pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Great Reward

Reading: Psalm 19:7-14

Psalm 19:11 – “No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them [God’s law]; there is great reward in keeping them.“

Moving into the second half of this week’s Psalm we move into David’s love of God’s word. Through the instruction, guidance, and commands found in the Bible, God seeks to order human behavior in ways that are loving, just, compassionate, kind, merciful, and joyful. Earlier this week we spent time with the Ten Commandments. These ten laws are amongst the best known commands in the scriptures. These words of God and the rest of God’s words found throughout the scriptures seek to lead and guide us to live day by day in right relationship with God and with one another.

For David, God’s laws are “perfect… right… pure… correct… true… more desirable than gold.” It is so for David because of how following God’s laws affect him and his life. For David, God’s laws are “reviving… gladdening… giving light… sweeter than honey.” David offers this great summary statement in verse 11: “No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them [God’s law]; there is great reward in keeping them.” When we delve into God’s word, when we mine the scriptures for wisdom, strength, comfort, grace, guidance, direction… we too are “enlightened” and we also find “great reward.” The reward magnifies when we strive to live out these instructions in our daily lives. It is good and it is a blessing because God’s word leads us to live in right relationships with God and with one another.

Psalm 19 closes with a prayer that is offered regularly in worship, maybe in a slightly different translation or phrasing. But the spirit of these words remains. This can also be a prayer that we offer over each of our days. We close today with these words: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, while there are many laws and many different examples of faithfulness in the scriptures, all hinge on a simple idea: love. So lead us to make love our first thought. May it begin with a deep love for you and your ways. And then may it extend to one another. Amen.


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Closer to God, Closer to One Another

Reading: Exodus 20:7-9

Exodus 20:7 – “Do not use the Lord your God’s name as if it were of no significance.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Turning to the third and fourth commandment today, we begin with this: “Do not use the Lord your God’s name as if it were of no significance.” The more familiar translation warns us against using God’s name “in vain.” Along these lines, we can use God’s name in an inappropriate way when we hit our thumb with a hammer or when someone cuts us off in traffic. A similar misuse can slip right out when we’re really angry or frustrated. I like today’s translation because it also reminds me that I can also use God’s name in other ways that are not honoring to God. For example, a phrase like “I swear to God” falls into this category.

But the greatest and most significant way that we misuse the name of God is when we put our name in the place of God’s name. When I assume that I am in control or when I am sure that I know what is right, I’m taking a place that is not mine to take. When I judge or think others are less than or are unworthy, I am going where I should not go. When and how do you act like God or take a role that is God’s to fill?

The fourth commandment helps us in this struggle. (And in our struggles with 1, 2, and 5-10!) Number four instructs us to set a day aside for God. The Sabbath is to be a day of rest and worship, of reflection and renewal. Setting aside a day for God provides time for thanksgiving and for introspection. The weekly practice of evaluating our walk with God and with one another is a vital tool for growing in our relationships with God and with one another. Whether it is Sunday or another day, may we use our holy day to draw closer to God and, in turn, closer to one another.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of who you are and of who we are not. As we remember, may our humility grow and may our selfishness decrease. Turn us to you on a regular basis, speaking into our heart by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit’s power, encourage us and convict us, lift us up and refine us. In all of these ways, may our lives then bring you all the glory. Amen.


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Generous

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Matthew 20:16 – “So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.”

Returning to the parable of the workers in the vineyard, today we focus on the landowner’s response to the grumbling of those who thought they were first. The landowner reminds them first of their agreement. They are asked to take what is theirs and to go. The landowner asserts that it is their right to give as they want to give. The parable itself ends with this question: “Or are you resentful because I’m generous?” As I read this ending today, I am reminded of connections to these stories of Jesus: the story of the rich man and Lazarus and the story of the thief on the cross.

Shifting from story teller to teacher, Jesus says, “So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.” The ones who think they deserve more grace, more of God’s love, a better place at the table… will be and often are upset, disappointed, saddened when someone who hasn’t been as faithful, who hasn’t served as much, or who is clearly a greater sinner receives the same grace, love, forgiveness… from God. It is hard to reckon in our human hearts and minds that such as these might need to be lifted from “last” more than those who already know and receive God’s love…

There is also a call for us to be more like the landowner. In this life there are times when we can be generous with our money or with our time, talents, and other resources. Surely we’ll help a good friend in a time of need. But are we as quick to help that grumpy neighbor or that ornery co-worker? These who we see as “last” maybe should be “first” when it comes to the living out of our faith. And this would not primarily be for their benefit.

