pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Jehovah Jireh

Reading: Genesis 22:9-14

Genesis 22:9b – “Abraham built an altar… arranged the wood… tied up his son Isaac… laid him on the altar…”

Abraham, Isaac, the wood, the knife, and the fire arrive atop the mountain as we continue in Genesis 22. In the rest of verse 9 we read of Abraham’s resolute faith and steadfast obedience: “Abraham built an altar… arranged the wood… tied up his son Isaac… laid him on the altar…” I wonder, was he so faithful and so resolute that all of his emotions were on mute? How else could Abraham will himself through these steps of readying the sacrifice?

As Abraham raises the knife to shed blood and take life, a messenger calls out to him, “Abraham? Abraham?” Was the messenger pulling Abraham back into the reality of this scene? Pausing the action, the messenger acknowledges Abraham’s reverence for God, demonstrated through his willingness to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Looking up, Abraham sees a ram, ready to be taken and offered as the sacrifice. Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides – “sees to it,” as Abraham told Isaac earlier.

Flashing forward in Israel’s history, to a moment when the plagues have reached their climax in Egypt, again God provided a way. This time the blood of the lamb marked their houses. And, again, the hand of death passed over the firstborn. The Israelites were faithful and obedient to God and God provided. In our walks of faith, the God who provides will be with us as well. Jehovah Jireh will give us the words to say, the actions to take, the resources to meet needs, the strength to stand… Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for these reminders of your faithfulness to us, your children. As we walk with you, you show us the way, you lead and guide, you equip and resource us – all to bear your light and love, your hope and peace to a world in need. Thank you, God. Amen.


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God Will Provide

Reading: Genesis 22:1-8

Genesis 22:5 – “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will walk up there, worship, and then come back to you.”

Many years ago Abram heard the call of God, asking him to go to “the land that I will show you.” At 75 he left his father’s household and set out across the desert. The promise from God was to bless the nations through him as God worked to “make if you a great nation.” In today’s reading, God again calls out to Abraham. God asks Abraham to go to the region of Moriah, to “one of the mountains that I will show you.” Again, Abraham must take a step of faith, trusting where God will lead. How often does God ask the same of us? And… do we follow?

What God asks Abraham to do on this mountain is unfathomable. God says, “Take your son, your only son whom you love, Isaac… offer him as an entirely burned offering.” And we thought sending Ishmael out into the desert, likely to die, was hard. Just as he had readied the water and bread back then, now Abraham readies the wood, the fire, and the knife. Setting out with Isaac, two servants, and a donkey, Abraham departs for the mountain.

Seeing the place in the distance, Abraham says to the servants, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will walk up there, worship, and then come back to you.” Walking on, Isaac asks, “where is the lamb?” Hmmm… “The lamb…?” muses Abraham. Sometimes our question is like this one. We’ve stepped out in faith but don’t have (or think we have) all we need for what seems to lie ahead. Abraham continues, saying to Isaac, “God will see to it, my son.” Trust the Lord. God will provide. Walk on in faith, just as Abraham and Isaac did.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to step out in faith just as Abraham did. While what you asked of him and what you ask of each of us can vary greatly, you still require trust and obedience no matter what that step of faith might be. Grant us a measure of obedience equal to the call so that we may faithfully follow where you lead, confident that you will provide all that we need for the journey. Amen.


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Life-Giving and Abundant

Reading: John 7:37-39

John 7:38b – “Rivers of living water will flow out from within him.”

Turning to John 7, Jesus stands and shouts on the “last and most important day” of the Festival of Booths (or Feast of Tabernacles.) The weeklong festival was spent in make-shift booths celebrating God’s presence during the time in the wilderness. Water played a key role during those 40 years. It began with God parting the waters, leading Israel to safety. It closed with God again parting the waters, leading Israel into the Promised Land. In between God again and again provided water – life-giving and abundant. Into these thoughts Jesus offers an invitation for all who are thirsty to come to him, to believe in him, and to drink from his “living water.”

