pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Rejoice! Celebrate!

Readings: Psalms 90-95

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

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today we begin Book 4! We begin with a Psalm attributed to Moses. The Psalm considers the fleeting nature of life. God sweeps humans away “like a dream.” We finish up our years “with a whimper.” So the author invites us to “number our days.” Doing so we learn to live with a “wise heart.” Doing so, life has meaning and purpose.

Psalm 91 petitions God for divine protection. It feels like a counter to Psalm 90. In verse 2 we read, “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'” The Psalm speaks of God’s protection and saving in times of sickness and trial. It proclaims that if even 1,000 fall dead, we will be ok. This is because God will “order his messengers to help you… to protect you.” While we can feel the psalmist’s trust, we must remember that this is a possibility and not necessarily a promise. The faithful are not immune from the happenings of life.

Psalms 92 and 93 compliment each other. Psalm 92 is a song of thanksgiving for victory. The wicked are like grass – they perish quickly. The righteous are like trees. They will bear fruit in old age. Psalm 93 recognizes God as the one who won’t be shaken, as the one mightier than the flood. Holiness “decorates” God’s house.

Psalm 94 is addressed to the “avenging God.” The arrogant brag and afflict widows, immigrants, and orphans. The God who hears and sees will repay the evil. This God helps the righteous, steadying slipping feet and comforting the anxious. This God is our fortress and our rock of refuge.

This leads us to Psalm 95, a call to worship God. It begins, “Let’s raise a joyful shout.” The “people of his pasture” are called to worship, to bow down, to kneel before the Lord.  A warning against hardening one’s heart closes the Psalm. It is good to offer our praise and thanksgiving to God. It counters our prideful nature and our tendency to turn inward.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we pray as the psalmists pray: steady us, comfort us, forgive us, protect us. At other times we too rejoice in your goodness and love. We celebrate your faithfulness and your justice. Today may our lives sing of your glory, power, and might. Amen.


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Tension Remains

Readings: 2nd Samuel 15, 2nd Samuel 16, 2nd Samuel 17, 2nd Samuel 18, 2nd Samuel 19

2nd Samuel 15:25 – “Carry God’s chest back into the city. If the LORD thinks well of me, then he will bring me back.”

Photo credit: Kim West

Our reading begins with Absalom subtly beginning a rebellion. He curries favor at the city gate. He builds alliances for four years. Then he gathers people in Hebron – some don’t know why – and he declares himself king. David and his household flee Jerusalem. On the way out, the priests offer sacrifices by the chest. David sends Zadok, the chest, and the rest of the priests  back into the city, saying, “Carry God’s chest back into the city. If the LORD thinks well of me, then he will bring me back.” He trusts the outcome of this rebellion to God.

Alliances, betrayals, and conceit abounds. Ziba lies for material gain. Shimei curses David. Spies give false advice, buying David and his troops needed time. They cross the Jordan safely and receive aid from Barzillai. Troops on both sides prepare for battle. David is convinced to stay behind. He gives a command to protect Absalom. David’s forces win the battle. Absalom gets caught in a tree while trying to escape. Joab begins and then oversees Absalom’s death.

News reaches David and he mourns deeply. Victory turns to sadness. The troops slink back into camp. Joab goes to David and calls him on this. David goes out to greet the troops. As David returns to Jerusalem, Israel argues about bringing him back as king. David reconnects with Judah and they take the lead in restoring David as king. This upsets the rest of Israel. Tension remains in the air. The sword is not far from David’s house.

Prayer: Lord God, so many do the wrong things in today’s passages. They chase the things of this world – power, possessions, status. Yet there are still those who do right. These are ones after your heart. Spirit, lead us to do right and to hold God’s will and ways above all else in our hearts and lives. Amen.


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Lines Drawn

Readings: 1st Samuel 18, 1st Samuel 19, 1st Samuel 20

1st Samuel 18:3 – “Jonathan and David made a covenant together because Jonathan loved David as much as himself.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

Jonathan and David become bound together, making a covenant “because Jonathan loved David as much as himself.” He gives David his robe, sword, bow… – this symbolizes the passing on of the right to the throne. Jonathan is committed to David, and vice versa. Next, Saul’s anger rises as the woman sing of David’s greater victories. As the evil spirit returns to Saul, he tries to kill David – twice. David spends time away at war. The Lord gives him great success.