Prayer: Lord God, we are quick to receive when you love, forgive, encourage, or lift us up. We’re even grateful when a family member or good friend receives from you. Help us to be at least as grateful when one considered the least is also blessed. And with this gratitude, lead us to be generous with our love, grace, forgiveness… Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Comparing and Contrasting

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Matthew 20:12 – “These who were hired last worked one hour, and they received the same pay as we did even though we had to work the whole day in the hot sun.”

We end our week with the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The story begins with a landowner hiring workers at 6 am. It is harvest time, so extra workers are needed. He agrees to pay them a denarion for a day’s labor – 12 hours. As work progresses throughout the day, the landowner keeps thinking he needs a few more workers to complete the harvest. So at 9 am, noon, 3 pm, and even at 5 pm he hires more workers. The landowner agrees to pay each group “whatever is right.” Some will work 9 hours, some 6, some 3, and some will work just 1 hour.

The work day ends and the landowner instructs his manager to give the workers their wages – starting with those who worked one hour. They and everybody else receives a denarion. Only the workers who actually agreed to work for a denarion are upset about their pay. They grumble against the landowner, saying, “These who were hired last worked one hour, and they received the same pay as we did even though we had to work the whole day in the hot sun.” This seems so unfair, so unjust in their minds.

At times we too can struggle with the grace, generosity, love… that God gives to others. By comparison we think we are more faithful, harder working, and, therefore, are more deserving of these free gifts from God. We grumble – always to ourselves and sometimes to God – about how unfair or unjust it all is. In these moments, may we remember that we are all on our own unique journeys of faith and that we all receive just what we need from our loving, generous, good God.

Prayer: Lord God, in those moments when we are tempted to compare and contrast ourselves with others, remind us first that we have an audience of one: you. And then remind us, O God, of the abundant love, grace, mercy, and more that you abundantly pour into our lives. Amen.


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The Pointed Question

Reading: Romans 14:1-6

Romans 14:5b – “Each person must have their own convictions.”

As human beings, we are taught early on that the best is the most important. On the playground, children run races to see who is the fastest. In the classroom, students look around to see who got the highest score on the spelling quiz or math test. This continues. Who is the lead violin in the school orchestra or the starting quarterback on the football team? What college did you get into? And it continues. Who got the promotion? Who has the newest, greatest cell phone? What neighborhood do you live in? Sadly, we learn quite well how to judge, categorize, and label.

Apparently this was the reality of Paul’s day in the church in Rome. (And very likely everywhere else.) Jews and Gentiles came together to form new Christian faith communities. Some brought Jewish dietary practices with them. Others did not. Some honored the Sabbath – Saturday. Others honored the Lord’s day – Sunday. The judging, categorizing, and labeling kicked in. This led to “my way is right” thinking – and is therefore better. So… your way is less than, wrong…

Paul asks this pointed question: “Who are you to judge…?” He then reminds those in the Roman church that they will all stand before the Lord. The same is true for us. The apostle then adds, “Each person must have their own convictions.” This remains an important thing to remember today. As we grow and mature in our faith, what is holy and good and just grows too. An “acceptable” behavior is no longer acceptable as we grow in Christ. Our convictions mature. We all grow and mature at different rates and in different ways. May we remember love and grace not only for others, but also for ourselves.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to love and see and act with love and grace. Lead us to encourage others, to lift others up. And when we’re tempted to judge… remind us that we stand before you too – both daily in this life and one day in the life to come. Amen.


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One Person at a Time

Reading: Exodus 1:15-22 and 2:1-10

Exodus 1:17 – “Now the two midwives respected God so they didn’t obey the Egyptian king’s order.”

Coming back to Exodus 1, we read the rest of the story today. The Israelites continue to grow in number, in spite of Pharaoh’s attempts to lessen them. In today’s reading Pharaoh calls in two Hebrew midwives and tells them to kill all babies born male. They do not follow orders: “Now the two midwives respected God so they didn’t obey the Egyptian king’s order.” Called back in and questioned, Shiphrah and Puah outsmart Pharaoh. They trusted in God’s power and God made a way.

Pharaoh comes up with a new plan: incite the Egyptians against the Israelites. He instructs his people to throw every Hebrew boy baby into the river. Pharaoh counts on those feelings of disgust and dread, stirring them up and giving them an outlet with his cruel edict. For at least one Hebrew baby boy, this plan fails too.

