pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: rescue


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The Three R’s

Reading: Judges 4:1-7

Judged 4:1-2 – “The Israelites again did evil in the Lord’s sight. So the Lord turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor.”

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This week we focus on the joy that we find in the Lord. Often this joy comes from God’s presence in our world and in our lives – a sunrise, a kind word, a spider web, a loving act, an opened door. Some of the time, this joy comes through God’s rescue, redemption, and restoration. We sin and create separation in our relationships with God and with one another. We turn back to God, admitting our failure, pledging to do better, and our God of great mercy forgives our sin. We then experience rescue, redemption, and restoration. We rejoice in God’s mercy and love. This pattern is repeated frequently in our lives. It has always been the case throughout history. In the opening verses of Judges 4 we read, “The Israelites again did evil in the Lord’s sight. So the Lord turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor.”

The Israelites, like us, knew better. Sin is almost always an intentional choice. And when a poor choice is made, there are usually consequences. In today’s passage, it was oppression from a pagan people that Israel let live. Israel failed to follow God’s command to remove all of the Canaanites from the Promised Land. The group around Hazor sought to re-establish their power in the land. God used them to humble Israel. It took twenty years of cruel oppression. Hopefully our cycles of sin, confession, and repentance don’t last that long!

Deborah, who was leading and judging for Israel at that time, calls out for Barak, inviting him to gather troops to defeat Sisera, Jabin’s commander. Sisera had 900 chariots – the most powerful weapon of the day. Deborah relayed God’s promise to Barak: “There I will give you victory over him.” This promise of presence and victory is ours too. God is with us. God wants to rescue, redeem, and restore us. With humbled hearts, may we cry out to God for mercy.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to identify the things that we let hang around, in spite of your warnings and instructions. Then lead us to work at removing these things from our lives. The pride, the ego, the desire for more – all must go. And when we lose the battle, which we do again and again, call us to confession and repentance. Rescue us from our sin. Pour out your mercy. Redeem us. Heal our brokenness. Restore us to right relationship with you and with one another. Amen.


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Hope

Reading: Psalm 78:1-7

Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord.”

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Asaph begins Psalm 78 by introducing the audience and the purpose of this Psalm. He is going to instruct the people of God. It should be noted that he is writing to a very small fragment of the former kingdom of Israel. As detailed in the rest of the Psalm, the nation divided into the northern and southern kingdoms. The north’s ten tribes continued in their sin one too many times. God sent the Assyrians, who laid waste to the north and took many people into exile. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained in the south. It was during this time period that Asaph writes, “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord.”

In today’s verses, Asaph emphasizes telling the next generation the truth – the good and the bad. Lessons can be learned from both our successes and from our failures. To paint only a rosy picture does a great disservice to our children. It creates a false hope. From each failure, we learn lessons and we learn that God is faithful and good. It was true for Israel and it is true in our lives. God does not leave us in our sin. When we are repentant, God rescues, redeems, and restores. This builds true hope. And, yes, it is sometimes after learning a hard lesson. A necessary but hard lesson. In verse 8, that is Asaph’s hope. Here he writes, “Then they will not be like their ancestors – stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.” Ah.

Asaph’s writing was promoted by wrestling with questions like these: How did we get here? Why are we here? Who is responsible? Who and what do we want to be? How do we get to that preferred future? This questioning is the next step in truth-telling. May we teach our children this next step too. O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how we need you. On our own, we quickly become less than you created and intend us to be. Selfishness leads to sin and division. There we lose hope. Lead and guide us to tell the whole story and to wrestle with the searching questions and with the truth that they tell. Guide us to work for a future with hope for all people. Amen.


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Good, Faithful, Love

Reading: Psalm 107:1-7

Psalm 107:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever!”

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Psalm 107 speaks of how God rescues us when we are in need of help. Today we read of how God rescues wanderers. The next three sections speak of other kinds of rescue. If you are in need of God’s rescue, then read on past verse 7. Find hope and promise in the word of God.

