pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Satan


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True Life

Reading: Mark 7-8

Mark 8:34 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”

Chapter 7 begins with tension between God’s Law and man-made rules. The religious question the disciples eating with “unclean hands.” Jesus’ response begins with a quote from Isaiah. The religious honor God with their lips but their hearts are far away. A man-made rule that trumps God’s Law is given as an example. How often do we do this, both formally and informally, not to mention in the secret places of our hearts?

Jesus teaches that it is what comes out of the heart that makes a person unclean. When we allow evils into our hearts – sexual sins, greed, deceit, envy, arrogance – that is what contaminates us in God’s sight.

Jesus then heals two people from outside the Jewish circle. In the first healing he tells the immigrant woman that the children (the Jews) must be fed first. The “dogs” must wait. She replies that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table. Her “good answer” leads to healing for her daughter. Jesus then heals a blind and mute man. People are overcome with wonder.

Chapter 8 begins with another mass feeding. Led by compassion, Jesus feeds the 4,000+ that have been with him for three days. After feeding this Gentile crowd (so much for feeding the children first), Jesus warns the disciples about the “yeast” of the Pharisees and of Herod. They don’t get it. Jesus laments their lack of understanding.

After healing a blind man, Jesus asks the disciples who people think he is. Most think Jesus is a prophet. He asks them what they think. Peter says, “You are the Christ.” Jesus then foretells his suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter begins to “correct” Jesus. This is not the right ending to this story. Sternly Jesus says, “Get behind me, Satan.” Calling the crowd, Jesus declares, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” It’s about humble servant leadership, not physical or political might. It’s about finding true life in Christ. It’s not about gaining the whole world.

Prayer: Lord God, what a beautiful life you call us to! Laying aside self, being servant to all, bringing love and healing to our world, we find the life that brings you glory. Help and guide us daily to say no to self, to pick up our cross, and to follow you faithfully. Amen.


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In Turn

Reading: Matthew 16-18

Matthew 16:24 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”

The Pharisees and Sadducees come and ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. Although they can read the sky to know the coming weather, they cannot read the signs of Jesus’ ministry, knowing the Christ is among them. He again tells them they will receive the sign of Jonah. After parting company, Jesus warns the disciples to be wary about the religious leaders “yeast” – their teaching.

Jesus then asks what people see and know about him. After hearing John, Elijah, some prophet, he asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus names him Peter, the rock upon which Jesus will build the church. Then Jesus teaches about his last days. The “rock” turn becomes a stumbling block as Peter rebukes Jesus for saying such things. Jesus responds, “Get behind me, Satan.” Peter is thinking of human things, not the eternal. Continuing, Jesus declares, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” Clearly there is a cost to discipleship.

Taking Peter, James, and John up the mountain, Jesus is transfigured. His glory is revealed and he talks with Moses and Elijah. God declares love for Jesus and reinforced his authority. Twice more Jesus speaks of suffering to come. The disciples understand. Matthew says they are “heartbroken.” After a healing and paying the temple tax, the focus shifts to the “little ones” – a metaphor for the new believers. They have a humble, simple, pure faith. Yet at times they will need gentle correction. At times they will wander. At times they will need forgiveness. At times we all find ourselves in these situations. Mercy, grace, and love continue to flow from God to all who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior. In turn, we are called to be merciful, gracious, and loving. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to hear your word and your Spirit’s voice, our guides to faithful living. Lead us to a childlike faith, simple, pure, honest, humble. And as we experience your forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love, may we be people who live and practice these things. In humility and gratitude may we give as we receive. 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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The Lord Gave…

Readings: 1st Chronicles 17, 1st Chronicles 18, 1st Chronicles 19, 1st Chronicles 20, 1st Chronicles 21, 1st Chronicles 22:1

1st Chronicles 18:14 – “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

As we continue in 1st Chronicles we read mostly familiar stories. They maintain the core content of what we read back in 2nd Samuel. But the chronicler also makes changes and he or she omits content, always for a purpose. In general, the chronicler elevates the good side of David while downplaying or even omitting content that portrays David’s sinful side.

