pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Grace and Mercy

Reading: Matthew 1:18-19

Matthew 1:18 – “When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph… she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit.”

Today we enter into the miracle of the incarnation. Matthew’s gospel starts with a geneology, beginning with Abraham. Moving through three cycles of 14 generations each, we arrive at Jesus. Matthew’s birth story begins in verse 18. It is fairly succinct, mostly factual. In the opening verse we read, When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph… she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit.” Pretty factual, until we get to the last four words: “by the Holy Spirit.” These words take us from factual to 100% mystery. This mystery and miracle is no better understood today than it was when it happened. Yet we can relate to this mystery. When a child is born, yes, we understand the process, the medical and physical facts of a birth. Even so, there is a mystery felt when a child draws that first breath and utters a cry.

In the next verse we learn a bit about Joseph, the “father.” First and foremost he is “righteous.” This designation is backed up in other gospels. Jesus is circumcised and named in accordance with the Law. Joseph and family travel to attend the requisite religious festivals. But righteousness is more than just checking off the correct boxes. Joseph’s decision to “call off their engagement quietly” is full of grace and mercy. Here is where Joseph’s true righteousness trumps his devotion to the Law. There is no asterisk in the Law about unwed pregnancies by the Holy Spirit. Joseph chooses grace and mercy, not humiliation and punishment. Although not physically Jesus’ father, here we see in Joseph two of Jesus’ greatest characteristics: grace and mercy. May we too choose grace and mercy.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the mystery of Jesus’ birth and for the mystery felt in all births. In these moments we sense and feel your holy presence. And thank you for your mystery working in us when we choose grace and mercy, even when norms or laws dictate otherwise. In this choice, you are revealed to us and to the world once more. Amen.


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For the Glory of God

Reading: Isaiah 7:14-16

Isaiah 7:14 – “The Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.”

Reading on in Isaiah 7, the prophet tells God’s people that God will give them a sign. As their world is filled with fear and worry about their future, God promises what we all long for in times of trial and hardship: a sign that God is present. Early in our own walks of faith we learn that life as a disciples of Jesus Christ isn’t always rosy and perfect. We also come to know that God is still with us even when life isn’t all sunshine and hugs. Yet at times, we can doubt or question God’s presence. After a long civil war, with rising threats from afar drawing nearer, Judah questions God’s presence. To hear that God will give a sign that God is still with them, that brings hope to God’s people. We too experience hope when God’s presence is made real in a word, in a note, in a door opening…

The sign that God will give is this: “The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.” From the Christian viewpoint, we read this as Jesus. During the writing of the Septuagint, “young woman” was changed to “virgin” to better align this verse with other messianic texts. In the original Hebrew, “young woman” is the most accurate translation. At the time of Isaiah’s ministry, the people of God would hear these words pointing to a just and righteous king, to one who would restore all of Israel to its days of glory – a new King David. These hope-inspiring words will one day be fulfilled. “Immanuel,” God with us, will be born. He will be named Jesus. Through the incarnation, Jesus will reveal what it looks like to live for the glory of God. Setting the example, Jesus invites us to follow his example. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the sign that is so clear and so obvious. Thank you for coming in the flesh, for living among us, for showing us what it looks like for God to be present with us. Leaving this example, you call us to follow your example, being God’s presence to the world. Strengthen and encourage us, O God, so that we can be faithful in our walk of faith, bringing you the glory through all that we do and say and think. Amen.


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Bless God, Bless the World

Reading: Psalm 72:1-7 and 18-19

Psalm 72:19 – “Bless God’s glorious name forever; let his glory fill all the earth!”

Our reading today returns to Psalm 72, adding verses 18-19 to the verses that we read on Monday. In verses 1-7 the psalmist prayed for a just king to reign with righteousness and equity. This kind of leadership would lead to flourishing and peace for all people. These verses cast a vision for an ideal leader. In this kingdom, all people would be blessed.

The direction and tone and example that our leaders give and set often help determine our words, actions, and thoughts. In a small group meeting, for example, if the leader is welcoming and open to many different ideas, then people contribute and collaborate and share freely. The outcome or product is better because all involved take ownership. This becomes increasingly important the larger the group or the more elevated the platform. Negative or greedy or power-hungry or non-inclusive leaders tend to bring out these things in those they are trying to lead, limiting cooperation and involvement.

