pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: promise


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The Promises

Reading: Psalm 124:1-5

Psalm 124:1 – “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…”

Psalm 124 is a song of praise for God’s deliverance. The song is a call for the community of faith to thank God for saving them when all was on the brink of being lost. The psalmist described the “enemy” using imagery of water. In the ancient world, the “waters” were the place of chaos, of the unknown, of creatures huge and dangerous. One tried to stay close to land. Water is also hard to control. Think of floods or of that spilled glass of water. It goes here and there, wherever it wants, seemingly with a mind of its own. Once loosed, it cannot be controlled or easily contained.

While the psalmist is likely writing about a specific event, about a time when a vast army was about to overwhelm Israel, the feelings of anxiety or worry or dread are emotions that many of us feel in our day to day lives. Because of our connected world, struggles and issues big and small, local and global, communal and individual are ever before us. A bit too much attention to these and we can feel anxiety… beginning to rise up within us. In addition, we all have our own battles and trials in this life. These are both very common human experiences.

The psalmist repeats a line twice at the start of the Psalm. In a functional sense, it is a liturgical instruction. In the practical sense, it is a great reminder – twice! “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…” But God was for Israel. Again. God delivered Israel. Again. The reminder applies to us yet today. God is for us. Again and again. God will deliver us. Over and over. The promises remain true. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, anxiety, worry, dread… They can rise up so quickly in our heart and mind. Sometimes it comes from without, sometimes from within. In all cases, O God, whisper into our hearts, slow our minds. Remind us of your presence. Center us there with you. Touch us with your powerful love and constant care. Strengthen us for the day ahead. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Forgiveness

Reading: Genesis 45:1-8

Genesis 45:7 – “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

As we turn to Genesis 45, we’ve jumped ahead in Joseph’s story. Joseph has had lots of ups and downs since being sold into slavery in chapter 37. Through the trials, Joseph has come to know God’s plans and purposes. Joseph’s brothers have made two trips to Egypt to buy food. Joseph has learned much about his brothers and about his family. Judah – the one who first voiced the idea of selling Joseph into slavery – offers his life in place of Benjamin’s. This selfless act brings Joseph to the place in today’s reading where he “could no longer control himself.” His emotions get the best of him.

Clearing the room of all but his brothers, Joseph weeps uncontrollably. Blurting out, “I’m Joseph,” his brothers are “terrified.” Calling them closer, Joseph shares his understanding of past events. He believes that it all was the hand of God at work. He says to his brothers, “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.” There is the promise of safety, protection, provision, and rescue in these words. These promises will be fleshed out tomorrow, when we read verses 9-15. Joseph can see how God was at work in his past and he believes that God will be at work in his future.

As we journey through this life we too will find ourselves in these places: either in a position to give or withhold forgiveness, or in a place to receive or reject another’s forgiveness. We may be in one of these places today. It will likely be sooner rather than later. In these moments, may we choose to move forward in faithful love, offering to others what God so freely gives to us or humbly receiving that offered to us in faithful love. Living as people of love and grace, we bless others and honor God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is not always easy to practice forgiveness. We want to hold onto grudges and wrongs done to us. We want to be right and asking for forgiveness puts dents in our armor. Humble us, O Lord. Remind us of your abundant grace and mercy. In turn, lead and guide us to be generous with our grace and mercy, with our love and forgiveness. Amen.


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A Bit of Hope

Readings: Psalm 119:107 and Matthew 13:1-9

Matthew 13:3 – “A farmer went out to scatter seed.”

Here at the parsonage we have three raised bed garden boxes and a handful of large planters for tomatoes and peppers. Each year I plant many different types of seeds and some plants from the local greenhouse. After a couple of weeks I start to look for green shoots breaking the surface of the soil. It is usually a hopeful endeavor. Excitement comes with each new seed type sprouting to life. But this year, the carrots didn’t germinate. So I planted again a month later. Nothing. Although very insignificant in the grand scope of life, it feels disappointing and even a little defeating.

It seems the psalmist feels defeated. He or she recognizes the suffering in their life. The author petitions God to “make me live again according to your promises.” God promises to be present to us in all of life, to lift us up when needed, and to bring us joy, peace, and hope. When we feel alone or like we are without life, it is pretty hopeless.

