pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: sacrifice


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Communion = Community

Reading: 1st Corinthians 11:23-32

1st Corinthians 11:28 – “Each individual should test himself or herself, and eat from the bread and drink from the cup in that way.”

Photo credit: Geda Zyvatkauskaite

We seek to “stay in love with God” through various means of grace. One of these is Holy Communion. This sacrament first reminds us of Christ’s loving sacrifice on our behalf. The giving of his innocent blood in place of ours made atonement for our sins, paying the price for forgiveness. We approach this gift with a deep sense of awe and reverence.

Sometimes we do something for a while and it becomes just going through the motions. Perhaps you’ve felt that before with something like the Lord’s Prayer. For the church in Corinth, the Lord’s Supper had become one of those things. It was now causing more harm than good. It was creating division in the church. At this point it was more like what we’d call a “love feast” than what we recognize as a communion with its liturgy and formality. In Corinth, it had become a “private meal” with the rich getting drunk and stuffed while the poor were left hungry and thirsty. The church has forgotten that love, sacrifice, service, and community were at the heart of the Lord’s Supper.

Paul addresses this situation by reminding the church that the Lord’s Supper is centered on and celebrates the new covenant made by Jesus Christ. He also reminds them, though, that this communal celebration begins with individual preparation: “Each individual should test himself or herself, and eat from the bread and drink from the cup in that way.” Each person must come before God, humbling confessing and repenting of their sins. This necessary step prepares each to be made “new” again as the blood of the Lamb washes away their sin. To not take this step is to hide or hold onto one’s sin. This brings judgment and condemnation instead of forgiveness and grace.

For each person to come before God, to confess and repent, it levels the playing field. It places us all equally before the table of grace, all sinners redeemed by his blood. In this way, community is restored. It brought one body to the one bread, one blood. That was Paul’s goal. It should be our goal. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us to our knees, to the place of confessing and repenting of our sins. Open up our hands and hearts to release all that separates us from you and from one another. As we come clean, thank you for making us clean. Thank you for your great love that washes away our sins and failures. Thank you for your redeeming love. Amen.


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A Heart Tuned

Reading: Micah 6:6-8

Micah 6:7 – “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil?”

“What does the Lord require?” That is the title for the section of scripture that we read today. We learned yesterday, from Luke 10, that a good answer is to love your neighbor. It becomes a great answer when we understand that our “neighbor” is anyone in need. Loving God with all that we are was the other part of the legal expert’s “correct” answer to the same basic question. Today we read Micah’s thoughts on this question. The prophet focuses on both sides of the love God, love neighbor concept.

Micah begins with the “religiously correct” answer. Sacrificial offerings were the culturally acceptable response to your God/god, whether you were Hebrew or Moabite or Canaanite. Although Israel’s understanding was not quite as transactional as this process was with pagan gods, there was certainly an element of checking the box at this point in Israel’s history. Their going through the motions disgusted God. That is why Micah, tongue-in-cheek, asks, “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil?” Speaking to the pagan practices and to the point he is making, he next asks, “Well, then, how about my oldest child instead?”

The real answer to the title question comes in verse 8. It is a heart tuned fully to God. That is what is “good.” That is what God “requires.” This is because a heart tuned to God will naturally be a heart tuned to our neighbors. In the last part of verse 8 the prophet reveals what this heart looks like: “to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” To work to make things right, to be faithful in our relationships with God and with one another, to humbly allow God to transform us, day by day, more fully into God’s image. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we are much like the people of Micah’s day. Just tell me when I have to show up for church, just take my offering, just let me check the box. We want the easy. That leaves more for us. Yet you want so much more. Yes, worship and giving are important. But you want our heart, not our things. You want our unconditional love, not our passing attention. Lord, tune our hearts to yours. Lord, teach us what humility and justice and faithful love truly look like. Remind us of Jesus. Amen.


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Equipped

Reading: Romans 15:14-20

Romans 15:14 – “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.”

Photo credit: Shane

At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages the people in the church in Rome to be patient with and to build up one another. He encourages them to have the attitude of Christ and to welcome others as Jesus did. Paul wants to see their hope and joy overflow into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we turn to verse 14, Paul is reminding the church that it is not just the pastor’s job to grow the church and the faith of those in the church and wider community.

In verse 14 we read, “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.” They have been shaped and formed into people that are equipped to minister to one another and to the world. They are ready to shape and form one another and any new disciples. He is reminding them “of what you already knew.” If they are to call themselves “Christians” then they need to model Christ. They too are to witness to their faith in God just as Jesus did. Paul has also set for them an example of what good ministry looks like. Bringing others to faith and growing their faith has happened “by what I’ve said and what I’ve done.” Paul has both encouraged and challenged the church, both built them up and called them out. And now the Roman church has been equipped to do the same. These words apply to us as well. As followers of Jesus Christ we have been equipped to help others know Jesus and to help one another grow in our faith.

Modeling Jesus with our words and actions is easy sometimes. Sharing joy and hope and love is not hard. The challenge comes when we are called to speak or act in situations where injustice or sin or some other wrong is taking place. To lift God’s will and way to the forefront and to challenge others to walk in this way can be hard and it can be costly. To fail to speak or to act will cause harm. Trusting in God, in the example of Jesus, and in the guidance of the Spirit, may we choose sacrifice and service to others.

Prayer: Lord God, there are times when it is easy to be a faithful witness in word or in deed. Encourage us to do so! And we also find ourselves in times and places when the Holy Spirit calls us to hold others accountable to who and what you call us all to be. Encourage and empower us to love you and neighbor even when it is hard and risky. All to your glory! Amen.


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Care Well

Reading: Genesis 1:26-28

Genesis 1:26 – “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of... all the earth.”

Today we turn to the day of creation when Father, Son, and Holy Spirit created humankind. In connection with one another, God says, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of... all the earth.” Humanity is to be like the divine in the ways that we are in the world. Keeping this in mind, how we understand “take charge” bends toward steward, care for, protect, guard, and love.

This week we have been considering prayer. Some of our thoughts have focused on unanswered prayer. What would it look like to blend the best intents of ‘take charge’ with some of the unanswered prayers that people pray? What would our world be like if we ourselves sought to be the answer to people’s needs?

If we saw the resources that we have been blessed with as ways to care for the hungry, the sick, the naked, the imprisoned, then how would our world change? If we saw our role as the protector and defender of the vulnerable, the weak, the marginalized, the oppressed, then how would their lives change? If we were willing to risk and sacrifice on behalf of those without voice, without power, how would a new reign of justice and mercy become the reality in our world?

Because we are created in the divine image, we have within us the ability, the power, and the heart to care well for our world and for all of the earth. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, bend our hearts towards your heart. Remove the selfish, inward focus that creeps into our hearts, our thinking, our way of acting and being in the world. Empower us to be the answer to these questions pondered today. Amen.


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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.”

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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.