pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: righteous


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One in Christ

Reading: Mark 1-3

Mark 2:17 – “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Mark’s gospel moves along quickly, often presenting what feels like shortened versions of lots of the stories we read in Matthew. Although written after and based upon Mark’s gospel, I think Matthew’s is placed first in the New Testament because it gives details that inform our reading of Mark.

John the Baptist begins the story. Jesus is an adult. John calls people to a baptism that shows they are changing their hearts and lives. He tells of Jesus, “one stronger than I,” of one who will baptize not with water but “with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is then baptized by John, hears God’s words of love and affirmation, and it tempted in the wilderness. John is arrested and Jesus gets to work, declaring that God’s kingdom is here, so change your hearts and lives. Jesus then calls the first disciples, heals a demoniac and Simon’s mother-in-law, preaches, and heals a leper. That’s all in chapter 1!

We slow down slightly in chapters 2 and 3. Jesus begins to interact with the religious leaders. Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins, prompting muttering from the religious leaders. He heals the man next, showing he has authority over sin. He eats with tax collectors and other sinners after calling Levi (also known as Matthew.) In response to the religious leaders grumbling about this, Jesus tells them, “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” Then the religious leaders question Jesus’ about his disciples not fasting. Jesus tells them the disciples will when he is gone. For now, though, Jesus is here to do a new thing, to offer a new understanding of how to live a holy and righteous life.

Then there is conflict around the Sabbath. Jesus declares that the Sabbath is about doing good and drawing closer to God. The religious leaders begin to plan how to kill Jesus. Jesus then calls the 12 and appoints them to be with him, to preach, and to cast out demons. After clearing up which side he is on (it’s not Satan’s), Jesus claims that his followers are his true family, his one community. One in Christ, we too are one with each other. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are rooted and bound together in your love. That love leads, guides, flavors, influences our relationships with one another. As we seek to build your kingdom here on earth, draw us deeper and deeper into your love. Amen.


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The Banquet

Reading: Matthew 22-23

Matthew 22:21 – “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Chapter 22 begins with a parable about God’s kingdom. The scene is a wedding party for the king’s son. Proper guests are first invited. But they refuse to come. Then all people are invited – the good and the bad. The banquet hall is filled. But one enters who isn’t prepared to be there. He is removed and thrown into the deepest darkness. Those who were invited first represent the religious leaders and all Jews who refused to accept God’s son as Lord and Savior. The man represents those who say they follow Jesus but really live for self.

Jesus is asked about paying taxes. After examining the coin he declares, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” We are to be good and responsible citizens and faithful followers of God. Jesus clarifies the order when asked about the greatest commandment. First, we are to love God with all that we are. The second is to love neighbor as self. We are to first be faithful followers of God and then to be good and responsible neighbors.

In chapter 23 Jesus condemns the hypocritical ways of the legal experts and the Pharisees. They pile Law upon Law, rule upon rule, on the people but don’t lift a finger to help them in their walk of faith. By contrast, we recall Jesus’ yoke is easy and the burden light. The legal experts and Pharisees love to be seen and noticed. But the “greatest among you” will become the servant. They give a tenth of their spices but ignore justice, peace, and faith. They look great and righteous on the outside but are “full of pretense and rebellion” in their hearts. They refuse to come to the wedding banquet.

There is lament to close out today’s reading. Just as their ancestors abused and killed the prophets, so too will they abuse and kill Jesus, the disciples, the apostles… Jesus longs to gather Jerusalem as a “hen gathers her chicks.” They refuse. They too will not enter the wedding banquet.

Prayer: Lord God, as we read these words today we reflect now on the condition of our hearts. Do we love you with all our being? Is this reflected in how we love neighbor, in how we practice justice, peace, and mercy? Have we truly become part of your kingdom? Or do we just have one foot inside the banquet hall? Lord, help us all. Amen.


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Worthy of the Kingdom

Reading: Matthew 9-10

Matthew 10:22 – “Everyone will hate you on account of my name. But whoever stands firm until the end will be saved.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Chapter 9 is mostly about the healings that Jesus brought to people. There is the calling of Matthew too and the questioning of why Jesus ate with “tax collectors and sinners.” Chapter 10 shifts first to the calling and sending of the 12. The chapter ends with the realities of the cost of discipleship. This was and still is a reality for the followers of Jesus.

Chapter 9 begins with the healing of a paralyzed man. Jesus begins by forgiving his sins. This is just a means to draw in the “legal experts,” to prove that Jesus has the power to forgive sins and to heal sicknesses. Jesus then calls Matthew, saying, “Follow me.” Later, at dinner, the Pharisees question Jesus’ choice of table mates. He declares, “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” As the chapter continues, Jesus heals five more people and Matthew closes with a summary of Jesus’ early ministry. Jesus taught and healed, announcing the good news of the kingdom. The chapter closes with a lament: the harvest is huge but the workers are few. Jesus encourages his disciples to “plead” with God for workers.

