pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: resurrection


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Living as Immigrants and Strangers

Reading: 1st Peter 1-2

1st Peter 1:3 – “On account of his vast mercy, he has given us a new birth… born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Written by the apostle Peter, 1st Peter was originally written to house churches scattered across the Roman empire. They were experiencing conflict and persecution because their faith often ran counter to the norms of the culture. Peter encourages the believers to persevere, even in their suffering. Luke Christ, through this they too will accomplish their mission to witness to God’s love and mercy.

Peter begins his letter with a wonderful statement of faith: “On account of his vast mercy, he has given us a new birth… born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This living hope is our inheritance, “kept safe in heaven.” He calls these in diaspora to rejoice in this hope, even if distressed now by these trials. Their “genuine faith” in the one they’ve never seen yet love and trust will result in their “praise, glory, and honor” one day. Instead of being conformed to their former desires, Peter declares, “You must be Holy in every aspect of your lives, just as the one who called you is holy.” Be like Jesus, the one who liberated you by his blood.

Peter calls the faithful to “set yourselves apart” because they’ve been given this new birth. According to John Wesley, this new birth was “the commitment to a daily journey of intentional, painful, and sacrificial work of character formation.” This echoes Christ’s call to die to self – again and again and again… This results in believers becoming “living stones… a royal priesthood.” Built upon the capstone that others stumble over, believers have become “God’s possession.” As such, living as “immigrants and strangers,” Peter urges them to avoid worldly desires and to live faithfully, even in suffering. Endure in faith, just like Christ. Be healed by his wounds and walk with “the shepherd and guardian of your lives.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love and mercy, that which calls us to your living hope, Jesus Christ. In the highs and lows, in the trials and in the joys, build up in us a genuine faith and an endurance that yields fruit for your kingdom. Empower us to be conformed into the image and example of Christ. Equip us to walk faithfully, inviting others to join us on the journey to salvation. Amen.


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A Life in Christ

Reading: Philippians 3-4

Philippians 4:13 – “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”

Chapter 3 begins with a focus on pursuing Christ. Paul first warns the believers in Philippi to be wary of those who do evil and who try to force circumcision upon them. He encourages them not to put confidence in the outer self but to do as he did: write off all the worldly titles and accolades. Lose them all, like Paul, “so that I [like Paul] might gain Christ and be found in him.” In Christ, Paul receives a righteousness that is not his own. It comes through faith in Christ alone.

Paul connects knowing Christ to bring conformed to his suffering and death. In this way, Paul hopes that he “may perhaps” attain the goal of resurrection. Paul pursues this goal – not because he is perfect but because Christ “grabbed hold of me.” Leaving all else behind, this goal has become Paul’s focus.“The upward call” of God in and through Jesus Christ is the goal that Paul pursues. This pursuit involves living a holy and blameless life, a life, like Paul’s, that is worthy of imitation.

In chapter 4 Paul encourages those in the church in Philippi to “stand firm” in the Lord. He urges unity within and gentleness in their interactions with all people. Rather than worry, bring your prayers to God. Then the peace “that exceeds all understanding” will fill their hearts and minds. He invites them to focus their thoughts on all that is “true… holy… just… pure… lovely… and worthy of praise.” Living a life in Christ, Paul encourages, will bring contentment in any and all circumstances. This is because “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” Walking daily in Jesus Christ’s strength, may we “give off a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God.”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us, strengthen and empower us today in our pursuit of you. Help us to lay aside the things that matter to this world so that we can focus on your will and way. Show us how to turn all our worries and fears and doubts over to you in prayer, receiving instead your peace and love. Amen.


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Everything in Love

Reading: 1st Corinthians 13-16

1st Corinthians 16:13-14 – “Stay awake, stand firm in your faith, be brave, be strong. Everything should be done in love.”

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In chapter 13 Paul reveals the “even better way.” It is the way of love. One can demonstrate gifts of the Spirit or one can have faith big enough to move a mountain or can give everything away – but if not done in love, all is worthless. Paul lists love’s attributes: patient, kind, truthful, understanding, trusting, hopeful, enduring. Prophecies, tongues, knowledge – all will cease. Love is what will reveal Christ face to face. Love is what makes us fully known. Faith and hope – they are of this world. Love is for this world and for the world to come. As John Wesley notes, “Love us the sum of perfection in heaven.”

In chapter 14 we read about Paul’s response to a question. But we don’t have the question! Paul is offering corrections to their way of worship. It was disorderly, with many people speaking at once with others shouting out questions all the time. All should be done to build up people’s faith. Speak on at a time; ask the questions at home. Worship should be done “with dignity and in proper order.”

