pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: proclaim


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Why Jesus Came

Reading: Acts 13:1-15:21

Acts 15:10 – “Why then are you now challenging God by placing a burden on the shoulders of these disciples that neither we or our ancestors could bear?”

Photo credit: Frank McKenna

Beginning in chapter 13 we see the spread of the church past the first Gentile city out into the Gentile world. Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark are sent out from Antioch as missionaries. There is great success overall but the growth of the church is not without persecution and controversy.

The missionaries begin in Cyprus, proclaiming the word of God. Paul confronts a false prophet, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit. Moving on to Pisidian Antioch, John Mark deserts Paul and Barnabas, returning to Jerusalem. Paul accepts the invitation to preach on the Sabbath. His powerful sermon on Jewish history and Jesus’ ministry yields an invitation to preach again. A large crowd gathers on the next Sabbath, stirring up jealousy amongst the Jews. Their rejection of the message leads Paul and Barnabas to focus on the Gentiles. Moving on to Iconium, Luke reports that “the same thing happened” – some believe but others are opposed to their message.

Paul and Barnabas move on to Lystra. Here Paul heals a man who believed that he could be healed. The locals mistake Paul and Barnabas for Greek gods. They head off the sacrifice of bulls to them, but Jews arrive from Antioch and Iconium, stirring up the crowd. Paul is stoned and left for dead. He gets up and they travel to Derbe the next day. After making disciples there, Paul and Barnabas work their way back to Antioch. Along the way they encourage the believers and they appoint elders to lead these new churches.

Jews from Jerusalem arrive in Antioch and stir up some tension. They tell the Gentile believers that they must first be circumcised in order to be saved. The idea of “you’ve got to be just like us” is not an invention of the modern church. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James all argue against placing Jewish requirements on Gentile believers. Peter asks the pertinent question: “Why then are you now challenging God by placing a burden on the shoulders of these disciples that neither we or our ancestors could bear?” No one has been able to keep the Law. This is why Jesus came – to do for us what we could not do on our own. By his life, he gave us what we cannot earn and what we do not deserve: the forgiveness of sins that leads to life eternal. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, how wide and deep is your love. It flows from your heart, out in all directions. It does not avoid certain places or people. It carries the power to wash away sins, barriers, and presumptions. May your love wash over us, filling us to overflowing with your love. Amen.


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One Priority

Reading: Acts 5:17-7:60 (8:1a)

Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than humans!”

Jealousy and anger drive one side of the tensions found in today’s reading. The Holy Spirit drives the other side. One side is fully in alignment with God’s will and ways. One side focuses on worldly things.

Jealousy leads the Jewish leaders to arrest the apostles. An angel comes and frees them in the night, instructing them to keep teaching in Jesus’ name. Found and brought before the Jerusalem Council, Peter and the other apostles state, “We must obey God rather than humans!” A wise council member suggests patience. Gamaliel suggests that if this new movement is of human origins, ultimately it will fail. But if it is of God, then they will actually find themselves fighting God. The apostles are beaten and released, warned again not to teach in Jesus’ name. After rejoicing because they were counted worthy of suffering for Jesus’ name, they resume preaching and teaching.

After reading about the apostles working through an administrative issue with an administrative solution, we read the story of Stephen. He stood out among the believers because of the way that God’s grace and power was with him. Again jealousy stirs up tension and then false accusations. Stephen’s response is a history lesson that focuses in on Israel’s rejection of Moses, the Law, and all of the prophets, including Jesus. The council members are enraged. As he’s condemned Stephen has a vision of Jesus standing at God’s right side in heaven.

Furious, the council members drag Stephen out of the city and stone him as Saul oversees and approves. As he is being stoned, Stephen asks God to accept his life and he asks for God to forgive his attackers. These statements parallel Jesus’ words from the cross in Luke’s Gospel. Here we again see steadfast faith built upon love, grace, and mercy. May our lives also exhibit all of these, bringing glory to God in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: Lord God, filled with the Holy Spirit the early apostles lived out their faith boldly, unafraid, and with passion. All that the world could do to them was counted as trivial, unimportant. All that mattered was faith in Jesus’ name. Proclaiming their faith to the world was their one priority in life. May it be so for us too, O Lord. Make it so. Amen.