As he did with the woman at the well, Jesus offers himself as the answer to all of our human “thirsts.” Like Moses at the rock of Horeb, it will not be a trickle or a slow drip of water. No, Jesus’ living water will gush forth, flowing like a mighty river. As it did with Moses’ spirit at the tent of meeting, Jesus’ Spirit will flow into our hearts and lives, bringing life-giving, abundant faith.

On this Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the first coming of the Holy Spirit. It gave life to the church and it continues to do so, even today. The living water flows from Jesus, into us, and then out into the world. As we are led and guided by the Holy Spirit, others experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness… hearing the invitation themselves to come and drink, to satisfy their thirsts, to find abundant life in Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, come today, Holy Spirit, come. Fill our hearts and unleash our love, so that all may come to know the source of living water – abundant, free, life-changing. May your love and presence well up in our hearts, and being unbound, overflow into the lives of all we meet. Amen.


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One

Reading: John 17:6-11

John 17:11 – “Holy Father, watch over them in your name… that they will be one just as we are one.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

Returning to John 17 today, Jesus’ prayer continues. The focus shifts to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jesus refers to all believers as “the people you gave me from this world.” Those who “belong” to Jesus – and this includes you and me – are those who keep God’s word as the rule of life. We have received God’s words, some of them from Jesus, and we understand that Jesus was sent by God. Sent as God incarnate (in the flesh) we understand Jesus as the revelation of God on earth.

In verse 9 Jesus states, “I’m praying for them.” We are part of “them.” Jesus prayed then for all who believed in him as Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit continues to pray for all believers. Your name and my name are lifted into God’s presence. As this prayer of Jesus continues, he prays, “Holy Father, watch over them in your name… that they will be one just as we are one.” Because we are not of this world once we become a new creation in Christ, we need watching over. We become targets of Satan once we declare belief in Jesus. The spiritual battle amps up once we declare that we belong to Jesus. This is our reality. This is why Jesus prays for unity.

As the body of Christ we are called to mirror the unity that we see between Jesus Christ and God. This unity, this intimate connection, is grounded in and empowered by love. The love of Christ in our hearts guides us to also pray for one another and at times to be the answer to those prayers. This love leads us to keep one another safe, cared for, provided for, comforted, encouraged, connected… Walking together with Jesus Christ, may we be one as Jesus and God are one.

Prayer: Lord God, unity is often hard. This world and its ruler are constantly seeking to pull us away from you and back into our old selfish ways. Christ in Spirit seeks to counter this, building our connection with you. Open our hearts to continue to receive your word, your love, your presence. And receiving, may we in turn live out these gifts in our faith communities, bring you the glory. Amen.


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Love Revealed

Reading: John 14:8-14

John 14:9 – “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Moving to the second half of our John 14 reading, Jesus responds to Philip’s request to be shown God with this truth: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus reminds Philip, the other disciples, and us that all the words he spoke came from God. All the miracles or works that Jesus has offered – they are done through God who dwells in Jesus. In Jesus, we see and hear our best example of God. Yes, God is fully present in the Old Testament and in the rest of the New Testament, but the person of Jesus found in the gospels is our fullest and clearest revelation of God. In Christ we see the heart of God – the love – lived out here on earth.

Jesus then explains that those who believe in him will have more than an example to follow. Jesus tells the disciples then and now that believers “will do the works I do.” Through these works, God will be glorified through the name of Jesus. As we care for others, as we provide for those in need, as we comfort the ill and the grieving, as we speak words that heal broken relationships, as we extend a hand of welcome and belonging to all people, we model Jesus’ and God’s love for all of creation. As we bring peace to a storm, as we give voice to the powerless and marginalized, as we stand against injustice, as we free the prisoners, we model to others the love of God in Christ. In these ways and more, we reveal the love of God that dwells in us. This day, may the love of God in us reveal the Father’s love to all that we meet.

Prayer: Lord God, in Jesus you showed yourself to us. In his words and works we get a glimpse into who and what you are. At the core of it all is love. So, God, this day, use us as love lived out in the world. Amen.


