pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Love of World? Love of God?

Reading: 1st John 2:15-17

1st John 2:15 – “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

In our reading today John contrasts love of the world with love of God. Much like Paul, John sees this as black or white. John begins by stating, “Don’t love the world or the things of the world.” John then gives us a partial list of what these things are in verse 16: the cravings of the flesh, the cravings of the eyes, and pride in one’s possessions. For John Wesley, the cravings of the flesh are our physical sins. These would be things like gluttony, exerting power over others, oppression, sexual promiscuity, violence, abusing substances. The cravings of the eyes are the sins we commit within our hearts: lust, envy, judging… These sins can lead to physical sins. And for Wesley, the sin of pride was revealed as a “quest” for glory. This quest was for possessions and for status, recognition, titles, wealth… The apostle John reminds us that all of these things “are not of the Father.”

At the start of our passage for today we read, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.” John’s focus in his gospel and in his three letters is ‘love.’ For the disciples, love is the defining characteristic of God and of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Love is antithetical to the sins listed above. Love naturally counters the cravings and pride so easily found in the human heart. Placing ourselves behind God and neighbor, resetting our priorities and decision making to reflect this servant status, results in “the world and its cravings… passing away.” This is a slow and gradual death. It is a hard fought battle. But, living as love, obeying the will of God, focuses our journey on an eternity in love’s presence. May this be so.

Prayer: Lord God, be with us in this battle for our love. Culture and those living for self model loving the world. Our desire to belong and our taught cravings are always tugging us in their direction. Counter these, O God, by the power of your love. Empower us to love as you loved when in the flesh, using us to model your kingdom in this time and place. Amen.


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Reality Check

Reading: Daniel 4:34-37

Daniel 4:37 – “All his [God’s] works are truth, all his paths are justice, and he is able to humble all who walk in pride.”

At the start of Daniel 4 King Nebuchadnezzar praises God as powerful and everlasting. God has just rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. Yes, they were thrown into the furnace because they refused to worship the 90′ statue made in the king’s likeness. God then brings Nebuchadnezzar a dream. None of the king’s sages, diviners… can interpret it. But Daniel can – “because the breath of the holy gods is in you.” The dream reveals that God will drive the king into the wilderness, living as an animal. He will live in this state until he acknowledges that “heaven rules all” – including him.

A year later the king is walking in the palace roof. He says to himself, ‘Isn’t Babylon great… this city built by MY mighty strength and by MY majestic glory?’ The words hadn’t left his mouth before God pronounced judgment on him. We see here how pride is ever there, often just below the surface. There are times when we’ll think how talented or beautiful we are or how wonderful that thing I did was or ___. You fill in the blank. We all can, many times over. Pride is something almost all of us battle with. And thinking too highly of oneself is not the only way pride is revealed.

Nebuchadnezzar’s sentence is immediately carried out. He lives as an animal in the wild for “seven periods of time.” We don’t know how long this was but we do know it was long enough for Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge God’s authority. In humility he says, “All his [God’s] works are truth, all his paths are justice, and he is able to humble all who walk in pride.” When we get too full of ourselves, when we start judging and playing the comparison game, when we refuse to do a menial task, when we… we too will get a reality check. It might not be immediately, but it will come. The way to avoid this? Walk humbly with God each and every day, acknowledging God’s power and strength over all things. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how often we see pride leading to words, actions, and behaviors that are far less than you call us to be. When we fall into the sun of pride, open our eyes as we look in the mirror. Humble us when needed, returning us to the worship of you instead of self. To you, O God, is all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.


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One to Exalt

Reading: Isaiah 2:10-18

Isaiah 2:17 – “People’s pride will be brought down and human arrogance humiliated. The Lord alone will be exalted on that day.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

We return to the beginning of Isaiah again this week. In chapter 1 we read about Judah being far from God, turning to idols and foreign powers to save them. The leaders were taking advantage of and oppressing the least among them. Even so, God offered grace and mercy, forgiveness and restoration – if the nation would humble themselves, confessing and repenting of their sins. If only…

Turning to verse 10, Isaiah suggests that the people “go into the rocks” to hide from the Lord’s terror. The sin of Judah will be dealt with. The people’s “proud gazing” and “humanity’s arrogance” will be brought low. The day is coming, says the prophet, when all that is prideful, haughty, and lofty will be “laid low.” These sins have led Judah to the precarious place that they find themselves in.