Chapter 10 begins with God’s response. The 12 are called and given authority to cast out demons and to heal diseases. They are then sent out to “the lost sheep… of Israel.” The disciples are to go without anything, relying on worthy people to take them in. They will bless these homes. If no one is found worthy in a place, the disciples will move on.

Starting in verse 16, Jesus begins to detail the cost of discipleship. The 12 go out as “sheep among wolves.” They will be arrested and beaten. But the Spirit will be with them and in their words. Jesus says, “Everyone will hate you on account of my name. But whoever stands firm until the end will be saved.” Families will come apart and turn on one another because Jesus did not “come to bring peace but sword.” The disciples are encouraged to “pick up their cross” as they follow Jesus. Doing so, they will be counted as worthy in the kingdom of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, send us out as workers, fully cognizant of the cost of discipleship and fully aware of your Spirit’s presence with us. Lord, use us to bring healing and wholeness to others, encouraging them with the good news of your kingdom through us and our ministries. Strengthen and empower us as we too seek to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Amen.


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“I Do Not Change”

Reading: Malachi 3-4

Malachi 3:10b – “See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.”

Today we close out the Old Testament as we read Malachi 3 and 4. Some of the words today point to the Messiah. Chapter 3 begins with a prophecy about a messenger that will come to “clear the path.” Then suddenly the Lord will be in the temple. How Simeon and Anna rejoice on that day! This covenant Messiah will be like a refiner and cleaner. The priests will be purified. He will testify against the sorcerers, adulterers, cheaters, oppressors. He will call out those who ignore the foreigners in their midst and those who do not really revere God. The section closes with this declaration: “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Jesus will be God in the flesh – no more, no less.

Beginning in verse 7 we return to the disputes between God and Israel. God invites them to return to God. They ask, “How?” God tells them step 1 is to return to giving the full tithe. This is a step of faith and trust, as it is for us today. God challenges them (and us), saying, “Put me to the test.” Step up and see what happens. Continuing, God proclaims, “See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.”

The next dispute centered on harsh things being said about God. They think serving God is useless. As evidence they point to the evil people who are prospering. They “test God and escape.” Instead of responding directly, God turns to the righteous few. They revere God. They drew close to God. They will be God’s “special possession” when God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. The arrogant and evil will burn like straw on that day. The “sun of righteousness” will rise on the faithful, bringing healing in its wings.

The book ends with God declaring, “Look, I am sending Elijah.” The second Elijah will come to clear the path before the “great and terrifying day of the Lord.” God invites Israel to turn the hearts of parents and children to one another. This will avoid the curse and will prepare them for the refining arrival of the Lord. We dive into that tomorrow as we begin our journey through the New Testament.

Prayer: Lord God, you do not change. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your heart for the least flowed throughout the Hebrew scriptures. Sometimes this was for your people. And sometimes it was for “the other.” In Jesus, your heart for the least and the other was revealed as he loved such as these. You invite us to be your heart, to be Jesus’ heart, to love the least. May it be so. Amen.


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Trust in God, Wait with Hope

Reading: Habakkuk 1-3

Habakkuk 3:2 – “LORD, I have heard your reputation. I have seen your work. Over time, revive it. Over time, make it known.”

Habakkuk has a chat with God. The chat revolves around why God allows the righteous to suffer while the wicked prosper. Habakkuk struggles to understand how a good God could allow such evil to exist. We continue to wrestle with these struggles today.

The book begins with a question: “Lord, how long will I call for help and you will not listen?” This is a question we’ve all raised. Habakkuk cries out about the violence and injustice. God responds, “I’m about to rouse the Chaldeans.” Babylon will sweep in, taking “captives like sand.” Habakkuk questions how God could choose to use this evil empire, the one that sacrifices to its own strength. He declares that he will “take my post” as he waits for God to respond.

God responds with a vision. Habakkuk is to clearly write it down on tablets. This vision is for an appointed time. While they will wait for it, God declares, “For it is surely coming; it will not be late.” God tells Habakkuk that the righteous will live honestly. The arrogant – the ones who are never satisfied – they will fall. The ones who plundered will be plundered. Doom is coming to all who trust in idols. The Lord is holy. At the appointed time, the earth will be silent before the Lord.

