pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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An Unshakable Kingdom

Reading: Hebrews 12:25-28

Hebrews 12:28 – “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s continue to express our gratitude.”

The writer of Hebrews begins our passage for today with “See to it that you don’t resist the one who is speaking.” These words are in reference to what was previously written in this chapter. The “one” is the risen one, Jesus, “the mediator of the new covenant.” Jesus “speaks” to all believers, to us, his followers, then and now, through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

During Jesus’ time on earth many “refused to listen.” They will not escape the judgment to come. The author ponders how believers will escape if they too reject the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that just as God’s voice has “shaken the earth” before, the power of the divine voice will shake the earth once more. All that is of this world will be “shaken” and will be removed. What can’t be shaken is what will remain.

The writer of Hebrews speaks of this in verse 28, writing, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s continue to express our gratitude.” The eternal kingdom promised to the faithful will be realized with the return of Jesus. This promise and the new heaven and earth are what cannot be shaken. The promise is solid and true. The promise is ours. So, yes, let us express our gratitude to the Lord our God. Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!

Prayer: Lord God, as we live day by day, life often feels “shaky.” There is so much division and unrest, so much poverty and suffering. In this world it can be hard to hold fast to this vision of a coming, unshakable kingdom. And yet you are present to us, available whenever and wherever we are willing to have ears to listen and eyes to see. Open our spirits to your Spirit. Empower and equip us to be people who build up and live out your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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He Is Alive!

Reading: John 20:1-18

John 20:18 – “Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, ‘I’ve seen the Lord!'”

The first Easter long ago began quietly, with Mary Magdalene making her way to the tomb in the time just before dawn. It was light enough out to see that the stone was moved. She goes and tells Peter and John. They come and look. They see the grave cloths lying there. Peter and John leave, not understanding what has happened.

Mary remains, undeterred from her focus. Taking a second look inside, she see two angels. She inquires of them – sort of. She tells them that the body is missing. Mary turns and faces a person. She doesn’t recognize him as Jesus – yet. He asks her why she is crying and who she is looking for. Again, the same response: “If you’ve carried him away…”

“Mary.” Jesus speaks her name. She recognizes the voice and maybe the feeling in speaking her name. At times Jesus speaks our names too. It’s often when we’re distraught or overwhelmed or… It might not be audible but he does call, beckoning us back to the place of peace…

Jesus gives Mary instructions: go and tell the others. In verse 18 we read, “Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, ‘I’ve seen the Lord!'” The first evangelist shares the good news of Jesus Christ for the very first time. He is alive! Yes, Jesus is alive!! Hallelujah!!

Prayer: Lord God, what great news! Life and hope, joy and peace – all bundled up together. The cross and the grave have been defeated..sin and death no longer hold sway or have power over us. As Jesus calls our name, O God, tune our hearts and ears to that call. Thank you. Amen.


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Embolden and Empower

Reading: John 20:19-23

John 20:21 – “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.”

Following the risen Lord’s encounter with Mary Magdalene, Jesus goes to the disciples later that first day. They have heard the news from Mary. But simply hearing these words does not change their current reality. No one has ever been resurrected in this way. What it means is totally unknown. Fear is what the disciples primarily know at this point. They just killed Jesus. What is in store for his followers?

Standing amongst the disciples, Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” This standard Jewish greeting meant more now. For example, we casually say, “How’s it going?” to friends today. Or, to a friend struggling with grief, we can look them in the eye and ask, “How are you doing?” After showing the disciples physical signs of his identity, Jesus says, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” The disciples are to continue the work of Jesus. To make this possible, Jesus breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This indwelling presence of Christ himself will lead and guide, strengthen and encourage, embolden and empower the disciples as they return to the world.

Jesus also reminds the disciples of what that work looks like. As people of peace, they are to work at reconciliation. This task involves reconciling people to God and to one another. Our sin is what separates us from both. As people of peace, this work of reconciliation continues to be our task. Emboldened and empowered by the Holy Spirit, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, breathe anew the Holy Spirit into our lives this day. Guide us to claim the Spirit’s power and Christ’s peace as we seek to bring healing and wholeness to our sinful and broken world. May this work begin within as we reconcile ourselves to you and to one another. Amen.


