pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: redeem


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Rescued, Cleansed, Eager

Reading: Titus 1-3

Titus 2:14 – “He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.”

Paul’s letter to Titus is very similar to his letters to Timothy, another young, promising pastor and friend. Titus is instructed on how to establish a faith community, on how to counter false teachings, and on how to be a good leader. Paul reminds Titus of his original task: to organize things and to appoint elders in each city. Paul lists the qualifications for elders. They must be faithful and faultless. They must offer sound teaching and set a great example for others.

Paul then turns to correcting the “rebellious loudmouths,” some of whom are Jewish believers. He instructs Titus to “silence” them by correcting them firmly. Their minds are corrupt and they do things that deny God. Likely coming back to these men, Paul tells Titus to correct twice and then to disassociate from them.

Attention is then turned to the community of faith. These relationships and rules are based on what was assumed in Roman households. Older men and women are to be mature and faithful. Paul uses words like sober, dignified, reverent, and patient to describe their character. The older women are to teach the younger women to be sensible and morally pure and to work at home, being kind and submissive to their husbands. Paul’s words about slaves and masters also crosses a line for today’s readers.

Paul closes with the grace of God that came to “rescue” believers from all kinds of “lawless behaviors.” Christ saves the faithful because of his mercy, not because of anything they can do. Made righteous by grace, “cleansed as a special people,” believers inherit hope for eternal life. Paul instructs Titus, “insist on these things” because then the faithful will “give careful attention to doing good.” Following sound teaching, may we too be people who seek to do good.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be people who are faithful and faultless. Well, as much as we can be. Build up in us the character laid out by Paul. Redeem and restore us by your grace when we fall short and when we fail. Lead us to be people eager to be and do good. Amen.


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Heirs in the Spirit

Reading: Galatians 3-4

Galatians 3:3 – “After you started with the Spirit, are you now finishing up with your own effort?”

Chapters 3 and 4 focus on the works of the Law versus the Spirit and on slaves versus heirs. Paul begins chapter 3 with a great line: “You irrational Galatians!” Paul is clearly frustrated. But it is a frustrated with a laugh involved. Their choice is so hard to believe, it makes one chuckle. After receiving the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ, the Galatians have changed courses. Paul asks, “After you started with the Spirit, are you now finishing up with your own effort?” Perhaps we too smile because we’ve done something similar again and again – tackling a problem or an issue on our own instead of first turning to the Lord.

Paul reminds the Galatians that Abraham was credited as righteous because of his faith. He then reminds them that they were redeemed by Jesus Christ so that they too could receive Abraham’s promise. Through Jesus they’ve been made family: brothers and sisters with Christ. Baptized into Christ, now clothed in Christ, the Galatians are now part of the family of God. Moving on, Paul clarifies.

Paul reminds the Galatians that prior to knowing Christ, they were enslaved by the things (or gods) of this world. Now freed, Paul wonders how they can go back to that. He longs to be with them. He is “at a loss about you.” Paul then turns to another analogy: Abraham’s two sons. One was conceived and born “the normal way” to a slave woman. This “son” remains enslaved to the Law. The other son was born to a free woman, conceived through the promise. This is the line that the Galatians stand in: born into Christ, freed from the Law, living under the Spirit. This is the line that we stand in as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for our adoption into your family. Born outside the biological line, we are incorporated in by the Spirit. We’ve been made one in Christ, one with each other. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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Required… Good…

Reading: Micah 5-7

Micah 6:14 – “You devour, but you aren’t satisfied; a gnawing emptiness is within you.”

Today’s reading begins with a messianic prophecy: “As for you, Bethlehem… one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out of you.” This ruler will “stand and shepherd his flock” – all in the strength of the Lord. Micah declares, “He will become great throughout the earth.” But first, Assyria will invade and then they too will be defeated. The few survivors, the remnant, will be “amid many peoples.”

Micah then expresses God’s judgment against Israel’s neighbors. God will “exact vengeance” on those who don’t obey. In chapter 6 God brings a “lawsuit” against Israel. God first invites them to remember all that God has done for Israel. Then a question is asked: What does God require? Is it the sacrifice of 1,000 rams or the giving of torrents of oil? Is it sacrificing a first child for one’s sins? No, Micah says, God has told you what is required and good: “to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” Here he summarizes the whole Torah in these three simple yet difficult actions.

Israel is far from this standard. Wicked scales and bags of false weights betray their greed. Violence and dishonesty shows their true hearts. Verse 14 describes the state of their souls: “You devour, but you aren’t satisfied; a gnawing emptiness is within you.” This all sounds much like our day, where many chase after idols and pursue more and more and more.

