pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Open Eyes, Shining Light

Reading: Isaiah 42:5-9

Isaiah 42:6 – “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant… as a light to the nations.”

Photo credit: Devin Avery

Today we return to where we began the week, turning again to Isaiah 42. Our verses for today are still about the servant, but God’s role is also a focus. Verse 5 establishes who God is: the creator and the giver of breath to all who walk on the earth. These words remind us of God’s power and of God’s control over the world. This power is extended to humankind in the next verse, where we read, “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant… as a light to the nations.” This echoes our chosenness found in verse 1 and it fleshes out how God’s spirit works in our lives. The Spirit leads and protects us as we step forward in faith, seeking to be a light to those around us.

Verse 7 begins with “to open blind eyes.” While this is primarily about being the light to others, sometimes it is our own eyes that need to see. We can overlook our own failures, we can ignore the one God is leading us to, we can be so busy or preoccupied that we don’t see the need right in front of us. At other times we do go where the Spirit is leading us and we are part of God’s work that frees those in prisons and brings light to those in darkness. This seeing and freeing can be from physical places but can also be from emotional, relational, and/or spiritual things. These imprisoning factors are often intertwined and connected. This can complicate the situation or compound the need, but we need to always remind ourselves that nothing is impossible when God is leading, guiding, and working in someone’s life.

Our reading closes with a reminder that while God has done much in the past, God is still at work and will remain at work in our lives and in our world. The “new things” of God are the promise that God will continue to grasp our hand, to guard us, to open blind eyes, and to send us out as a light to the world. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, first we ask you to shine your light into the dark pockets in our hearts and lives. Open our eyes to the things that need to die in us, then grasp our hand as we work to uproot these evils. Once made right with you, send us out to be light for others, opening the way for your love to bring healing, making them whole. Amen.


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The Spirit of God

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4

Isaiah 42:1 – “But here is my servant… I’ve put my spirit upon him; he will bring justice to the nations.”

Isaiah 42 has been identified since the time of Jesus as one of four Servant Songs found in Isaiah. The New Testament writers used these songs as messianic prophecies, identifying Jesus as the servant who suffers. At the time of their writing, though, the aim of these songs was to help Israel understand its servant role, even in the midst of suffering and exile.

In this first Servant Song, the servant is chosen by God. His or her role is defined this way: “I’ve put my spirit upon him; he [or she] will bring justice to the nations.” It is important to note that the spirit of God is much different than the spirit of the world. God’s spirit and the power that it brings works to bring justice to the world. This spirit doesn’t shout and demand respect. This spirit does not trample over others but cares for the weak and the marginalized – the “bruised reed” and the “faint wick.” With compassion and care this spirit will bring God’s justice to the world. This gentle yet strong spirit of God works steadfastly to build a just and loving world.

The spirit of the world cares little for this way of kingdom building. Those with the spirit of the world recklessly force their way, seeking personal gain and glory above all else. In their wake we find suffering and harm. Justice is a good thing, yes – unless it gets in the way of accumulating more and more. The goals of the spirit of the world are more power, more wealth, more status. These aims are about as far from “humble servant” as one could get.

In Isaiah, in any other prophet’s words, and in the New Testament witness, the people of God are called to humble service, gentle leadership, compassionate care for the vulnerable. The spirit of God calls us to be bringers of justice. May we choose to walk as a humble and sometimes suffering servant of God today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, outside of your word and outside of our faith communities, so much of what we hear and see is guided by the spirit of the world. Although not easy in our current world, lead and guide us to be people of your spirit – humbly serving, seeking justice, protecting the least of these. Chosen by you, use us to shine your light and love into the darkness of this world. Amen.


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Red Flags

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-5

2nd Thessalonians 2:3 – “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.”

As we continue in 2nd Thessalonians this week, Paul addresses these churches first concern in today’s passage. There are false teachers in their community. They are teaching something that does not seem to align with who and what they know Jesus to be or with what Paul has taught them. This confusion has raised some red flags within these communities of faith.