Saul then tried marriage as a means to control David. But David feels unworthy. A second attempt leads to a plot by Saul. God continues to be with David and he provides the wedding bounty. He married Michal, Saul’s youngest. After more success in battle, Saul orders David’s death. Jonathan defends David, placating Saul temporarily. But again the evil spirit rises up. David escapes a second spear and then Michal helps him to escape.

David flees to Ramah, where Samuel is. Saul sends three sets of messengers to retrieve David. All three sets fall into a prophetic frenzy and return empty handed. Saul himself goes and he suffers the same fate. Clearly the Spirit of the Lord is protecting David. These episodes lead David back to Jonathan. They devise a plan to see if Saul really wants to kill David. Yes, he certainly does. Jonathan and David renew their covenant and part ways for now. The lines have been drawn between Saul and David. Jonathan must now walk the difficult line between son and covenant friend.

Prayer: Lord God, in our moments of testing, may we be as faithful to you as David and Jonathan were. No matter what evil swirls around us, lead and guide us to walk in the way that is right and holy and true. Be a shield about us, O God, keeping us from harm. Amen.


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Complete and Correct

Readings: Deuteronomy 21, Deuteronomy 22, Deuteronomy 23, Deuteronomy 24, Deuteronomy 25

Deuteronomy 24:13b – “They will bless you, and you will be considered righteous before the LORD your God.”

While today’s readings might feel like a fire hose of disjointed and maybe unrelated laws and case studies, one can make sense of these passages by looking at them within the framework of unpacking the Ten Commandments. Today’s passages deal with commandments 6-9, laws that deal with how we are to live in right relationship with one another. This focus laid over all of these laws gives us structure to understand and even apply many to our lives and culture today.

Chapter 21 and most of 22 unpack the law “do not kill.” Chapter 21 begins with a process to remove blood guilt for unsolved murders. We then shift to foreign wives, oldest sons, and parents. These laws work against “killing” reputations and the rights of the firstborn. Chapter 22 deals mostly with caring for property and reputations. Helping others and defending a woman’s virginity are ways to love instead of harm.

22:23 through 23:18 deal with adultery – against one another and also against God. The topics range from literal adultery to who and what can (and can’t) be in God’s presence. There is even a protection in here about slaves who escape from cruel masters. Abuse, in this sense, is a form of adultery. The focus then shifts to “do not steal.” This section greatly expands this commandment way beyond simply taking something off the shelf at the store. Interest and oaths and pawning and kidnapping are included here as ways that we can steal from one another.

Beginning in 24:8 we turn to #9: “do not testify falsely.” Loans and worker pay and harvesting are regulated to protect the poor and the vulnerable. In this section we find a verse that in spirit arches over all that we read today: “They will bless you, and you will be considered righteous before the LORD your God.” This section closes with rules for honest business dealings. Weights and measures must be “complete and correct.” This is a wonderful way to look at how we should love our neighbors too. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today we work through unpacking such simple commands – do not kill, steal… and see that these simple commands affect so much of life. To love neighbor is a vast and wide ranging charge. Guide us each day to place the other before self. Lead us to live as humble servants of your great love. Amen.


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Arise, Lord!

Readings : Numbers 8, Numbers 9, Numbers 10

Numbers 10:35 – “When the chest set out, Moses would say, ‘Arise, LORD, let your enemies scatter, and those who hate you flee.’”

Today’s reading begins with the construction of the menorah (or lamp stand) followed by the dedication of the Levites. Moses sprinkles them with water to purify them and then they shave, wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves. The whole community gathers and lays hands on the Levites, blessing them. Two bulls are offered – one for purification and one as an entirely burned offering. God reminds them that the oldest males were dedicated to God when the firstborn males died in Egypt. Terms of service are set for the Levites. They serve from age 25 to 50.

The Israelite community then celebrates the Passover. This is the first remembrance of this event. A concern is raised by those who are unclean. This is the group that cares for the dead. With a population of well over a million, death was a daily occurrence. Moses goes to God and God allows for them (and the immigrants among the Israelites) to celebrate the Passover.

The cloud that has descended in the tent of meeting when it was dedicated now gives direction for when to travel. Trumpets are made. They are used to gather the community or the leaders, to announce when to march, to lead them into battle, and to announce the start of festivals and months. After 11 months at Sinai the cloud lifts, the trumpet blasts, and Israel marches. They travel in the order laid out in Numbers 2 with the three Levite clans interspersed. The chest of the covenant leads the way. As they depart, Moses invited Hobab the Midianite to stay with them. He knows the land. Offered God’s blessings, he decides to stay.