Habakkuk then goes to the Lord in prayer. He begins, “LORD, I have heard your reputation. I have seen your work. Over time, revive it. Over time, make it known.” He trusts that God will one day “tread the nations,” defeating wickedness. Habakkuk trusts into God’s vision for the future. Right now the fig doesn’t blossom. Right now the pens and stalls are empty. But right now, Habakkuk declares, “I will rejoice in the Lord… my deliverance… my strength.” He chooses to trust in God. He chooses to wait with hope. May we choose to do the same when we are suffering, when we are in the struggle. God is loving. God is faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, when we are struggling with the evil in the world, when we are questioning your activity or inactivity in the world, lead us to use Habakkuk as our guide. May we lay our lament before you. May we trust in you to respond. May we choose a bold faith, one that trusts and hopes in you alone. Amen.


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You Will Know

Reading: Joel 1-3

Joel 2:27 – “You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God — no other exists.”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In three chapters Joel packs a ton into his prophetic message. He follows the normal pattern: devastation, cry out, repent, deliverance. Joel is a bit unique in the fact that Israel’s sin isn’t included. That usually leads to the ‘devastation’ part of the cycle. Joel begins with an invading army. Locusts? Assyria? Babylon? We’re not 100% sure if it’s real or metaphor as Joel is really hard to date. He does not include kings or names that can be tied to a specific point in Israel’s history. The effects of whichever army are all the same: starvation, death, suffering, grief. Even the earth and creatures of the earth mourn, so great is the fire that burns before and after the army’s invasion. People shake in fear as the army rushes upon the city and into their homes.

Yet… there’s that word! Yet, even now, says Joel, God invites us to return to God with all of our hearts, to weep and fast and mourn. Yes, weep, fast, and mourn over what we’ve done. Yes, weep, fast, and mourn over the consequences of that sin. Do so because God is compassionate, merciful, very patient, full of love, and ready to forgive. So, cry out to God! Who knows? God does. God brings renewal and restoration to a repentant Israel: corn, wine, oil… green pastures and fruitful trees. An early rain will be a “sign of righteousness” that will pour out abundance on them. And then the Lord declares, “You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God — no other exists.” Is this because of these physical blessings or is it because of what God promised next?

In verses 28-29 God proclaims that the Spirit will be poured out on all people – sons and daughters, young and old, slaves. All people will receive the gift of the Spirit. All barriers will be broken down. Then Joel turns to the coming day of the Lord. This day will bring darkness but all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. The darkness comes as God gathers and judges the nations. Through Joel, God condemns a variety of offenses against God’s people. Crowd after crowd will come before the Lord. But God will be a refuge for the faithful. Jerusalem will be holy and a spring will come forth from God’s house. The new Judah and Jerusalem will be forgiven. It will be inhabited forever. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what good and great plans you have for those who love you. Yes, the storms of life will come, drawing us closer to you. Yes, times of separation will come as we choose self over you. Even then, you work to renew our relationship, to restore our connection. You remain ever ready to forgive. You continue to declare that you are our God. Thank you, Lord, for your unconditional love. Amen.


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Effort Matters

Reading: Ecclesiastes 9-12

‭Ecclesiastes 10:10 – “If an ax is dull and one doesn’t sharpen it first, then one must exert more force.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

As we conclude Ecclesiastes today we begin with the remainder that the deeds of the righteous and wise are in God’s hands. Even so, death awaits us all. Chapter 12 alludes to our general decline as we age. The sun and light grow dark, people become afraid, and then “the human goes to the eternal abode.” The Teacher recognizes that there is a finality to this life.

But during our lives, the advice is to eat joyfully, to drink happily, to have oil for our heads, and to enjoy our “dearly loved spouse.” Even though all of our days are pointless, it is our part to play. So whenever we can, we should do these things with “all your might.”

The Teacher also recognizes that much is out of our control. The swift don’t always win the race. “Accidents can happen to anyone,” says the sage. When tragedy suddenly befalls us, we are like “fish caught in a net.”

Even so, we are encouraged to take pleasure in all of our years. Yes, there will be dark days. Yes, one day we’ll be called into account by God. And, yes, our deeds matter. The lazy – the cloud and wind watchers – won’t sow or harvest. Effort matters. In 10:10 we read, “If an ax is dull and one doesn’t sharpen it first, then one must exert more force.” Seek wisdom and knowledge and skill. Life will be better. Maybe, says the Teacher.

Ecclesiastes closes with a reminder to worship God and to obey the commands. It is what everyone must do, because, remember, judgment is coming. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in the grand scope of life, lead us day by day to enjoy life and all it has to offer. Put joy into the work of our hands and obedience into our hearts of faith. Amen.


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God Gets It

Reading: Proverbs 7-8

‭Ecclesiastes 7:14 – “When times are good, enjoy the good; when times are bad, consider: God has made the former as well as the latter.”