The Psalm begins with a declaration and an invitation. In verse 1 we read, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever!” God is indeed good. And, yes, God’s love will never end. Even after all is made new when Jesus returns, God’s faithful love will pervade the new heaven on earth. Evidence of God’s goodness and love comes in verses 3-7. But first, in verse 2, we are asked a question: “Has the Lord redeemed you?” Anyone who has walked with the Lord for very long will answer, “Yes!” If so, may we follow the instructions that come next: “Then speak out!” May we tell others of the ways that God has rescued and redeemed us, opening hearts and minds to the ways that God might transform their lives too.

In verses 4 and 5 we read of some who need rescued: the lost, the homeless, the hungry, the thirsty. We’ve all been these things. If not physically then certainly spiritually, emotionally, relationally. When we’ve cried out for help, God has rescued us. When we cry out again, we trust that God will rescue us again, just as God rescued Israel again and again and… We have been and know that we will be guided to safety – and to connection, hope, strength… May this be the story we tell. God is good. God’s faithful love lasts forever. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, again and again you have been faithful and good to us. We’ve known your love and the rescue that you bring. Lead us to tell others our stories, helping them to see how your goodness and love can transform their lives too. Guide us to continue to trust in you and to seek your rescue and redemption in our own times of need. In you is all of our hope. Amen.


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Stories of God

Reading: Psalm 78:12-16

Psalm 78:13… 16 – “God spilt the sea… led them… split rocks… made streams flow.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today’s verses from Psalm 78 focus on some of God’s “wonders” that happened during Israel’s time in the wilderness. Yesterday’s call was to remember the stories of God and to tell and retell them so that the next generation will know the stories too. For the people of God, to know that “God spilt the sea… led them… split rocks… made streams flow” is to know God and to trust in God’s continuing presence, power, and provision. These miracles are evidence of God’s love for God’s people.

There are times in our lives when God works in miraculous ways. Sometimes we are aware of them in the moment and other times these are things we see when we are looking back. Both are ah-ha moments – moments when we feel and know God’s love for us.

The moments and miracles often come in times when things beyond our control are creating suffering, trial, and/or hardship. Because it is beyond our control, God becomes present and acts on our behalf. About seven years ago our denomination was filled with tension around the inclusion of LGBTQ+ folks. My personal understanding of the scriptures and of God’s love for all people did not align with a small but powerful group at the church I was serving. As meetings and events unfolded, I felt like Israel up against the sea. In the darkest moment, God parted the troubled waters and brought light and peace to my heart. God guided my prayers, thoughts, actions, and conversations. God provided hope and light and strength when I needed it most. And God’s blessings flowed as my appointment changed and ministry became a joy once again.

What stories of God splitting seas… do you have to tell? And who will you tell them to?

Prayer: Lord God, we read of rescue and provision and presence in the wilderness and throughout the scriptures. We also experience your presence and miracles in our lives. Lead and guide us to be good storytellers, helping others to know you and to see how you move and act in their lives too. Amen.


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God IS There

Reading: Exodus 14:22-31

Exodus 14:31 – “The people were in awe of the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

The exodus story continues! The Israelites walk through where the sea had been. The dry ground under their feet and the walls of water to the left and right must’ve been amazing. Many must have walked through eyes wide open and jaws hanging down. Meanwhile, the Egyptian army was in hot pursuit. They probably didn’t even notice the amazing things that God was doing. If so, maybe they’d have stayed on their side of the sea.

God drew the army in and then threw them into a panic. The slow movement allowed Israel to finish crossing the sea. At this point, the Egyptians realize that God was fighting for Israel. It was too late. Moses stretched out his hand and the sea returned to its normal place. The whole army drowned. God rescued Israel. It happened right there before their eyes. The outcome? “The people were in awe of the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.”

In the possible God moments, are you more like the Israelites or more like the Egyptians? Do you notice when God shows up to rescue? Or to redeem or to reconcile or to renew? When we are open to or even seeking God, we see that God is there. I’ve noticed encounters with God in a church balcony, in an ER room, in a prayer room at an event, and in a hospital room more than once. But I’m sure I’ve missed others. Yet in the moments when we need God to be present, God is there. Always. Be open to it. Seek the Lord. God is there.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for making a way for Israel. And thank you for showing up in amazing ways during our times of need. Help us to notice, to see, and even to seek you. Open our eyes to see the times that you part the sea, and the times when your touch is gentle and small. In all things, may we encounter you, O God. Amen.


