pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: prophet


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Tears of Grief

Reading: Jeremiah 8:18-9:2

Jeremiah 8:21 – “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

In today’s passage from Jeremiah it is difficult to determine if God is speaking or if it is Jeremiah speaking. Our verses today seem to be a mix of the two, with both God and prophet expressing their grief over Judah’s fate. For many years, God’s people have been unfaithful to their God. Their choice to abandon God has led to God’s choice to abandon them to their sin. At times we too can choose to separate ourselves from God. We too grieve God’s heart this deeply.

God seems to be the speaker in verses 19-21. The people are asking a question and implying another that are common in times of loss and pain and grief. Directly they are asking where the Lord is: “Isn’t the Lord in Zion?” This is a question often asked in grief. The second question is implied: Why, why is this happening to us? This is a question that we can ask when lost in our sin as well. When our sin that consumed us leads to a place of pain and suffering, we can forget that our choices brought us to this place. In the disorientation of grief, we do ask “Why?”

For God’s people , the answer is given: idol worship has led to this place. As the prophet that worked to turn Judah back to God, Jeremiah grieves too. In verse 21 we read, “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.” The tentacles of grief surround the prophet. He laments alongside the people who are far from God. This is a place we will also find ourselves. Walking alongside others in grief, feeling and taking on some of their pain and sorrow. Our tears join their tears as we offer love and comfort in the midst of their hurt and despair. Doing so, we bring God’s presence into the darkness and despair.

Prayer: Lord God, times of grief and suffering are sure to come – to ourselves, to those we love, to our neighbors. In these times, may we sense your presence and may we lean into your love and strength, whether for ourselves or as we walk with others. Be with us in our tears, O God. Amen.


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Love and Care, Provision and Protection

Reading: Numbers 11:16-34

Numbers 11:29b – “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!”

After hearing the complaints and grumblings, God first deals with Moses. In response to Moses feeling overwhelmed, God has him call 70 elders and God places some of the Spirit that is upon Moses on these men. They will help Moses bear the burden of leadership. God also allows the Spirit to fall upon two who were called but weren’t at the tent of meeting. Joshua asks Moses about stopping these men from prophesying. Moses, instead of being jealous, is generous. His reply to Joshua: “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!” Yes indeed! Imagine if all of God’s people were filled with the Holy Spirit!

God next turns to the peoples’ complaints and grumblings. God addresses their physical grumbling first. God, through Moses, invites the people to make themselves holy – because it is about to rain down quail. Moses does question this promise of God at first. He cannot wrap his mind around what God is promising. Some of the time we can struggle with this too. It is God’s turn to be generous. With great grace God simply asks Moses, “Is the Lord’s power too weak?” Well, no. Not ever. Reminded of who and what God is, Moses shared the promise with the people.

God also reminds the people of who and what God is. They don’t just receive quail like they received manna. It is not just enough for the day ahead. It is quail upon quail upon quail upon… This is God’s way of demonstrating God’s power and strength. Addressing their spiritual grumbling next, God deals with those who questioned God and God’s plans. Those called ‘riffraff’ were buried that day. This too is part of God’s love and care for God’s people. Provision and protection are part of loving and caring for the family of God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is important to remember from time to time all of who and what you are. Thank you, God, for being a loving God, first and foremost. Thank you for being a God who cares for and provides for us. And, also God, thank you for being a God who protects us, sometimes even from ourselves or those who draw us away from our faith and trust in you. Amen.


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A Spiritual Kingdom

Readings: Ezekiel 37:22-23 and Matthew 11:2-6

Ezekiel 37:23 – “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

The prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s word to those living with him in exile in Babylon. Both Israel and Judah were conquered and many people were relocated to this foreign land. It was hard to maintain their faith in this pagan place. Living in oppression in captivity, these words would spark hope in a hopeless people. God speaks of bringing them home, reuniting them as one people under one king. In this new reality the people of God will no longer pursue idols or other things that lead them into rebellion against God. They will be cleansed. God declares, “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

In Matthew 11:2 John the Baptist is in prison, arrested for speaking out against Herod’s immoral behavior. As news of Jesus’ work spreads, John sends his disciples to Jesus. They ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus responds with a report about what he’s been up to. The blind see and the crippled walk. The deaf hear and the dead are raised. The poor hear the good news. These words are from Isaiah 35 and 61. These words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah speak of a day when God would restore Israel.

