pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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This Truth

Reading: Exodus 17:5-7

Exodus 17:6 – “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.”

Today we continue in Exodus 17. We read about God’s response to the people complaining, arguing with Moses, testing God, and asking for water. God shows none of the frustration that we could hear in Moses’ words yesterday. Taking some of the elders and the staff that parted the sea, Moses moved out. God instructs, “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.” Moses follows the instructions and water is provided.

Reading this story, we often think the miracle is water coming out of a dry rock in the middle of the desert. But there is a bigger miracle. God stands on the rock for Moses and the elders to see. No going up the mountain. No entering into the clouds. Right there, in plain sight. The visible presence of God is a reminder of the power behind the water… and the manna… and the bitter water becoming palatable… and… For us to see God in this way, simply being present, it would blow our doors off.

During Lent we are invited to be extra aware of God’s presence with us. Some do this through fasting. Some do this by reading a Lenten book or devotional. Some do this by volunteering once a week. We are also invited to be aware of God’s presence in the ordinary. Not every moment is a standing-on-the-rock moment. This awareness might come in the answering of a prayer, in the opening of a door, in the words spoken by a friend…

To notice God’s presence, to see God’s hand at work – these work to lessen our self-importance, our need to be in control, our desire to manipulate God. As we practice seeing and sensing God’s presence, we come to understand that God is always with us. God’s goodness is ever present. Understanding this truth, we know the answer to the Israelites’ question, “Is God really with us or not?”

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we get caught up in our own troubles, worrier, wants… In these moments we become less able to sense or see your presence in our lives. When we slip down into this place, lift us up, pull us out, stand our feet upon your rock, Jesus Christ. In ways both big and small, open our eyes and hearts to your constant presence, love, and care. Amen.


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Surrendering Control

Reading: John 3:1-3

John 3:3 – “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.”

Today and tomorrow we dive into Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus. In verse 1 we learn that Nicodemus is a Pharisee, a leader amongst the Jews. As a Pharisee, he is set apart from others Jews. He knows the Law inside out and keeps it devoutly. He is also a part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus is a powerful man by cultural standards. Nicodemus would appear to be “on top of the world” when viewed through the lens of “success” in his day. And he comes to Jesus at night.

Nicodemus calls Jesus, “Rabbi” – a term for Jesus that in John’s gospel always implies incomplete faith. He acknowledges that Jesus is “one who comes from God.” The Pharisee is not referring to this in terms of a Jesus being the Messiah but a prophet. Yet he must be wrestling with this distinction. Nicodemus must be questioning his own faith somehow. Why else would he come under cover of night to ask Jesus some questions? Perhaps Nicodemus is sensing that there may be something more than a faith that is well within his control. Maybe he has seen from afar how following Jesus has changed people’s lives.

Jesus opens the conversation with this earth shaker: “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.” With these words, Jesus resets the direction and tone of the conversation. Jesus is the one with power and authority. Being “born anew” has nothing to do with following the letter of the Law or any other moral guideline. It has everything to do with surrendering the control of one’s life and faith to God. It is the only way to see God’s kingdom from the inside.

Prayer: Lord God, faith is so much easier when it is on our terms. Doing what we think is required is manageable. It is safe, comfortable. This happens when we think we’ve somehow “arrived” spiritually. And it falls short of seeing and being your kingdom here on earth. Open our hearts to the power of your love, mercy, and grace. Guide us out of our easy, gentle, static faith into a place where we are transformed daily, born anew again and again, each time closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Make it so, O God, make it so. Amen.


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The Questions of Lent

Readings: Genesis 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:1-7

Genesis 3:1b – “Did God really say that you shouldn’t eat from any tree in the garden?”

Our passage today begins with God giving Adam a purpose: to farm and take care of the garden. In this place of great abundance, Adam is given all that he needs. Of all the abundance, he is denied just one thing: “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” This scene made me wonder, how many “one thing” moments have I had? I quickly run out of fingers as I recall times when I’ve had all I needed yet chased after or at least really longed for that one thing I didn’t have. Almost always this was from a place or greed or lust or insecurity… How about you? How many moments can you recall?