Next we find a list of some of the things that humankind’s pride can be rooted in: natural resources, man made structures, the means of war. In our day, does the list look much different? Pride and arrogance continue to drive many of the sins and evil of our day. Again speaking of the difficult and painful day soon to come, in verse 17 we read, “People’s pride will be brought down and human arrogance humiliated. The Lord alone will be exalted on that day.” It is good and right to that God alone is exalted, that God alone is worshipped. It is a choice that we can make. May it be so in our lives. Yes, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be so easy to look around, to see others with ‘things’ we’d like – power, status, possessions. Once there it is an easy step to lust and envy, to greed and want. But to desire and pursue these things us to move in the opposite direction of you. The world is all about self, elevating self, gathering things. In that arena, pride and arrogance are rampant and infectious. Shield us from these desires. Lead us to find our worth in you. Guide us to seek you above all else. Center our lives on worshipping you alone. Amen.


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A Good, Good Plan

Reading: Genesis 1:1, 27-28, 31

Genesis 1:31 – “God saw everything he had made; it was supremely good.”

As we consider and ponder this week’s theme of being restored and made new, we turn back to the beginning of it all. Because God is good, all that was created was good. As the creation process unfolds – water, light, land, plants, animals – God’s goodness can be seen in the order. Each next step dependant and built upon the step before. Turning to verse 27, God creates humanity. Humankind is created in the divine image of God. Connecting the dots, God’s goodness can be seen in humanity. We are born good. We have to be taught hate, prejudice, jealousy, pride…

God blesses the humans and then tasks them with caring for the creation. A good God charging good humans to care for a good creation – the plan as God designed creation. As the sixth ‘day’ of creation draws to a close, we read, “God saw everything he had made; it was supremely good.” In its original state, all of creation was simply good. One element provided for and cared for another, all in a good and healthy balance.

We turn here today because this was and is the vision for our world. One day this will again be the reality as God restored and makes all things new at the second coming of Christ. It is good to remember the plan of God, to know both the promise and the hope that we find in our good, good God. May this plan and vision ever guide our way.

Prayer: Lord God, your goodness is revealed to us in so many ways, but especially in creation. In the order and beauty and goodness of creation we see your plan for our lives. Lead and guide us to live into who and what you created us to be. Use us to begin the restoration process. Amen.


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Even Then

Reading: Hosea 1:7-11

Hosea 1:10 – “In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said to them, ‘Children of the living God.'”

Hosea is a prophet to the northern kingdom , to Israel. He is the only such prophet with a book in the Bible. As Hosea speaks God’s word, Israel is in its last days. Their pride and idolatry are the causes of the coming downfall. Judah, the southern kingdom, isn’t too far behind. But Judah is currently more faithful than Israel.

While God’s compassion for Israel is gone, the prophet tells them, “I will have compassion on the house of Judah.” To relate this, it would be like living in the North during the Civil War and hearing God say, ‘I will bless the South.’ God goes on, through Hosea, to tell Israel that God will save Judah. The sweeping tidal wave called Babylon will only pour in over Israel.

We then read that Hosea’s wife Gomer will have a third child. This one is named “Not My People.” And God declares, “I am not your God.” While this sounds really bad, and it is, this is not the end of the story. In verse 10, God through Hosea says, “In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said to them, ‘Children of the living God.'” And not only that! Israel and Judah will be reunited under “one head.” God’s plan has a beautiful conclusion, just as our story does. But for now Israel has some difficult refining to go through. Such is the case for us at times too.

Prayer: Lord God, there are and will be times when we wander down a wayward road. There are times when we must make you want to walk away from us. Who could blame you? But even then, even then O God, you love us through the darkness, calling us back to the light. You offer the grace that leads to mercy and forgiveness. What a wonderful God you are. Thank you. Amen.


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Standing Our Ground

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-13

Ephesians 6:12 – “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.”

In Ephesians 6 Paul picks up on an idea that is present in other parts of scripture. As he closes his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds them of this ongoing spiritual battle. While this idea is sprinkled throughout the New Testament, it is also there in the Old Testament, especially in Daniel and in a few other prophetic writings.

