pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: sacrifice


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Righteous Freely

Readings: Acts 4:8-12, Romans 5:18-19, Romans 3:21-25

Romans 3:24 – “All are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Jesus Christ.”

The words we read in Acts 4 are Peter’s response to the religious leaders who arrested him and John for healing a crippled man then preaching about healing him in Jesus’ name. Peter begins by asking why they’re being examined for doing something good: healing a man. He then takes the opportunity provided by the miracle to once again preach, declaring that the healing came through the power of Jesus’ name. Peter then reminds the religious leaders that they rejected the “stone.” Nonetheless, Peter continues, Jesus has become the “cornerstone” or the foundation of faith. Accordingly, Peter states, “Salvation can be found in no one else.” Jesus alone can save – from a crippling physical condition or from one’s sinful ways or from pride or arrogance or…

In our Romans passages Paul also seems to establish Jesus as “the one.” In chapter 5 Paul states that one person met the righteous requirements just as one man brought sin into the world. We can be made righteous through Jesus Christ just as we were made sinners through Adam. In chapter 3 Paul declares the righteousness is revealed through Christ’s faithfulness. He states that the Law and Prophets point to this revelation of God’s righteousness. This is important for his audience and for us because “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.” Sin is in us and on our own we cannot defeat sin and cannot make ourselves righteous. So Jesus stood in our place as the sacrifice for our sins. Because of this righteous act, “All are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Jesus Christ.” Through Jesus we are saved. The price has been paid. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love that takes on, covers, and washes away my sin. On my own I would fall woefully short of your glory. Thank you for Jesus Christ, he who willingly and freely paid the price, becoming my ransom, atoning for my sins. In turn, Lord, use me to reveal Christ to others, especially those in need of healing and forgiveness. Amen.


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Timeless and Eternal

Readings: Psalm 145:8-9, Joshua 6:17-21, Micah 6:6-8, Isaiah 2:4-5

Psalm 145:8 – “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.”

Today we wrestle with the violence of the Bible. It is fairly common in the Old Testament. But the brutality and totality shock us today. While this violence has no place today, the timeless character of God is the lasting truth that we can stand upon today, tomorrow, and forever.

In Psalm 145 we read, “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.” These are traits we associate with God, words enfleshed by Jesus: merciful, compassionate, patient, loving. In the next verse we’re reminded that these good qualities extend to “everyone and everything.” This is the God we know and experience personally.

Then we turn to Joshua 6. These verses are part of the conquest of Jericho, just as Israel is beginning to take possession of the Promised Land. As the walls are about to come down, these are the instructions: “The city and everything in it is to be utterly wiped out as something reserved for the Lord.” That is what happens. All humanity and all livestock – all slaughtered. This atrocity turns out stomachs and rightly so. And it also reflects a common practice in the world at that time. Other people groups also practiced this, known as “the ban.” It was a way of eliminating outside influence and of giving the first fruits of battle to God (or to gods) as a holy and pleasing sacrifice.

In Micah 6 we see God’s timeless desire for humanity. Instead of offering God huge or voluminous offerings, the prophet reminds us that God requires justice, faithful love, and a humble walk. These traits reflect the divine call to love God and neighbor. Turning to Isaiah 2 we get an end game picture. One day war, still a present reality in our world, will be no more. Swords and spears will be turned into tools used to care for one another. All will then walk in the light of the Lord. One day.

Prayer: Lord God, walk with us and guide us as we read and process what happened at Jericho and at other times in the ancient world. Lead us to understand that these events were specific to that time and culture. Draw us to your timeless and eternal: good, justice, love, mercy, peace, grace. Keep these arching over our understanding of you and your word. Amen.


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Love = God

Reading: 1st John 4-5

1st John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God.”

Photo credit: Freestocks

1st John 4 begins with an invitation to test the spirits. If one confesses the incarnate Jesus as God’s son, it is from God. By holding to this spirit, God’s children can overcome the world because “the one in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” In verse 7 we shift to love – loving God and one another. Although a relatively short book, 1st John uses the word ‘love’ more than any other book in the New Testament.

John declares that love is from God and that all who love are born from God and know God. Love was truly revealed when God sent Jesus into the world as “the sacrifice that deals with our sin.” Because God loved us this way, John argues, we ought to love one another. When we love God and others, then God remains in us. We can live daily and look to eternity with confidence because there is no fear in love. Because of this truth, I believe it is good and right to err on the side of love. It is far better to love too much than to love too little.

Chapter 5 develops love into proof that we are born of God. Love, for John and many others, is the key indicator of being “born again.” Because we love God, we strive to keep God’s commands. Although the one who is in the world is strong, through faith we are able to defeat the world. John then offers testimony about Jesus. He is the one who came through water (baptism,) through the blood (cross,) and through the Spirit (God’s presence in our hearts.) Through him we find eternal life.