We begin today’s readings with the story of David’s desire to build God a house. Instead, God says David’s house will be built into a dynasty. David’s son will build the temple and God will love him always. There is no mention of the human rod that God will use to discipline Solomon and other future disobedient kings.

Several wars and battles come next. Some are engagements that Israel initiated and others are defensive in nature. These battles secure David’s borders far in all directions. We often read this about the victories that the Lord gave David: “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” God was with David in other ways too. The Lord gave him the desire and ability to lead well. In 18:14 we read, “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.” David is a good king. During this time of war, in 2nd Samuel we find the story of Bathsheba…

In chapter 21 a “heavenly adversary” tempts David into taking a census. This is a prideful act. Written 200 years after the exile, Judaism has developed a concept of the “satan.” This concept was not even a thought when 2nd Samuel was written – near the end of David’s life. God is justly offended by the census and offers David a choice of three punishments. David chooses the plague because God’s hand may show mercy. 70,000 die. As the plague nears Jerusalem, at Ornan’s threshing floor, God stays the messenger’s sword. David, not knowing this, offers up his own life for the lives of “these sheep.” David shows the same mercy God has shown. The Lord gave David a heart after God’s own heart. He is led to buy Ornan’s threshing floor and there sacrifices an offering upon the altar that he built. The messenger’s sword is sheathed. This place will be the site of the temple Solomon will build.

Prayer: Lord God, you generously gave to David – strength, guidance, wisdom, mercy, compassion. Lord, give us these same gifts as well so that we may honor you with the faithful living of our lives. Give us the desire to love you with our whole hearts. Amen.


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A Child Is Born

Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7

Verse 6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”

Photo credit: Ben White

Chapter 9 begins by speaking of one who will “honor Galilee of the Gentiles.” While this verse is not in today’s passage, it is important to recognize the messianic implications given in the lead-in into today’s prophecy from Isaiah. Jesus will minister to and connect to the Gentiles – which was considered anyone outside of the Jewish faith.

The prophecy begins, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” There are many ways that one can walk in the darkness. The primary way is living outside of a relationship with the Lord. Living in the world and following the ways of the world provide ample opportunities to be selfish, greedy, prideful… To know Jesus is to know the light. His light exposes these evils and lights our path, drawing us into a personal relationship with him.

In verse 4 we read that “you have shattered the yoke that burdens them.” There are many ways that the Lord can do this. We often first think of Jesus breaking the chains of sin and death. He certainly does that! But Jesus shatters other yokes too – some are the lies that the world and Satan tell us about things like success, power, status, beauty… Others are struggles like loneliness, poor health, anxiety, doubt… Our friend and Savior and redeemer Jesus wants to walk with us through all of life, bringing peace, hope, joy, and love into our lives not just during Advent but all the time.

Isaiah’s prophecy states, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” To us and for us, God took on flesh and came into the world. God laid aside heaven to be with us. What a gift this is. This action opened the door for a more personal and intimate relationship with God. Through dwelling with us, Christ opened the door to dwell in us in Spirit. What a friend, guide, Savior, and redeemer we have in Jesus. What a gift!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for fulfilling these words that you long ago gave to Isaiah – for coming as a child, for being light in our darkness, for being our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, our Prince of Peace. Reign and rule in our hearts this day and forevermore. Amen.


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If the Lord Had Not…

Reading: Psalm 124

Verse 1: “If the Lord had not been on our side…”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Scholars believe that David wrote this Psalm in the wake of Israel’s defeat of the Philistines. David had just become king and the enemy gathered the troops to test this new leader. David turned to God for direction. God led Israel’s army to victory. David knew that God had been with them and gave God all the credit for the victory.