Micah feels doomed and alone. Yet he declares that he will keep watch, that he will wait for God’s salvation. For Israel there is a price to be paid, but there is also hope. God will show Israel “wonderful things.” God will pardon their iniquity and show “faithful love.” God will have compassion on them. We, like Micah did, await the fulfilment of these words with hope and with faith. And as we wait, may we do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, we know well the truth of exile – the result of our attempts to satisfy our own hungers leave us far from you. We also know well the price of these decisions – a growing emptiness in our souls. You long to redeem us, to forgive our sins, to restore our relationship with you and with one another. So guide us into a humble walk, to a place of surrender – both of our sins and of our hearts. Shepherd us, your people. Amen.


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Triumph in the End

Reading: Micah 1-4

Micah 4:5 – “Each of the peoples walks in the name of their own god; but as for us, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and always.”

Micah was called by God to invite Judah back to God’s mercy and justice. He prophesied at the same time as Isaiah and Amos. Central to the book of Micah is the theme of social justice and the promise of restoration. These themes weave in and out of Micah’s condemnation of Israel’s sin.

Micah begins by proclaiming the coming disaster. God will “go down and tread on the shrines of the earth.” Samaria will be laid waste, its people taken into exile. The Assyrians weakened but did not defeat Judah. The doom will come, though, falling most directly on Judah’s leaders and the priests. It will ripple down to the people. The leaders covet and seize what they want. The priests teach “for wine and liquor.” God’s patience has run out.

Micah declares that those whose job is “to know justice” will cry out but God will not answer. This is because the priests who have “led my people astray” will be silenced. But as for Micah, he is “filled with power… with the spirit of God… with justice and righteousness” to declare Israel’s sins. Micah declares, “Zion will be plowed like a field.” This is quite the image.

Hope comes in chapter 4. The Lord’s house will be lifted up and the nations “will stream to it.” Some people will seek to “walk in God’s paths” because war will be no more in Zion. Some will still pursue their own gods, “But as for us, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and always.” Yes, God will one day regather Israel. Yet the time is coming when “you will go to Babylon.” Pain will be felt. Even so, hope remains. Micah proclaims, “There you will be rescued… the Lord will redeem you.” Thanks be to God that love and grace always triumph in the end – for Israel and for you and me.

Prayer: Lord God, your justice and righteousness are our guides. When we live as people of justice and righteousness our world becomes what you intend it to be. Yet we can be less than ideal, elevating self and other idols over your will and way. In your power and might, bring us back to walking your paths, back to walking in your name. Amen.


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A Holy Sabbath

Reading: Isaiah 56-59

Isaiah 58:2 – “They seek me day after day… like a nation that acted righteously, that didn’t abandon their God.”

Today and tomorrow we read Third Isaiah. As is the case throughout all of Isaiah, the focus remains on justice and righteousness. In today’s readings these key faith practices center on keeping the Sabbath holy. This holy day, kept once a week, had the power to keep the Israelites connected to God in a way that would be reflected out into how they lived their lives the rest of the week. The Sabbath retains this power yet today.

Chapter 56 begins with an invitation to keep the Sabbath. The invite goes even to those “outsiders” – to the eunuchs and to the immigrants. These too will join others who keep the Sabbath holy, coming one day to God’s holy mountain. This open, honest, and welcoming invitation stands in stark contrast to the condemnation offered around Israel’s unholy Sabbath practices: “They seek me day after day… like a nation that acted righteously, that didn’t abandon their God.”

Isaiah turns next to a condemnation of the leaders. They have “monstrous appetites” and “every last one [is] greedy for profit.” These lead to the displeasing Sabbath fast described at the start of chapter 58. The leaders oppress their workers (probably making them work on the Sabbath) and they quarrel and brawl on the holy day. God asks, “Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” Umm… no.

This behavior alienates them from God. It obscures their vision. Because it is inwardly focused, it blinds them to the injustice and oppression that they are practicing. Chapter 59 details this as well as adding that God will intervene, one day choosing to redeem Israel.

In chapter 58:6-14 Isaiah lays out the Sabbath fast that pleases the Lord our God. It is a day to remove yokes and to stand against oppression. It is a day to care for the hungry, the homeless, the naked. To practice justice and righteousness – that is keeping the Sabbath holy. Then, the Lord says, “Your light will shine in the darkness” and then “you will take delight in the Lord.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we see once again the choice to be made: justice and righteousness or injustice and oppression. You clearly call us to choose justice and righteousness. This begins with how we treat the Sabbath, a day to be set aside for you, not for self. It is a day to reflect your love and concern for all people. Lord, lead and guide us to be holy Sabbath-keepers. And may the evidence of this sacred practice flow out through our daily lives, shining light into darkness. Amen.