Paul encourages those in the church to “be strengthened by the Lord,” the only source of power in this battle. We are invited to put in the “armor” of God that our faith provides. In the verses that follow our reading, Paul names these gifts from God: truth, justice, faith, salvation, the good news, and the Holy Spirit. He then gives the battle plan: pray, pray, and then pray some more. Prayers connects us to God and to these gifts of God.

In verse 12 Paul writes, “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.” This is so true. We’ve all felt the lure of temptation. We’ve all even been drawn into sin. The spiritual forces of evil whisper lies and half truths, remind us of our human desires, rile up jealousy and want, anger and spite, pride and judging… The enemy knows and uses all the tricks and is always on the prowl. Our only hope is in God. Our only chance to quiet these voices and to remain steadfast comes through calling on God to deploy these gifts at our disposal. This day and every day, may we stand our ground, standing on the rock, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we are weak but you are strong. Our defenses are leaky at best, but yours are solid and true. When temptation arises, O God, raise up in us just the right words, just the right antidote. By the power and presence of your Holy Spirit, guide us to ever stand for you as you stand with us. Amen.


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Hope in Christ

Reading: Romans 1:1-3:20

Romans 3:9 – “We have already stated the charge: both Jews and Greeks are all under the power of sin.”

In his introduction Paul describes himself as “set apart” to be an apostle “for the good news.” He has received God’s grace and his appointment through Jesus Christ, the Son identified through his resurrection from the dead.

Paul begins with thanksgiving for the faith evident in the church in Rome. He has prayed for the church and for a visit to this church. Paul sees a visit as mutually encouraging. Paul is ready to “preach the gospel” in Rome. To Paul it is “God’s own power for salvation” for all who believe. The gospel has the power to save one from God’s wrath, which comes because of “ungodly behavior and injustice.” The challenge in avoiding God’s wrath comes because sin is in our human nature. We are also prone to “trade God’s truth for a lie.” We can be tempted and can allow greed, jealousy, lust, gossip, pride, and many other sins to separate us from God. We can easily fall into the judgment trap that Paul describes in the opening to chapter 2.

Paul addresses the Law in chapter 2. It is not those who have the Law that are righteous, but those who do and practice the Law that are righteous. Through Christ the Gentiles have the Law “written on their hearts.” It is those who are “circumcised in spirit” that do good and are pleasing to God.

Our reading today closes with the universal problem of sin. Paul states that both Jews and Greeks are “all under the power of sin.” Blending together four Psalms and a passage from Isaiah, Paul comes to this conclusion regarding non-believers: “There is no fear of God in their view of the world.” Although this sounds hopeless, in Christ there is home. Establishing the need as Romans begins, Paul next lays out the solution.

Prayer: Lord God, we are indeed sinful by nature. Daily we struggle with pride and greed, with jealousy and judging. Only you can save. So we ask you, O Lord, to guide us in your ways. Save us. Amen.


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What a Day!

Reading: Zephaniah 1-3

Zephaniah 3:15 – “The LORD has removed your judgment; he has turned away your enemy. The LORD… is in your midst.”

Zephaniah proclaims the coming “day of the Lord.” Those who are humble and seek the Lord will find refuge in God. Those who relied upon themselves, their idols, their wealth and power – they will have nowhere to turn. Judgment will fall on the surrounding nations and then upon Judah. Zephaniah concludes with hope. He speaks of a time after judgment, when all people will “serve God as one.”

Zephaniah begins with judgment for the “world.” God will “eliminate humanity.” The prophet is likely referring to the small world surrounding Judah. He is speaking of and to God’s people. God’s hand will stretch out against those turning away instead of seeking God. Those in power will be punished for their violence, greed, and pride. It will be a horrible day, a day of “fury… distress… desolation… destruction… darkness.”

God encourages the humble to gather and to seek righteousness. They may be “hidden” on the day of the Lord. Zephaniah then turns to Judah’s neighbors next. Gaza, Ashod, Ekron, Philistia – doom is coming. Moab and Ammon will be made like Sodom and Gomorrah because of their taunting and boasting over Judah. Cush and Assyria will perish. And then in chapter 3 the focus shifts to Jerusalem – the city that wouldn’t listen and wouldn’t accept discipline. God will “rise up as a witness” against Jerusalem, pouring out “the heat of my anger.”