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A Profound Sense of Gratitude

Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Deuteronomy 26:10a – “I am bringing the early produce of the fertile ground that you, Lord, have given me.”

Our first readings this week focus in on giving thanks to God. In our Deuteronomy reading, the Israelites have just come out of many years of bondage and oppression in Egypt. They’ve most recently spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness, testing God and learning from their sinful mistakes. The Israelites have now been prepared to enter the Promised Land. As God has done for the years in Egypt and in the wilderness, God will continue to provide for God’s people as they enter into their inheritance.

As an expression of gratitude and dependence, each Israelite is to take some of the “first fruit” of the land and to bring it as a sacrifice to God. “First” implies not only earliest but also best or chief. God is calling for all of this from the people, giving to God before anything else. The solemn statement in verses 5 through 10a is a reminder of all that God has done since the time of Jacob. This reflection would raise up in Israel a profound sense of gratitude and an awareness that all that they have comes from God.

The reflection ends with these words: “I am bringing the early produce of the fertile ground that you, Lord, have given me.” For the Israelites this was their actual first fruits. What could we substitute into “I am bringing ____ that you, Lord, have given me.” What “crop” or talent or wealth or time could give to God with a profound sense of gratitude? How would being aware of this offering as a returning of something that really already belongs to God increase our thanksgiving? Take a few moments to ponder what you could give and then commit to offering these things with thanksgiving in your heart.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the giver of all things – material, spiritual, physical, relational, communal. Shape our hearts to be grateful for all that we have. Form us into people who generously return some of these blessings to you, O God, for the building of your kingdom in this time and place. Amen.


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Heed the Warning!

Reading: Luke 12:13-21

Luke 12:15 – “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions.”

In today’s text Jesus addresses money – a frequent topic in his teachings. In the story a presumably younger brother asks Jesus to tell his brother to give him what is due to him. Jesus declares that he’s not the judge or referee – or the relationship counselor. Good thing because we all want what we think should be rightfully ours. This often includes money or possessions but can also include our time, our talents and gifts, and even our prayers and worship.

Jesus then tells a story to illustrate the gravity of his warning. Often we have to figure out which person we are in the story – or who we hope to be. Today’s story, however, has just one character. A rich man has a bountiful harvest. We get a bonus at work or that commission on the big account comes through. The man’s barns are not big enough to take in the wonderful harvest, adding to what’s already stored up. While there is always more “room” in the bank, we’ll rent storage units for our new stuff. Finding himself at the crossroads between generosity and self-indulgence, the man decides to tear down his current barns to horde more stuff in bigger, newer barns. The man thinks he’s all set – there’s plenty in the bank. Oops – in the barns. He thinks that he can now “Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.” Life is good!

Alas, Jesus says, the man will die that night. He horded and was not “rich toward God.” He was storing up treasures in earth, not in heaven. The truth of Jesus’ warning is realized: “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions.” May we hear the lesson and heed the warning.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the warning and good story to back it up. Really, God, we all struggle with some kind of greed. Yet we read the story and almost all of us ask the question, “How much is enough?” Even this question betrays our trust in you to provide all that we need. Lord, teach us to be content with what you provide and guard our hearts against the hunan desire to strive for more. Amen.


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The Lord Provides

Reading: Genesis 22:1-8

Genesis 22:8 – “The lamb for the entirely burned offering? God will see to it, my son. The two of them walked on together.”

As a young man Abram heard God’s call to leave his home and family, going to the place that God “will show you.” Once there, God again spoke, promising him very, very numerous descendants in the land God brought him to. After taking the making of an heir into their own hands, God again spoke, renaming and telling Abraham and Sarah that they would indeed have a son – at 99 and 90, respectively.

Isaac is soon born to this very aged couple. With great heartache the heir Abram and Sarai schemed is sent away into the wilderness. And then, about a dozen or so years later, God says to Abraham, “Take your son, your only son whom you love, Isaac… Offer him up as an entirely burned offering.” Say what?!

