pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: sacrifice


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Jehovah Jireh

Reading: Genesis 22:9-14

Genesis 22:9b – “Abraham built an altar… arranged the wood… tied up his son Isaac… laid him on the altar…”

Abraham, Isaac, the wood, the knife, and the fire arrive atop the mountain as we continue in Genesis 22. In the rest of verse 9 we read of Abraham’s resolute faith and steadfast obedience: “Abraham built an altar… arranged the wood… tied up his son Isaac… laid him on the altar…” I wonder, was he so faithful and so resolute that all of his emotions were on mute? How else could Abraham will himself through these steps of readying the sacrifice?

As Abraham raises the knife to shed blood and take life, a messenger calls out to him, “Abraham? Abraham?” Was the messenger pulling Abraham back into the reality of this scene? Pausing the action, the messenger acknowledges Abraham’s reverence for God, demonstrated through his willingness to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Looking up, Abraham sees a ram, ready to be taken and offered as the sacrifice. Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides – “sees to it,” as Abraham told Isaac earlier.

Flashing forward in Israel’s history, to a moment when the plagues have reached their climax in Egypt, again God provided a way. This time the blood of the lamb marked their houses. And, again, the hand of death passed over the firstborn. The Israelites were faithful and obedient to God and God provided. In our walks of faith, the God who provides will be with us as well. Jehovah Jireh will give us the words to say, the actions to take, the resources to meet needs, the strength to stand… Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for these reminders of your faithfulness to us, your children. As we walk with you, you show us the way, you lead and guide, you equip and resource us – all to bear your light and love, your hope and peace to a world in need. Thank you, God. Amen.


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God Will Provide

Reading: Genesis 22:1-8

Genesis 22:5 – “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will walk up there, worship, and then come back to you.”

Many years ago Abram heard the call of God, asking him to go to “the land that I will show you.” At 75 he left his father’s household and set out across the desert. The promise from God was to bless the nations through him as God worked to “make if you a great nation.” In today’s reading, God again calls out to Abraham. God asks Abraham to go to the region of Moriah, to “one of the mountains that I will show you.” Again, Abraham must take a step of faith, trusting where God will lead. How often does God ask the same of us? And… do we follow?

What God asks Abraham to do on this mountain is unfathomable. God says, “Take your son, your only son whom you love, Isaac… offer him as an entirely burned offering.” And we thought sending Ishmael out into the desert, likely to die, was hard. Just as he had readied the water and bread back then, now Abraham readies the wood, the fire, and the knife. Setting out with Isaac, two servants, and a donkey, Abraham departs for the mountain.

Seeing the place in the distance, Abraham says to the servants, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will walk up there, worship, and then come back to you.” Walking on, Isaac asks, “where is the lamb?” Hmmm… “The lamb…?” muses Abraham. Sometimes our question is like this one. We’ve stepped out in faith but don’t have (or think we have) all we need for what seems to lie ahead. Abraham continues, saying to Isaac, “God will see to it, my son.” Trust the Lord. God will provide. Walk on in faith, just as Abraham and Isaac did.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to step out in faith just as Abraham did. While what you asked of him and what you ask of each of us can vary greatly, you still require trust and obedience no matter what that step of faith might be. Grant us a measure of obedience equal to the call so that we may faithfully follow where you lead, confident that you will provide all that we need for the journey. Amen.


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Alive for God

Reading: Romans 6:6-11

Romans 6:11 – “You should also consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Jesus Christ.”

Coming back to Romans 6 today, we go a bit deeper into Paul’s thoughts on our new life in Christ. I love Paul’s word choice for describing the change from old to new self. He writes of our old self being “crucified.” This conveys the magnitude of dying to sin and the power that it can have in our lives. This word speaks of commitment. It also helps us understand the finality of leaving behind “the corpse that has been controlled by sin.” Crucified with Christ, our new self is freed from sin’s power.

Because we are set free from the power of sin, we can fully live a new life in Christ. In the same way that death has no power over Christ, sin holds no eternal power in our lives. Through his sacrifice, the price was paid so that we can be forgiven and restored back into right relationship with God. The power of sin to trap us in the guilt, shame, and regret was broken forever. Because Christ “died to sin once and for all,” forgiveness is always available to us.