Paul taught the churches that one day Jesus would return in glory to gather the faithful together to be with him in eternity. This was known as “the day of the Lord.” Some false teachers are telling the Thessalonian Christians that the day has already come. Paul first calls them away from these falsehoods, saying, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.” Next he invites them to remember. He reminds them, there will be signs and behaviors that will indicate evil and not good, that will point to Satan and not to God. Our passage today closes with Paul essentially asking, ‘Don’t you remember all that I taught you?’

We do not have to look very far today to see people who claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ that act and speak in ways that run against who and what Jesus said and did. Red flags should fly up when people who claim to be Christian speak and act in ways that are in direct conflict with the “red letters” of Jesus in our Bibles. When words and actions harm the most vulnerable among us, they are clearly not words and actions aligned with Jesus Christ. Care for “the least of these” and loving the outcasts and the marginalized were the focus of much of what Jesus taught and modeled. Christians follow and are obedient to Jesus’ teachings and example. My friends, don’t let anyone deceive you.

Prayer: Lord God, running throughout the scriptures we see your heart for the vulnerable in your commands to house the alien and foreigner, to clothe the naked, to feed the hungry, to protect and defend the immigrant. Jesus engaged the outsiders, drew in the excluded, spent time with the ignored, lifted up the downtrodden and lowly. Open our eyes, alert our hearts, Jesus, when people claim you as Lord yet ignore or even act counter to these commands and examples. Then move us, God, and use us to speak truth. Amen.


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Drawing Close

Reading: Psalm 121

Psalm 121:2 – “My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

We live in a world that is busy and noisy. Information flows at an unprecedented rate and volume. And it is at our fingertips. While this makes it easy to find the right recipe or the needed product, it also feeds us unwanted suggestions and brings other voices into our minds. There are often times when we intentionally shut the world out, turning off the TVs and laptops, silencing the phones. Often, in these intentional moments, we are reminded of God’s continuing presence and power.

Psalm 121 is a scripture that can bring us to that place. The psalmist frames their thoughts with a familiar question: Where will my help come from? The author answers this question about God in the next verses. Here we are first reminded that our help comes from “the maker of heaven and earth.” Help comes in the form of protection – from slipping up, from the elements of nature, from the evils of this world. This helper is always present too, because God “never sleeps or rests.” Our God will protect us and will help us “whether coming or going” and will do so “from now until forever from now.” That, my friend, is eternity.

Sometimes, though, it can be hard or challenging to feel or even to enter into God’s presence. Sometimes it takes an intentional effort. For me, one place that I can usually “find” God’s presence is in the creation. To be physically present in the hills or at the ocean or under the stars, these are places where the world becomes still so that I can draw close to the creator. How and where do you draw close to God?

Prayer: Dear maker of all creation, draw me close today – close to you, close to the earth, close to those created in your image. In and through these gifts that you made, help me to know and love you even more. Fill me with your love and send me into your world, sharing that love in all ways possible. Amen.


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Faith, Calling, Trust

Reading: 2nd Timothy 1:8-14

2nd Timothy 1:14 – “Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

As we continue in 2nd Timothy 1 today, the call to trust into God and to rely on the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit remains front and center. Paul encourages Timothy to do these two things and to keep the faith, even when suffering for doing so. He reminds young Timothy to depend on God, “the one who saved and called us with a holy calling.” This call was not from anywhere or anyone other than God, so it is backed with God’s purpose and grace as revealed in Jesus Christ. This call, this purpose, this grace – all of this applies to you and to me as well.

In verse 11 Paul shows Timothy how this has worked in his life. Paul was called by God as a messenger, apostle, and teacher. Paul has suffered for answering the call, but he is not ashamed. He is living out his holy calling. He knows the God in whom he trusts. Paul is convinced that God is powerful enough to protect his trust and his faith. All of these truths are universal. Paul wants Timothy to know that they apply to him. They are truths for us too.

The last two verses turn the focus to Timothy (and to us.) Paul first encourages Timothy to hold fast to the pattern of teaching modeled by Paul. Timothy is told to use the love and faith found in Jesus as the means to hold onto good teaching. We have Paul’s model to hold to. And we also have Jesus’ model recorded in the gospels. In verse 14 we read, “Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Call on the power and strength of the Holy Spirit within. Allow the power and presence of the Spirit to protect your faith, your trust, and your calling to serve God and neighbor in love and grace. Relying not on self but on the power and presence of the Spirit, may we too be used to share the good news.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to open ourselves to your calling and purpose for us and for our lives. We’ve all been called to be messengers of the good news of Jesus Christ. We’re all created with your spark within – with the ability to love and care for one another. Fan that spark into flame, Lord, as we learn to apply the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to our own walk of faith. Amen.