Paul reviews the main points of his preaching in chapter 15: Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to lots of people. Some people are questioning the resurrection. Paul notes, in fact, Christ was raised – “the first crop of the harvest.” He then used a seed to illustrate. Just as a seed goes into the ground and something new emerges, so too will our “rotting bodies” emerge as new spiritual beings.

After encouraging an offering and speaking longingly of visiting again, Paul gives this final greeting: “Stay awake, stand firm in your faith, be brave, be strong. Everything should be done in love.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to practice and walk in the way of love. May our walk mirror Jesus’ walk. May we hold fast to the hope that we find in you. May we stand firm in our faith, knowing that your Spirit stands with us. Amen.


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Grace Is Greater

Reading: Romans 3:21-5:21

Romans 5:10 – “If we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son while we were still enemies… how much more certain is it that we will be saved by his life?”

Photo credit: Kate Remmer

As we begin today’s reading, Paul declares that righteousness comes through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, not through the Law. Under the Law, Paul correctly notes “all have fallen short of God’s glory.” But through the ransom paid by Christ, through grace we can be made righteous. Christ did for us what we could never do for ourselves.

Paul turns to Abraham as a model of righteousness. He has faith in God and he acted on that faith. Because of this, God credited Abraham as righteous. He was yet uncircumcised and there was no Law yet given. Through trust and faith Abraham also believed God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. Abraham was “fully convinced” that God was able and that God would do what God had promised. This too was credited to Abraham as righteous. Paul then turns it personal, reminding us that we too are credited as righteous through our faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ.

Because of the righteousness that comes through faith we have peace with God. Peace comes through the reconciling work of Jesus on the cross. Paul reminds us that while we were weak, while we were still sinners – even while we were enemies of God – Christ died for us. Paul asks us, “If we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son while we were still enemies… how much more certain is it that we will be saved by his life?” Sin and death came into the world through Adam. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, grace and eternal life were offered to the world. In verse 20 Paul writes, “Where sin increased, grace multiplied even more.” God’s grace is always greater than our sin. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, faith, hope, trust – the foundations of our relationship with you. Sacrifice, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation – the foundations of who you are. Thank you God for always loving us beyond our sins. Thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord. Amen.


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Hope in Christ

Reading: Romans 1:1-3:20

Romans 3:9 – “We have already stated the charge: both Jews and Greeks are all under the power of sin.”

In his introduction Paul describes himself as “set apart” to be an apostle “for the good news.” He has received God’s grace and his appointment through Jesus Christ, the Son identified through his resurrection from the dead.

Paul begins with thanksgiving for the faith evident in the church in Rome. He has prayed for the church and for a visit to this church. Paul sees a visit as mutually encouraging. Paul is ready to “preach the gospel” in Rome. To Paul it is “God’s own power for salvation” for all who believe. The gospel has the power to save one from God’s wrath, which comes because of “ungodly behavior and injustice.” The challenge in avoiding God’s wrath comes because sin is in our human nature. We are also prone to “trade God’s truth for a lie.” We can be tempted and can allow greed, jealousy, lust, gossip, pride, and many other sins to separate us from God. We can easily fall into the judgment trap that Paul describes in the opening to chapter 2.

Paul addresses the Law in chapter 2. It is not those who have the Law that are righteous, but those who do and practice the Law that are righteous. Through Christ the Gentiles have the Law “written on their hearts.” It is those who are “circumcised in spirit” that do good and are pleasing to God.

Our reading today closes with the universal problem of sin. Paul states that both Jews and Greeks are “all under the power of sin.” Blending together four Psalms and a passage from Isaiah, Paul comes to this conclusion regarding non-believers: “There is no fear of God in their view of the world.” Although this sounds hopeless, in Christ there is home. Establishing the need as Romans begins, Paul next lays out the solution.

Prayer: Lord God, we are indeed sinful by nature. Daily we struggle with pride and greed, with jealousy and judging. Only you can save. So we ask you, O Lord, to guide us in your ways. Save us. Amen.


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Believe

Reading: John 11 and 12

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Lazarus is the focus of most of chapter 11. He falls ill and Mary and Martha send for Jesus. He stays where he is at. Only when Lazarus has died does Jesus head for Bethany. Many Jews come to mourn. As Jesus nears, Martha hears and goes out to meet him. She says as Mary will later say, “Lord, if you had been here…” They believe that Jesus could have healed their brother. While true, there is a greater plan at work. Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” To believe in Jesus leads to eternal life. We will all die in the physical sense as our body passes into death. After weeping with Mary and Martha, Jesus calls for the stone to be removed. This is a test of their faith. Do they believe that Jesus’ power can reach beyond the stone of death?