In verses 9-20 we read of the restoration that will follow. All people’s speech will change. They will call on God’s name and will “serve him as one.” Their shame will be removed along with their pride. A humble and powerless people will seek and find refuge in God. The lame and the outcast will be exalted. Judgment removed, enemies no more, Israel will know, “The LORD… is in your midst.” All will be restored. What a day that will be!

Prayer: Lord God, one day judgment will fall. As a God of justice and righteousness there will be an accounting. But as a God of love and mercy, a day of healing and restoration will follow. In the end, the world will be as you created it to be. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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That Line

Reading: Nahum 1-3

Nahum 1:12-13 – “I won’t afflict you further, Zion. Now I will break off his yoke from you and tear off your chains.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

Nahum walks a fine line. The historical content of the book covers Assyria’s fall. The capital city, Nineveh, is the focus. In Jonah we saw a mighty God who was rich in mercy. In Nahum we read of a mighty God who pours out divine wrath on the Assyrians. In the long game, God will not tolerate any form of human pride or the existence of injustice. Here is where we get near that line. It can be tempting to rejoice in the downfall of an enemy. Is this not another form of pride?

Nahum describes God as “jealous… vengeful… strong in wrath… very patient… great in power.” The prophet declares that the world and all who dwell on it cannot stand before God’s indignation and fury. And he declares that God is “good, a haven in a day of distress.” In this spirit, Nahum assures God’s people. Though in exile now, God says, “I won’t afflict you further, Zion. Now I will break off his yoke from you and tear off your chains.” Hope is just around the corner.

From 1:14 through the end of the book, Nahum describes the great fall of Nineveh. God is against the city. The enemy’s sword will devour just as Assyria once devoured others. Assyria will become a spectacle. God declares there is “no remedy… your wound is grievous.” At the end we again come to the line. Nahum shares that all who had suffered under Assyria’s cruelty will “clap their hands over you.” To be relieved, even happy, when the yoke is broken,when the bully gets his or her due, – nearing the line. To be joyful and to celebrate someone’s utter destruction? Where did that line go?

Prayer: Lord God, we can sense your power and might today. We can feel your sense of justice and righteousness. You alone are the judge and the giver of just consequences. Help us to hold these things in holy awe. Curb in us the human tendency to find joy in another’s defeat. Keep us in our own lane. Focus us on our walk with you. Amen.


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Patience, Faithful Love

Reading: Jonah 1-2

Jonah 1:6 – “Get up! Call on your god! Perhaps the god will give some thought to us so that we won’t perish.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Our story today begins with God calling Jonah to go to Nineveh. He is to cry out against the city’s evil. Jonah went – just in the opposite direction. He did not want to go to prophesy to Nineveh, the capital city of Judah’s enemy. God has other plans. A storm rages and the sailors cry out to their gods. They wake up Jonah and say to him, “Get up! Call on your god! Perhaps the god will give some thought to us so that we won’t perish.” Perhaps? Give some thought? They do not know God. Yet.

The sailors cast lots and it falls on Jonah. As instructed, they hurl Jonah into the sea. These pagan sailors pray to God, hoping to survive. The sea calms. The sailors worship God and offer a sacrifice. They have met God. God’s plan continues as a fish swallows Jonah, providing him a place to pray. Sinking down, Jonah has accepted his fate. Then God “brought me out of the pit.” Inside the fish, Jonah realizes that God heard his prayer. He offers thanks and pledges obedience: “That which I promised, I will pay.” Accepting his role as prophet, he commits to that life. God then has the fish vomit Jonah out on dry land.

I can be like Jonah, hearing a call or feeling a nudge, then deciding to ignore it or even go the other way. I can allow pride or anger or other things to get in the way of obedience. Yet God remains faithful. Maybe a storm is my wake up call. Maybe it’s something else that gets my attention. But then God doesn’t make me go. It’s my choice to respond. It’s my choice to surrender to the storm or to choose obedience. And even then, when I’m still stubborn or prideful or…, God still is faithful and loving. God provides another chance for me to respond faithfully. And then another if needed. Thanks be to God for God’s patience and faithful love.

Prayer: Lord God, today I take pause at your great love and faithfulness. When I choose plan B, C, D… instead of your plan A, you don’t ever give up. You go to B1, C1 and C2, D1 – whatever it takes to keep working me to your will and way. Thank you for not giving up, for shaping and reshaping me, for continuing to lead and guide my life, my witness, my service. You are an awesome and almighty God. Amen.