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Hearts and Lives

Reading: Acts 1 and 2

Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Turning to Acts today, Luke first connects this second volume to his first: the Gospel of Luke. The story then continues as the risen Jesus appears and teaches for 40 days. His time culminates with the giving of the disciples’ mission: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The new community of faith will take Jesus’ message to the world. Jesus ascends to heaven and two angels tell his followers that Jesus will return in the same way (one day.)

The 11 apostles return to Jerusalem and devote themselves to prayer. Peter then addresses the group of about 120 about replacing Judas. Twelve are necessary for their eternal assignment of judging the tribes of Israel. Two men are nominated. Both Justus and Matthias have been with them since the beginning and both men witnessed the resurrection. After prayer, Matthias is chosen by lottery.

On the day of Pentecost a mighty wind fills the place where they are gathered. What looks like flames alight on each believer, empowering them to speak the good news in many languages. All of this draws an international crowd. Peter rises and speaks to both the amazed and the skeptical, offering scriptural teaching about this moment. Many are troubled and are moved to ask, “Brothers, what should we do?” Echoing the words of both John the Baptist and Jesus, Peter says, “Change your hearts and lives” by being baptized, repenting of your sins, and by receiving the Holy Spirit. About 3,000 accept the invitation as God brings them into the community of faith.

Our reading closes by describing this new community of faith. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to living as a community, to sharing what they had, and to prayer. This is a snapshot of what the church of Jesus Christ is supposed to be. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your Spirit upon us – both as individuals and as faith communities. Fill us with your love and grace, with your power and presence, with your uniting spirit, and with your generous heart. Change our hearts and lives, using us to witness to others so that they too may change hearts and lives, coming to a saving faith in Jesus. Amen.


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Believe

Reading: John 20 and 21

John 20:31 – “These things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.”

Early on the day after the Sabbath Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus’ tomb and finds it empty. Telling Peter and John, they go and find it empty – except for the linen cloths. They did not yet understand what had happened. Mary remained, though, crying alone outside the tomb. Looking in she sees two angels who ask why she is crying. Jesus’ body is missing. A man who she thinks is the gardener asks why she is crying and asks who she’s looking for, answering his first question. Same response. Calling her by name, Jesus says, “Mary.” Recognizing Jesus, she is then commissioned to go and tell the disciples, “I’ve seen the Lord.”

Later that day Jesus appears to the disciples. He breathes the Holy Spirit on them in preparation for sending them out into the world. An absent Thomas struggles to believe. He wants tangible proof of a risen Jesus. We’ve all been there, hearing a story so unbelievable that we need to see it with our own eyes. Eight days later Jesus offers Thomas that proof and says to him, “No more unbelief. Believe!” Jesus appears again, this time lakeside. A miraculous catch is followed by a simple meal together.

After the meal, Jesus restores Peter. Jesus asks him three times, “Do you love me?” After the third ask, Peter is sad. Each time Peter declares his love for Jesus and each time he is tasked with caring for and feeding Jesus’ sheep – the emerging church.

Both chapters end with similar declarations. In chapter 20 we read, “These things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.” Chapter 21 ends with John’s words that his testimony – his Gospel – is true. May we each choose to believe in Jesus, finding life in his name.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you overcame the grace and death, so too did you help the disciples to overcome their fear and disbelief. As we read and study your word, O God, deepen our belief and faith in your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May we be counted among those “who don’t see and yet believe.” Amen.


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Hearts on Fire

Reading: Luke 24

Luke 24:33 – “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”

In all four Gospels it is the women who go to the tomb on the third day. In Luke’s Gospel the “men” in “gleaming bright clothes” ask the women why they’re looking for the living (Christ) among the dead (tomb.) The angels remind the women of Jesus’ own words about all these things. On the road to Emmaus and during his appearance to the disciples Jesus does this too. As the women share their story, their words are “nonsense” to the disciples. Sometimes a story is just too wild or too crazy or too unbelievable for us to wrap our heads around it right then and there.