As we turn to chapter 3, the serpent enters the picture. Viewed as Satan since the time of the earliest Jewish writers, the evil one says to Eve, “Did God really say that you shouldn’t eat from any tree in the garden?” Satan begins by planting a seed of doubt. Can you hear the emphasis on the word “really?” The seed is watered with half-truths until it grows into desire. Eve takes and eats the fruit that looks beautiful and delicious. Adam partakes too. Eyes opened, they see as Satan saw them. They felt vulnerable and naked and ashamed and they try to cover all this up. This scene feels too familiar.

The season of Lent is about looking within and honestly assessing that which must die within us so that we can live for Christ instead of for self. What looks beautiful and delicious that brings ugliness and bitterness instead? What do I long for or lust after that will never truly satisfy? These are the questions of Lent. In turn, what honest questions do you need to ask yourself?

Prayer: Lord God, Adam and Eve’s story is my story. It is the story of humanity, of us all. There is always a part of us that desires that which harms us or lessens us or leaves us empty. When Satan whispers into our ears or hearts, remind us that you are all we need. Your love, your care, your provision – all we need and more. Strengthen and encourage us to trust in these truths. Turn us to your Spirit when temptation rises. Guide us to place our whole self in your hands. Amen.


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Three Questions

Reading: 2nd Timothy 4:6-8

2nd Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

In verses 6-8 Paul is reflecting on his life of service to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He begins by noting that his life has been “poured out like a sacrifice to God.” What a beautiful image this is. It is a great way to illustrate what it is to love God with all of our mind, heart, soul, and strength. These words make me pause and ask: Am I allowing myself to be poured out in this way?

In the next verse Paul offers one of his best one-verse gems: “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” Paul has stayed at it, both during the good days and the really hard days, always remaining faithful to his Lord. He has walked the long, slow, steady walk of faith, drawing near to the end of a life well lived. Paul looks forward to receiving the “champion’s wreath” given to the righteous. A second question: Can I truly say these things of my life and the way that I live it?

Paul concludes this farewell reflection with words of encouragement to Timothy and to all who will read and meditate on these words. He reminds us that all people can receive this “award.” Paul states that it will be given to “all who have set their heart on waiting for his [Jesus’] appearance.” Whether in this life or in the life to come, have I set my heart upon seeing Jesus? A good third question to ponder.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul is a great example of faith. He did so much for you, bringing so many to the faith. Maybe this is what you have in store for us. Or maybe it is just living daily with a heart set on loving you and loving those you send our way. Whatever your plans, great or small, Lord help us to walk daily with you, slow and steady, faithful and true. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Radical Love

Reading: Luke 6:27-36

Luke 6:35 – “Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have great reward.”

Jesus defines behaving as God’s children by loving our enemies, by doing good to those persons who hate us, by blessing the people who curse at us, and by praying for the folks who mistreat us. He continues on, explaining how these actions become real. For Jesus, love is not a sentimental feeling. It calls us to offer the other cheek, to give our cost and our shirt, to give money without seeking or expecting repayment. To materially support those who hate, curse, and mistreat us? This is a deep and encompassing love that Jesus calls his followers to live out.

Why would Jesus call us to such a radical love? First, it is the love that he demonstrated in both his ministry and in his death on the cross. More practically, in verse 31 he says, “Treat people in the same way you want to be treated.” Jesus calls us to this radical love as a means to change hearts and to change culture. Loving in this way will attract attention and will raise questions in other’s minds. When this kind of love is given to our “enemies” it shows that this love is deep in our hearts. It is not founded upon the other person’s behavior but upon Christ in us. When we love all people with a radical love, then the compassion of the Father will then be our compassion. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how great your love is for us. It is beyond measure and past comprehension. When we ponder this we are left in awe, able only to muster a meager “thank you.” Lord, empower us to reflect this love to others, drawing them towards that place of awe. In this way may you be glorified and praised. Amen.


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Not Far

Reading: Mark 12:28-34

Mark 12:34 – “He said to him, ‘You aren’t far from God’s kingdom.”

