pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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A Plan Unfolding

Reading: Luke 1:68-75

Luke 1:69-70 – “He [God] has raised up a mighty savior… just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago.”

By nature we are social beings. We were created by God to be in community. While each of us enjoys some solitude from time to time, we crave human interaction. A large part of this involves expressing ourselves, our thoughts, our emotions. The average person does this mainly through speaking about 10,000 words a day. Imagine being silent for a few days. For me that would soon begin to feel like a heavy weight. What would that feel like for you? Now, imagine being silent for nine months.

As we turn to Luke 1:68 today, Zechariah begins to speak for the first time in nine months. He had been struck mute by God about 840,000 words ago. Zechariah did not believe the angel Gabriel when he told the old priest that was having a son. The angel told him that his son would “bring many Israelites back to the Lord.” What news to share! But he cannot. After all of this silence, what are Zechariah’s first words?

Zechariah first announces that the words of the prophets from long ago have been fulfilled. A Savior has been born! The priest turned prophet tells the people that God has remembered the covenant and will rescue Israel “from the power of our enemies.” Recalling the times in exile and in the wilderness, those enemies were mostly within – selfishness, greed, idolatry. As we continue tomorrow, Zechariah will next speak of the role that his son, John the baptizer, will play in God’s unfolding plan. The unfolding plan continues today. You and I are a part of that plan.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for remembering your covenant and setting in motion the redemption of all of creation. Thank you for sending the one filled with the spirit of Elijah to prepare hearts to receive your son, the Savior. Lord, fill us with the Spirit’s power, using us today to call people to change hearts and lives. Use us to call people to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.


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Rooted in Belief

Reading: John 6:25-35

John 6:29 – “Jesus replied, ‘This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.'”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In today’s gospel reading Jesus redirects the peoples’ focus. The day before, this crowd had been part of the miracle known as “the feeding of the 5,000.” They have followed the disciples to Capernaum, hoping to find Jesus there, hoping for more bread. He quickly points out that they missed the work of the divine within the feeding miracle. All they “saw” was the food. Jesus tells them to quit working for that temporal “food” and instead to seek “the food that endures for eternal life.”

We too need to hear these words of Jesus because we often strive after temporal things. Even in our lives of faith, our striving can become like checking boxes. Yup, went to church on Sunday. Read my Bible this week. Check. Prayed for my neighbor in need. Check that one too! Hearing the call to the eternal, the crowd asks Jesus what we can ask: “What must we do?” Jesus’ response is a redirect. It’s not about doing at all. Jesus says to the crowd and to us: “This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.” Faith starts with belief in Jesus and it grows from this foundational place.

Even though Jesus’ direction seems clear to us, the crowd again asks, “What sign will you do…” A million miracles in themselves will not lead to faith. The choice for faith, again, begins with belief in Jesus as the one who is “the bread of life,” the one who satisfies our eternal hungers and thirsts. In time, yes, faith through belief will lead to experiencing God’s power and presence in ways that feel miraculous and will lead to service in the kingdom of God. But faith must always be rooted in our belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we can do easily get caught up in striving after things, in checking boxes to assure ourselves of our progress. Help us to understand that it is not in the doing that “things” happen. Instead, lead us to trust that you alone are the one “doing” the work, even when we are serving you and others. Grounded in our belief in you alone, may our faith in you witness to your powerful presence in our lives and in the world. Amen.


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Are We Willing?

Reading: Luke 14:25-33

Luke 14:22 – “Whoever doesn’t carry their own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

Today in Luke’s gospel we read some words that can feel challenging. Jesus is speaking to a large crowd that is traveling with him. These are words that all who consider Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior need to hear often. For those present and for us today who read these words, the question is being asked: Are you willing to do what is required to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?

Jesus begins with this: Are you willing to put Jesus first in your life? Only if Jesus is ahead of family and “even one’s own life,” only then can one follow Jesus. When there is no one between Jesus and you, yes, can you pick up your cross to follow him. Jesus must be the only one on the throne of our hearts, otherwise we’ll lay down that cross when things get hard…

The initial question is followed up with a consideration of the cost of following Jesus. Like everything else in our life that we commit to, there is a cost to discipleship. Using the example of building a tower, Jesus invites his followers to consider if they’re willing to make a lifelong commitment. We need to understand that a walk of faith is 24/7 – long, steady, constant, and all-encompassing.

Jesus then uses a war example, reminding us that a walk of faith is a constant battle. The forces fighting against our daily faithful walk are powerful and unrelenting. Satan and the lures of this world must be fought against regularly. We must be willing to battle almost constantly if we are to walk with Jesus. Our biggest battle is with “things.” Are we willing to put where we live, what we wear, our gifts and talents, even our status and power, to use in the building of God’s kingdom? Are we willing to give up whatever is required to prioritize humble service to Christ above all else?

Prayer: Lord God, these words are challenging and difficult. But they are also encouraging. Jesus lays out the requirements, yes, but is also reminding us that faith is a choice that we do not make alone. We have within us all that we need to walk faithfully each day: the Holy Spirit. Lead and guide us today. Empower and equip us, O Lord, to follow in Christ’s footsteps. Amen.