The risen Jesus, unbeknownst to the two disciples, comes and walks with them. Jesus unpacks all the scriptures written about him as they walk along. Urged to stay with them, likely eager to continue this conversation, Jesus is revealed as he breaks the bread. Cleopas and friend return right then to Jerusalem to share their story with the rest of the disciples.

Mid-story Jesus appears. The gathering of disciples is “terrified and afraid,” thinking Jesus a ghost. He shows them his hands and feet – the scars from the nails – and he eats a piece of fish. Grounding them in these realities, Jesus then opens their minds to understand all that had been written about him in the Law, the prophets, and the Psalms. Jesus then commissions them to preach about the forgiveness of sins that leads to “changed hearts and lives” – the message preached since John the Baptist first appeared on the scene.

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus repeats God’s promise to send “heavenly power” – the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has the power to do for us as it did for the first disciples. This is summed up in the Emmaus disciples’ words: “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, just as the risen Christ did for those first disciples, please continue to open our hearts to your words. Fill us with understanding and with a fire to share what we know and believe – that you still are the power to change hearts and lives. We are each example number one in the story that we have to tell. Amen.


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Blessed Are…

Reading: John 20:24-29

Verse 29: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Act 2 unfolds today. We learn that Thomas was absent from the risen one’s first visit. It seems odd that Jesus would first visit when one disciple was missing but the reason why becomes clear as we read on. Thomas refuses to believe. He insists on his own physical proof. How many times have you said or thought “I’ll believe that when I see it with my own eyes”?

Usually when I’ve said that, the person’s response has been something along the “Well then, I’ll show you!” lines. It is not said with grace or humility or compassion. Contrast this human norm with how Jesus speaks to Thomas. In act 2 Jesus once again appears and greets them. Then, turning to Thomas alone, Jesus offers what he needs: “Put your finger here…” I picture a kindness in Jesus’ eyes and I sense a mercy and compassion in his voice. I think this is because it’s what I’ve felt when Jesus has met me where I was at and has given me what I needed. Thomas immediately professes faith in “my Lord and my God.”

And then to Thomas, but certainly loud enough for all to hear, Jesus says, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” All there have now seen him. By seeing the risen Lord they have come to believe. Yet when Mary Magdalene came from the tomb with her good news… They all had doubt. They all needed more. So not only with Thomas but with all the disciples, he gave them what they needed to really believe. Jesus met them where they were at and helped them to step forward in faith. In Spirit, Christ continues to do this.

You and I fall into this “Blessed are…” statement. We have come to believe without physically seeing Jesus. How? Through the words of scripture, through the witness of others, and through our own experiences with Christ, we have come to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This day may our lives lay the groundwork for the Spirit to move the heart of another, drawing them towards faith in Jesus Christ. In whatever way we can, may we be part of other’s “how.”

Prayer: Lord God, use me today as you will. In and through me may others come to see and know Jesus in their hearts. Lead and guide me to help others toward the Lord and Savior of us all. Amen.


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Jesus Calls

Reading: John 20:1-18

Verse 16: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.'”

As our passage opens, Mary arrives at the tomb. It is early – the Sabbath ends at sunrise. She comes to care for Jesus’ body. But she finds the stone removed and discovers that Jesus’ body is missing. Mary gets Peter and John – they confirm that the body is missing. Mary stays there as the two disciples head home. She cannot bear leaving without accomplishing her task. Two angels appear and ask her why she is weeping – again her concern is with the missing body. A presence behind her draws her attention. He too asks why she’s weeping. Again she inquires of the missing body. In response, “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.'” Instantly she recognizes the voice. Jesus is alive! He has risen! He has risen indeed!

The resurrected Christ calls Mary by name. It is personal. It is what allows her to see through her tears, to hear through her sorrow and grief, to find joy once again. At times we too find ourselves looking for Jesus. Hardship or trial can drive us away. Sin or inattention can cause a divide. Yet something seems to draw us back. We search for Jesus, but we cannot see him, we cannot connect to him. Something holds us back. And then Jesus calls our name. He reaches out and beckons us to draw close once again. Over and over in our lives Jesus calls our name. As we learn to recognize that voice, we recognize that resurrection is ours every day. Thanks be to God!!