The Pharisees and Sadducees have just taken turns trying to trap Jesus using questions based on the Law. Jesus has answered these questions that seemingly has no correct answer with answers that left these religious leaders stumped. Entering today’s passage we find a legal expert, impressed with Jesus’ previous answers, also asking Jesus a question. Based on the interaction that Jesus with the man, this seems like a legitimate question.

The religious expert wants Jesus’ opinion on the most important command. There are a lot of potential answers to this question but only one truly correct answer. I wonder, if someone asked this question of us and then examined our lives to find evidence for our answer, would the results match Jesus’ words? Observing our daily living for a few days, would our love of God and our love of neighbor be the guiding forces in our lives?

Jesus answers with the two great commands from Deuteronomy 6 and Leviticus 19. For all devout practicing Jews, this was the only answer: to live God with all that you are and to love neighbor as yourself. This should be our lives’ answer too. The legal expert appreciates and adds to Jesus’ answer. In response Jesus says, “You aren’t far from God’s kingdom.” May the evidence of our lives reveal the same.

Prayer: Lord God, your call is to love – to love you completely and then to allow this love to flow into the relationships we have with others. Love is to guide our decisions and actions, our words and our thoughts. Empower us this day and every day to be love lived out in the world. Amen.


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Humility and Love

Reading: 1st Kings 3:3-14

1st Kings 3:5b – “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.”

In our reading today God comes to Solomon in a dream. He has just become king, succeeding his father David. While David has set a great example for Solomon, all wasn’t perfect. The temple had not yet been built so people are sacrificing at local shrines. As we begin our reading we see that this is also Solomon’s practice. We also see that Solomon loved God and sought to walk according to the Law. Solomon goes to Gibeon and offers a very large sacrifice to God. Gibeon was the location of the Tabernacle. The ark of the covenant, however, was in David’s tent in Jerusalem.

That night God appears to Solomon in a dream. God says to Solomon, “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.” What an open-ended question! Before pressing on in our passage, we pause to ask ourselves: What would be my response to this question? Solomon’s response demonstrates both humility and his love of God. After thanking God for walking with David and for passing the kingship on to him, Solomon acknowledges his youth and inexperience. Accordingly he asks for “a discerning mind in order to govern your people” and for the ability “to discern good from evil.” Solomon also recognizes the impossibility of leading Israel without God’s help.

The Lord is pleased and grants Solomon’s requests. These requests were aligned with God’s will and plans for Solomon and for Israel. In addition, God grants Solomon wealth, fame, and the possibility of “a very long life.” This last part is contingent upon Solomon’s continued faithfulness to God.

Solomon sought to honor God with his request. His humility and Love of God drove his petition. May it be so with us as we lift our petitions to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to walk in humility, recognizing our need for your direction on our lives. Lead us to see with honest and clear eyes and hearts, recognizing our own weaknesses. Fill us with your presence, empowering us to bring you the glory in all we say, do, and think. Amen.


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Our Simple, Normal Response

Reading: 1st Kings 18:16-39

1st Kings 18:21 – “How long will you hobble back and forth between two opinions?”

Continuing the story today, as Ahab and Elijah meet, Ahab asks, “Is that you, the one who troubles Israel?” This is the question of a man trying to blame the consequences of his sins on another. Elijah says as much. It is Ahab and family who have deserted God for Baal. A showdown is set up to occur on Mount Carmel. It will be a battle between God and the pagan gods Baal and Asherah. Once gathered with all the people of Israel, Elijah asks them, “How long will you hobble back and forth between two opinions?” What great words choices: hobble and opinions. What a picture they paint!

This is a question that we could be asked frequently. It happens when we silence the voice of the Holy Spirit instead of challenging sinful behavior – in self or in others. It happens when we are less than we are created and called to be in order to attain material gain or some other earthly treasure. It happens when we gossip or tell a white lie or… instead of holding true to our faith. These are but a few of the ways that we hobble back and forth between God and the world.