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God Will Rescue

Reading: Exodus 14:19-21

Exodus 14:20 – “The cloud remained there, and when darkness fell it lit up the night. They didn’t come near each other all night.”

Photo credit: Paul Garaizar

Following the Passover and the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh practically kicks Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites out of Egypt. They left in haste – 600,000 men plus women and children. But soon Pharaoh changed his mind and began to pursue God’s people with his army. The Egyptians caught up with Israel as they were camped alongside the sea. Terror spreads among God’s people. Moses offers words of assurance – God’s rescue is coming. After giving Moses escape instructions, God’s messenger and presence – the column of cloud and fire – moved from leading Israel to standing between Israel and the Egyptians. In the last part of verse 20 we read, “The cloud remained there, and when darkness fell it lit up the night. They didn’t come near each other all night.”

At times in our lives we feel fear and maybe even terror. While it is not caused by a literal army seeking to return us to slavery in Egypt, we’ve had situations rise up that make us feel trapped. Fear, worry, stress… begin to rise up. We have experienced threats against our health, well-being, safety, security… We’ve watched a powerful force approaching from afar, fear and dread growing as our depression or addiction or loneliness or… grows in power. In those moments, we are not alone. God stands between us and that which threatens us or causes us fear. Light grows in the darkness, keeping the enemy at bay.

Moses raises his hands and God parts the waters. Dry land appears as the waters are split in two. Rescue is on the way. When we raise our hands in surrender, humbly acknowledging our need for God and our inability to defeat the “army” on our own, then our God will make a way. Without fear, we can walk right through. Without worry, we can trust where God is leading. God will rescue. God is with us.

Prayer: Lord God, in those hard moments, guide us to a place of surrender. When life feels too big for us, may we give it to you, O Lord. With humility and trust, help us to turn to you, trusting in your power and might. Lead us through, part the sea, make a way. Thank you, God. Amen.


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The Promises

Reading: Psalm 124:1-5

Psalm 124:1 – “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…”

Psalm 124 is a song of praise for God’s deliverance. The song is a call for the community of faith to thank God for saving them when all was on the brink of being lost. The psalmist described the “enemy” using imagery of water. In the ancient world, the “waters” were the place of chaos, of the unknown, of creatures huge and dangerous. One tried to stay close to land. Water is also hard to control. Think of floods or of that spilled glass of water. It goes here and there, wherever it wants, seemingly with a mind of its own. Once loosed, it cannot be controlled or easily contained.

While the psalmist is likely writing about a specific event, about a time when a vast army was about to overwhelm Israel, the feelings of anxiety or worry or dread are emotions that many of us feel in our day to day lives. Because of our connected world, struggles and issues big and small, local and global, communal and individual are ever before us. A bit too much attention to these and we can feel anxiety… beginning to rise up within us. In addition, we all have our own battles and trials in this life. These are both very common human experiences.

The psalmist repeats a line twice at the start of the Psalm. In a functional sense, it is a liturgical instruction. In the practical sense, it is a great reminder – twice! “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…” But God was for Israel. Again. God delivered Israel. Again. The reminder applies to us yet today. God is for us. Again and again. God will deliver us. Over and over. The promises remain true. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, anxiety, worry, dread… They can rise up so quickly in our heart and mind. Sometimes it comes from without, sometimes from within. In all cases, O God, whisper into our hearts, slow our minds. Remind us of your presence. Center us there with you. Touch us with your powerful love and constant care. Strengthen us for the day ahead. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Stories of Mercy

Reading: Romans 11:29-32

Romans 11:31 – “In the same way, they have also been disobedient [and] because of the mercy you received, now they can receive mercy too.”

As we conclude our time in this week’s Epistle reading, the main idea is that God’s mercy extends to all people. This is a common theme in the New Testament and in Paul’s writings in particular. In many ways, Paul reminds us that we all fall short. Because of our human nature, we are tempted and we sin. Yet this is not our fate. Because of God’s great love revealed in Jesus Christ, we receive mercy. Our sins are forgiven and through repentance we become closer to the image of God. This is a process we experience again and again – hopefully with less and less frequency as we mature in our faith!