Turning to our gospel lesson, Jesus says, “A farmer went out to scatter seed.” To scatter seed – an interesting thought. You carefully plant and space each seed. You do not scatter. This word choice would’ve caught the attention of Jesus’ audience. It catches our attention. Sometimes, though, seed does scatter. There is the chamomile growing in the grass – seeds blown by the wind. There is the random arugula plant in with the broccoli – a seed dropped by mistake. There are a few “volunteer” basil plants here and there – seeds that lay dormant from last year, suddenly springing to life. Yes, there are the carrots. But how these other surprises bring joy to my heart! And, yes, even a bit of hope.

Prayer: Lord God, there will be times when hope feels thin – in our lives, in the lives of those we live, in the life of a stranger that we meet. In these times, when we feel it, remind us of your love and help us to feel your abiding presence. Or, when hope feels distant to others, use us to bring these things to bear in their lives . In all things, may we trust in you. Amen.


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Joy and Laughter

Readings: Genesis 18:9-15 and Genesis 21:1-7

Genesis 21:1 – “The Lord was attentive to Sarah just as he said, and the Lord carried out what he had promised.”

Returning to Genesis 18, the strangers turn to Sarah. One declares that he will return in a year and that then Sarah will have a son. Listening from inside the tent, Sarah first thinks about how “very old” they are. She then thinks about the physical impossibility of it all: she is “no longer menstruating.” Sarah laughs to herself, maybe chuckling a “wouldn’t that be something to see” kind of laugh. She is not laughing at the stranger or even at the impossibility of it all. Sarah has certainly experienced the first kind of laughter – at her and her barrenness. This laughter was probably mixed with ridicule and scorn.

Turning to chapter 21, we read, “The Lord was attentive to Sarah just as he said, and the Lord carried out what he had promised.” God follows through on what God has promised – 25 years ago, a dozen years ago, just last year. Sarah becomes pregnant. Imagine her laughter at each step. Each day, as the baby grew, she probably touched her stomach and laughed. Then Sarah gave birth and held a miracle in her arms. Tears of joy mingled with smiles and more laughter. A son, a gift, in old age, he has to be named “Isaac” – the one who laughs, the one who brings laughter. All along the way, Sarah’s laughter has been shared with others. They too have been drawn into the miracle and gift of God.

This is our God – the one who is attentive to us, the one who brings joy and laughter to our lives. This is our God – the one who keeps promises and has and always will do the impossible. This is our God – the one who brings life when all feels dead, the one who opens doors when there seems to be no way, the one who brings healing to hopeless situations, the one who redeems and restores what is broken. And when these miracles happen in or near to our lives, may we too be filled with a joy that leads to laughter, bursting forth in praise for what the Lord has done.

Prayer: Lord God, when we’ve walked a long, hard road, be it 25 years and what feels like an endless week, remind us of your attentive presence and everlasting promises. Draw us into your love, extend your grace or healing or forgiveness. Fill us with a joy that comes from your work in our lives and in our world. May our joy and laughter and praise be contagious, drawing others into your love. Amen.


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Radical Hospitality

Reading: Genesis 18:1-8

Genesis 18:2b – “As soon as he saw them he ran from his tent entrance to greet them and bow deeply.”

Turning to Abraham and Sarah’s story today and tomorrow, we do so with some context. It has been about 25 years since Abram listened to God’s call, leaving almost all behind to go where God would lead him. We recall that as he left, he did so with a promise: through Abram many nations would be blessed. For his radical obedience, Abram was declared righteous by God. As years passed, patience waned. Abram and Sarai took matters into their own aged hands, producing an heir through their Egyptian servant Hagar. God then reiterated the covenant, telling the newly renamed Abraham that nations and kings will come from him. Thirteen years later, three men visit Abraham.

One day, sitting outside the entrance to his tent, the Lord appears to Abraham. There are three men standing near him. In verse 2 we read, “As soon as he saw them he ran from his tent entrance to greet them and bow deeply.” Abraham’s hospitality is just as radical as his obedience. Or is it the same thing? He invites the three men to stay a while, to be refreshed. My mind goes to Peter offering to build three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. These three men accept Abraham’s invitation and soon a meal is placed before them. The strangers have been well cared for.