The religious leaders and most of the people of Jesus’ day longed for a mighty Messiah to free them from Rome’s oppression. They read the words from Ezekiel 37 with this longing in mind. Slight problem. They forgot the context of these verses. These words follow and are connected to the vision of the dry bones – God’s vision for restoring Israel’s dry and dead faith. These words speak of a Messiah who will restore Israel’s faith, not their political might. Digging deeper, we see that Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too want you to be what we think we need. Because of our situation or circumstance we want you to be this or that. Help us, instead, to see with eyes focused on your kingdom, on your will and way. Guide us to know your heart, for there we find out who you truly are. Knowing you intimately and personally, you are our God and we are your people. From this place of connection, use us to be your good news for the world. Amen.


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God/World

Reading: Mark 8:27-33

Mark 8:33 – “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”

Chapter 8 is about the halfway point of Mark’s gospel. In Mark’s 16 chapters, he covers the three years of Jesus’ ministry. There is no birth story or Jesus in the temple as a teenager. This short gospel begins with John the Baptist already baptizing in the wilderness. Chapter 1 through part of chapter 8 covers the first 155 weeks of Jesus’ ministry (+/- a week or so.) Mark 8:27 through chapter 16 cover the last week of Jesus’ ministry, known as the passion of Christ.

As Jesus turns toward Jerusalem and the cross he asks for an evaluation of sorts: “Who do people say that I am?” Generally, the people believe that he is a prophet. He is seen by many as one sent by God, speaking on behalf of God. They are partly correct. Wanting to go deeper, Jesus asks, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” This is a question we could and should ask ourselves regularly.

Peter responds, “You are the Christ.” We want to give Peter props for his answer identifying Jesus as the Messiah. But as we read on, we see that Peter’s understanding of Jesus (at this point) is not our understanding of Jesus. After Jesus shares what the passion of the Christ will look like, Peter scolds him. The suffering, trial, death… does NOT match Peter’s definition of a Messiah. Jesus’ response is swift and cutting: “Get behind me Satan.” Perhaps Jesus is thinking of when Satan tempted him in the wilderness, dangling human desires before him. Is Peter’s vision tempting to Jesus at this point?

Continuing on, Jesus adds, “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.” Peter and likely the other disciples cannot see beyond themselves right now. At times, we too struggle with this. Our selfish and sinful nature is ever at odds with the divine within us. May the Holy Spirit ever whisper and nudge (and convict) us to choose God over the world.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we can be like Peter, thinking not if you and your purposes. Our thoughts can turn to self and to our wants. We can be quite selfish. In those frequent moments, remind us of who Christ truly is – humble servant, gentle good shepherd, redeemer, salvation. Draw us back into obedience to your will and way. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Rescuer, Redeemer, Hope

Reading: Habakkuk 2:9-11

Habakkuk 2:11 – “A stone will cry out from a village wall, and a tree branch will respond.”

The book of Habakkuk wrestles with the question, “Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer?” The prophet struggles with the idea that God could use the wicked for God’s own purposes. In the midst of our own suffering we too can wonder how any good can come from our suffering. In these moments, like the prophet, we must trust and lean into our good and loving God.

In our short passage Habakkuk pronounces doom on “the one making evil gain.” Babylon has used power, deceit, and dishonesty to add to their own wealth, at the expense of Israel. The prophet predicts that the ultimate outcome will be shame and death for evil Babylon. In many ways this is a timeless story. Greed and the hunger for power will always be sins that humanity struggles with. Today many people could utter the words of the prophet.

Hope comes in verse 11. The prophets hopes for a rescuer, for a Messiah. He trusts that God will redeem and restore God’s people. Hope will come through the cornerstone, through the root of Jesse. The longing of God’s people will be answered in Jesus Christ. He continues to be our rescuer, our redeemer, our hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, this ago-old story feels true yet today. The gap between those with and those without grows. Power becomes more consolidated. May we, your children, be the stones that cry out for justice. May we, created in your image, be the branches that bring righteousness back to the land. God, restore your people, redeem the oppressed. Amen.


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Almost Done

Reading: Revelation 18-20

Revelation 19:9 – “Write this: Favored are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.”

