pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: reconcile


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People of Grace and Love

Reading: Philemon

Philemon 1:15 – “Maybe… Onesimus was separated from you for a while so that you might have him back forever.”

Today we turn to Paul’s letter to Philemon. He is appealing to Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Paul walks the fine line between coercion and appeal, at least twice crossing this line. Paul writes this letter not just to Philemon but also to the church that Philemon is a part of. What Paul asks of Philemon extends to the whole community of faith.

As I read this story today my mind went to the parable of the prodigal son. It also reminds me of estrangements that I’ve heard of in families I know well. We’re familiar with and maybe even have been involved in stories of separation, in experiences where one party somehow hurt or offended the other, making reconciliation difficult. In the story of the prodigal son we see how grace and love overcome the harm done to welcome the younger son back into the family. We are left hanging concerning the younger son’s estrangement from the older brother. We hope that they are reconciled. In situations we’ve experienced (or are still experiencing), love and grace are the keys to reconciliation.

Just as the younger brother and perhaps that family member or friend changed for the better to open the door for reconciling, so too has Onesimus changed. As a brother in Christ he has become useful to Paul. To Philemon he writes, “Maybe… Onesimus was separated from you for a while so that you might have him back forever.” Maybe the younger son had to experience the bottom of the pit to change. Maybe that estranged family member or friend had to experience something really hard to be changed. When change occurs, though, the ball is in our court. We hope that Philemon received Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. May we too be people of grace and love.

Prayer: Lord God, reconciliation is not easy. At times we are deeply wronged. Perhaps we’ve also suffered financially or physically. When the hurt and pain are deep, Lord, may your love and grace be deeper still. Through these, heal the hurt and pain in our hearts. Lead us then to be as you are, generous and abundant in our love and grace. Amen.


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What Hope. What Good News.

Reading: Ephesians 1-2

Ephesians 1:7 – “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.”

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians begins with a beautiful pronouncement that we are saved by grace alone. He first declares that we have been chosen in Christ to be holy and blameless. We are able to do this because of two things. First, we have been adopted as God’s children. Second, imperfect though we are, “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.” This grace is unending. It is what allows us to return to our walk with Christ again and again. We have the hope of salvation in our hearts. We are marked for an inheritance, sealed with the Holy Spirit. In Paul’s day a seal authenticated and protected a document. The Holy Spirit authenticates and protects us as the children of God.

Paul then offers a prayer of thanksgiving and petition. He is thankful for the faith evident in the Ephesian church. He prays that God will further open their eyes and hearts to the hope of God’s call, to the richness of their inheritance, and to the greatness of God’s power at work in them.

In chapter 2 Paul steps back to remember what they used to be like. This is a good practice for us to undertake periodically. They used to be dead in their sin, living like people of the world. They did whatever felt good. They were like children headed for punishment. Sound familiar?

But, Paul says, God is rich in mercy. God saved them (and us) through grace. Salvation is God’s gift. And again, he calls them to remember. You were aliens and strangers to God. You had no hope. Once far away, you’ve now been “brought near by the blood of Christ.” The barriers have been broken down. You’ve been reconciled to God and to one another. You belong in God’s household. All has been joined together in Christ. We are called to be a place – a church – “where God lives by the Spirit.” What hope. What good news. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed rich in mercy and grace. You are great in power and mighty in your forgiveness. Again and again you draw us back into right relationship with you and with one another. What amazing love you have for each of us, your adopted sons and daughters. All the praise and glory are yours! Amen.


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New Creations

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 4-7

2nd Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!”

In today’s reading Paul first reviews their conduct and the “results.” He and his fellow apostles received their commission just as they received God’s mercy – from Christ. They have publicly proclaimed the gospel, preaching Jesus as Lord, living as “slaves” for Jesus’ sake. Paul then acknowledges that this “treasure” is in “clay pots” – fragile themselves so that God’s power can be revealed. Hard pressed in many ways, they are being handed over to life.

Along these lines, Paul recognizes that as this “tent” is torn down, the soul has a place to go, “eternal and in heaven.” Yes, he says, we groan now under the weight of this earthly life. Yet, living by faith and not by sight, Paul and companions continue to live for the “one who died for them.” Paul then declares, “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” Just as God reconciled the world to himself through Christ, Paul invites the Corinthians (and us) to be reconciled to God. He begs them and us to receive God’s grace.