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Beautiful Feet

‭Isaiah 49:6 – “I will also appoint you as light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

In today’s readings we have two Servant Songs. In 49:1-7 Isaiah speaks of his calling before birth and of his role to bring Jacob back to God. In verse 6 we hear the expanding of God’s circle: I will also appoint you as light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” In 50:4-11 we find the third Servant Song. The prophet is given words by God, words to instruct others in the way of the Lord. The servant suffers but remains faithful to his call. There is a confidence in God’s power and presence: “The one who will declare me innocent is near.” A sure faith resides in the one who loves and fears the Lord.

The tone of the rest of today’s reading is mostly celebratory and joyful. God has chosen Israel. The day of salvation is near. Their compassionate God will make a way home, safely passing through the heat, drinking abundantly of the water God will provide. The deserted land will soon be overflowing with children. Isaiah calls the people to remember Abraham and Sarah and God’s promises to them. God will honor the covenant promises, making Zion into Eden, a place of happiness, joy, and singing.

Here is Second Isaiah we also have other glimpses beyond the return from exile. For God, Isaiah proclaims that righteousness is forever and salvation is for all generations. For the faithful servant, Isaiah declares “how beautiful are the feet” of those who proclaim peace, bring good news, and proclaim salvation. Beautiful indeed! May our feet be beautiful today.

Prayer: Lord God, what hope for Israel and Judah, what hope for us! We too have been chosen, we too have been talked with being “a light to the nations.” Lord, encourage us, empower us, and engage us in bringing the hope we have in you to a world in need of hope. Amen.


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Yes, There Is Hope

Reading: Isaiah 45-48

‭Isaiah 48:10 – “See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of misery.”

In today’s readings we see the movement towards the end of the exile. God has chosen Cyrus, king of Persia, to be the instrument of change. Even though Cyrus does not yet know God, he will be used by God. Some people must have questioned the choice of Cyrus. In verses 9-13 God addresses these doubters, asking, “Are you questioning me about my own children?” God then again asserts the right to use Cyrus as the method to end the exile.

The last part of chapter 44 and most of 45 remind Israel of the worthlessness of idols. The idol makers will be shamed and disgraced. The idols don’t respond to cries for help, they can’t save anyone from their distress. In contrast, God speaks truth and announces what is correct. God carries Israel – from the womb to old age. These worthless idols – they must be carried from place to place.

The dethroning of Babylon is announced in chapter 47. Yes, God was angry at Israel and Judah. Yes, God chose Babylon to punish them. But Babylon went too far. They took no pity on God’s children. The yoke was heavy. Babylon did not “stop and think… didn’t consider the outcome.” Now destruction is upon them.

Chapter 49 is a reminder of what could have been and hope for what may yet be. God reminds Israel and Judah that they are “stubborn,” with necks of iron and foreheads of bronze. Today we’d say they were selfish and really slow learners. If only they’d follow the commands… then well-being would flow like a river, righteousness would come in waves. If only… their descendants would be like the grains of sand. Yes, and God said in chapter 48, “See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of misery.” The time has come to try again. God will free Israel from Babylon. They will leave shouting, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob!” Yes, there is hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you offer us hope, love, relationship, mercy, blessing. You also remind us that we are prone to chasing after the things of this world as our selfish nature rises up. If only we ever chose you. If only we always were holy and faithful. Like Israel, we fail again and again. Yet with you there is always hope. You long to redeem us. You do so again and again. Thank you, God. Amen.


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In Spite of…

Reading: Isaiah 28-31

‭Isaiah 28:17 – “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.”

Photo credit: Markus Spiske

Today’s reading is largely judgment against Israel and Judah. Isaiah condemns their wayward leaders, their decisions to trust in anything but God, and their choice to ignore his/God’s words. There is also hope found in these chapters. God will one day lay a cornerstone, a firm foundation. And God’s compassion and mercy will win out in the end.

In chapter 28 Israel refused to hear Isaiah’s words. They act like it is baby talk – senseless babble. God will treat Israel’s prayers and cries for help the same way. Israel will not escape the coming flood. God says, “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.” By these standards Israel falls woefully short.

Isaiah turns to Judah’s fate in chapter 29. Yes, the drive will come. There will be mourning and lamentation in Jerusalem. But God will save them. The enemy “will be like a dream.” They will die in the night. Even with this rescue, the lip service will continue and their hearts will be far from God.

