pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: sacrifice


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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.


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All Things New

Reading: Amos 5-9

Amos 5:24 – “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Concluding the book of Amos we read words of lament and doom mixed in with words of hope and restoration. Ultimately, Amos closes with words of promise and blessing for God’s people. We too walk through this mix in our lives, holding onto God’s promises that will one day eternally be ours. Thanks be to God.

Amos 5 begins with a song of lament for the great losses soon to come and then encourages people to seek the Lord. The prophet then condemns those who are crushing the weak, taking bribes, and refusing to help the poor. Amos presents the correct choice: seek good and not evil. But the leaders choose evil. Therefore God rejects their worship and sacrifices. They are meaningless. God then presents the correct choice, saying, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Chapters 6 and 7 contain warnings and visions from Amos. Those “resting comfortably” while drinking “bowls of wine” – they will be the first to go into exile. God promises to “shatter the great house [Israel] into bits… and pieces.” God’s people do not measure up to God’s plumb line. All will be laid to waste. These words lead to a confrontation with Amaziah the priest. He tells Amos to go home to Judah, to prophesy there. In response, Amos declares that it is Amaziah who will be going away, into exile, losing family and land as well.

Judgment continues in chapter 8 and the first half of chapter 9. God judges Israel’s immoral business practices, their greed, and their dishonesty. Feasts will become sad affairs. But the days are coming when there will be a thirst for hearing God’s word. There will be a day when broken places are rebuilt, when blessings flow, when God’s people will be planted upon their land. God will make all things new. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your justice and righteousness will prevail. They will indeed flow like water in a never-ending stream. You will remove all evil and establish your new kingdom here on earth. Worship will be pure and true. All will focus on your love, flowing from your heart into our hearts. What a day that will be! In between them and now, Lord, guide us to be justice, righteousness, and love here and now, as we seek to bring your kingdom to this earth. Amen.


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May Blessings Flow

Reading: Ezekiel 53-48

Ezekiel 47:9 – “Wherever the river flows, every living thing that moves will thrive.”

Photo credit: Kazuend

The majority of today’s reading focuses on God’s presence re-entering the new temple and on the ordering of all aspects of worship and temple life. God’s glory fills the temple, leading Ezekiel to fall in worship. God then instructs him to listen carefully and to write down these new instructions. The central focus is on holy versus unholy or clean versus unclean. Building and purifying the altar, proper worship on the Sabbath and during the two festivals (used to be three), honoring the east gate, setting aside sacred spaces, regular offerings – all were aimed at maintaining the holy. To keep and hold these spiritual practices in the highest ways would work against a return to the “detestable practices” of old, to the unholy.

In chapter 47 there is a river that flows from the temple, out the east gate – the gate that God’s holiness entered through. The trickle grows to a vast river that brings life and abundance to the people of God. As God’s presence is brought out into the world, blessings flow with it. This remains true today.

Ezekiel closes by defining Israel’s borders and by allotting land to the tribes. These boundaries connect back to what God originally laid out for Moses back in Numbers 35. Land is allotted, beginning in the north, to Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah. Next comes the Holy portion, with the temple at its center. The city and Prince are allotted land here in this central section. Moving to the south, land is allotted to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. Benjamin and Judah remain central, just flipped from their pre-exile locations. Similarly, the tribes furthest out are the children of the maidservants. Each tribe received an equal portion of the land. This time the Levites are included. The twelve city gates are named after the original sons of Jacob. Joseph’s sons are combined to make space for Levi. God’s new kingdom envisioned here will one day be established here on earth. We await the day!

Prayer: Lord God, what a vision for what will be at the end of this present age. You will be the center, the focus, the life source. Yes, we do await the day. Yet, as we wait, Lord God, use us to draw this world closer to this vision. Use us as the life-giving river that flows out into the world, bringing blessings and abundance into people’s lives. Amen.


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Sense It

Reading: Isaiah 17-23

‭Isaiah 22:11 – “But you didn’t trust its maker; you didn’t consider the one who planned it long ago.”

Today’s seven chapters hold the remaining oracles against the nations around Judah as well as against Judah itself. Our readings begin with the fall of Damascus and Ephraim. Their attempt at an anti-Assyrian alliance angered God. In response, God will “harvest armfuls at a time.” God then proclaims, “They will be a wasteland because you forgot the God who saves you, and didn’t remember the rock who shelters you.” There is a sadness that we can feel in God’s voice. We can sense it because at times we too create the same sadness.

The oracles against Cush, Egypt, Babylon, Tyre, and even Judah herself follow. The foreign nations will be cut down and pruned, will be naked and barefoot and humiliated, will be defeated and trampled, will be destroyed and prostituted. The consequences for their sin will be great. Judah too will suffer. Judah and its leaders relied on self instead of on God. When God called for prayer and fasting, there was “fun and frivolity.” God declared, “But you didn’t trust its maker; you didn’t consider the one who planned it long ago.” Again, we can sense the sadness in God’s voice. And, yes, it is so because we too fail to trust in God at times.

We also hear words of hope in today’s reading. At the end of chapter 19 Isaiah speaks of God’s blessing on all who “swear loyalty to the Lord.” God will hear their cries and will “send them a Savior and a defender to rescue them.” In response, the faithful will “worship with sacrifices and offerings, making promises to the Lord and fulfilling them.” We can sense the joy for God in this faithfulness. May we too bring this joy to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, forgive us when we forget your gifts of salvation and shelter. Forgive us when we try to go it on our own, forgetting the one who created and planned our world and our lives. Remind us and draw us once again to our Savior, defender, friend. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Joy and Sorrow

Readings: Ezra 1, Ezra 2, Ezra 3

Ezra 1:3 – “If there are any of you who are from his people, may their God be with them! They may go up to Jerusalem… and build the house of the LORD.”