In chapter 6 Paul revisits the hardships of his ministry. Through it all they have served with the Holy Spirit through God’s power, offering love and truth. He invites the Corinthians to open their hearts once again to their ministry. Paul invites them to cleanse themselves from all that contaminates. Paul also expresses the encouragement he received from Titus’ visit to Corinth. He knows that his last letter hurt them, but rejoices that it produced changed hearts and lives.

We too can experience moments of conviction that can lead to change. Whether through the Holy Spirit or another believer, truth and love can lead us to changed hearts and lives. May we receive, allowing the Spirit to make us new creations in Christ, transformed a bit more into his image.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us, these fragile clay pots, into ministry for you today. Guide us and use us to reveal your power as we proclaim your love and healing to the broken and lost. May our lives be spent for the building of your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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To Preserve a Remnant

Reading: Genesis 45:5-15

Verse 7: “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

As Joseph’s reunion with his brothers continues, he offers them words of assurance and encouragement. Joseph fully believes that it is God’s plan unfolding. He is 100% sure that God’s plan has both human and divine purposes.

There are a few human purposes. The first is to preserve lives. Joseph is placed in mighty Egypt, in a country with large enough resources to grow and store enough extra food to sustain themselves and others during 7 years of famine. That is a monumental task. God gifted and directed Joseph to orchestrate this massive food program. Without Joseph there it is unlikely that any of this would’ve happened. And God sent Joseph ahead to be in a spiritual place to offer grace and forgiveness to his brothers. The trials and sufferings accompanied by the joys and victories have readied his heart to reconcile with his brothers.

As amazing as this all is, there was a greater purpose being worked out: “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth.” Everything that has happened is wonderful. But the main purpose was to preserve a remnant of God’s people to keep alive God’s covenant promises. The family of Israel moves to Egypt and not only survives but thrives. They become a great nation. This is ample proof of God’s love for Israel.

Today I look at the church and the word remnant comes to mind. God and faith seem to have less and less space in our collective hearts. The church’s influence feels in decline. Yet God is faithful. In the end we know that Jesus returns and makes all things new. Evil does not win. This brings to mind a question: How is God using you and me to preserve a remnant that will ultimately triumph over all?

Prayer: Lord God, you are faithful and true. Not a word has gone out or will go out from your lips that isn’t forever. Give us hope. Encourage us as we seek to be your faithful disciples here on earth. Amen.


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Restore, Reconcile

Reading: Genesis 45:1-4

Verse 3: “His brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.”

In chapter 45 of Genesis, Joseph finally reveals who he is to his brothers. In the previous 3 chapters he has demonstrated his power and might. Joseph has used his position of authority to both provide for and to test his brothers’ hearts. The brothers have felt totally powerless before this man who is second in command in all of Egypt. As chapter 44 closes it is Judah (the one who came up with the idea to sell Joseph to the traveling merchants) who begs for mercy, offering himself up in place of Benjamin. Judah tells Joseph that losing a second son would kill his father.

The willingness to sacrifice self for others finally breaks Joseph. He clears the room and sobs wildly before his brothers, so overwhelmed is he by this act of courage and love. Joseph then reveals his identity to his brothers. In the text we see their reaction: “His brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.” How they must’ve feared for their lives. What revenge would he seek? What justice would he extract from them?

Joseph does not want to punish. He wants to restore and reconcile. He wants a new relationship with his brothers. This type of love and mercy and grace and forgiveness is modeled for us almost 1,600 years later as Jesus offers these gifts from the cross. Even to those who treated him so, Jesus offers grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. These are the first steps towards a new and right relationship. Through Christ, God desires a relationship with you and with me. Through Christ we are offered restoration and reconciliation. May these, in turn, be offered outward as we strive to truly love our neighbors today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, what love and grace are modeled for us first in Joseph today and then ultimately in Christ Jesus. What depth of mercy and forgiveness that you offer to me, a sinner. As you continue to change my heart, O God, use me more and more to spread abroad your love and grace, your mercy and forgiveness. Amen.