Chapter 18 details Babylon’s fall. An angel announces the fall, calls out any who are faithful, and pours a double portion of God’s wrath. Deadly disease, grief, and hunger strike her and then fire consumes Babylon – all in a day. The kings of the earth, merchants, and seafarers mourn and weep. The seafarers invite the saints, apostles, and prophets to rejoice. Then a powerful angel hurls a huge stone into the sea, bringing complete destruction: “It won’t be found anymore.”

Heaven celebrates the fall in the first half of chapter 19. A huge crowd, the elders, and the four living creatures celebrate God using “royal power.” Then an angel says to John, “Write this: Favored are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.” Oh to be in that invitation list!

Heaven then opens and Christ emerges. He is “Faithful and True,” “Word of God,” and “King of kings and Lord of lords.” An angel invites the birds to be ready to devour flesh. The beast and its allies draw up for battle. The beast and false prophet are thrown forever into the “fiery lake” and the rest die by the sword in Jesus Christ’s mouth.

An angel comes down from heaven holding the key to the abyss and a large chain. Satan is thrown into the abyss for 1,000 years. Those who were martyred reign with Christ. Satan is released and gathers all that he can deceive. Fire consumes the army and Satan is thrown forever into the lake to fire and sulfur. Then comes the final judgment. Death and the Grave are thrown into the fiery lake along with all whose names are not written in the book of life. It is almost done.

Prayer: Lord God, evil is defeated and sent forever into the lake of fire and sulfur. All the faithful join you for the great wedding banquet. It is an either/or day. To take the long walk of faith – it is not easy. Daily lead and guide us to walk faithfully with you, or… Amen.


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Great and Awesome, Complete and Total

Reading: Revelation 15-17

Revelation 15:3 – “Great and awe-inspiring are your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, king of the nations.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

As we return to the story that we departed from at the end of chapter 11, we see those who gained the victory standing around the “sea” singing the songs of Moses and of the Lamb. They declare, “Great and awe-inspiring are your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, king of the nations.”

Then the seven angels with the seven bowls of God’s wrath emerge from the temple. The first bowl is poured out upon the earth, causing “nasty and terrible sores” to appear on those who follow the beast. The second bowl is poured out on the sea, turning it to blood, killing all living creatures in the sea. The third bowl does the same to the rivers and springs. The angel of the waters proclaims God’s justice. The followers of the beast had poured out the blood of the saints…

The fourth bowl is poured out on the sun, allowing it to burn people with its fire. People cursed the name of God but did not change hearts and lives. The fifth bowl is poured out on the throne of the beast, bringing darkness. People bit their tongues and cursed God – but didn’t turn from their evil ways. The sixth bowl is poured out on the Euphrates, drying it up, paving the way for the final battle. Unclean spirits come out of the mouths of the dragon, beast, and false prophet. They gather the kings of the world for battle.

The seventh bowl is poured into the air, bringing a great earthquake and huge hail stones. The people cursed God. Then an angel shows John, in a Spirit-led trance, the fate of “Babylon.” The woman, the source of all evil, sits on a beast with seven heads and ten horns, all representing various kings. They will turn on her, devouring and burning her. This carries out God’s purposes. Looking ahead, John sees these kings will make war on the Lamb. Christ will emerge victorious. The great fall is next.

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed great and awesome, just and true. There is no place for evil in your coming kingdom. The end of this age will be horrible and the victory in Christ will be complete and total. Thanks be to God! Amen.


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God Is… Patient

Reading: 2nd Peter 3

2nd Peter 3:9 – “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promises… but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change hearts and lives.”

Chapter 3 begins with a reiteration of the encouragement to recall what the prophets and apostles have taught. Peter then tells them that scoffers will come, jeering, living in sin, questioning the second coming of the Lord. Peter writes, “they fail to notice…” This is another way of reminding his audience of these truths. The word that created the world now “holds in reserve” the ungodly for the coming Judgment Day. Yes, Peter agrees, the wait feels long. But don’t forget, God’s time is not our time – “a single day is like a thousand years…”

Peter continues this thought as he tells them that God isn’t slow, he’s patient: “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promises… but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change hearts and lives.” As Christ said, the day will come like a thief – suddenly, unexpected. On that day, “all will be exposed.” So… be ready every moment by living holy and godly lives always. Wait for the new heaven and earth, making every effort to be found in Christ – at peace, pure and faultless. And as you wait, the apostle urges, be on guard against temptations as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

In Peter’s day, when suffering was real and when voices and cultures spoke against a faithful walk of faith, holding onto and trusting into God’s promises was essential. Times have not changed. We live in a post-Christian world that teeters on anti-Christian at times. May we be on guard, striving to live holy and righteous lives, eagerly awaiting the day of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, your word and promises endure forever. Empower us to hold to these truths, especially when the world challenges our faith and our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Strengthen us for this journey, O Lord. Amen.