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“No” to Self!

Reading: Luke 8:40-9

Luke 9:23 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.”

Today’s reading begins with two stories where faith results in healing. Jairus comes to Jesus seeking healing for his daughter and a woman discreetly comes to Jesus for healing. Both believe that Jesus can bring healing. In spite of circumstances stacked against them, both experience healing because they continued to believe.

Jesus sends out the 12 to heal and proclaim the good news. After a successful outing, Jesus encounters a large crowd. After a long day teaching and healing, the disciples suggest sending the crowd to find food and lodging. Jesus suggests the disciples feed the crowd. Their response: But we don’t have enough. Fish and loaves are not what is lacking. With five fish and two loaves, Jesus feeds the huge crowd. In the end all eat their fill and the disciples each hold a basket full of leftovers. Jesus has faith to spare!

There are two sections about following Jesus in today’s readings. After Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus explains that this means dying and being raised. He will be an unexpected kind of Messiah. Because of this, Jesus defines what it takes to follow this way: “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” At the end of today’s readings we see that many cannot meet these expectations. Followers must be willing to lose their lives to take on Christ’s.

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, where he is transfigured. They see Jesus in his divine glory. God’s words add to their understanding that he is truly the Son of God. They descend and Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon. He then confronts the disciples lack of understanding about following him. They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus states, “Whoever is least among you is the greatest.” It’s all about elevating others above self. This requires a follower of Jesus to say “no” to self again and again and again…

Prayer: Lord God, while the world and our culture tells us that self is all that matters, you say the opposite. Everything, everyone, all else is to be placed before our own needs and wants. In that place, we are trusting in you alone for all that we truly need. Grant us the faith and the courage to make this choice every day. Amen.


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Newsworthy

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1:4-10

Verse 8: “Your faith in God has become known everywhere.”

Photo credit: Vanilla Bear Films

Continuing in our Epistle text for this week, Paul recognizes that the Thessalonians have been chosen by God. The gift of the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction by which they live their faith is the proof that God has indeed chosen them. His words alone do not have that power. It is the power that comes through the Holy Spirit of God that changes hearts and lives.

Paul then commends them for becoming “imitators of us and of the Lord.” They lived out their faith joyfully just as Paul, Silas, and Timothy has: boldly even in the face of suffering. These disciples and this church were being Jesus to the world. They were sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. They model for us what it looks like to follow Jesus. Because of this, Paul is able to write, “Your faith in God has become known everywhere.” Wow!

Paul sees that their faith has “rung out” far and wide. What would it look like for your faith to “ring out?” How could your church engage the world in such a way that the church’s witness “rings out” in the community? This is what happens when we joyfully live out our faith and when we boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Our faith really can impact our world. It should impact our world.

For the church in Thessalonica, their faith was told of by others far and wide. Stories of turning from idols and of living for Christ were newsworthy. This is the end result of “work produced by faith… labor prompted by love… endurance inspired by hope.” May it be so for us.

Prayer: Lord God, enable and empower us and our churches, leading and guiding us to make your name known. Through our joy and through our boldness, may others come to experience the power of your Holy Spirit at work in their lives. May this be the witness that the Lord receives. Amen.


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Don’t Be Afraid

Reading: Matthew 10:24-33

Verse 27: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”

Photo credit: Saad Chaudhry

This week’s gospel text is part of Jesus’ words of instruction as he sends the 12 out to preach, heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Today’s portion is some honesty and some encouragement. Tomorrow’s portion is more warning and clarification of the cost of discipleship.

In the opening verses Jesus says, “It is enough for students to be like their teachers.” Reflecting back on scene after scene where Jesus taught amazing lessons and offered powerful miracles, the disciples must’ve been equal parts excited and overwhelmed. Jesus is saying that they will be like him.