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A God That Is Known

Reading: Psalm 91:14-16

Psalm 91:14 – “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

As we close out Psalm 91 we read some pretty awesome promises from God. These words are words of rescue, protection, presence, and salvation. In verse 14 God says, “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name.” For the people walking with God, for those who are devoted to following God’s instructions, for those who strive to daily live out God’s will and way – God will rescue and protect them. If we live daily within these descriptions, we will be rescued and protected. This absolute feeling guarantee is set partly in Israel’s understanding of themselves as God’s “chosen” people and partly in the reality that for one to be aware of God’s rescuing and protecting, one must know and believe in God’s power and presence.

Our God is a loving and compassionate God. Our God knit every person together in the womb. We are therefore all God’s beloved children. God will rescue and protect those who do not know God at times. These moments are chalked up as karma or good luck or to personal efforts. These folks would not cry out to God as the psalmist speaks of in verse 15. The “cry out to me” in this verse is a knowing cry. It is a cry or a plea to a close friend for help, rescue… To make this kind of a cry – one that is heard and responded to – one must know God.

The crying out to and being answered by the God that is known results in bringing glory to God. The rescue, protection… is credited to God through praise, thanksgiving, witness, and worship. These experiences lead to a long walk with God, to walking with God into “old age,” as the psalmist puts it. And, ultimately, a long and faithful walk with God leads us to experience our salvation – the eternal saving and redemption of our souls. For our God who is known, who is present, who walks daily with us, we say thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you move and act, guide and direct, rescue and protect, redeem and restore all the time – even when we and others are unaware of it. But as your sons and daughters, make us ever aware of your acts of love and compassion in our lives. Lead us to praise your holy name as our response. It is so good to walk daily with you. For your constant love and care, we say “Thank you!” Amen.


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Constant Trust

Reading: Psalm 91:1-6

Psalm 91:2 – “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God – the one I trust!'”

Psalm 91 is a declaration of divine protection. When the psalmist is walking closely in right relationship with God, he or she is living in God’s “shelter,” is “camping” in God’s “shade.” There is a day and night implication to the images created by these words. This 24/7 idea is also reflected in verses 3-6, where troubles also come day and night. A right relationship with God is a constant relationship, not one where we can pick and choose when to turn on or off our connection to God.

In verse 2 we read, “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God – the one I trust!'” This is a wonderful confession of trust in God. Here again we see the 24/7 nature of a right relationship with God. This confession is both a response to God’s promises of shelter and shade, refuge and strength and it is a pre-requisite for God to provide these things in this 24/7 relationship. It’s not that God won’t protect or strengthen a non-believer, but it’s a confession that God is always available to offer “divine touches” to the believer living in right relationship with God. When God is the one in whom we constantly trust, then God is always present in our lives.

Verses 3-6 reveal some times when the psalmist needs God’s presence and protection. We also need saved, protected, and shielded from sickness and disease, from destruction and snares. We too need God to be a refuge in the storms of life and when evil “prowls” and “ravages.” When we turn to God as our first, last, and only hope in times of need, then our God is a God in whom we can trust. God will be our refuge and stronghold. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, the longer we walk with you, the stronger our trust grows in you to be all that we need in this life. Encourage us in the moments when the “storms” beat against and threaten this trust. Reach out and pull us close when we are beginning to doubt or to question. Hold us in the shelter of your wings, in the palm of your hand. Thank you, Lord, for your constant love and presence. Amen.


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Shepherd of the Flock

Reading: John 10:11-16

John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

In the agrarian society of Jesus’ day, he often spoke in ways that connected to this reality. Sheep in particular are a common subject in Jesus’ teachings. He comes by this naturally. In tomorrow’s reading God identifies as “the good shepherd” too!