Chapter 7 begins with a reality. “The day of death is better than the birthday.” At the end of life one can reflect on the person’s good name. Death is all people’s fate so we should all “take it to heart.” Along these lines the sage notes that the end (or completion) of something is better than its beginning. Then we are reminded, “When times are good, enjoy the good; when times are bad, consider: God has made the former as well as the latter.” But, alas, sometimes it is still pointless too. Sometimes the righteous die young and the wicked enjoy long life. And then come some true words of wisdom: remember, there is no one so righteous that they never make a mistake (sin.) How true, how true.

Chapter 8 begins with the questions, “Who is wise? And who knows the meaning of anything?” Hope follows: keep the commands and meet no harm. The wise know there is a right time and place for everything. Yet human misfortunes are overwhelming because we don’t know when they will happen.

In verses 11-14 it feels like we’re spinning. Wrongdoers sin and sin but still live long lives. It’ll go well for those who fear God. It will not go well for the wicked. The righteous get what the wicked deserve and vice versa. The Teacher is right, “this too is pointless.”

Our reading closes with the commendation to enjoy life: eat, drink, be glad. These things accompany hard work. But, alas, no one can grasp what happens under the sun. Even the wise cannot grasp it. God gets it. God gets us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, when it feels like it does for the Teacher, remind us of your presence, of your guidance, of your truth that we can find in and through the Holy Spirit. When life makes no sense, when it does seem unfathomable, hold us tight, maybe even carry us. Thank you for your constant and abiding loving presence always. Amen.


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The Lord Made Us All

Reading: Proverbs 21 and 22

‭Proverbs 21:15 – “Acting justly is a joy to the righteous, but dreaded by those who do evil.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

The contrast between good and evil, between righteousness and folly – they are on clear display in today’s readings. We are called to pursue righteousness and kindness and to live with humility and the fear of the Lord. We are told that these yield life, honor, and wealth. We are called to guard our mouth and tongue. Doing so we guard ourselves from trouble. We are called to act with justice. God values this more than sacrifices. We are called to train up our children in these ways. Good training and discipline sets them on the right path in life. And we also receive a warning: We might think our path is straight but it is God who weighs our hearts. God judges our motives…

Those with prideful eyes and arrogant hearts, those who walk in the ways of the wicked – they are sinful and their lamp will go out. They sow injustice, harvest evil, and close their eyes to the poor. These will receive no answer when they call out to God. The “rod of their fury” will come to an end. Those who steal from the poor and oppress the needy, God will “press out” their lives. The wicked will be swept away by God.

We find a bit of ancient relationship advice too. The sage advises us that it is better to “live on the edge of the roof” or in the “wilderness” than to live in a house with a contentious and angry wife. Perhaps today we too should remember that the Lord weighs our hearts too.

And the closer today, my favorite: “The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.” Same goes for male and female, black and white…, friends and enemies, those alike and those different from us… The Lord made us all. May we see and love one another in this spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, you know I want to pursue you and your righteousness, justice, kindness… You also know that I struggle with arrogance, pride, judging others… I seek your wisdom, the words of life, the voice of the Holy Spirit. And the lies of Satan and this world also ring in my ears. Lord you made me and did so for a purpose. Strengthen and empower me today to be who and what you created me to be. It is only possible through your power and presence. May it be so. Amen.


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Decisions, Words, Conduct

Readings: Proverbs 10 and 11

‭Proverbs 11:18 – “The wicked earn false wages, but those who sow righteousness receive a true reward.”

Today we begin the middle section of Proverbs. For 13 days we will work our way through chapter 30. These 21 chapters are filled with two-part lines that almost always contrast the good or wise choice with the evil or foolish choice. Although not grouped together in the text, one can find themes within our readings.

One theme today centers on finances. What we do with our money reveals much about our faith. Laziness leads to poverty while hard work leads to riches. We are to give generously though. Stinginess will lead to growing needy. While there is solid earthly advice here, there are also heavenly implications. Riches won’t help on the day of wrath. But righteousness will rescue us. Our decisions matter.

Another theme focuses on how our behavior or choices affect our relationships and our community. When we are hateful, we stir up conflict. When we choose love, offenses are lessened. Virtuous living blessed the community but words of evil destroy it. Along these lines, slander betrays trust whereas keeping confidences builds up the community. Our words matter.

A third theme today touches on the eternal. The wages of the righteous are life and the earnings of the wicked are death. Wisdom leads to humility but pride leads to shame. Walking God’s path is a refuge for the innocent but ruin for those who do evil. If one brings trouble to their family they’ll inherit the wind. But the fruit of righteousness is the “tree of life.” That’s found in heaven. Our conduct matters.

Prayer: Lord God, as we navigate this life, we do so in relationship and in community. Our decisions, our words, our conduct – they all affect our relationship with you and our relationships with each other. By the power of your Holy Spirit, lead and guide us to live faithful, righteous lives, building up the community and the kingdom here on earth. Amen.