Chapter 5 closes with some great tidbits. I can’t help wondering if John was out of ink or out of room on his parchment. In short order, John says to ask in God’s will, then you’ll receive. Pray for a brother or sister who is sinning. Guard yourselves from evil. And, oh yes, avoid idols!

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to love, love, love. Through your Spirit within us, lead us to be people who love well. Doing so, we reflect Jesus to the world. In love, empower us to walk faithfully in your will and ways. Draw us closer to you, deeper into your love – this day and every day. Amen.


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Walking with Confidence and Trust

Reading: Hebrews 10-11

Hebrews 10:39 – “We aren’t the sort of people who timidly draw back and end up being destroyed. We’re the sort of people who have faith so that our whole beings are preserved.”

Chapter 10 begins with a review of Christ’s sacrifice that was “once for all.” The writer reminds us that the Law cannot make one perfect. That’s why the priests offer sacrifices again and again. But Jesus offered himself as one sacrifice for all time, then “sat down at God’s right hand.” Because of this, declares the writer, we can enter the holy of holies with confidence, drawing near to God with a certainty of heart that comes through our faith in Jesus Christ. In turn, we can hold onto our hope without wavering, “sparking love and good deeds” amongst one another as we meet together and encourage one another.

The author of Hebrews then invites them to remember how they stood their ground when suffering. He or she implores them not to throw away that confidence, but to endure. In 10:39 we read, “We aren’t the sort of people who timidly draw back and end up being destroyed. We’re the sort of people who have faith so that our whole beings are preserved.” This is quite the “who we are” statement! Moving into chapter 11 we’re reminded that faith is the reality of what we hope for and the proof of what we cannot physically see.

The balance of chapter 11 is known as “the heroes of faith.” We’re reminded of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab and their acts of faith. In verses 32 and 33 we get another list followed by their acts of faith in rapid succession. Lastly we’re reminded of the nameless many who were taunted, whipped, imprisoned, killed, and otherwise suffered for their faith. May we too walk in faith with confidence and trust, awaiting the day when we’ll all be made perfect in eternity.

Prayer: Lord God, in being reminded of what Christ did for us and of what that means to our faith, we find hope. In remembering these named and unnamed exemplars of the faith we find strength and encouragement. Lead us to walk with you daily, drawing closer and closer to your love. Amen.


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High Priest, Mediator, Perfect Sacrifice

Reading: Hebrews 7-9

Hebrews 9:24 – “Christ didn’t enter the holy place… made by human hands, but into heaven itself, so that he now appears in God’s presence for us.”

The focus of Hebrews 7-9 is to establish Jesus as high priest forever, as the mediator of the new covenant, as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. The writer begins his or her case by looking back to Melchizedek, the priest of God who blessed Abraham. He was not a Levite but remains “a priest for all time.” Yes, earthly priests will collect a tithe and will offer sacrifices again and again. But they die and don’t continue serving. The Levitical priesthood, part of the old covenant, offered sacrifices that “can’t perfect the conscience.” The guilt and the shame and the power of sin, they remain.

Jesus came as the “guarantee of a better covenant.” High priest forever, Jesus is “holy, innocent, incorrupt, separate from sinners, raised high above the heavens.” He offered himself, “once for all,” providing his own blood as the blood necessary for forgiveness. This initiated the second or new covenant. Quoting from Jeremiah 31, the author of Hebrews declares that God revoked the old covenant (written under the Law) and prepared for a new covenant (written on our hearts) and sealed by the blood of Jesus. Unlike the old covenant, Jesus’ blood will “wash our consciences clean,” freeing us to serve the living God. Jesus himself was “the sacrifice without any flaw.”

The mediator of the new covenant, Jesus Christ, offers all who are called the promise of “eternal inheritance.” Leading the way, “Christ didn’t enter the holy place… made by human hands, but into heaven itself, so that he now appears in God’s presence for us.” In heaven, Jesus mediates for us, standing for us in God’s presence. We await Christ’s second coming, when he will save and redeem us and our broken world. In this advent season, we say, come, Lord Jesus, come.

Prayer: Lord God, we are so grateful for the gifts you gave us through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. Through his blood we are forgiven and cleansed, sins washed away, made holy in your sight. Christ did what the old covenant never could do. He made a new way, one that opened eternity to all who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior. Thank you for these gifts. Amen.


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All for the Gospel

Reading: 1st Corinthians 7-9

1st Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all people, so that I could save some by all means possible.”