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Diligent and Intentional

Reading: 1st Timothy 4:7b-12

1st Timothy 4:10 – “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.”

Today’s reading comes from a section where Paul is instructing Timothy about spiritual leadership. In today’s verses and throughout this section Paul consistently connects the message and the messenger. For Paul, this life of faith was 24/7. The character of the message and of the messenger were integrally connected. This is why Paul exhorted Timothy to “Train yourself for a holy life.” To ‘train’ is to give focus and attention, to be diligent and Intentional about the condition of one’s soul.

Paul then focuses in on the mission: “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.” The work, the mission, the example Paul and Timothy set – it is to reveal their own hope and faith AND it is to help others to come to know Jesus Christ, the Savior, the source of our living hope. Paul encourages Timothy to “Command these things. Teach them.” This happens two ways. First, in his role as church leader. Second, in his daily living of a holy life. Again, these two sides of Timothy are inseparable. It is the same for you and me.

The apostle then addresses Timothy’s age. Paul reminds him and is that it is not about how old or how young you are. It is not about how much or how little religious education you have. It is not about your wealth or your poverty, you family history or lack thereof… To witness to our living hope, it is simply about your faith and living a holy life. For each of us, we know that God has chosen us and equipped us to share Jesus, our hope and our salvation. Knowing this, may we be diligent and intentional about sharing our faith with others.

Prayer: Lord God, please lead and guide us, strengthen and encourage us today to live a holy life, bearing witness always to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In all we do and in all we say, may our lives draw others towards the hope and saving grace that we find in you, our living God. Amen.


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I Am… or Maybe?

Reading: Mark 14:61-62, Matthew 26:63-64

Mark 14:61 – “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed one?”

Our two readings come from the same place in Jesus’ story. He has been arrested at night and stands trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This group leads under the power of the Romans. While this arrangement limits their power, the religious leaders still have a great amount of influence over the Jewish people.

For the first part of his trial, Jesus remains silent. He will not respond to false accusations. When the high priest, Caiaphas, asks, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed one?” Jesus answers. The question is worded differently in Matthew’s gospel, but the intent is the same. The hope is for Jesus to incriminate himself.

In Mark’s gospel Jesus responds, “I am.” It is a definitive answer. This aligns with the direct nature of Mark’s gospel and with his focus on encouraging the church to be thr church. Mark would like the church to respond to this type of question definitively. In word and action, Mark would like to see the church talk and act in ways that are easily identifiable as “Christian.”

In Matthew’s gospel the response is almost a non-response: “You said it.” Maybe. In both gospels Jesus adds that they’ll see the “Human One” sitting at God’s right hand and then coming on the clouds. In Matthew this feels like a “one day” statement: “One day you’ll know that I am the Messiah.”

As I read and ponder these two accounts, I wonder what kind of a follower I am. And I wonder what kind of a church we are. In my/our words and actions, do I/we state that I/we follow Christ as Lord and Savior? Or does our example say, “Maybe?”

Prayer: Lord God, encourage and empower me and my brothers and sisters in Christ to declare our faith in you in all ways. In the kindness, mercy, grace, love, care, compassion, generosity… that we live out, may the world know that you are Lord and Savior. Amen.


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A Safe and Sacred Space

Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

Philippians 4:6 – “Bring up all your requests to God in prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.”

Photo credit: Alex Woods

Our passage today begins with Paul encouraging the Philippians to be glad in the Lord and to let this internal feeling overflow into how they treat others. For Paul, his joy or gladness comes from the trust and faith that he has in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. For Paul, being joyful leads to gentleness. In turn, this heart condition will show through in how one treats others. Likewise, when one is grumpy or unhappy, one tends to be short or harsh with others. Because God is near to Paul, he finds joy and gentleness in ample supply. The same can be true for us.

Paul’s trust and faith leads him to write to the Philippians, “Don’t be anxious about anything.” He is inviting them into the space that he finds when he makes the effort and the choice to trust God. Offering a way to counter the anxious feelings (and the doubt, fear, worry…) Paul tells them, “Bring up all your requests to God in prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.” In moments of need, pray! Pray to God, Paul advises. In prayer we draw near to God. Drawing near to God, laying our prayers before God, we receive a peace from God. As Paul shares, it is a peace “that exceeds all understanding.”

Offering up our prayers and petitions – along with our thanksgiving – places our trust, our concerns, our very selves in God’s presence and care. In this place, we are kept safe, heart and mind, surrounded by God’s love. May we ever draw close, entering into a safe and sacred space through prayer.

Prayer: Lord God, call us again and again to the safe space of prayer. Entering into your divine presence, fill us with joy, gladness, faith, and trust. Help us to release our worries and doubts, our fears and anxieties. Bring us to a place of assurance, knowing that your love and care are greater than anything that the world can bring our way. Thank you Lord. Amen.