While leadership sets the direction, tone… we still have a choice in how we will act, speak, and think. The still, small voice of the Holy Spirit is key in these situations. If we will but listen, the Spirit will lead and guide. This is especially important when the leader is not aligned with the will and way of God’s justice and peace. In the moment, maybe holding our tongue is best. Or maybe it is speaking up to change the direction, tone… It might be a private conversation with the leader or it might be to help guide the way to find a new leader. Each of us, in our own way, are called to be a part of creating a more just and peaceful world. When we each play our part, we are fulfilling verse 19: “Bless God’s glorious name forever; let his glory fill all the earth!”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us. When we are in leadership positions – large or small – may your Holy Spirit help us to lead in ways that are just and right, that encourage cooperation and build community. And when we find ourselves straying from these ideals or when we find ourselves under leaders who are less than you call us to be, may the Spirit work within us to guide our words, actions, and thoughts in ways that bless your name, thereby blessing our world. Amen.


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A Kingdom of Justice and Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 72:1-7

Psalm 72:2 – “Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice.”

Psalm 72 is a prayer for the long reign of a just and righteous king. It is a prayer for a king who will rule as God’s representative here on earth. These words of Solomon were likely written when he was living closest to this vision of an ideal king. Like his father David, considered Israel’s greatest king, Solomon had many failures during his reign. Only one king has been and ever will be truly just and righteous: Jesus.

In verse 2 we get a glimpse into what the “ideal” king will be like. Here we read, “Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice.” Under this kind of leader there will be peace in the land. This peace is not founded on military power or dominance. It is founded upon lifting up the poor and needy while “crushing” any who seek to oppress. Today this would involve dismantling systems that oppress and take advantage of those on the margins. It would remove power from the hands of those who seek to lord power over others purely for personal gain.

Under a just and righteous king there would be abundance and flourishing for all people. To ensure this, a just and righteous king would act for the good of the poor and marginalized, exhibiting God’s heart for “the least of these.” These actions would naturally place such a king in opposition to the greedy and power-hungry. The kingdoms of this would did and do struggle with the establishment of a kingdom of justice and righteousness. It is a kingdom not of this world. It is a kingdom where Christ the king reigns. O God, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we long for the day when the kingdoms of this world crumble to dust as Jesus returns in glory. As we long, we also wait. As we wait, O God, may it be an active waiting. Use us day by day to be builders of a more just and righteous world. May the story of our lives tell the story of your coming kingdom. Amen.


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Obedience and Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 119:137-144

Psalm 119:144 – “Your laws are righteous forever. Help me understand so I can live!”

In today’s portion of Psalm 119, the psalmist focuses on God’s righteousness. This is one of God’s enduring, unchanging characteristics. In verse 139 we read, “Lord, you are righteous, and your rules are right.” There is a sure connection laid out here. Because God is righteous, all things that comes from God are right, true, tried and tested, and completely trustworthy. The psalmist declares to God that he or she “loves your word.”

These truths are important for the psalmist. As he or she writes, life is not easy. The author feels “insignificant and unpopular.” It feels as if all of those causing the “stress and strain” are like enemies, like people who have completely forgotten God’s Law. This causes anger to rise up in the psalmist. Yet stronger still is their trust in God and in God’s righteousness in particular. The psalmist knows that these truths will endure forever, long after the current hardship passes. Rooting their hope in this fact brings joy even in the midst of the trial.

Today’s reading is in the “Tsade” section of this acrostic Psalm. The Hebrew letter itself is formed from the Hebrew letters Nun and Yod. In the image above the Nun is on the left and bottom. It is bent slightly to represent a humble servant bent in humble submission before God. The Yod is the upper right portion, representing an arm being lifted towards heaven in prayer. Together these images connect obedience and righteousness. Together, the psalmist’s faithful obedience combined with God’s righteousness yields joy and hope in the psalmist’s life. May it be so with you and with me as well.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your enduring righteousness and in your constant presence in our lives. In the trials, whisper your love into our hearts, drawing us closer to you. In the storms, put your arms around us, assuring us, bringing us strength, helping us to walk in obedient faith and sure trust. Amen.