Knowing the disciples have also witnessed the clashes and conflicts with the religious leaders, Jesus next addresses the fear this must’ve brought to the disciples as they are to head out on their own. Jesus tells them to not be afraid. He encourages them to be bold in the face of this fear: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” Jesus also reminds them to keep focused on the eternal reality. He tells them not to fear man, but to fear Satan, the one who has the power to “destroy both body and soul in hell.”

Today’s portion closes with a great reminder. Jesus wants the disciples to know that God loves and cares for them. In God’s all-powerful way, Jesus says that not even a sparrow dies without God noticing. This same God knows you so well that the number of hairs on your head is known. And if God knows that minute detail, disciple of Christ, then God really loves and cares for you. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Prayer: Lord God, discipleship is not always easy. Sometimes we feel a little inadequate. In these times, remind us of the power and gifts imparted to us by the Teacher. Sometimes fear or doubt rises up. When it does, fill us with a holy confidence, fueled by your great love and care for us. Knowing you love and care for us completely and unconditionally, may we boldly proclaim the good news of your kingdom. Amen.


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Proclaim! Worship!

Reading: Psalm 65:32-35

Verse 35: “You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary.”

Today we pick up the second part of this week’s Psalm 68 reading. The psalmist again encourages us to praise God and to proclaim God’s power and might. Whether corporate or individual, we can lift up the name of God and tell of God’s presence and activity in our lives.

In verse 35 we read, “You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary.” The word ‘sanctuary’ often brings to mind that space that we gather in on a Sunday morning. While that is one definition, look at how David defines it. It is where God “rides the ancient skies.” It is where one hears the thunder of God’s “mighty voice.” It is wherever and whenever God “gives power and strength to God’s people.” In essence, God’s sanctuary is everywhere because God is everywhere. So, yes, “kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to God!”

Wherever you find yourself today, whether in a sanctuary or as part of online worship, whether out in the woods or sitting on a beach, whether in a hospital room or at the office, know that God is there with you. And whether part of a group or all by yourself, proclaim God’s power and might. Worship the Lord your God!

Prayer: Lord God, in all times and in all places may we know your loving presence. Nudge us, whisper to us and remind us of the power and strength that you give us, your beloved children. And in response, lead us to praise you in word, song, and deed. Amen.


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Jesus Is Alive!

Reading: John 20:1-18

Verse 18: “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’”

John’s Easter Sunday account begins just as Matthew’s did in yesterday’s reading. Mary Magdalene goes early in the morning to the burial place of Jesus. In Mark’s gospel it is Magdalene and another woman who go to the tomb. In Luke’s gospel “the women” are heading there to care for the body when they find the tomb empty. Then the angels tell them that Jesus is alive. Notice the common theme here is all the gospels.

It is the women who were regularly part of Jesus’ ministry that are the first ones to hear the good news. This feels appropriate. Jesus clearly saw women differently than society and the religious leaders saw women. Jesus sees them as equals, as people of sacred worth. It feels right that these women who were such an integral part of Jesus’ ministry are the first ones to hear and share the wonderful news that Jesus is alive.

It is these same women, Mary Magdalene most notedly, that go and tell the disciples the news. They have to be the ones – the disciples are scared and are in hiding. Peter and John are moved to action only with Mary’s news that someone stole the body. Even though they were at the tomb, Jesus does not appear until just Mary remains, weeping once again. After this encounter, “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’” Knowing the truth of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene goes to share it with others. As we too know this good news, today and every day may we too declare: Jesus is alive!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for totally flipping the script – for delivering the greatest news after the deepest tragedy. With the joy and faith of Mary Magdalene, may I too proclaim that Jesus is alive! Amen.


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God our Help

Reading: Psalm 121

Verse 8: “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Verses 1-2 are a declaration of the psalmist’s trust and faith in the Lord our God. The author declares that help comes from the Lord. These verses may be words we claim too. These words can be read as our words, as words that declare our faith.