Beginning in chapter 7, Paul begins to address some of the questions and concerns sent to him in a letter. The first question has to do with sex. Paul declares that a married couple should meet one another’s sexual needs. This reduces the temptation towards immoral sexuality. Paul also adds a caveat about divorce: if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the marriage, let them go. Paul then lifts up – but does not command – celibacy. Paul feels that marriage divides a person’s attention. For Paul, celibacy “promotes effective and consistent service to the Lord without distraction.”

In the next chapter Paul addresses eating food sacrificed to idols. For the mature believer, they know idols are not real so the food is fine to eat. But the weak or new to faith might not know this. Paul recommends living in ways that don’t potentially weaken or destroy another’s faith. He notes that one sins against Christ when one sins against a brother or sister. Today one might, for example, invite one who struggles with alcohol to a meeting at a bar. That would fall under Paul’s prohibition.

In chapter 9 Paul writes about being an apostle. There must’ve been a question about paying the preacher’s salary. Paul reminds them that both the Old Testament and Jesus himself taught that the prophet or priest or preacher should get their living from sharing God’s word. Paul chooses to wave this right. Chapter 9 closes with a call to share the gospel with all people and to “run to win.” Paul notes that he has “become all things to all people, so that I could save some by all means possible.” All is done with a focus on sharing the gospel. Paul encourages self-discipline as the means of attaining “the crown that never dies” – eternal life.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to run the race, eye ever on the prize of eternal life. Lead us to also recognize the breadth of the mission field. Walking faithfully with you as our priority, also open our eyes to the ways that we can engage and draw in the lost. May we meet others where they are at, witnessing to your saving power and love. Amen.


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In Every Way

Reading: Romans 11-13

Romans 12:1 – “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

In chapter 11 Paul addresses God’s people – both the Jews who still reject Jesus and the Gentiles who’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul argues that God has not rejected Israel. A remnant remains. They’ve not fallen permanently. In fact, Paul has intentionally been so public about his ministry because he hopes to “make my own people jealous and save some of them.” Paul also warns the saved Gentiles about bragging about their grafted in status. It is the root (God) that sustains them – not the other way around. In the end, Paul believes “Israel will be saved.”

In chapter 12 Paul begins to address behavior. In verse 1 he writes, “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.” Constantly give self up in surrender to God’s will and way (not to the world’s) and one will become “good and pleasing and mature.” As we do so we live more and more as one unified body, each playing a vital and necessary role. Paul lists prophesying, serving, teaching, and encouraging as some roles. He then elevates love, evangelism, hope, prayer, empathy, and equality as marks of faith. Paul warns against arrogance, revenge, and other evil actions. These are those “patterns of the world.”

Paul addresses our civic responsibilities at the start of chapter 13. Live well under the authority of the government because they have been “put in place by God.” Pay your taxes and don’t be in debt to anyone. And love really well. Paul reminds us that all the commands are summed up in the one to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Our reading closes with a great reminder. Salvation is closer now than ever. So, “Dress yourself with the Lord Jesus” – be like Christ in every way. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for our place in your family. Encourage us to see the family as an ever-growing family, as one that seeks to graft in all people. As we walk in faith day by day, nurture us and guide us into a more and more mature faith. Above all, may we love without limit, helping others into the path of salvation and life. Amen.


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Not Far

Reading: Mark 10:46-12:34

Mark 12:14 – “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is.”

Blind Bartimaeus sits beside the road as Jesus passes by. He shouts, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” Shushed by the crowd, he shouts louder. Today, who is crying out to Jesus that we are trying to shush? Seeing him as worthy, Jesus heals him. Going on, Jesus enters Jerusalem, triumphally riding on a colt as people shout, “Hosanna”! In Mark, Jesus looks around the temple and goes to Bethany.

On the way back to the temple, Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree – symbolic of the temple. Returning to the temple, Jesus clears it of all connected to their fruitless sacrifices. These rituals are not reflected in changed hearts and lives. Coming back into the city Jesus had encouraged the disciples to have faith in God. He told them, “Whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you.” Faith and belief leads to fruit.

The religious leaders question Jesus’ authority. He traps them in a question about John the Baptist’s authority, revealing their lack of faith in God. Jesus then tells the parable of the tenants, taking full aim at these religious leaders. The vineyard represents Israel and they are the tenants. These tenants abused and/or killed this sent to collect fruit. Soon the son was sent. They kill him, claiming the inheritance. Prophet after prophet and then finally Jesus was sent to Israel. Destruction is promised for these tenants. The stone rejected will become the cornerstone.