As we read in verse 3, Abraham is faithful to God. With wood, fire, knife, and Isaac in tow, Abraham sets out for the mountain that God “will show you.” Leaving the servants at the base of that mountain, Abraham says to them, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will walk up there, worship, and then come back to you.” As God has done again and again in his life, Abraham expects God to provide again.

As Abraham and Isaac ascend the mountain, the boys asks, “But where is the lamb for the entirely burned offering?” The wood, the fire, the knife – they’re all here. Where is the lamb? Oh yes, Isaac, the lamb. Abraham says to his son, “God will see to it, my son. The two of them walked on together.” With great faith, Abraham trusts in his God, believing that the Lord will provide. Set up as a test, Abraham’s faith is stronger than this test. May it be so for you and for me when we have the choice to doubt or to trust in the Lord. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the God that provides. You were there for Abraham. You will be there for Isaac. You were there for Isaiah when you said, “The LORD will guide you continually and provide for you, even in parched places. He will rescue your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water that won’t run dry” (Isaiah 58:11.) You offer us the same promises when we walk forward in faith. Lead and guide us on our walk today, O God. Amen.


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Pursuing God

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:5-12

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.”

As Paul closes his first letter to Timothy he lays out the difference between being faithful and wanting to look faithful. We see this today in our world as people claim to follow Jesus and then say and do things that Jesus would’ve never ever said or done. There is “constant bickering” in these circles and there is a constant desire for “more money” and for more power, more control, more… Paul’s words in verse 5 still ring true today.

Paul reminds Timothy that there is great profit in our faith. It is just not profit as the world defines this idea. Paul invites Timothy (and us) to be happy or content with what God has provided, whether food or clothing or whatever. This frame of mind helps to guard our hearts against loving and pursuing the things of this world. This contrasts sharply with those trying to “get rich” or to accumulate others things of this world. There folks easily “fall into temptation” as they become trapped in the endless cycle of “more!” Some of these have even “impaled themselves with a lot of pain” in their pursuit of earthly things.

Timothy is encouraged to “run away from these things.” Paul encourages him to pursue the things of God: “righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, gentleness.” These are the things we too are to pursue. Paul then implores Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To deny self, to not pursue the things of this world, it is a fight, a battle. In my study Bible the commentary notes, “In the end we will become not what we own but what we do.” Pursuing God, may we be transformed more and more into God’s image and character, day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, fix our eyes and hearts on you. By this same power, guard our eyes and hearts against those things that our culture values. Lead us to find peace and contentment, joy and pleasure in all that you provide. Amen.


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A Good, Good Plan

Reading: Genesis 1:1, 27-28, 31

Genesis 1:31 – “God saw everything he had made; it was supremely good.”

As we consider and ponder this week’s theme of being restored and made new, we turn back to the beginning of it all. Because God is good, all that was created was good. As the creation process unfolds – water, light, land, plants, animals – God’s goodness can be seen in the order. Each next step dependant and built upon the step before. Turning to verse 27, God creates humanity. Humankind is created in the divine image of God. Connecting the dots, God’s goodness can be seen in humanity. We are born good. We have to be taught hate, prejudice, jealousy, pride…

God blesses the humans and then tasks them with caring for the creation. A good God charging good humans to care for a good creation – the plan as God designed creation. As the sixth ‘day’ of creation draws to a close, we read, “God saw everything he had made; it was supremely good.” In its original state, all of creation was simply good. One element provided for and cared for another, all in a good and healthy balance.

We turn here today because this was and is the vision for our world. One day this will again be the reality as God restored and makes all things new at the second coming of Christ. It is good to remember the plan of God, to know both the promise and the hope that we find in our good, good God. May this plan and vision ever guide our way.

Prayer: Lord God, your goodness is revealed to us in so many ways, but especially in creation. In the order and beauty and goodness of creation we see your plan for our lives. Lead and guide us to live into who and what you created us to be. Use us to begin the restoration process. Amen.