For the most part, Jesus attracted a crowd from the lower levels of society. “Blue collar” folks and people who lived on the edges were drawn to Jesus. His normal audience would be familiar with his shepherd imagery. Jesus states two times in this passage that he is the “good shepherd.” In the first instance, he declares that he will “lay down his life for the sheep.” He will not run away because the sheep truly matter to him. He will face the cross.

The second time, Jesus says, I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me.” Here Jesus is speaking into the intimacy between shepherds and their sheep. Sheep learn the voice of their shepherd(s) and will only follow the voice(s) they know. Jesus sets the example in the ways that he follows God’s voice. He calls his sheep to do the same. Jesus then reiterates the fact that he will give his life for the sheep. In this spirit we too are called to sacrifice for others.

Jesus then extends the circle to include those who are not yet following him. Here Jesus is referring to both Jews and Gentiles, which really is another way of saying “all people.” Jesus longs to be known by all people, to shepherd them in his love. One day, may this be so, O Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, you lead us beside still waters and into green pastures. You provide rest and you offer sustenance. You protect us and you guide us. When we wander, you find us and bring us back home. You gave everything for us and continue to do about anything to keep us in the flock and to add to the flock. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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Awareness and Compassion

Reading: Psalm 24:1-2

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.”

In the children’s book Horton Hears a Who! the main character is Horton the elephant. Because he has ears to hear he discovers a whole world living on a speck of dust, people with houses and grocery stores and churches. Horton then goes to great lengths, endures scorn and ridicule and abuse, and gives his all to save, rescue, and protect these tiny people. This is because he believes in his heart that “a person is a person, no matter how small.” Because of his compassion and dedication, others join him in his cause.

In Psalm 24:1 we read, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” As the Creator, yes, the world is the Lord’s! We are included in that “everything.” Whether we are in the ruling party or in the smallest majority, whether we are flush with money or in deject poverty, whether we are the center of our own universe or the humblest servant – we are the Lord’s!

Volunteering this week at a high school church camp, we named the injustices we see in the world and we talked about solutions and needed resources to remedy these injustices. I was amazed by the breadth of the student’s awareness and the depth of their compassion and empathy. Some injustices had touched their lives, others touched their hearts. In these ways they were like Horton, who is like God, who we’re called to be like.

Our question to wrestle with is this: Who or what cries out, needing us to rise up, to stand up, to speak up, to walk alongside? As people of faith, may we be people of awareness and compassion.

Prayer: Lord God, you created all the earth and everything on it and in it. Because all this is the work of your hands, all declared good, may we see, treat, and understand all of creation as good, as sacred, as an extension of you. With this heart and within this mentality, may we be and bring your light and love, your healing and redemption into the world. Amen.


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Rejoice in Hope

Reading: 1st Peter 1:3-7

1st Peter 1:3c – “You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1st Peter was written to several house churches scattered across the Roman empire. The faith of these early Christians brought them into conflict with the social norms of the empire. This conflict often led to persecution and suffering. Peter writes to encourage these faithful followers and to call them to holy living, especially during trial and hardship.

After the greeting, Peter writes, “May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed!” The ‘how’ will be unpacked in the next verses. He begins with a reminder that they have been born again. This spiritual birth connects them to God and makes them part of the family. In the last part of verse 3 Peter writes, “You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This hope is present and real. It carries them through trials and hardships. It offers us the same reality.

Their new birth also leads to an “enduring inheritance.” This inheritance is “pure” and therefore “cannot perish.” It is “kept safe” by God in heaven. This protection also extends to this life. Peter tells these early believers that they are “guarded by God’s power” so that they can one day receive their salvation. This builds their living hope.

In verse 6 Peter shifts to their present reality. He acknowledges the “various trials” that they are suffering. This is what Jesus faced and endured too. These trials will result in a more “genuine faith.” And, one day, this will bring them (and us) praise, glory, and honor when Jesus returns again. Yes, we too rejoice in this hope! Thanks be to God for our living hope, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for these now and then promises and truths. In you we find hope and joy in this present life. Although we would never invite hardship, we do know that the testing and refining matures our faith. In the trials, Lord, draw us into your presence, reminding us of the glorious day when all things will be made new. Amen.