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Make Some Noise

Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4

Habakkuk 1:2 – “Lord, how long will I call for help and you not listen?”

We begin the week with two days in Habakkuk. Today we begin in chapter 1, where the prophet brings his complaint before God. In verse 2 we read, “Lord, how long will I call for help and you not listen?” The wicked Babylonians are growing in power and are moving in Judah’s direction. The prophet sees the injustice and idolatry prevalent in Judah. The prophet questions the collision course that seems to have been set in motion by God. In light of all this, the prophet asks the “How long…?” question.

Living in the last years of Judah’s existence before defeat and exile, Habakkuk sees a lot of injustice in the land. The wealthy and powerful have turned from God and the Law. They are causing harm to God’s faithful, to those trying to live righteously. This creates the violence, strife, and anguish that the prophet names. To Habakkuk, this warping of justice us not right. God must act.

Habakkuk offers us a model, a way to address injustice in our time. In our world today there is surely injustice. As just one example, some children are living in war zones and others are living in places of great poverty. Both lack the basics needed for daily life as God intends it to be: food, shelter, water, health care, education. Often those in power dismiss the injustices done to these suffering innocents as collateral damage or as the price to pay for some “greater good.” Habakkuk saw the injustice in his land and he cried out to God, getting God’s attention, asking God to do something about the injustices. May we too make some noise today, joining a long line of saints who have stood for what is right and just. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we do not have to look far or for too long to see injustice in our world. Lord, yes, move our hearts and lips to action, calling on you to act, calling out those who cause injustice. And, God, move our hands and feet to action when we can be a part of the answer to our prayers and cries against injustice. Amen.


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Three Questions

Reading: 2nd Timothy 4:6-8

2nd Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

In verses 6-8 Paul is reflecting on his life of service to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He begins by noting that his life has been “poured out like a sacrifice to God.” What a beautiful image this is. It is a great way to illustrate what it is to love God with all of our mind, heart, soul, and strength. These words make me pause and ask: Am I allowing myself to be poured out in this way?

In the next verse Paul offers one of his best one-verse gems: “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” Paul has stayed at it, both during the good days and the really hard days, always remaining faithful to his Lord. He has walked the long, slow, steady walk of faith, drawing near to the end of a life well lived. Paul looks forward to receiving the “champion’s wreath” given to the righteous. A second question: Can I truly say these things of my life and the way that I live it?

Paul concludes this farewell reflection with words of encouragement to Timothy and to all who will read and meditate on these words. He reminds us that all people can receive this “award.” Paul states that it will be given to “all who have set their heart on waiting for his [Jesus’] appearance.” Whether in this life or in the life to come, have I set my heart upon seeing Jesus? A good third question to ponder.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul is a great example of faith. He did so much for you, bringing so many to the faith. Maybe this is what you have in store for us. Or maybe it is just living daily with a heart set on loving you and loving those you send our way. Whatever your plans, great or small, Lord help us to walk daily with you, slow and steady, faithful and true. Thank you, God. Amen.


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There Is a Plan

Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4 and 2:1-4

Habakkuk 2:2 – “I will keep watch to see what the Lord says to me, and how he will respond to my complaint.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

The prophet Habakkuk receives a vision from God. He then has a dialogue with God that mostly centers on the age-old question: Why does God allow the righteous to suffer while the wicked prosper? Habakkuk wonders how and even why God would use Babylon as a part of God’s plan. This wondering leads the prophet to question how the righteous might face and live faithfully under evil’s domination.

Our reading begins with, “How long…?” This frequent refrain questions why God is not listening to Habakkuk’s cry for help. The violence, devestation, and injustices are all around. God’s instruction is ineffective. The wicked act unjustly, warping justice. From his human perspective, what is happening to Israel makes no sense. What is perhaps worse is the fact that God seems to be orchestrating all of it. At times we can feel this way too when we are in the midst of a season of trial or suffering.