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Eyes on Christ

Reading: Romans 5:1-11

Verse 1: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Photo credit: Josh Calabrese

Today in Romans 5 Paul writes of the peace and joy that we come to know as we walk with Jesus Christ. This journey begins as God goes to work in our hearts. As we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are justified or made right with God. This, however, is not a once-and-done process. We need to be made right again and again because by nature we are sinful. But we are justified by grace – the unending, undeserved free gift of God that loves us back into right relationship again and again. As God pours out love through the Holy Spirit, filling our hearts, we receive joy upon joy. Being loved so deeply and unconditionally, we experience reconciliation with God every time we repent and turn back to God. What a merciful and loving and graceful God we serve!

Now, if only we lived with this joy and hope and confidence all of the time. If we could only set our eyes on Christ and walk steadily and without falter each moment of each day. We can and do at times. But I find myself glancing sideways now and then as a bright shiny object or a scary dangerous threat nears me. If it draws enough of my attention, my gaze can linger. Maybe you too take a glance now and then. Maybe once in a while your gaze lingers. And sometimes I look back over my shoulder, looking to see who is catching up or sneaking up. I do this when I fall into the doing or achieving mode. Maybe you fall to these temptations once in a while too. If only we could fix our eyes…

When we falter, when our gaze is drawn off the path that leads to life abundant, may we always remember that while we were in that sinful state, Christ died for us. He died so that we can always be reconciled. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, my life is so much better when my eyes and heart are focused on you. Even in the trials, there is hope and joy and peace in you. Train me more and more to focus on your love and grace and mercy – day by day helping me to walk more and more with Christ. Amen.


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A Heart Turned to God

Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Matthew 5:23-24

Verse 19: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death.”

In Deuteronomy 30 Moses presents a choice: God or not God? It is a choice all people must make. Most people in our modern world come across God. They hear of or know of God and faith. Some are drawn in and accept faith and others reject it. And then there are those who live and die without ever hearing about God or Jesus. Some of these folks sense good within and in the world and they live reflecting this spark of the divine within them. Others in this situation reject the good and choose to live for self. All people choose between life and death, between good and evil.

Moses is presenting this choice to the people of God. They clearly know and understand who and what God is. Moses makes it clear that it is a choice: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death.” The choice that Moses lays out is more about the way we choose to live day in and out rather than checking off more of the boxes that represent us keeping each and every law. Faith is not a giant balance scale. It is not a grand race to become “perfect.” Faith is about a heart turned to God. In verses 20 Moses describes the outcome of such a heart: “that you may love the Lord your God, listen to God’s voice, and hold fast to God.” These words ooze covenant love and presence and relationship.

Turning to the Matthew text for today, Jesus connects our relationships with one another into what it means to choose God. In verses 21-37 Jesus uses “But I say…” statements to guide us to look within, to look at what drives our choices, our actions, our inactions. In today’s 2 verses Jesus hones in on the importance of living in right relationship with each other. He places this as a prerequisite to coming before God. He tells us that we cannot be in a place of brokenness or sin with one another and think it okay to come before the Lord in that state. Jesus says, “First go and be reconciled… then come.” Made right with one another then we can come before God. This is a powerful statement. It reveals how much God values community and living in right relationship with one another. Both are revealed in a heart turned to God. May this be our heart.

Prayer: Lord God, where and when I struggle to offer reconciliation, help me. Lead me and guide me past self. Make my heart to better reflect yours, O God. Amen.


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Show and Tell

Reading: Colossians 1:15-23

Verses 19-20: “God was pleased to have all God’s fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile all things to God.”

Photo credit: Shane

God is all-powerful and all-knowing. God can do anything. Literally, anything. God is the designer and creator of all things. God’s love is limitless. God’s mercy and grace are unending. God used people like Abraham and Moses to call and guide and shape the ancient people of faith. God sent people like Elijah and Samuel and Amos to continue to share God’s word with the people.

God created and designed Adam and Eve – the first of billions. Almost right from the start we recognize that we are imperfect and sinful. Try as God might – whether speaking directly to people or speaking through the prophets – our hearing and listening and understanding is not always that good. So God added “show” to “tell.” God took on flesh, transitioning from “the firstborn over all creation” to “the firstborn among the dead.” In between Jesus showed us what God’s love looks like when lived out. Jesus revealed that love is fully lived out in service, sacrifice, humility, and grace. Connecting this example to Jesus’ final sacrifice, Paul writes, “God was pleased to have all God’s fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile all things to God.” God in Christ was pleased to live once again among humanity so that an example could be set for us. And then God in Christ made “peace through his blood” as Jesus became the atoning sacrifice for all sin. What an all-powerful, loving, merciful revelation of the fullness of God!