After a couple of attempts to trap Jesus using the hot topics of paying taxes, divorce, and resurrection, a legal expert asks Jesus a real question. He recognizes truth in the flattering words spoken earlier: “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is.” He deeply appreciates Jesus’ answer about loving God with all our being and loving our neighbors as self. The expert correctly deems these two commands “much more important than all kinds of… offerings and sacrifices.” Yes, faith in God demonstrated through love lived out – these matter more than anything. With a faith like this, we too won’t be far from God’s kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a faith that is alive and active, bearing fruit for your kingdom as we seek to bring your love to bear upon our world. Open our ears to the cries of those in need. Open our hearts to respond as Jesus would’ve. Draw us closer and closer to your kingdom – here and now, one day in your divine presence. Amen.


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Service and Sacrifice

Reading: Mark 9-10

Mark 10:24 – “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

The transfiguration of Jesus begins today’s readings. On a mountain top with Peter, James, and John, Jesus becomes “amazingly bright.” Elijah and Moses come and talk with Jesus. God speaks, saying, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” These words echo God’s words at Jesus’ baptism. Coming down the mountain Jesus finds a hubbub. The disciples were unable to cast out a demon. Jesus laments the lack of faith. The father begs Jesus for his son’s healing and admits his own lack of faith. Jesus casts out the demon. How do you think this affected the father’s lack of faith?

Jesus tells the disciples once again of his coming death. They, in turn, argue about who is the greatest among them. Jesus gathers the disciples and reminds them that the first will be the least, the servant. He explains that there is a cost to being a follower. It might cost a hand or foot or eye if that leads one into sin. Jesus is telling them to do anything to avoid sin and disobedience to God.

A rich man comes and asks about obtaining eternal life. He has kept the commands faithfully. After Jesus “looked at him carefully and loved him,” he is instructed to sell all that he has. The man goes away sad. Jesus goes on to say, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!” Much can get between us and Jesus. It’s not just our wealth or our possessions. When Jesus looks carefully at our hearts, what does he see that vies for the throne of our hearts?

Once again Jesus tells of his death. This time he is very clear. James and John come with a request: to sit at Jesus’ left and right in heaven. Power is their struggle. Jesus, with great patience, again tells the 12 that the greatest will be the servant and the first will be slave to all. Jesus again reminds them – and us – that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life “to liberate many people.” May we too choose service and sacrifice.

Prayer: Lord God, humble servant, slave to all, keeping you #1 in our hearts – no, discipleship is not easy. We must first die to self – the greatest barrier to walking humbly and obediently. Guide us in this necessary and daily act of surrender. Grant us the faith and trust, the strength and courage to do so each day. Amen.


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Putting on the Yoke

Matthew 11:29 – “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.”

John the Baptist is the focus of the start of chapter 11. He sends his disciples to Jesus (he is in prison), asking, “Are you the one?” The response Jesus gives is to tell John what they see and hear. The blind see, the dead are raised… The fruit of his ministry is the proof: Jesus is the Messiah. John was an important one too, Jesus says: “He is the Elijah who is to come.” Jesus then laments this generation. They misunderstood John and they’ll misunderstand Jesus. This leads Jesus to lament about the places that he has ministered. They saw the miracle and did not change hearts or lives. He later declares that Nineveh will condemn this generation. They heard Jonah’s message and changed hearts and lives.

At the end of chapter 11 Jesus praises God for keeping “these things” hidden from the wise and intelligent (the religious leaders). He issues an invitation to those who are struggling and carrying heavy loads (the poor): “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.” What a contrast to the Pharisees. They and Jesus both called for a devout adherence to the Law. For one, though, the Law was a heavy weight to carry. For Jesus, “my burden is light.” Here one finds rest, not weariness.

Sabbath adherence is the focus of the beginning of chapter 12. These two encounters highlight the heavy/light contrast. Eating when famished and doing good supersedes the “do no work” mandate. Mercy trumps sacrifice. Love always wins. These clashes begin the Pharisees down the road to snuffing out this threat. The next clash centers on healing a demon-possessed mute man. The Pharisees attribute the healing to Jesus working with Satan. He rebukes this idea, claiming it is by the Holy Spirit that he heals. Jesus condemns them for their “useless words.” They demand a sign. Remember Jonah?, he asks. Jesus tells them he will be in the “heart of the earth for three days and nights.” What a surprise ending that story will have too! Even better than Jonah’s!

Today’s reading closes with Jesus calling his true family his disciples. They have taken on his yoke and are walking with Jesus. The disciples are Jesus’ “brothers, sisters, mothers.” May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to speak the words of life. Some hear and understand, some do not. Give us ears to hear. You continue to invite us to change our hearts and lives, growing deeper and more connected to you. Give us a spirit that is ever willing. Draw us more completely into your family, O God. Amen.