Our reading closes with Moses’ words of blessing for their journeys. At departure he offers these words: “Arise, LORD, let your enemies scatter, and those who hate you flee.” When they would camp, Moses invited the Lord to be with them. At all times, God was with Israel. And sonit can be with us too – when we go out and when we rest. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you ordered the lives of Israel and the Levites. Your plans and purposes were good. Open our hearts to the ways that you desire to order our lives. Guide us to walk according to your plans for us. Go before us to lead and protect us. Arise, O Lord, and be with us at all times and in all situations. Amen.


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Set Apart

Readings: Numbers 5, Numbers 6, Numbers 7

Numbers 6:24-25 – “The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up his face to you and grant you peace.”

Chapter 5 begins with how to keep the camp from becoming unclean and with how to restore relationships in the camp. These simple provisions hold them accountable to one another. The jealous husband case found in verses 11-31 is hard to relate to our world today. John Wesley saw the purpose of this law as twofold. First, it was a deterrent to a woman tempted by adultery. Second, it offered wives protection from the jealousy of hard-hearted husbands. No provision is made anywhere in the Law for a woman who suspected her husband of adultery.

Chapter 6 gives instructions for nazarites. These were non-Levites who wanted to commit a portion of their lives to serving the Lord. Because they were not Levites they could not perform tabernacle duties. They were set apart by following a strict behavioral code. Samson and Samuel are two examples of nazarites who served for life. Most nazarites would serve for a designated period of time. At the end of their service they would offer the standard cycle of offerings to the Lord.

Chapter 7 is a flashback. It recounts the gifts brought to the dedication of the tabernacle written about in Exodus 40. Oxen and wagons are given to enable the Levites to transport the structure of the tabernacle. Then one representative from each tribe brings the same set of gifts to dedicate the altar. The gifts are brought in the order established in Numbers 2.

Our reading closes with Moses entering the tent of meeting to talk with God. This scene connects back to God’s promise made in Exodus 25. Tucked in at the end of chapter 6 is a priestly blessing. We close with a portion today: “The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up his face to you and grant you peace.”

Prayer: Lord God, we, like the nazarites, are called to be set apart from the world. Instead of physical practices we are called to spiritual practices that reflect your love, grace, mercy… thereby setting ourselves apart from the world. Empower us to live in your ways. Grant us peace as we seek to live as your disciples. Amen.


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God’s Guiding Presence

Readings: Genesis 31, Genesis 32, Genesis 33, Genesis 34, Genesis 35, Genesis 36

Genesis 32:28 – “Your name won’t be Jacob any longer, but Israel, because you struggled with God and with men and won.”

Today’s readings begin with Jacob leaving Haran. God directs this move and watches over it. As Laban catches up to the escaping Jacob, God intervenes on his behalf. This leads to a “symmetrical covenant.” Laban and Jacob part ways peacefully and with God’s blessing. As his journey continues, Jacob prepares to and is prepared to meet Esau, the brother he stole from and deceived.

Jacob first sends messengers to Esau, who comes out to meet Jacob with 400 men. This terrifies Jacob. He splits all that he has into two camps. Then he prays a “reminder” prayer to God. He reminds both God and himself of the covenant promises made to Abraham and to Isaac and to himself. He then sends a very large gift of livestock to Esau, seeking to pacify him. That night Jacob wrestles with God. He is renamed “Israel” and he receives God’s blessing.

In the morning Jacob arranged his family strategically – servants then Leah then Rachel, each with their children. But then he goes in front to meet Esau. He bows low 7 times as Esau is approaching. Esau runs to greet him. It is an emotional and joyful reunion. Jacob sees the face of God in his brother’s grace.

In chapter 34 a terrible thing happens to Dinah – she is raped and humiliated by a local prince. Her brothers exact revenge, killing every male and looting everything in the town. They use deception to set it all up. They are Jacob’s sons. But now Jacob fears revenge too, so the family moves on. God protects them as they go. In the process God reiterates the name change as well as the covenant. Sadly, Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. Isaac dies too and is buried with his ancestors by Jacob and Esau together. Our reading closes with Esau’s genealogy.

Reflecting on today’s six chapters I am struck by God’s presence guiding Jacob’s life. Many things happen that remind me that God is with us no matter what – when we are faithful, when we are less than faithful. God is steadfast and true.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your hand ever guiding Jacob. Thank you for your hand that desires to guide us. As you work in our lives, shape and form us as you did Jacob – more and more into one who knew and loved you. Amen.