Prayer: Lord God, when I or other things get in the way of our relationship, call out my name. Give me ears to hear your voice and a heart to sense that you are near. Be my resurrection every day, O Lord. Amen.


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The Power

Reading: John 20: 19-23

Verse 21: “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”.

Photo credit: Mael Gramain

Shortly after Mary Magdalene announces that she has seen the risen Lord, Jesus appears to the disciples. They are gathered together, hiding behind locked doors “for fear of the Jews”. For three years they have lived together almost 24-7. In the blur of less than 24 hours their leader and Lord has been arrested and crucified. As the disciples ponder all this and the news of Mary Magdalene, Jesus appears and offers them his peace. Jesus offers his hands and side as proof – “the disciples are overjoyed”. What a beautiful end to a tragic story!

Next, Jesus does not offer to cash in their healthy 401-3-k. He does not wish them well and send them off into the sunset with a very generous severance package. No, Jesus says, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”. In reality he is saying, ‘Men who were hiding in fear, be bold and go out to those Jews you fear and proclaim the good news’. Jesus wants them to get back out there, to continue to share the message of God’s love and grace. He has the same expectation of you and me, brother or sister of Christ. Jesus calls us to be witnesses to the good news, fellow beloved children of God almighty.

“With that” commission given Jesus empowers them for the task ahead. Jesus breathes new life into the disciples as he says, “Receive the Holy Spirit”. The same indwelling holy presence that guided Jesus is now shared with these disciples. The Spirit that led Jesus for three years is now breathed into the disciples so that they can continue the work of building the kingdom of God. When we confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, when we ask him to the the Lord of our life, we are empowered by the same Holy Spirit. Through the sharing of our faith and the witness of our lives we are sent out into the world to build the kingdom of God. Inviting and guiding others into relationship with Jesus Christ we offer the opportunity to new life – a life without enslavement to sin and death.

My friends, we too have the power over sin that the disciples exercised. Jesus’ unconditional love and undeserved grace is available to one and all. Each time the Holy Spirit nudges or leads us to share our faith with a lost or broken soul, we hold the power of forgiveness in our hands. How will we exercise this power, this access to love and grace? As we are given opportunity, may we live as resurrection people, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all we meet. May this be the power that we choose.

Prayer: Lord of life, may your peace reign in my heart and mind. May that peace propel me out into the world to share your love and grace, your good news, with all I meet. May it ever be so. Amen.


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Discipleship

Reading: Mark 11: 1-7

Verse 7: “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it”.

Photo credit: Juan Gomez

Our passage for today opens with an act of discipleship. In the literal sense Jesus instructs two disciples to go and do something for him. The two are instructed to go and get a colt for Jesus. They are told to enter the village ahead, there they will find a colt. They are to untie it and, if anyone asks, to tell the people that Jesus needs it. And, yes, don’t worry – we’ll return it when we’re done with it. They are not borrowing a cup of flour from the neighbor. Culture must have been much different back then.

Up to this point in Jesus’ ministry his popularity has risen and fallen. Many were initially attracted to the miracles but the more he spoke of the cost of discipleship, the more the crowd thinned. Yet his name was known. In whose name could we go today to commandeer a car or even a bike? Who among us would be so daring to even attempt such a thing? We would be so full of doubt and questioning. But what of these two disciples?

The disciples do as Jesus says. They find the colt just as he said they would. They answer the question that Jesus said might be asked just as Jesus told them to. And they return to Jesus with the colt that “no one has ever ridden”. What impression or effect did this act of faith have on these two disciples? How did this shape their faith moving forward? Verse seven tells us, “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it”. Seeing Jesus there, assuming a place and position new for him, how did they see their role?

At times the Holy Spirit calls us to action. It whispers or nudges us to an action or to speak words. We too often ask, “Say what?” or “Do what?” How would our faith and our lives be different if we simply did as these two disciples did? Where would our faith take us if we truly lived with Jesus Christ as the Lord of our life?

Prayer: Lord God, your call is persistent, your love is unchanging. In those moments when I begin to question, when I try to hesitate long enough for the opportunity to pass, spur me to action. When I fail to respond immediately, well up in me a quick compassion and an unquenchable love for those you place before me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.