Ezra continues the story of the chronicler. It might even be the same author. The start of Ezra 1 mirrors the end of 2nd Chronicles 36. King Cyrus of Persia issues a proclamation. God tells Cyrus to build a house for God in Jerusalem. In response he proclaims: “If there are any of you who are from his people, may their God be with them! They may go up to Jerusalem… and build the house of the LORD.” Cyrus also calls for support from those who do not go and he sends along the temple items that Nebuchadnezzar had looted. The ending of the exile and the proclamation to build the temple fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy.

Chapter 2 contains the list of those “whose spirit God stirred up” to go home to rebuild the temple. Almost 50,000 make the journey. This is the total for phase one – the rebuilding of God’s house. This is but a small piece of the multitude sent into exile. The first step is to settle in, to become inhabitants in the land. After seven months the returnees gather in Jerusalem. Jeshua and Zerubbabel rebuild the altar together. The head priest and the political leader work together. Entirely burned offerings are given. They celebrate the Festival of Booths – a reminder of God’s provision when Israel lived in tents (or booths) during their time in the wilderness. From this point on, the daily offerings required by the law of Moses will be given.

The work is organized and construction begins. Cedarwood is contracted for. In the second month of year two, workers begin to lay the temple’s foundation. Upon its completion, there is a great celebration. There is great joy amongst the priests and the people. But mixed in is great weeping. The oldest remember the first temple. There is a grief in this. The old and the new intersect in this moment of joy and of sorrow. God is present in both.

Prayer: Lord God, the rebuilding of your people has begun. You use an earthly power to fulfill your prophet’s words. Your presence moves some people to action. A new thing is being done both physically and spiritually. O Lord, continue to be at work in us, repairing what has been broken, shaping and forming us into your people too. Amen.


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The Lord Will Fight

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 29, 2nd Chronicles 30, 2nd Chronicles 31, 2nd Chronicles 32

2nd Chronicles 32:8 – “All he has is human strength, but we have the LORD our God, who will help us fight our battles!”

Hezekiah is the focus of today’s readings. In the first month of his rule he reopens the temple and sets the priests to making it holy once again. After eight days the temple is purified. Early the next morning sacrifices are offered for all Israel, songs are sung, the Lord is praised. Hezekiah invites the people to bring thank offerings to God. The response is so great that the Levites have to step in and help.

Next Hezekiah reestablishes the celebration of the Passover. He sends word throughout all of Judah – and Israel. Some from up north laugh and make fun of the invitation, but some come from Israel. A huge crowd gathers and celebrates the Passover. So wonderful and joyous is the celebration, they decide to worship God for seven more days. Fueled by this celebration the people go out and cleanse Judah of all idol worship. The pillars, poles, shrines, and altars are all destroyed.

Hezekiah then calls for the resumption of the tithe to support the daily needs of the priests. The people bring their best in great abundance. Judah is at its high point in its relationship with God – the best since the days of Solomon. It is then that King Sennacherib of Assyria comes. Hezekiah trusts fully in God. He encourages the troops to be brave and strong. He says, “All he has is human strength, but we have the LORD our God, who will help us fight our battles!” Hezekiah trusts that the Lord will fight the battle. That very night God’s messenger comes and kills 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2nd Kings 19.) Sennacherib goes home in disgrace.

A deadly illness then sets in on Hezekiah but he cries out to God and is healed. But in that moment he is too proud to properly thank God. He and Israel begin to feel God’s anger. They repent and God’s blessings return. Hezekiah dies and is buried in the “upper area” of the tombs with David’s sons. Gold star!

Prayer: Lord God, what a great reminder of the value of a long, steady, obedient faith. In the big and the small, your will and your ways were the focus. Trust in you was sure. Help us to live out this kind of faith. Amen.


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Temple Completion

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 1, 2nd Chronicles 2, 2nd Chronicles 3, 2nd Chronicles 4, 2nd Chronicles 5:1

‭2 Chronicles 1:1 – “Solomon, David’s son, was securely established over his kingdom because the LORD his God was with him.”

2nd Chronicles begins in a great place – Solomon is “securely established” as the king of Israel. He gathers all Israel and offers a great sacrifice at Gibeon. God appears that night in a dream, inviting Solomon to ask for whatever he wants. It is wisdom and knowledge to lead well. God grants this request as well as promising wealth and fame – the two things other kings would’ve asked for. Solomon acquires a vast number of horses and chariots, evidence of his wealth.

Chapter 2 through 5:1 covers the building of the temple. Solomon secures a needed craftsman as well as lumber from Hiram of Tyre in exchange for wheat, barley, wine, and oil. A huge immigrant work force is gathered and construction begins. The temple is built on the former site of Ornan’s threshing floor. The main temple is built, followed by the porch and the holy place. All is covered in gold, gems, carvings, and embroidery. Winged creatures are made for the holy place. The curtain and two columns are made. The altar, Sea, lampstands, tables, and bowls are made. Lastly, all of the small pieces are made: tongs, wick trimmers, censers…

Now that the temple and all of its equipment is completed, Solomon brings the gold, silver, and other objects that David has dedicated to God to the temple treasuries. All is set to dedicate the temple to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, what great detail. What great care. These are echoes of the detail and care that went into the construction of the tabernacle. God, help us to give such great detail and care to the building of our faith. And, Lord, may our lives reflect the magnificent beauty of your love. Amen.