At the start of chapter 2 a boy is born. His mother hid him for three months. No longer able to do so, she places him in a tar-coated basket and puts it in the river. His sister watches over it and when Pharaoh’s own daughter sees the baby, Miriam offers to find someone to nurse the baby. She risks much, offering a plan that goes against the edict. The princess, moved by compassion, agrees to the plan, also risking much. Moses’ life is saved. These women who used the power available to them stood for life. Through their bold actions, they thwarted Pharaoh’s plan – at least for one boy. In most of our lives, this is how we use our power too. With our words and actions we can make a great difference – one person at a time. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for these examples of women who risked much for what was right and good. Give us the same faith, the same compassion. Help us to see the opportunities you give us to stand and speak for all that is good and right and just. Empower us just as you empowered these women. Amen.


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What Truly Contaminates

Reading: Matthew 15:10-20

Matthew 15:18 – “What goes out of the mouth comes from the heart. And that’s what contaminates a person in God’s sight.”

Heart in Fire and Water Isolated on Black Background. Computer Graphics.

Leviticus 11 through 15 contain the laws of Moses that deal with being clean (or unclean if you break a law.) Many of the laws in these five chapters were concerned with keeping healthy. Eating certain foods, for example, in a time without refrigeration often led to illness. So… do not eat pork. Since five chapters worth of dietary and other cleanliness laws were not enough, the religious leaders added more over time.

“Wash your hands before eating” was one of them. This rule is not found anywhere in the Law. But this manmade rule had power in Jesus’ day. His disciples had just eaten without washing their hands, breaking “the elder’s rules handed down to us.” Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ criticism by quoting from Isaiah 29, where the prophet speaks about “empty worship.”

In verses 10-20 Jesus addresses and explains what truly contaminates or makes a person “unclean.” To be unclean is to be separated from God. He declares that it is NOT what we put into our mouth that matters. Food just comes out and goes into the sewer. However, “What goes out of the mouth comes from the heart. And that’s what contaminates a person in God’s sight.” What comes out of our mouth matters. And that all comes from the heart. It is in the heart that one finds the sources of sin: “evil thoughts… sexual sins… false testimony… insults.” These are some of the things that have the power to “contaminate” or to make us unclean before God.

Jesus is talking about what John Wesley would later call “personal holiness.” If we practice personal holiness (or holiness of the heart,) then we walk in right relationship with God. And if we walk in a right relationship with God, then we tend to walk in right relationships with one another. Living out our social holiness, we do not harm others. Instead, we do good and practice love, mercy, grace, compassion… And what flows from the mouth is good and pleasing to the Lord our God. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, empower us to look deep within our own hearts. Give us the strength and the courage to root out those things that can separate us from you, leading us to then treat others as “less than.” Transform our hearts and lives, O Lord, filling us with love and grace and compassion and mercy. Then, may these flow from our hearts and may they be upon our lips. 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.


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Filled with God’s Presence

Reading: Psalm 17:3-7 and 15

Psalm 17:15 – “But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.”

Returning to Psalm 17 today, David declares his faithfulness. God has examined him and found David’s lips to be without sin. He is living a devout life. David’s feet walk in God’s ways, “firmly on your paths.” As we come before God, whether with our daily petitions or with heartfelt cries for justice and protection, we too are to come before God as people who are right with God.

David’s situation is difficult. He cries out to his faithful God and needs God to respond “now.” David needs to experience God’s love in “amazing ways.” As he seeks refuge from his attackers, David takes refuge in God alone, trusting solely in God’s “strong hand.” There is a deep faith in God. The rescue that has come again and again will surely come through once more. Now would be good, Lord!

When we’ve experienced injustice (or violence or oppression or slander or…) we too must trust our lives to God. And, yes, if we’re honest, we too would like God to listen, see, and respond yesterday. So we can relate to how David feels. But he does not stay there. In verse 15 we read, “But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.” Whatever the outcome and whenever it happens, David will walk in righteousness. He will choose to have clean lips and to walk in God’s ways. He will do and say what is right. And because of this, each day he will be filled with God’s presence. Each day he will behold the face of God. Living this way, the things of this world will still happen at times. But God will be with us in the middle of all things. God will see us through. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in difficult times we want you to swoop in and rescue us. No one likes to suffer. Yet, sometimes we must – when it is according to your plans. Because then there is a purpose. Help us to trust into you, O Lord, especially when it is hard. Walk with us through the hard things. Be with us always. Amen.

https://bible.com/bible/37/psa.17.15.CEB