Now, Abraham had a sense that the Lord was present in or through these men. Perhaps, like Peter, he wanted to hold onto this moment. This scripture raises some questions for us. First, do we do the same? When the presence of God shows up in an unexpected way, do we make room and time to be in that presence? And, second, whether in the form of a person or in the form of the Holy Spirit, do we offer radical hospitality in the moment? When we do, friends, we often receive great blessing. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how will you show up today or tomorrow? The question is not “if” but “when” and “how.” Knowing that, prepare our hearts and spirits to receive your unexpected presence generously and abundantly. Lead us to offer our best to you, O Lord. Amen.


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What If?

Reading: Matthew 9:18-26

Matthew 9:16 and 21 – “My daughter has just died. But come and… If I only touch his robe…”

In Matthew 9 we find two “what if?” stories. They are similar to Abram’s story: What if I follow where God is calling me to go? In reality, Abram did have a bit more to go on. God has spoken to him, promised to show the way, told him there would be blessing in the going. For the ruler and the woman, they’d likely heard that this Jesus was healing people. In a moment of need, their thoughts were something along this line: What if the stories are really true?

In Mark 5 and in Luke 8 we find more detailed versions of this story. The ruler is named Jairus. His daughter has died. In Matthew he says to Jesus, “But if you come and place your hand on her…” The woman, unnamed in all three gospels, has had a bleeding problem for many, many years. She thinks to herself, “If I only touch his robe…” Both of these stories are about hoping against hope, about taking a desperate leap of faith.

I think that in both cases, if either would have told others what they were going to do, there would’ve been ridiculed or worse. It might’ve been the same for Abram when he announced that he was leaving. And it might be the same for you or for me when we are willing to put all of our hope in the Lord. In the gospel, Jesus did come and lay a hand on Jairus’ daughter. She lived again. The woman did touch Jesus’ robe. She was healed. What if we were to follow the nudge, to hope against hope, to take a big step of faith?

Prayer: Lord God, the same question – what if? – can look large in our lives at times. We ask ourselves the same questions: Can I trust this to you? Can I take this risk, this big step? In these moments, O God, whisper into our hearts, speak into our fears, fill us with your guidance and direction. Lead and guide us to follow faithfully, no matter the risk, no matter the cost. Just like Jesus. Amen.


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A Big Step of Faith

Reading: Genesis 12:1-9

Genesis 12:1 – “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.”

Today we read from Genesis 12. This continues a long walk in Genesis that began last week with the creation story. The journey will culminate in mid-August with the Israelites beginning their move to Egypt. During June, the story will focus on Abram (later he becomes Abraham) and his faithful obedience to God. His radical obedience to God will become the model of faith in the Old Testament. His example continues to bear witness to us, even today. His call story is but one of many examples of Abram/Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s plans.

In verse 1 we read, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.” The call to leave is a call into the unknown. Abram has lived in Ur and then Haran for 75 years. He is deeply connected to Terah, his father. As the patriarch, Terah’s home would be Abram’s religious, social, and economic hub for all of life. God calls Abram to leave all this – all he’s ever known – to go to a “land that I will show you.” With a promise of blessing and presence, Abram packs up all that is his and leaves for this unknown land. God leads. Abram follows. He worships and God confirms that Canaan is the land. It is promised to Abram and his descendants.

This is one of the stories in the Bible that makes us ask a simple question: Could I? Very few of us go someplace without any planning. We want to know the route, the distance… We plan stops and we research where we’re going and what we’ll do when we get there. Imagine hearing the call of God to pack it all up and to head down the road in the U-haul, without knowing where, how long…? What would it take for you or for me to take such a step of faith?

Prayer: Lord God, what a powerful example of faith! Hearing your voice, we hope that we’d go. Yet we do hear your voice all the time. In the whispers and shouts of the Holy Spirit we hear the call to this person or to that situation. Call by call, build our faithful response. Step by step, continue to work in us, O Lord, bringing us closer and closer to Abram’s example. Thank you for your patience and your steadfast guidance, God. Amen.


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To Keep Our Promises

Reading: Psalm 116:12-19

Psalm 116:14 – “I’ll keep the promises I made to the Lord.”

Returning to Psalm 116 today, we hear the psalmist expressing thanksgiving for “all the good things” that God has done in his or her life. To give thanks – this is such an important part of life. Whether or not one believes in God or in any higher power, giving thanks as a daily practice in life naturally makes life better. To be intentionally thankful reminds us that we are not the center of the universe. This practice builds up both gratitude and humility, empowering us to live as good and decent human beings in this world.