In the early stages of faith, this is Satan’s trick too: attack before the new Christian is really established in his or her faith. The evil one attacks us when we are yet immature in those areas that were our weaknesses before we gave ourselves to Christ. Maybe you’re there now. If so, take courage in David’s story. Turn to God and seek direction and strength. On the other hand, if you’ve walked faithfully for a while now, you’ve experienced these attacks and assaults. I ask you: what new believer can you walk beside, modeling how to trust in the Lord?

The Psalm begins with this great line: “If the Lord had not been on our side…” David references attacks and anger and floods and raging waters. While these represent the army gathered against them, they are also metaphors for the trials and tribulations that we face. David recognizes that without God the outcome would’ve likely been different. Is it not the same with our battles within and without? May we trust in God as David did, eventually rejoicing with David as we too declare: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Prayer: Dear God, again and again you see us through. Again and again you keep the waters at bay, you calm the raging waters, you make a way when there seems to be no way. You do not leave us or forsake us ever. Draw us to you again and again – every time the enemy comes near, every time life throws something hard our way. Thank you for your unending love and for your constant presence. We love you Lord! Amen.


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Don’t Be Afraid

Reading: Matthew 10:24-33

Verse 27: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”

Photo credit: Saad Chaudhry

This week’s gospel text is part of Jesus’ words of instruction as he sends the 12 out to preach, heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Today’s portion is some honesty and some encouragement. Tomorrow’s portion is more warning and clarification of the cost of discipleship.

In the opening verses Jesus says, “It is enough for students to be like their teachers.” Reflecting back on scene after scene where Jesus taught amazing lessons and offered powerful miracles, the disciples must’ve been equal parts excited and overwhelmed. Jesus is saying that they will be like him.

Knowing the disciples have also witnessed the clashes and conflicts with the religious leaders, Jesus next addresses the fear this must’ve brought to the disciples as they are to head out on their own. Jesus tells them to not be afraid. He encourages them to be bold in the face of this fear: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” Jesus also reminds them to keep focused on the eternal reality. He tells them not to fear man, but to fear Satan, the one who has the power to “destroy both body and soul in hell.”

Today’s portion closes with a great reminder. Jesus wants the disciples to know that God loves and cares for them. In God’s all-powerful way, Jesus says that not even a sparrow dies without God noticing. This same God knows you so well that the number of hairs on your head is known. And if God knows that minute detail, disciple of Christ, then God really loves and cares for you. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Prayer: Lord God, discipleship is not always easy. Sometimes we feel a little inadequate. In these times, remind us of the power and gifts imparted to us by the Teacher. Sometimes fear or doubt rises up. When it does, fill us with a holy confidence, fueled by your great love and care for us. Knowing you love and care for us completely and unconditionally, may we boldly proclaim the good news of your kingdom. Amen.


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Steps and the Promise

Readings: 1st Peter 4:12-14 and 5:6-11

Verse 7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

As we come to the close to our time in 1st Peter, the common themes continue: “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering” and “you are blessed for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” Yes, you/we will suffer for our faith. Have hope! Glory awaits one day and God is with you/us each day in the trials.

Turning to chapter 5 we find some practical steps to walk faithfully through our suffering as well as a promise that gives us this living hope that we have in Jesus Christ. First, Peter calls for humility. Only from this place do we acknowledge our own weaknesses and fragility. Only then do we believe that we truly need God’s power and strength in the trials. Next Peter writes, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” He is NOT saying God will take away all the trials and suffering. He IS saying that if we trust God to lead and guide and to be with us as we walk through the trials and suffering, then we can turn over our anxieties, fears, doubts, worries… to God. This is a big step.

Third, Peter tells us to be “self-controlled and alert.” This advice is given because Satan is always on the prowl, always looking for ways to drag us into sin and away from God. By being disciplined in our faith practices we are arming ourselves with power against these attacks. By being alert we are aware of our own areas of weakness and of those people and/or places that hold negative sway over us. This leads us to the 4th step: “Resist him.” Luke trials and suffering, temptation will come. Satan will attack. To this too we could say, “Do not be surprised…” Peter calls them/us to resist, to stand firm on our rock.