As it is with all aspects of our faith, mercy is meant to be shared with others. Because we receive mercy, we are to help others to receive mercy. This begins by being people who practice mercy in our lives and in the relationships that we keep. It extends by sharing our stories of redemption, and perhaps of rescue. By sharing our stories of mercy, we open other’s eyes and hearts to the possibility of them receiving God’s mercy. Because God’s mercy knows no bounds, our stories vary greatly. Some of us were saved from an addiction – alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex. Some of us were rescued from a vice – greed, pride, sloth, judging, control. Some of us were redeemed from a poor decision – theft, cheating, abuse, dishonesty. We each have our story of mercy. We are called to be conduits of God’s mercy. Who do you know that needs to hear your story of mercy?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to know and to develop our stories of mercy so that we can be articulate about your boundless mercy. Use us like prevenient grace – that which goes before and opens doors, inviting others to experience your mercy for themselves. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Forgiveness

Reading: Genesis 45:1-8

Genesis 45:7 – “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

As we turn to Genesis 45, we’ve jumped ahead in Joseph’s story. Joseph has had lots of ups and downs since being sold into slavery in chapter 37. Through the trials, Joseph has come to know God’s plans and purposes. Joseph’s brothers have made two trips to Egypt to buy food. Joseph has learned much about his brothers and about his family. Judah – the one who first voiced the idea of selling Joseph into slavery – offers his life in place of Benjamin’s. This selfless act brings Joseph to the place in today’s reading where he “could no longer control himself.” His emotions get the best of him.

Clearing the room of all but his brothers, Joseph weeps uncontrollably. Blurting out, “I’m Joseph,” his brothers are “terrified.” Calling them closer, Joseph shares his understanding of past events. He believes that it all was the hand of God at work. He says to his brothers, “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.” There is the promise of safety, protection, provision, and rescue in these words. These promises will be fleshed out tomorrow, when we read verses 9-15. Joseph can see how God was at work in his past and he believes that God will be at work in his future.

As we journey through this life we too will find ourselves in these places: either in a position to give or withhold forgiveness, or in a place to receive or reject another’s forgiveness. We may be in one of these places today. It will likely be sooner rather than later. In these moments, may we choose to move forward in faithful love, offering to others what God so freely gives to us or humbly receiving that offered to us in faithful love. Living as people of love and grace, we bless others and honor God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is not always easy to practice forgiveness. We want to hold onto grudges and wrongs done to us. We want to be right and asking for forgiveness puts dents in our armor. Humble us, O Lord. Remind us of your abundant grace and mercy. In turn, lead and guide us to be generous with our grace and mercy, with our love and forgiveness. Amen.


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Stepping Out

Reading: Matthew 14:28-33

Matthew 14:28 – “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.”

Reading the rest of the “Walking on the Water” story today, we see Peter being brave and faithful. He calls out to Jesus, steps out of the boat, and walks on water. The Old Testament describes God doing this. Jesus is now doing it. And now Peter does it. What a brave and faithful heart he has to call out and to step out. For a few steps, Peter was doing what Jesus was doing.

There are times in our lives when we sense or see Jesus’ presence or call. We desire to step out of our comfort zone and into the ministry opportunity before us. Once in a while perhaps we’re actually brave and faithful enough to step out in faith. Maybe it is to extend on offer of reconciliation in that broken relationship. Maybe it is to serve in a new role in your church or in a service organization.

As Peter is walking, yes, he notices the wind and likely the waves it is generating. He gets frightened and he begins to sink. Crying out to Jesus, Peter is rescued. Have you ever done this? Ever started to do something brave for God, then had second thoughts, doubts, fears? Maybe you only got out of the house or just started to dial the phone and fear rose up. Yet it was a few steps. It was a start in the right direction.

When Peter first saw Jesus, he said, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” Step one is a willingness. It requires a bravery and a desire to faithfully serve God and others. Each time we step out, our faith strengthens and deepens. Soon enough, we’ll take a few more steps – more than the last time. Trusting in the Lord, may we continue to step out in faith, learning to walk where Jesus walked.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to the opportunities that you bring our way. Open our hearts to a deeper and bolder faith. Fill us with confidence, knowing that as we step out, you are there with us – ready to walk with us or to rescue us so that we can step out again. Amen.