In the showdown the pagan prophets go first. No matter what they do, no matter how extreme they get, their gods don’t answer. They’re not real. Elijah begins by rebuilding the altar that Ahab has destroyed – one stone for each tribe of Israel. Once all is readied, Elijah has water added to soak the sacrifice, wood, and altar. After lifting a simple prayer centered on changing hearts, the fire of God falls, consuming everything – even the water. In response to this awesome display of power, the people exclaim, “The Lord is the real God!” Oh, if this would just be our simple, normal, 24/7 response. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how we tend to hobble back and forth. We’re filled up on Sunday morning, readied to take on the world for you. But how soon that fire can be doused, cooled, tamed when left unattended. Lord, day by day draw us to you through moments of prayer, study, reflection, and praise. Lead us to be filled again and again, over and over. Equip us to choose faith and to stand with you in each moment of decision each day. Amen.


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Still Our God

Reading: Joshua 6:1-16

Joshua 6:2 – “Look. I have given Jericho and its king into your power, along with its mighty warriors.”

God says, God does. God promises, God follows through. God is steadfast and true, unchanging and trustworthy. God loves and protects, leads and guides, forgives and reconciled. This is who and what God is. Always has been, always will be.

In chapter 6 God declares to Joshua: “Look. I have given Jericho and its king into your power, along with its mighty warriors.” If we pause right here human nature would question this. They are inside a double wall, inside what looks impregnable. “Have given?” Yes, for God this is already a done deal. The instructions for victory follow: silently march around the city once a day for six days. Have priests blowing trumpets and priests carrying the ark at the center of the procession. On day seven, march around seven times, blast the trumpets, then lift a shout. Those huge walls will collapse and Jericho will be yours! How much would your human nature question these battle plans? Mine would and does.

How often have you been stressed or grieved or overwhelmed and needed the peace that God promises? At first there is doubt and maybe questioning. But you bow your head in prayer, calling on the promise, and that peace that passes understanding fills your heart. How often have you been unsure of the next step or even of the direction to take? Again, you bow in prayer, calling on the guidance that God promises, and the choice becomes clear or a door opens (or closes.) How often have you been trapped in sin or wracked with guilt and needed the forgiveness and reconciliation that Jesus promises? Once again, you bow your head, trusting in what you don’t deserve, and you feel it washed away, making you new again. These are but a few of the Jericho’s that we face. The God who brought the walls down for Israel because they were faithful? This God is still our God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful that you are who and what you’ve always been. You are for us and you have good plans for us. You love us. In our moments of fear or doubt or whatever need, help us to lean into your promises and into your character, surrendering our Jericho to you once again. In that moment, be our God. Thank you. Amen.


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Answered Prayers

Reading: Joshua 4:20-24

Joshua 4:21 – “In the future your children will ask their parents, ‘What about these stones?'”

As the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land, they passed through the waters of the Jordan River much like their ancestors passed through the Reed (or Red) Sea. This time, when the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant touched the water, it parted. What has been at flood stage stopped flowing and backed up to the north so that the nation could cross over on dry land. Imagine what the people of Jericho thought as they heard reports of what happened that day.

Joshua commanded each tribe to pick a man, a representative. These men picked up a large stone from the middle of the river as they crossed over. In verse 20 we’re reminded that Joshua set up the twelve stones as a memorial marker of what had just happened. Then he says to the Israelites: “In the future your children will ask their parents, ‘What about these stones?'” Joshua is not just talking about their actual children. He is also speaking of the generations and generations after who will ask the question. The basic response follows in the rest of our reading for today.

To make it a good story it would need some context and perhaps a little build up. One would certainly include the “why” of the story: to fulfill God’s covenant promise to Abraham. And if it were an honest retelling, they’d tell if the prayers they prayed to God – before, during, and after. They are prayers we would have all prayed. To look at a river at flood stage and to think about walking through it -> prayer. To walk through with water piling up beside you -> prayer. To look back as the rushing water returned to its bed -> prayer. Yes, the whole story would’ve held stories of God’s power and might. And it certainly would’ve included stories of how God answered their honest prayers.

Prayer: Lord God, when you move in our lives or in the lives of those we know, open our eyes to see. Just as you parted the Jordan, you continue to make a way for us when only you can. Guide us to connect our honest prayers to your actions, building our faith. Amen.