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God with Us

Reading: Genesis 4, Genesis 5

Genesis 4:10: “The Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.'”

Chapter 4 contains the story of Cain and Abel – Adam and Eve’s first two sons. Living outside of the garden because of their parents’ sin, Abel works as a shepherd and Cain as a farmer. These two brothers bring an offering to God. Cain brings some of his crops and Abel brings the firstborn, including their fat portions. God sees Abel’s offering as “favorable,” angering Cain. At times we all come to this place that Cain came to – realizing that our offering to God was less than what it could or should have been. Maybe it was a half-hearted effort with that neighbor. Maybe we came to worship with a really poor attitude. When the realization comes that we fell short, we too can get angry. It’s always harder to look within.

Even though God warns Cain – “sin will be waiting at your door ready to strike” – Cain still allows his anger to smolder, leading him to murder Abel. God knows yet asks, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” God is not searching for the answer but for remorse and repentance. None is found. Cain even doubles down, denying any knowledge of what has happened to Abel. As a result, Cain is moved further from community. He is to be a wandering nomad. Punishment at least brings a hint of remorse. Even here, God’s grace remains present. Isolated, alone, vulnerable, God marks Cain with a sign, protecting him from harm. Like Cain, as bad as we can become, God remains with us.

Chapter 5 brings a list of descendants. Many are just names. They lived a long time before the flood – 930, 912, 962… All but Enoch died. He was “taken up,” presumably because he walked faithfully with God. As sin continues to grow, this rapidly becomes less common. The list of singular descendants branches out at Noah. Each of his three sons will have a role in the ongoing story of God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for always being with us, even in our sin. Thank you for not giving up on us and for always trying to work us towards your good plans. Please forgive us when we go astray, pursuing other things. Thank you for your love and grace. Amen.


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God’s Sanctuary and Dominion

Reading: Psalm 114

Verse 2: “Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion.”

For the psalmist, the exodus from under mighty Egypt’s oppression and the near-impossible rescue at the parting of the sea were two great examples of God in action. God acted on behalf of the beloved of God. You and I are beloved of God. So there are times and situations that you can look back on and say, ‘Yes, right then and there, God acted in my life.’ When has God freed you or saved you or rescued you? Like the psalmist does here, it is important for us too to remember and offer our thanksgiving to God. This is part of being God’s sanctuary and dominion.

In verses 5-6 the psalmist asks a great question. He or she ponders over why the waters part and why the mountains and hills quake. They do so because they are “in the presence of the Lord.” God’s power and might and majesty are over all of creation. They are over you and me. As we recognize God’s sovereign hand in all of creation and in our lives, we too humbly now and honor almighty God. This too is part of being God’s sanctuary and dominion.

In verse 2 we read, “Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion.” This speaks of relationship and connection. It speaks of intimacy and commitment. You and I are part of God’s family. God is our sanctuary – both the place where we worship and the place we go to feel safe and protected. God is our dominion – both the one who is steadfast and true and the one to whom we commit our lives and faith. Thank you, God, for being our sanctuary and our dominion.

Prayer: Lord God, you are our all in all. With you we lack nothing that we need. You are ever-present and almighty. You are personal and intimate. May our lives be expressions of our gratitude for our connection with you. Amen.


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Remember and Celebrate

Reading: Exodus 12:1-14

Verse 8: “Eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast.”

The lamb or goat and the meal shared together are the central focus of the Passover. The giving of life to protect and insure life is a foreshadowing of what Jesus will do for us on the cross. The blood and bread that are part of Passover also foreshadow the meal that Jesus will share with his disciples in the upper room as his crucifixion nears. We continue to hold these events sacred in our Christian traditions.

Each year at the end of Christmas Eve services we light the candles, turn out the lights, and sing “Silent Night.” Just reading these words evokes memories. This tradition is practiced in many churches. Each of these elements connect us to not just that time and place. It connects us to other Christmas Eves. Some remember a loved one not present that year. Others remember a child’s first Christmas Eve or a special memory from another year. The words of the song touch us at our core. They remind us of that which we celebrate – the silence, the waiting, the birth and what it all means for us and for the world.

The meat roasting over the fire, the blood of protection spread on the door frames, the bitter herbs, the bread baking, the family gathered, the words – together they remember and celebrate what God has done for them. Remembering also helps them to look and move forward, knowing that God will be present to them then and there too. Our moments and remembrances connect us to God and to one another. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the God of all time – past, present, future. You connect to us in so many ways, reminding us of our intimate relationship again and again. Thank you. Amen.