For the psalmist and for the believer today, to give thanks also fosters a response. This begins in verse 13. The faithful will celebrate God’s acts of salvation. For Christians, we formally do this whenever we celebrate communion. Informally, we do this whenever we praise God for mercy, grace, guidance, protection, forgiveness… The faithful also regularly communicate with God through our prayer practices. Then, in verse 14, the psalmist professes, “I’ll keep the promises I made to the Lord.” We too, as followers of Christ, strive to keep our promises to God.

As a follower of Jesus, I believe keeping the promises centers on keeping the two great commands: to love God with all that we are and to love our neighbors as Jesus first loved us. Jesus himself taught that all of the other commandments in scripture hang on these two commands to love. These intertwined commands lead us to live as Jesus lived in the world. As we daily strive to keep our promises to God, may love ever be at the center.

Prayer: Lord God, when we begin our days with thanks, it places us in the right space of heart and mind to love you and to love others. O Lord, lead us there. Humility calls us to place self last and gratitude leads to generosity and kindness. O God, make us thankful for your many blessings. With all that we are, Savior and Lord, use us to be your love lived out in the world today and every day. Amen.


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Wait in Hope

Reading: Psalm 130:1-6

Psalm 130:5 – “I hope, Lord. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise.”

Psalm 130 is one of the Psalms of Ascent. These songs would be sung as people made their way up to Jerusalem for a religious festival or for worship. Jerusalem was built on a hill, so the journey was always up, no matter where one approached from. The psalmist’s emotions match this physical reality. The writer cries out to God “from the depths.”

While we do not know the details of the psalmist’s current trial, we’ve all spent time in the depths. It might have been during a season battling a physical illness or emotional challenge. Maybe it was a time of unwanted change – moving to a new city or going through a divorce. Perhaps is was the time walking with someone toward death. There are many times in life when we cry out to God from our own depths.

The psalmist cries out, “I hope, Lord. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise.” Sometimes in the darkest valley, in the deepest depth, all that we have is hope. We hope in God’s promises yet remain in the depths. And like the night watch, we wait. We wait for the dawning of God’s love, light, healing, comfort, strength, redemption, rescue. We wait in Hope for the Lord our God. We trust that God is faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, be with us in the depths. In those moments when we’d do anything to escape the pain, the suffering, the hurt… enable us to hope in you and in your promises. As we linger in that moment and with those emotions, empower us to trust in you, to hold onto hope in you. Walk with us in the valley. Transform us as we go. Amen.


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Grace Unending

Reading: Romans 4:13-17

Romans 4:16 – “The inheritance comes through faith, so that it will be on the basis of grace.”

Turning again to Romans 4 today we read that the promise of God to “inherit the world” did not come through the Law. The Law was not even yet in existence when Abram was declared righteous because of his faith. So for Abraham’s descendants – those Paul was writing to then and to us now – the inheritance also comes through faith. One can work really hard to keep the Law (or to do any number of things that we think are pleasing to God), but we will always ultimately fail, bringing upon ourselves the “wrath” that Paul references in today’s reading.

On the opposite end of the scale, we find God’s grace. This free gift of grace is the “basis” for inheriting God’s promises: forgiveness of sin and eternal life. God does not weigh out our worthiness or keep track of how much good we need to do to settle our account. Salvation is not centered on a contractual relationship. There are no transactions needed between us and God in order for us to inherit the promises. There is a grace that washes away our sins and welcomes us back into connection with God and with one another. There is a transformation that occurs – again and again and again…

Paul speaks of this transformation at the end of our passage. This rebirth, this gift of new life over and over, it occurs when God “gives life to the dead.” Once dead in our sin, grace redeems and restores us to life in Christ. Rooted in God’s unconditional love, grace is unending. For the promises grounded in love and grace, we say, thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, living in this world, it can be easy to slip into doing and trying to earn. It is the way of the world: checklists, comparative analysis, judging, then self-doubt, shame, defeat. Your love offers a different way, a better way. Driven by love, you call and reach out in mercy. Fueled by mercy, your grace draws us back to you again and again. Standing there once again, in your love and grace, it feels like we never left. Thank you for loving us this completely, this unconditionally. How great is your love, O Lord. Amen.