Verses 3-8 define the help that can come from the Lord. They are things that the psalmist has experienced and offers to us and to others as something that we or they can experience. If you’re not quite ready to claim verses 1-2 as your own, then these remaining verses offer evidence of the ways that God can be your help. God will guard your steps and will be your protector. God will watch over you “both now and forevermore.” As we journey in faith, trusting in God just a little, we come to see that God is always faithful. This allows us to trust just a little more. Perhaps this has been your experience long enough that you do claim all of the words of the psalmist as your words. Perhaps these words are your declaration too – words of faith and trust in a God who will always be your help.

Claiming these words as our own – whether now or at some point on your journey – we must ask: how do we, like the psalmist, proclaim and declare them so that others can know the Lord as their help? This is our charge: to share the good news. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in whatever way I can, help me declare that you are my help and my shield, my defender and my guide. With words and actions may I share the good news with all I meet. Amen.


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Growing and Encouraging

Reading: Psalm 40:6-11

Verse 10: “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.”

The Psalms tell the story of faith – from the good to the bad. There are laments and there are songs of joy. In our faith we experience highs and lows plus a whole lot in the middle. And God is there in and through it all. Almost all the Psalms speak of God’s activity (or apparent lack thereof) with the people of God. In this week’s Psalm David expresses a desire to bring glory to God, both personally and corporately. In verses 6 David recognizes that simply offering sacrifices, just going through the motions of flopping down a hunk of meat on the altar, is not what God desires or requires. In the same way God does not require or desire us to show up to worship just to daydream through worship.

In verses 8-10 David shares how he brings God glory. He does so by sharing his faith. Following the desires of his own heart, David has sought to fill his heart with God’s law. Not his head but his heart. This empowers David to proclaim his faith. In verse 10 we read, “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.” David shares how God has been and is and will be faithful. He speaks of the salvation that he has received and that God offers to all who believe. David is reflecting on what God has done in his life. That bolsters his faith. By speaking aloud, David is also encouraging others. He is helping others to see how God could work in their lives. He closes by asking for God’s mercy and for God’s protection.

May we too reflect and grow in our faith. May we too proclaim and help others to grow in faith. May we speak of God’s faithfulness and righteousness and of the salvation and protection that we receive from God. May our proclamations bring God the glory as we grow in faith, encouraging others to join us on the journey of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, you are awesome and wonderful. You are compassionate and gracious. You hem me in and you go before and behind me. You bless and protect. You forgive and you offer life. Each day may I proclaim these truths as I express my thanksgiving for your presence in my life. Amen.


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Happy and Beautiful Feet

Reading: Isaiah 52:7-12

Verse 7: “How beautiful… are the feet of those who bring good news.”

Many years ago our kids would sneak downstairs (or down the hall) early on Christmas morning. The herd of elephants that trooped into the living room would wait as long as they could before marauding into our bedroom to retrieve us so that the festivities could commence. We’d be awake but would wait for these happy little feet to come into our room.

Today’s passage also speaks of happy feet: “How beautiful… are the feet of those who bring good news.” This chapter is written post-exile and is full of hope and promise. Leading into today’s verses God declared that “Yes, it is I” who redeemed Israel and who clothes them with strength. When we read verses 7 through our Christian lens we see these feet as belonging to Jesus the Lord. It is he who will “lay bare his arm” as he gives of self so that “all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.” Christ brings good news – new life now and the salvation of our souls.

In verse 7 we also get a glimpse of how the good news can be spread. Here we read that those happy feet will “proclaim peace… bring good tidings.” Just as there was when the angels spoke these words to the shepherds, there is both promise and invitation in these words. And just as it was the case then, so it is now: the waiting world longs for all that Christ offers. Today and each day may we too have beautiful and happy feet, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all we meet.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to dance each day. May my life witness to the joy and peace, to the love and salvation I find in you. In turn, may others be drawn to this dance of faith. Amen.