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Many come to believe. But typical of the division in John, others go to the Pharisees with the news. They fear that a miracle like this will lead to a loss of control, which will lead the Romans to take action. The religious leaders know that Jesus would not play their game. So they decide that Jesus must die. Jesus withdraws to a secluded place for a time.

As the Passover nears, Jesus goes to Bethany. At a dinner at Lazarus’ house, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, preparing him for burial. A greedy Judas protests. The next day Jesus enters Jerusalem. A great crowd celebrates his humble entry. The Pharisees lament, “Look! The whole world is following him!” This kingship is different. Jesus speaks of a single seed falling and dying. Only then can it “bear much fruit.” Jesus reminds the people that he came to be light in darkness and that he came not to judge but to save.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to believe when we have not seen. The signs – we can read about them and trust that they happened. Your words is true. Lord, touch us and our lives with your presence and with your Spirit. May we feel the light and life within us, leading us to believe. May we walk daily with your Holy Spirit. Amen.


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To Do as You Did

Reading: John 5:1-6:21

John 5:19 – “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself… Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Our reading begins with a healing on the Sabbath. At the pool called Bathsaida, a sick man has been trying to get into the waters for 38 years. Jesus asks him, “Do you want to get well?” The man explains his dilemma: others get in first because he has no one to help him. Jesus says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” The man does. The Jewish leaders get on the man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath. It is work. Later, when it is revealed that Jesus healed the man, these leaders harass Jesus. He replies, “My Father is still working, and I am working too.” The leaders want to kill Jesus even more.

This tension leads to a long response from Jesus. He begins by declaring, “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself… Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.” The Father gives life so the Son gives life. If people hear Jesus’ words and believe, they will have eternal life. This choice will lead to doing good things, which will lead to the “resurrection of life.” To refuse to believe? That choice leads to doing wicked things and to the “resurrection of judgment.” Jesus reminds them of John the Baptist’s testimony – which they almost believed – and of Moses’ testimony about the Messiah. Jesus’ response ends with a question: If you don’t believe Moses’ words, how will you believe my words?

Leaving there, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd follows. Jesus tests Philip by asking about feeding them. Andrew finds a boy with five loaves and two fish. Jesus seats the people and then blesses and multiplies the food. All “had plenty to eat.” Twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered. This “manna” in the wilderness leads the people to think about making Jesus their king. He slips away up the mountain.

As the disciples struggle to cross back over, three or four miles into the journey, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. Into their fear he says, “I am. Don’t be afraid.” They reach solid ground. Jesus is with them. All is again well. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, taking on flesh you were healing, loving, feeding, doing good. Be Christ in us, leading us to do as you did. Amen.


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Was, Is, Will Be

Reading: Luke 20-21

Luke 21:36 – “Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”

We begin today with the religious leaders questioning Jesus’ authority. He responds with a question for them, asking about John the Baptist’s authority. Trapped, they refuse to answer. Jesus then tells them a parable that reveals his authority. The tenants are greedy. They abuse those sent to collect fruit owed to the owner. Finally they kill the son whom the owner dearly loves. In response the owner destroys the tenants. Jesus then quotes from the Psalms, referencing the stone rejected. It becomes the cornerstone. The religious leaders recognize that the parable is about them. They want to arrest Jesus but fear the people.

In an attempt to orchestrate a charge, the religious leaders take turns trying to trap Jesus with questions about paying taxes and marriage in the resurrection. Pay taxes? Yes, but more importantly give to God what belongs to God. Marriage? Yes, here and now, but not in the age to come. We will all be God’s children in the resurrection. There, God is as here: the God of the living. In response to their falsehood, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their longing for recognition and honor and for the unfair burdens placed upon the people. He tells them that they’ll be “judged most harshly.” The widow’s gift is then lifted up as both a great example of trust in God and of how the religious leaders’ greed leads people into vulnerability as they struggle to meet the religious leaders’ expectations.

Verses 5-28 of chapter 21 deal with three events. Two sections reference the actual destruction of the temple and city. One part references the time of persecution that will soon occur. And one part references Jesus’ return. Two of three will unfold just as Jesus says. We await his return. Our reading closes by addressing how we are to wait. We are to be aware of the signs and we are to “Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, today we’re reminded that there’s always been a plan. Since the beginning you were spoken of and destined to come in human form. You came and revealed love lived out. You called us to follow your example. You spoke of a future that we eagerly await. You call us to be love lived out as we wait. Empower, encourage, and strengthen us to daily follow your example. Amen.


