pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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A Simple Walk

Reading: Luke 17:5-10

Luke 17:10 – “When you have done everything required of you, you should say, ‘We servants deserve no special praise. We have only done our duty.'”

In the opening verses of chapter 17 Jesus calls the disciples to live in a community of faith that both holds one another accountable and forgives a repentant brother or sister in Christ again and again and again and… Hearing this call to really love well, the disciples think themselves incapable of being this faithful. In response to this feeling, they say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” In verses 6-10 Jesus gives two responses to their request. In both responses the bottom line is clear. The disciples have enough faith – they just need to act on the faith that they already have. The same can often be said for most of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith, like the roots of a tree, are our “unseen” foundation. Claiming faith in Jesus establishes those roots in our hearts. As we live out our call to be light and love in the world, our roots develop and grow stronger. Growth that is visible begins to emerge in small ways – helping a neighbor, standing against an injustice, feeding the hungry. While the idea of doing these kinds of things may feel outside of our comfort zones at first, Jesus tells us that if we just had “faith the size of a mustard seed” and if we put that faith to work, then we could do all these things and so much more. If we would trust the power of the faith that is already in our hearts, then we will experience God moving in and through us.

The small, incremental acts of faith are what lead to a greater and greater application of our faith. The path Jesus calls us to walk, though, is quite simple at its core: love God, love neighbor. This is everything required of us. It is our duty, it is our call, it is our means to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need of love and hope and peace.

Prayer: Lord God, at the dawn one can sense that the sun is about to poke through. It is simply what happens every time. At the moment of opportunity, when we are in a place to love well, may our faith poke through. Lead and guide and empower us daily, Lord, so that as we grow in our faith, loving well is simply what happens all the time. Amen.


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What Is Required?

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18

Verse 17b: “And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Today’s words from Paul connect really well with the themes and ideas around All-Saints’ Day. In Revelation 7 the vision of heaven and all its glory brought hope to the believers suffering in John’s time. These words offer hope to all believers. The Thessalonians aren’t quite there yet. The vision detailed in Revelation probably hasn’t reached them. They are concerned with the souls of those who have died (“fallen asleep”) before Jesus returned. The common belief was that Jesus was coming back any day, soon. They fear that these souls might miss out or forever be trapped in limbo.

Paul begins to address their fears and concerns by assuring them that because Jesus died and rose again that one day all who believe in him will one day rise with him. Paul further assures them using Jesus’ own teachings. He reminds them that Jesus taught that when he returns “the dead in Christ will rise first.” Those who have fallen asleep will indeed join Jesus in glory. Paul then turns to those who are alive, reminding them that Jesus taught that those who are still alive “will be caught up together with them.” All who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior “will be with the Lord forever.” What words of hope and encouragement Paul shared with the Thessalonians and with us!

The underlying question that bubbles up here for me is this: What is required of me so that I am one day a part of this heavenly gathering? I first turn to Micah 6:8. These words are my daily prayer of commitment to God. Each day I strive to act justly, to love mercy and kindness, and to walk humbly with the Lord. These words and actions focus and frame my day. What words and practices guide you to living in a way that brings honor and glory to God?

Prayer: Lord, justice, mercy, kindness, and humility – they are a good start but I know that this is not all that is required of me. By the power of your Holy Spirit fill me with your love and compassion, with your grace and forgiveness. Show me the way to daily serve you and neighbor. Amen.