Given the ability to be made right with God again and again, we are freed to live for God just as Christ lived for God. In verse 11 we read this great reminder: “You should also consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Jesus Christ.” Since sin has no power in our lives, all of our focus, energy, and love can go to living for Christ – instead of fighting the power of sin. Alive for Christ, we walk in the newness of life, bringing all of the glory to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for making a way for us to walk daily with you. Without the sacrifice of your son, we’d be forever lost in our sin. But because of your great love, we can come back into right relationship with you again and again. Each time, O Lord, refine us more and more each time, recreating us each time just a little closer to the image of your son, Jesus. Amen.


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Weak, Ungodly, Sinners No More

Reading: Romans 5:6-8

Romans 5:6 – “While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.”

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

In the first part of this week’s Romans 5 passage we were reminded of the hope, love, and peace that are ours in and through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Yesterday we were also reminded that we don’t just endure but also grow and are refined as the Holy Spirit guides us through the troubles and problems that are just part of living in this world. Looking back, these times can feel like a small miracle. Today, in verses 6-8, Paul turns to the work of Jesus that made and makes all of this possible.

In verse 5 Paul reminds us of this truth: “While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.” There are three parts to this statement. First, Christ died for us while we were still weak. Before his death, all people everywhere were powerless in the battle with sin. Our human flesh is far too weak to stand against the evil one. But with Christ we are strong. Second, Jesus’ death occurred at just the right time. His birth, life, death, and resurrection – all parts of God’s plan. All solidly in God’s control. Jesus’ example, witness, and teachings – all placed exactly when and where they needed to be along the spectrum of God’s unfolding plan to redeem all of creation.

And lastly, Jesus died for the ungodly. This is not bound by time, place, or any other human construct. It is not bound by ethnic or social or even religious constraints. All of humanity are ungodly. Without a saving faith in Jesus Christ, we all live as ungodly, wretched creatures. Without belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we live in a state of separation from God. Without Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, we would live in this state forever. However, Paul reminds us, “while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Why? Because God loves us. Yes, God loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, it is true that some might die for a good person or for a just cause or even for the right reason. But for the ungodly, for the blind, for the ones lost in sin? Only Jesus and only through love divine. Thank you, O God, for sending your Son, knowing this was his human fate. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Hope and Peace

Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his [Jesus’] faithfulness, we have peace with our God through Jesus Christ.”

Our passage today begins with a connecting word: “Therefore…” In Paul’s original letter there was no big “5” nor were there any small numbers marking verses. 4:25 would’ve just flowed into 5:1. In what we call chapter 4, Paul has been writing about how Jesus died for our “mistakes,” meeting the “requirements of righteousness for us.” Through his blood we are forgiven. “Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his [Jesus’] faithfulness, we have peace with our God through Jesus Christ.” Being made right again with God, cleansed and forgiven, we have “peace” with God. We are reconciled back into right relationship with God through Jesus Christ’s faithfulness.

Living in right relationship through faith, we can stand firm and we can hold onto hope. These are essential to our walk of faith. Paul gets to the “why” in verses 3 and 4. “Problems,” as Paul puts it, are simply part of living as imperfect creatures in this broken, sinful world. Sometimes these “troubles” are our own making, sometimes not. We are each just one of a world full of imperfect creatures. But because we have hope and because we can stand firm in Jesus Christ, we can “see” beyond our present troubles and problems. We know that the world does not have the last word.

Through the Holy Spirit, which pours the love of God into our hearts, we can endure the hard times. This endurance builds up our Christian character, which, in turn, reinforces our hope. What enables us to go through this refining and growing process again and again? The loving presence of God in Spirit that covers us in God’s peace. For this presence and the peace and hope that it brings to our hearts and minds, we say thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it is hard to imagine living this life without you. Some do, but without hope and peace, the struggles and trials of this world would overwhelm us. Therefore we thank you first for Jesus’ sacrifice, which allows us to be in your presence. It is your Spirit presence that gives us the love, hope, and peace that guides us through the struggles and trials. Thank you for this loving presence, the fuel for our faith and hope. Amen.


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A Place at the Table

Reading: Matthew 9:11-13

Matthew 9:13 – “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.'”

Today we turn back to Matthew’s gospel, revisiting the call of Matthew the tax collector. We recall that tax collectors were thought to be sinners because of their connection to the Romans. Added to this fact, many used this connection to take advantage of their fellow Jews, collecting more than was required, adding to their “sins.” After Jesus ends up at the table in Matthew’s house, surrounded by more tax collectors and other “known sinners,” the Pharisees ask Jesus’ disciples – not Jesus – “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” In many ways, the Pharisees were gate keepers, determining who could enter the circle, deciding who could remain in the circle. Their understanding, interpretation, and application of a myriad of laws guided these determinations and decisions.