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Go and Make Disciples

Reading: Matthew 27-28

Matthew 28:7 – “Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, ‘He’s been raised from the dead. He’s going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’”

Jesus is brought before Pilate, the Roman governor. Seeing what’s happening, Judas is filled with regret. He returns the silver pieces and takes his own life. The silver is used to buy a field to bury strangers. Pilate asks Jesus if he is king of the Jews. Jesus does not respond to Pilate or defend himself. Because of his wife’s dream, Pilate tried to free Jesus. But the religious leaders invited the crowd. They call for Barabbas’ release and for Jesus’ crucifixion.

The Romans soldiers mock and abuse Jesus. On the way to Golgatha, Simon from Cyrene helps carry the cross. Jesus is crucified and his clothes are divided by casting lots. A sign above Jesus’ head reads, “Here is Jesus, king of the Jews.” The religious leaders, those passing by, and the criminals in Jesus’ left and right all mock and make fun of him. A handful of faithful women watch it all from a distance.

At noon it grows dark. Jesus shouts aloud at three, asking why God has left him. Then he shouts and dies. The inner curtain of the temple is torn in two. The earth shakes. A centurion declares, “This was certainly God’s son.”

Joseph of Arimathea asks for, received, wraps, and places Jesus’ body in his own new tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary watch. A guard is set to prevent the theft of Jesus’ body. Early the next day Mary and Mary return to the tomb. An angel has removed the stone. He announces the resurrection and gives the women instructions, saying, “Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, ‘He’s been raised from the dead. He’s going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’” The religious leaders fabricate one more lie, offering one more feeble attempt to control God’s narrative. The disciples do meet Jesus in Galilee. He commissions them, saying, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you.” The mission continues. May it be so with us.

Prayer: Lord God, so much drives these events – fear, jealousy, deceit, betrayal, manipulation, insecurity. And then there is Jesus: obedient, faithful, courageous, humble. He remains above the house and the evil around him. In the end there is victory over evil and over death. The mission is given and it continues. Guide and strengthen us, O God, to walk as Jesus walked, carrying the good news to the ends of the earth. Amen.


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Receive Your Reward

Daniel 12:1 – “At that time, every one of your people who is found written in the scroll will be rescued.”

Today we read Daniel’s visions. These difficult and challenging words carry both a historical meaning and they speak into future times as well. In the historical sense, these words deal largely with Antiochus IV, a Greek king who heavily persecuted the Israelites. His reign brought the first known attempt by a political ruler to wipe out a religion. The historical time frame is 176-164 BCE. These words come much later than Daniel 1-6, set around 400 BCE.

Daniel’s first vision is of four beasts. These kingdoms will rise and fall. All will impact God’s people. But in the end, “the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingship.” In the end, God will triumph. The fourth, the most evil, represents Antiochus. The 3 1/2 years lines up with his actual reign, as do the wars fought with the “southern king” – Egypt.

Daniel’s second vision of the ram and he-goat are about Persia/Media and the Greeks/Alexander the Great. As strong and powerful and dominant as Alexander will be, his kingdom is divided into four smaller, weaker kingdoms. This vision is followed by Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9. His humble words of confession and repentance move heaven. Gabriel is sent. He affirms Daniel as “greatly treasured” but also confirms the persecution soon to come upon God’s faithful.

Chapter 10 offers insight into another battlefront – the heavenly conflict. Michael helped in the battle against Persia’s powers so that the messenger could get to Daniel. Chapter 11 is some review – the battles between Antiochus and Ptolemy III of Egypt. It is about the persecution the people of God will face too. They are assured that this too will end.

Chapter 12 closes the book of Daniel with words of hope, with words of resurrection and rescue. The messenger speaks of the faithful who “will shine like the stars forever and ever.” In the end, Daniel is also encouraged. He’s told that he “will rest and will stand to receive your reward.” He too will be a part of this glorious eternity. May we also persevere through the challenges, remaining humbly faithful, trusting in God’s power to rescue and redeem.

Prayer: Lord God, as we read these words that the people of God lived through, we too are reminded of the lasting nature of evil. Antiochus wasn’t the first or the last to persecute the faithful. More came. More are yet to come. Lord, lead us to walk in faith, humbling turning to you, the only one with the power to save and rescue. Amen.