges and thought, “How true.” Yes, God is consulted and at times God is actually present, but overall their actions are about as far from righteous and holy as they could be.

We begin with Micah setting up his own sanctuary, finding a wandering Levites priest to be his priest. Dan’s search for land brings spies into contact with this Levite. They end up abducting him and they take all of Micah’s sanctuary things for themselves. They find Laish – a happy little community living in their own little corner of the world. They totally wipe Laish out and take the area as their own. They set up their own sanctuary there.

That same Levite marries a secondary wife from his hometown of Bethlehem. Traveling home from retrieving this wayward wife, they stay in Gibeah. In a scene reminiscent of Lot’s experience in Sodom, the secondary wife is given to the depraived Benjamites, who leave her for dead. The Levite takes her body home, cuts it into 12 pieces, and sends it to the 12 tribes, basically asking, ‘What are you going to do about this?’ Benjamin refuses to give up the men of Gibeah and civil war ensues. 50,000 Benjamites die and 40,000 Israelites die. The Israelites burn down all the Benjamite cities, killing everything. The 600 men who escaped to the rock in the desert are all that is left of the tribe of Benjamin. Sitting in the brink of eliminating one of the 12 tribes, the rest of Israel pledges to not let any of their women marry a Benjamite. Their solution to saving Benjamin is to massacre the one community that didn’t participate in all of this horrid violence, except the virgins. These are given to the men of Benjamin. But they’re not enough. So they steal a few more wives from the unsuspecting Israelite community of Shiloh – while they are worshipping the Lord.

Indeed, “In those days there was no king in Israel; each person did what they thought to be right.”

Prayer: Lord God, what total and utter depravity. It makes me shudder. It is hard to fathom how far the people of God have fallen. You have a presence – allowing just enough guidance to one day work good out of all this horrid history. I am thankful that you always have a plan, even in the midst of such as this. Amen.


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Present

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:16-24

Verses 16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”

Light and dark

The nine verses that come to us today at the end of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians are jam-packed. Originally, of course, there were not verses in the letter. They were simply sentences that followed one after another. And these eight sentences have a lot in them! It was as if Paul had lots left to say but only had a little room left on the back side of his last piece of parchment.

In the first sentence, or in verses 16-18, Paul offers these words: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” Yes, this is God’s will for our lives. Each phrase could easily be a couple of paragraphs. And Paul, above all people, should know that life can be really hard. There are many times when joy is hard to find, when prayer feels like a non-option, when gratitude is just not happening. But Paul is not asking us to be joyful or whatever for the hardship… He is reminding us that we can be joyful, prayerful, and even grateful in the hardship… because God is with us in the hardship… We do not go through life on our own. God is always present.

Being present is the thought that carries on through the letter’s closing. To keep the Spirit’s fire, to hold to the scriptures, to hold everything up to God’s light, to do good and not evil – these are the ways that we remain present to and with the God who is ever present to us. Paul closes with the outcomes of a deeply personal and intimate relationship with God: we will be sanctified (made holy) and we will live righteous lives. Yes, God is faithful. May we be too!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder today that you are always with us. In the good, in the bad – in all of it – you are with us. Immanuel, help us to stay connected, dependent, and committed to our relationship with you. There is no other way. Amen.