What do you think led them to ask this question? And on a related line of thinking, what makes us accept some into our circles while rejecting others? There is a huge part inside of us that desperately wants to belong, to fit in, to matter. There is also this part inside of us that wants to determine and guard who else can enter our circles. I think both were at play as the Pharisees asked this question of Jesus.

On the surface level, Jesus was making space at the table based on need: these “sinners” needed healing. But the deeper question is this: Who was Jesus identifying as the sinners – the tax collectors… or the Pharisees? Each in their own way needed Jesus’ healing. This makes me wonder, how often do we forget our circle “rules” and invite someone different in that causes looks or even questions from others in our circles? Jesus tells the Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.'” Go and reveal God’s love and grace to the world. That is what invites others to the table. Don’t try to require or force sacrifices they’re not ready to make yet. Obedience to God comes through love and faith, not through authority and power over. We were not asked to follow Jesus once we were perfect or even once we checked certain boxes. May we extend that love and grace to others too.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider the call to love others into a place at the table and then into a relationship with you, remind us of how we got there. We’re all sinners saved by grace. None of us deserved a place at your table, yet here we are. First, thank you. Second, may our response of thanksgiving be to open wide the doors of invitation to all people. Then might they come to know your love and grace too. Amen.

PS – On a related side note/rabbit hole… Do you think Jesus invited himself to Matthew’s table, or was he invited by Matthew?


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Healed to Bring Healing

Reading: Matthew 9:9-10

Matthew 9:9 – “As Jesus continued on… He said to him, ‘Follow me,’ and he got up and followed him.”

The first part of our readings this week from Matthew’s gospel cover the calling of Matthew. According to what is recorded in the gospel, Matthew is the fifth disciple to be called. The first four were fishermen: Andrew and Peter, James and John. Matthew is cut from a different cloth. He is a tax collector. He was financially secure if not wealthy. Matthew did not work long days hoping to eek out a living. Sitting there in his kiosk, his most anxious thoughts maybe concerned his evening plans. There is a possibility that he has heard of Jesus. But maybe not.

After being rejected and sent away from a Gentile area, Jesus walks along the road in Israel. Seeing Matthew, Jesus says, “Follow me.” In the text we read, “He got up and followed him.” Simple as that! Looking deeper, though, are these two stories connected? In cahoots with the Romans, Matthew would’ve been rejected by the Jews. If they could, the Jews would send Matthew away. He and all like him were known “sinners.” When Jesus ends up at Matthew’s house for dinner, the Pharisees say as much. Jesus’ response is that he came to heal. Inviting the Pharisees to come along too, Jesus adds, “Go and learn what this means: I want mercy and not sacrifice.”

To this point in the gospel, healing mercies have been a focus of Jesus’ ministry. In today’s passage Jesus chooses to be present to these “sinners” who are “sick” with things like greed, power, status… He has called Matthew to receive healing. Through Matthew, Jesus is reaching out to others in need of similar healing. You and I have been healed of many things. Through us and our stories, whom might Jesus reach out to today?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for calling us from whatever “kiosk”  we were stuck in. Thank you for drawing us into your light and love and mercy. Use the story of that “place” from which you rescued and redeemed us as a way to draw others in. Lead us to others who need to know Jesus Christ and the power of his love and grace. Amen.


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For the Common Good

Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:7-13

1st Corinthians 12:7 – “A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Continuing in 1st Corinthians 12 today we move to the gifts of the Spirit that we receive as followers of Jesus Christ. First, Paul is clear about who and why we receive gifts: “A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.” Each person is given a gift (or gifts.) Although some people will try and tell you otherwise, we all have a gift or gifts from the Holy Spirit. Along those lines, we should note that the list in today’s reading is a partial list. Paul is also clear about the purpose of our gifting: for the common good. Sadly, we can use our gift(s) for selfish gain. This is not the intent for the gifts of the Spirit.

In verses 8-10 Paul gives us a partial list of the gifts of the Spirit. Each of these gifts – wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing… – are given to us and are manifested through the Spirit. We do not or cannot, for example, decide to be wise today. No, at times and in situations, the Spirit “activates” our gift of wisdom so that we can contribute to the common good and bring God the glory through the manifestation of wisdom.