And the promise: “And the God of all grace… will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” We do not walk alone. God in Spirit is with us always. In and through the trials and the suffering, God builds our faith. God sees us through and brings us out better able and more equipped for the next round. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we close this walk through 1st Peter with such hope! In this life we will suffer, we will have trials, we will face temptations. Yet you are there with us, giving and being all that we need to walk faithfully through each one, emerging more faithful, more trusting, more assured of the living hope we have in you. Thank you for your great love and care for each of us. Amen.


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Prioritizing God

Reading: Luke 4:1-12

Verses 6-7: “I will give you all authority and splendor… if you worship me, it will all be yours.”

Photo credit: Giuseppe Famiani

Today in Luke’s gospel we read about three temptations. All of these are common to us all and they are all interconnected. At times we all worry about having enough. This can lead us to store up and store up for ourselves. At times we all test God – either by doing things we know to be dangerous (or at least unwise) and by bartering with God, praying those if-then prayers. We combine these two temptations, for example, by praying for “x” amount in our 401-k – then we’ll feel secure and quit worrying about money, that all too common idol.

The middle temptation feels like the one I struggle with the most. Satan shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and says, “I will give you all authority and splendor… if you worship me, it will all be yours.” Maybe Satan doesn’t offer me kingdoms, but there is plenty on the list. In my world, there isn’t just one idol or even a few. While your idols might be different than mine, I think we all have lots of things that we are tempted to place before God. The question for us in this season of Lent is this: what idol do I allow time on the throne of my heart? Sometimes it is the illusion of success, sometimes it is that ideal vacation. Sometimes it is the desire to be in control, sometimes it is…

Quoting from Deuteronomy 6 Jesus replies, “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” When I chase after things or idols, I am really worshipping them, I am serving them. When I am tempted to allow other things to be my focus, placing God at least second, may I remember Jesus’ example, prioritizing God as the #1 in my life. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, when I feel the pull towards something else, gently call my name. When the pull becomes a tug, nudge me back in your direction. When it rises to a temptation, may the Holy Spirit be my shield and defender. Amen.


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Who and Whose

Reading: Luke 4:1-12

Verses 1-2: “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit… was led by the Spirit into the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”

Photo credit: Mael Gramain

Today and tomorrow we look at the temptation of Jesus found in Luke 4. Fresh off being baptized and anointed by the Holy Spirit, Jesus finds himself being led into the desert, into the wilderness. Rather than celebrating the amazing and powerful experience at the Jordan River by taking that energy and launching his ministry, instead Jesus is led away, alone, to prepare for a ministry that will be and look much different than expected.

When I struggle with temptation, at the core, it is a battle for who and whose I am. When I am drawn towards sin, it is almost always to please that fleshy part of me. Temptation never draws me initially to be more of who God created me to be. The pull is always to the ways and things of the world be they material, social, political, emotional or whatever.

The temptations that Satan or the devil places before Christ are much the same at their root. Be the Messiah that people are looking for Jesus. Wield great power in ways that look good on the surface – feed the hungry, take authority and rule wisely, use the power in miraculous and amazing ways. Use power as force, as intimidation, as warning against questioning your authority, as proof of who you are. Be and act as something you’re not Jesus, because that’s what the world is looking for. How easily we too can fall into this trap.

Jesus does have great power. He could have done all that the devil described without an iota of help from the devil or anyone or anything else. But Jesus knows who and whose he is. The great power of Jesus will be manifest in love and compassion, in mercy and justice, in forgiveness and restoration. At the tipping point in his life, it was this power that Jesus chose. In those moments of choice, may we too choose as Jesus chose, remembering who and whose we are.

Prayer: Lord God, fill me with your love, your compassion, your mercy, your justice, your forgiveness, your restoration. Purge from me the versions of these that I twist, melding them into the world’s selfish version of these things. Keep me on Jesus’ path of humble service. Grow me to be more like him. Amen.