Jumping to chapter 2, God has responded to Habakkuk and he has again questioned how a good and just God could use an evil, pagan nation to save Israel from its sins. Following this interchange, the prophet declares that he will wait for an answer. There is a trust in his decision. In verse 2 we read, “I will keep watch to see what the Lord says to me, and how he will respond to my complaint.” In spite of all that is going on around him, Habakkuk will wait for God to make sense of the present reality. God then offers a vision. There is a plan. Evil will not reign forever. God says to Habakkuk and to us, “wait for it; for it is surely coming…” God is in control. Trust God. And while you wait, God adds, “the righteous person will live honestly.” Even in the midst of evil and injustice, walk the walk of faith. Yes, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when we find ourselves where Habakkuk was, deep in the valley, darkness and evil all around, remind us that you are forever and that you are in control. We know that you are eternally good and just. Help us to trust into, to lean into, to live out these truths. Empower us to always be faithful to you alone. Amen.


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In the Small and in the All

Reading: Luke 16:10-13

Luke 16:10 – “Whoever is faithful with little is also faithful with much, and the one who is dishonest with little is also dishonest with much.”

As we wrap up our passage from Luke 16, Jesus focuses in on our honesty with God and with ourselves. In verse 10 Jesus says that it all matters – from the small decisions that no one else sees to the biggest decisions that can impact a lot of other people. If we are faithful to God in all of the little ways – in how we see others, in our thoughts, in the things that we do in private – then it will become second nature to be faithful in the bigger moments of life. But if we are sinful in our private moments then it will be much harder to suddenly be righteous in the times that really matter.

It can be said that as followers of Christ we are “in the world but not of the world.” We live in the world every day but we truly belong to God. As we live out our days, do we strive to remain faithful to God’s will and way or do we chase after wealth and other things that the world treasures? In this process we use the gifts and talents that God gave us either to build God’s kingdom or to accumulate and gather wealth, status, and accomplishments for ourselves. Where we invest our time, energy, gifts, and resources reveals which master we are serving – God or the world.

An honest assessment of how we invest these things quickly reveals if we are serving and loving God or if we are serving and loving the world. Jesus is blunt: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” One of these fills our hearts with light and love, with hope and grace. The other leaves us ultimately with empty hands and empty hearts. May we daily choose to serve and love the Lord our God, being faithful in the small and in the all.

Prayer: Lord God, we beg you to walk with us moment by moment, being present in the thousands and thousands of decisions that we make daily. Keep whispering your guidance and direction into our hearts, keep nudging us to walk your path in the world. Guard our hearts and minds against the great temptations of wealth and success and power and popularity. Help us to choose to be faithful to you alone again and again and again and… Amen.


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Glory Revealed

Reading: Psalm 79:6-9

Psalm 79:8 – “Don’t remember the iniquities of past generations; let your compassion hurry to meet us because we’ve been brought so low.”

Photo credit: Tobias Rademacher

As we continue in Psalm 79 today the psalmist asks God to redirect the anger of God that burns like fire. The plea is made to “pour out” that fire on the pagan nations – those that have “devoured” God’s people and have ransacked the land. Then there is a shift. In verse 8 the psalmist prays, “Don’t remember the iniquities of past generations; let your compassion hurry to meet us because we’ve been brought so low.” The psalmist is part of a very, very small segment of the Israelites that remained true to God. It was other’s sins that brought God’s wrath on Israel, in the form of Babylonian conquest.

At this lowest point, living fully in the tragedy, the psalmist still chooses faithfulness and hope in God. To choose otherwise will fracture or possibly remove all faith. There are times when we are negatively affected by past or by systemic or by societal sin. The division in our nation is a good example. Choosing to dwell in and to fuel the fires of “us” versus “them” at every opportunity is living and acting in ways counter to the loving and unifying way of Christ. In this current climate we can choose prayer and God’s presence or we can allow the tide to sweep us along down that evil path.

In verse 9 the psalmist cries out for God’s salvation, deliverance, and forgiveness. These are all found in relationship with God. These are gifts of God that we can receive no matter what is happening in the world around us. While pain and suffering and hardship may come, in prayer we can experience God’s compassion, love, mercy, grace… These gifts of God empower us to remain faithful and to live righteous lives in the midst of this broken world. This is how the glory of God will be revealed. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when the brokenness of this world feels overwhelming, when the tide feels like it will surely pull us under, help us to feel your hand reaching out. Gently guide us to step into your presence, prayerfully deepening our relationship with you. In that place, pour out your hope and strength upon us, empowering us to be light and love in the darkness of our world. Amen.