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All for the Gospel

Reading: 1st Corinthians 7-9

1st Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all people, so that I could save some by all means possible.”

Beginning in chapter 7, Paul begins to address some of the questions and concerns sent to him in a letter. The first question has to do with sex. Paul declares that a married couple should meet one another’s sexual needs. This reduces the temptation towards immoral sexuality. Paul also adds a caveat about divorce: if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the marriage, let them go. Paul then lifts up – but does not command – celibacy. Paul feels that marriage divides a person’s attention. For Paul, celibacy “promotes effective and consistent service to the Lord without distraction.”

In the next chapter Paul addresses eating food sacrificed to idols. For the mature believer, they know idols are not real so the food is fine to eat. But the weak or new to faith might not know this. Paul recommends living in ways that don’t potentially weaken or destroy another’s faith. He notes that one sins against Christ when one sins against a brother or sister. Today one might, for example, invite one who struggles with alcohol to a meeting at a bar. That would fall under Paul’s prohibition.

In chapter 9 Paul writes about being an apostle. There must’ve been a question about paying the preacher’s salary. Paul reminds them that both the Old Testament and Jesus himself taught that the prophet or priest or preacher should get their living from sharing God’s word. Paul chooses to wave this right. Chapter 9 closes with a call to share the gospel with all people and to “run to win.” Paul notes that he has “become all things to all people, so that I could save some by all means possible.” All is done with a focus on sharing the gospel. Paul encourages self-discipline as the means of attaining “the crown that never dies” – eternal life.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to run the race, eye ever on the prize of eternal life. Lead us to also recognize the breadth of the mission field. Walking faithfully with you as our priority, also open our eyes to the ways that we can engage and draw in the lost. May we meet others where they are at, witnessing to your saving power and love. Amen.


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Gracious and Generous

Reading: Luke 15-16

Luke 15:19 – “I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.”

We begin with three parables about “lost” things. The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin follow the same pattern: a thing is lost, a careful search is made, the thing is found, and a celebration follows. A similar celebration happens in heaven when a sinner changes heart and life.

The third parable centers on a lost son. The truly lost one is not the one in the early parts of the parable. The younger son is initially lost but realizes it and “comes to his senses.” He decided on these words: “I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” People can feel this way with God. We can feel this way. Yet in the father’s persona we see a God who runs to us with unconditional love. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done (or left undone) – God loves us and will offer grace always. We’re always welcomed back into the family of God. Sometimes we are called upon to help others understand this too.

The older son is truly lost. He sees himself as a servant and not as a son. His is a joyless yet dutiful existence. That is why anger rises so quickly. Even though the father reminds him of his inherited place in the family, he cannot move past his anger. The story leaves us hanging. What will the oldest son do? Will he too “come to his senses” or will he remain furious?

Chapter 16 holds two parables that deal with wealth. In the first story a manager cleverly uses money to benefit others in the present and to insure his own future. We are called to do the same. Wealth is just a tool to employ in the building of the kingdom. The second story reinforces this point. The rich man did the opposite, hoarding his wealth, ignoring the man in need right under his nose. His future does not end well. He did not listen to the Law and the prophets. We have these as well as the “one who rises from the dead.” May we hear Jesus’ call to be both gracious and generous, doing all we can to redeem the lost.

Prayer: Lord God, when we’re “lost” ourselves, help us to “come to our senses” again and again. And help us to walk alongside those who feel undeserving of your grace and forgiveness, enabling them to see their place in the family. And, Lord, when we struggle, thinking another undeserving of your or our grace, remind us of your great love that redeemed a sinner like us. May we gratefully receive and generously give of your love, grace, and forgiveness. Amen.