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Life to the Full

Reading: John 10 and 11

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.”

In today’s reading we really see the division created by Jesus’ words and ministry. It is first revealed in the healing of the blind man. The “light of the world” ends the man’s darkness, restoring his sight. There is division amongst those who now see him. Some say it is the blind man and others say it just looks like him. This question is answered as the man is brought to the Jewish leaders. Calling in his parents, they testify that he is their son who was born blind. They say they don’t know how he sees. Even though he has already told them, the leaders ask again. He asks them, “Do you want to be his disciples too?” They insult him. In response he reminds them that God doesn’t listen to sinners but to those who are devout and do God’s will. The man is expelled from the synagogue.

The story transitions next to spiritual blindness. Jesus centers this teaching on the shepherding metaphor. The shepherd enters through the gate, the sheep know his voice, he leads them out. Jesus declares, “I am the gate.” Others come to “steal, destroy, and kill.” The good shepherd, Jesus, “came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.” Life to the fullest. What an image! What a reality for those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The metaphor continues with Jesus telling the Pharisees that he will “lay down his life for the sheep.” Unlike the hired hands now listening to the story, Jesus cares about the sheep – and about the sheep not if this pen too! More division reveals itself as they argue about Jesus having a demon. Others ask, how then could he heal this man?

As chapter 11 closes, Jesus tells the “Jewish opposition” that the signs he does should testify to his being one with the Father. He invites them to see this, to believe in him. But they are ready to stone him. As Jesus’ time has not yet come, he escapes, going out to Bethany to minister there.

Prayer: Lord God, reading these stories we so clearly see that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Yet when we step away, going out into that world, we can become blind to needs, to our own sin, to injustice. Lord, help us to live with eyes wide open, living and enjoying the fullness of life that you give to all who believe. Amen.


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Ripe for Harvest

Reading: John 4

John 4:35 – “Open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

As Jesus travels from Judea to Galilee, he passes through Samaria. Stopping at a well to rest, he encounters a Samaritan woman. Jesus shocks her by asking for a drink. Eventually he offers her “living water” – a water that satisfies and that “bubbles up to eternal life.” She desires this water. Jesus reveals that he is a prophet and then as the Messiah. The woman goes back to town and says to all, “Come and see… Could this man be the Christ?” Many do come and see and others encounter Jesus as he stays and teaches for two days. Many believe that Jesus “is truly the Savior of the world.”

In the moments when the woman is in town, Jesus tells the disciples that he is “fed by doing the will of the one who sent me.” Turning to their call to be sent, he invites them to “Open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.” Jesus encourages them to “gather fruit for eternal life.” The disciples will see and experience this at the well and in the town of Sychar.

Chapter 4 closes with Jesus traveling to Cana. Along the way he meets a man who asks Jesus to heal his dying son. In faith this man has sought out Jesus. Jesus says, “Go home. Your son lives.” On the way back home the man meets his servants, who tell him the son was healed at the very moment Jesus spoke the words. The man and his entire household come to believe in Jesus.

In each encounter people experience Jesus’ power to change hearts and lives. Many come to believe. Jesus still has the power to change hearts and lives. May this power be revealed in and through you and me. With eyes wide open, may we faithfully enter the harvest field.

Prayer: Lord God, with a word you change hearts and lives. Through the Spirit, plant your words in our hearts. Place your words of life upon our tongues. Use us each day to draw others to you, changer of hearts and lives. Amen.


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“Water” to “Wine”

Reading: John 1:1-2:12

John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.”

Today we begin the Gospel of John, written about 30 years after Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John tells the story of Jesus, Son of God, dwelling among human beings, giving life and the Spirit to those who receive and believe in him as the Son of God, as Lord and Savior.

The Gospel begins connecting Jesus to eternity. Channeling the words and feel of Genesis, John establishes Jesus as the “Word” who was with and is God. In Jesus is light and life. John declares that Jesus is “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.” Even though the light shone on all people, Jesus’ own people didn’t recognize or welcome him. Even so, “the Word became flesh” and dwelled among humanity, revealing grace and truth, making God known.

The religious leaders sent representatives to ask John, “Who are you?” He tells them he’s not the one, not Elijah, not a prophet. Pushed further, John says he is the one “crying out in the wilderness” preparing people to receive Jesus. The next day (very Genesis-like) John sees and names Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Baptizing Jesus, John sees the Spirit descending and resting upon Jesus, “the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

The next day the first disciples are called – some by Jesus and some by one another. On the third day, Jesus is at a wedding in Cana. Here we find a great mother-son exchange. The wedding hosts have run out of wine and Mary brings it to Jesus’ attention. He replies, “My time hasn’t come yet.” Likely looking straight at Jesus, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” The water jugs are filled and it turns into wine – the best wine. Jesus’ glory is revealed. The disciples believe in him.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for taking on flesh, for stepping down out of heaven’s glory to bring it to earth. Your light continues to shine into the darkness of our world and our lives. You continue to turn the “water” of our lives into the best possible “wine.” Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.