Paul encountered the risen Christ and was transformed by his love. He spent the rest of his days proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. For those that also call Jesus Lord and Savior, this too is our mission: to show and tell the world about Jesus so that they too can claim “the hope held out in the gospel.” Jesus saves. Through you and me, may the world know this hope.

Prayer: Lord God, what an awesome and wonderful reminder today of the depth and breadth of your love and mercy and grace. You came and lived and died so that we might better understand you and so that we might know the power of your love to save and reconcile. Use me this day to share all of this good news with all I meet. Amen.


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Love Forever

Reading: Psalm 118: 1-2 and 19-29

Verse 1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever”.

Photo credit: Christopher Beloch

Psalm 118 is a song of remembrance, victory, celebration. The historical context is the story of exodus, of God freeing Israel from years of slavery in Egypt. The song would be sung during the three yearly festivals as a way to thank God for his presence with the people. As the people marched into Jerusalem, recalling God’s saving acts, there is much joy and expectation as they enter the gates of the city. Years and years of doing this is what lends such energy to the day we know as Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry.

Even though the exodus story is the foundation, the theme of being freed from slavery is the main theme of this Psalm. There is much messianic language in the second part of the Psalm: salvation, stone, rejection, light. We will delve deeper into this aspect later in the week. Today we celebrate what the Lord has done for Israel, for you, and for me.

In the opening verse we read, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever”. You or I may not have walked out of slavery in Egypt, but we have experience after experience with the Lord’s freeing and saving acts. Time and time again we have been freed from the lures and temptations of this world. Over and over we have been made new again, leaving behind the chains and guilt and shame of our sins, being cleansed by his mercy and grace. Again and again God has reconciled and restored our relationships – sometimes with God, sometimes with one another. We too can joyously approach the Lord our God, thanking God for his goodness and for his love that endures forever. May we, like the Israelites, say, “His love endures forever”!

Prayer: Lord God, over and over… again and again… time after time… Yes, you are so good to me. Yes, your love is amazing. With wonder and awe I praise you and offer my humble thanksgiving. Amen!


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Focus

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 5:20b – 6:10

Verse 20b: “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God”.

In our passage for today, Paul implores us to be reconciled to God. To reconcile means to restore the relationship. Paul is writing to those in the church who have drifted from the faith, to those who have allowed other things to rise above their commitment to the Lord. Unless we are intentional and disciplined concerning our habits of faith, then this can happen to us too. A daily, focused walk with God supplemented by time with the community of faith have always been essential for solid Christian discipleship.

Moving into verses three through seven, Paul shares with the church how he and Timothy have lived out their faith. Note there is both good and bad, both joy and sorrow. Paul and Timothy have endured trials and hardships, persecution, abuse, and slander, as well as sleepless nights. In and through all of this, Paul and Timothy have practiced purity and patience and kindness. They have relied on the Holy Spirit and have sought to practice love above all else. They have always been truthful. Paul wants the church (including us) to know that a walk of faith is not always easy. He also wants to remind us that to walk or live out our faith we must rise above the norms of the world.

As we prepare to enter into Lent, a season of introspection and preparation, it is good to consider how we are walking out our faith. Have we allowed other priorities to rise above our faith commitment? During Lent some people give something up. What in your life could or should you give up to make room for a closer walk with God? Is there a habit or behavior that lessens your walk or your witness? Some people add a habit or practice during Lent. Some join a Lenten study, some read a book that enriches their faith. Some fast, finding new time to pray or to read their Bibles. And some do both – giving something up, adding something in. The point is to reflect on your current walk with Jesus and to find a way to deepen that walk with the Lord during this holy season.

In the last few verses of our passage Paul shares the beauty of a faithful walk. God has sustained he and Timothy in times of need, guiding them through the trials and hardships. Because of the presence of Jesus Christ in their daily lives they are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything”. Paul and Timothy have their eye on God’s goodness and on the salvation of their souls. As we prepare to enter this holy season of Lent may this be our focus as well.

Prayer: Lord God, prepare me to journey deeper with you during this season of Lent. Guide me to walk closer and more intimately. Show me the way. Reveal the path to walk. Amen.