Judah instead turns to Egypt in chapter 30. This misplaced trust will lead to rebellion and then to defeat. Their sin will be like “a crack in a high wall.” This misplaced trust will lead the wall to suddenly fail. And even though swift defeat and time in exile will come, God will again show mercy and compassion. God will redeem and restore. God will spare and rescue. God will provide. Assyria will fall.

This too is our experience. In spite of our sins and failures, in spite of our wandering and disobedient hearts, God remains faithful to us too. Thanks be to God, our redeemer and rescuer.

Prayer: Lord God, it is amazing that even though your people turn to anything and everything except you, you remain steadfast and faithful. This too is our reality. As weak and sinful and idolatrous as we can be, your compassion and mercy are always greater still. Thank you God for being our sure foundation, our rock of refuge. Amen.


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Bring Us Home

Readings: Psalms 105-107

‭Psalm 105:4-5 – “Pursue the LORD and his strength; seek his face always! Remember the wondrous works he has done.”

Psalms 105 and 106 close our Book 4 by recounting Israel’s history. The story begins with the covenant and it runs through to the oppression experienced in the Promised Land. Psalm 105 begins with the covenant made with Abraham and carried over to Isaac, Jacob, and Israel. God protected their small number, eventually sending Joseph then the whole family to Egypt, where they became numerous. After oppression there, God sent Moses and Aaron and the ten plagues. God led them out, guiding by cloud, providing food and water. Finally God gave them the Promised Land, a place where they could “keep his law and observe his instructions.”

Psalm 106 gives an accounting of the people’s struggles with obedience. It recounts the rebellions at the sea, at stops in the desert, and at the foot of Sinai, where they made the golden calf. The psalmist highlights Moses’ saving intercession. Then the psalmist speaks of more rebellion and testing, of idol worship and child sacrifice. Oppression came from an angry God. Soon so too did compassion. The Psalm closes with a plea: “Lord our God, save us! Gather us back together.” Bring us home from this place of exile.

Psalm 107 begins Book 5 with some examples of how God does just that. Gathered from the four directions, the psalmist tells of four groups or types of redeemed people. These cases are generic, allowing us many ways to see how God redeems and can redeem. God redeems those who wander, those who are in gloom and darkness, those who sin, and those who face storms. We all find ourselves in each situation at times. In those times may we remember the God who turns deserts into streams, the God who raises up the needy. May we call on this God, trusting in God’s redeeming and restoring salvation.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone can rescue and you alone can save. You desire to lead and guide us, to teach us your ways. Soften our stubborn hearts and curb our selfish desires, God, so that we can learn and obey. Correct us when we sin, comfort us when we suffer, save us from all that life can bring. Water our dryness, satisfy our hunger. Walk daily with us, O Lord. Amen.


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Clearly at Work

Readings: Ruth 3 and Ruth 4

Ruth 3:10 – “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter! You have acted even more faithfully than you did at first.”

Today’s passage begins with Naomi caring for Ruth. It is a bit of a role reversal but she is the one from this culture. Naomi lays out a plan for Ruth to find a husband and Boaz is the ideal choice. He has been generous and righteous, kind and protective. He has not taken advantage of this situation. Ruth receives instructions and works the plan. This is very risky. Women don’t go to the threshing floor – especially in the middle of the night. And women certainly don’t ask men about things like marriage. But that’s the plan. All goes well. Then the waiting begins.

Boaz goes that morning to the city gate. It is where transactions are made. He is intent on talking with the closer relative. Gathering ten elders as witnesses, Boaz explains the situation – mostly. The closest of kin is willing to buy the land to preserve the family inheritance. Next, Boaz says, you also get Ruth the Moabite too – to preserve the family name too. This is one step too far for the next of kin. They make a formal agreement – sandal and all – Boaz will redeem the land and he will marry Ruth.

The sticking point for the next of kin is marrying a foreign woman. Strictly speaking, he is adhering to the Law. Yet God is clearly at work in a new way here in the book of Ruth. Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz are a part of it. The women in town declare that Ruth is “better for you than seven sons.” In that time and culture ,what a statement! The child born to Boaz and Ruth is named Obed – “the one who serves God.” Our reading closes with some genealogy. It goes like this: Obed -> Jesse -> David. That line eventually ends with -> Jesus. If the line of David and Jesus includes a Moabite woman, then maybe we, as people of faith, should likewise welcome “the other.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this beautiful story. It is living faith as it is meant to be lived – caring for one another, honoring you in all that is said and done, elevating righteousness and faithfulness as our guiding lights. Lead us day by day to walk in these ways. Amen.