Paul shifts gears in verses 12 and 13. This was to address a problem that we too can struggle with. As we can do with everything from sports to vocations to colleges to opinions, we can compare or elevate our own gift(s) of the Spirit. This human tendency was causing division in the church in Corinth. The ability to speak in tongues was the gift to have. Paul uses the human body as his analogy to break down this human tendency towards comparison. While many parts, they and we, Paul declares, are one body in Jesus Christ. We are all gifted and baptized by the one Spirit, unified by Christ’s Spirit, each uniquely gifted, all working together for the common good. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us as we serve you and one another, using our gifts of the Spirit as we are empowered, seeking to bring about the common good here on earth. Help us understand that what is “good” might require sacrifice. Help us to discern what is “good” according to your will and way, aligned with your plans and purposes. You alone, O God, are truly good. Use us to reveal and to be about the work of building your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Pioneer and Perfecter

Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Our reading begins with Paul’s encouragement to “also run the race.” He calls us to do so with “endurance,” evoking thoughts of great effort, steady determination, and long perseverance. Jesus called the road that leads to life “narrow,” implying a challenging journey. Paul’s word “also” testifies to this reality. Paul is connecting back to the great list he gives in what we call chapter 11, where he lists those who are sometimes referred to as the “heroes of faith.” He names Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Rahab among many others. These people (and many more) make up the “great cloud of witness” that surround us and walk with us as we strive to run the race of faith laid out before us.

Paul offers us some advice for running this race: “Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up.” It is not easy to run with the weight of pride, anxiety, ego, stress, prejudice, grief… upon our shoulders. It is not easy to run still carrying the sins that trip us and derail our faith – lust, envy, jealousy, greed, apathy… All of these worldly struggles make it difficult to live faithfully in this life. Paul next encourages us, inviting us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.” If we keep our eyes and our hearts and minds focused on Jesus and his example, then we have a fighting chance to live faithfully in this life. Paul then reminds us to recall Jesus’ sacrifice and gift on and through the cross, where he demonstrated perfect love. In our hard moments, may we remember how Christ endured, being strengthened by his example, experiencing the joy of living in and for Jesus. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, our race can have many hurdles. So we thank you for the examples of others who overcame and endured: Jacob, Isaac, Gideon, Stephen… In them we see how faith will see us through. And we thank you for Jesus, the one who opened the way for us to be rid of our sins and to enter into the life that you have in store for those who love you and strive to walk in faith. Lead us on, day by day, so that we too may one day become part of the great cloud of witness. Amen.


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Hope Grows

Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Romans 5:1b – “We have peace with our God through Jesus Christ.”

In this world of trial and trouble and suffering, we have one in Christ who died for us and walks in Spirit with us every moment. The presence of God in Spirit is something we definitely need. Our world and our nation and often our lives feel full of violence and war, oppression and injustice. While it feels now and then that the evil has left us, our present reality is that it will return in another city, another policy, another scandal, another country, another injustice. Prayers for peace are crescendoing right now.

In Romans 5, Paul declares that because of Jesus’ faithfulness, “We have peace with our God through Jesus Christ.” Because of his sacrifice, Jesus opened the way for us to freely experience grace again and again, reconciling us to God, bringing peace back to that relationship. From this place of peace with God, we can face the “troubles” of this life. Paul states that we can “even take pride” in our problems. In fact, we can rejoice in trials, knowing that our faith is being refined and strengthened. Enduring in faith, God develops our righteous character. This character guides how we interact with, treat, and respond to others in our trials. We are aided and encouraged by the Spirit that has been “poured out in our hearts.” This righteous character and empowering by the Holy Spirit also enables us to walk with others in their troubles, building community.

Enduring faithfully, developing a righteous character, we find that hope blooms. As our steadfast God remains ever present, leading and guiding us by the Holy Spirit, we come to understand our troubles for what they are: temporary. They are confined to this world. Our true home is not in this world. As our companion walks with us, hope grows – for peace in this world and for joy in the life to come. May both be so for you, for me, for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, when the troubles and trials of this life ramp up, may your powerful Holy Spirit guide and lead us faithfully through. Fill us with strength and hope, trust and peace. Relying not on self, draw us deeper and deeper into faith in you. Amen.