pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: savior


by Leave a comment

Gracious and Compassionate

Readings: 2nd Kings 11, 2nd Kings 12, 2nd Kings 13

2nd Kings 13:23 – “But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, turning back to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Chapters 11-13 are chapters filled with evil done in the sight of the Lord. Our readings begin with Athaliah killing off almost her entire family – so she can rule Judah. But one of Ahaziah’s sons escapes. Hidden away and raised in the temple, Jehoash becomes king at age 7. The priest Jehoiada orchestrates this. He then makes a covenant with the people to belong to the Lord. Jehoash is mostly a bright spot. He oversees the repair of the temple in spite of the priests’ reluctance. But he allows shrine worship to continue. And he buys off Aram’s King Hazael with the Holy objects and gold from the temple. In the end, a conspiracy by his own officials ends Jehoash’s reign after 40 years.

Shifting back to Israel in Samaria, Jehoahaz becomes king. He rules for 17 mostly evil years. A bright moment comes amidst heavy oppression from Aram. He cries out to God and God sends a savior who defeats Aram. There is peace, “But they didn’t deviate from the sins.” Joash is the next king. His 16 years are filled with what was evil in God’s sight. He dies and Jeroboam becomes king in Israel.

Our readings end with Elisha’s final appearance. He becomes gravely ill and King Joash pays him a visit. Through the use of a bow and some arrows, Elisha prophesies some rescue from Aram. He dies and is buried. And then his bones bring a man back to life. God is still present, in more ways than one. In verse 23 of chapter 13 we read, “But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, turning back to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Ah, the covenant. Ah, the love.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the closing reminder of your covenant love. No matter the evil done by Jehoash or Jehoahaz or Joash or by us, your love remains. You remain compassionate and gracious. You even work through some we least expect – like Jehoash and maybe even through us. You can use any situation and any person for your plans. Restore us when we fail. Use us as you will. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Hear the Invitation

Reading: Ezekiel 34:20-24

Verse 22: “I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another.”

Continuing with the prophet Ezekiel today he first addresses those who are harming the flock. In verse 20 God declares that there will be judgment of “the fat sheep and the lean sheep.” The fat sheep are bullying the lean sheep. They shove and goad those with less power, less voice, less everything. In New Testament terms, the fat sheep are not loving their neighbors. They are, in fact, doing just the opposite. The rich and powerful are plundering the weak. God promises, though, to save the whole flock – the fat and lean alike.

Yes, God’s promise is to all the sheep. God promises both salvation and rescue. God foretells a time of judgment to come. These gifts from God are for all people. Some have accepted God’s grace and have entered into a personal, saving relationship with the Lord. Others sense God’s presence and can feel God reaching out to them but haven’t yet accepted the invitation. The open invitation remains there today. Our question is this: Who do we know that needs to once again hear the Invitation that Christ offers to all people?

Our Old Testament passage closes with the promise of a new king, of one from the line of David. Ezekiel isn’t speaking of the actual King David – he lived about 400 years before Ezekiel. He is speaking of one who will come from David’s line, from the root of Jesse. Ezekiel is speaking of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is speaking of the hope of all the world, the Messiah.

Prayer: Lord God, you are ever reaching out, ever seeking to walk in relationship with your creation. Thank you for the connection we have, for the relationship that daily guides our living. Use us to help others to know you as Lord and Savior, coming to know the power of salvation and the gift of grace. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Press On!

Reading: Philippians 3:4-14

Verse 8: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

As we begin reading today’s passage perhaps we feel a common ground here with Paul. He begins by addressing our tendency to put “confidence in the flesh.” Paul lists his accomplishments and accolades – and in the religious culture of Israel at that time, it is quite the list. The tendency to define who and what we are by our job title or by our degrees or by some measurable worldly success is one we always need to be aware of.

The old Saul described in verses 4-6 has been born anew as Paul the apostle. In verse 8 he writes, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” All those titles, all that he did before – gone! He even goes so far as to call all of that old life “rubbish.” Paul has come to understand that faith in the Lord who wrote the Law is far better than the religion of simply checking the boxes that came with following all of those laws. Paul has come to live out a faith that has opened him up to the power of resurrection and to the joy of “sharing in his sufferings.” It is counter cultural to cast aside all that the world holds dear. To our old self, it feels upside down to lay all of that aside in order to live out “the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” Yet this is the “goal” and the “prize” to which all followers of Jesus Christ are called to.

I love the language and imagery that Paul’s words create in verses 12-14. This is what it means to be in love with Jesus. He “presses on” to “take hold” of Jesus Christ. He “strains” towards the goal “to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ.” What a beautiful goal! What a glorious effort! May this too be our “one thing.”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to fully find my identity in you. May the things of this world fall away on account of knowing you as Lord and Savior. Give me the courage and strength to daily press on towards that heavenly prize, walking humbly with Jesus day by day. Amen.


by Leave a comment

What Can Anyone Give?

Reading: Matthew 16:24-28

Verse 26: “What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Today’s passage begins with Jesus offering a challenge and an invitation. He states that if one wants to follow him (that’s what happens after we profess him as our Lord and Savior), that one must do two things. First, one must deny self. Second, one must take up their own cross. In the reality of faith, I believe these are often repeated events and practices.

Professing Jesus as Lord is step 1 of denying self. In this confession we are declaring that Jesus is our top priority, that he is the #1, that he occupies the throne of our heart. The flip side is that we are none of these things. This is the beginning of denying self. Making the declaration is the easy part. It is often made in a moment of passion for Christ. We are “on fire.” The much harder and ongoing challenge is keeping the profession as we enter the world. These daily steps are the hardest. The ways, norms, and practices of the world often clash with our faith, causing us to evaluate our choices and decisions one by one in the light of faith.

In the same way, taking up our cross is not a once-in-a-lifetime act. It is not exactly the same as when Jesus took up the actual cross. It is the same in that taking up our cross involves sacrifice and it is on behalf of others. And, oh yes, there is usually also some suffering involved. As with denying self, there is a cost to this act too. One can take up the cross in many ways. Some efforts provide the arc of our faith journey. Think of a missionary in China or of Mother Teresa in India. For most of us, though, they are shorter term. Strung together they reveal the arc of our story of faith. We might stand against an injustice being done. This ends when justice prevails. We might befriend someone who is an outsider or outcast. This ends when our love leads others to love and include this person. We might commit to walking with someone experiencing addiction. This ends with long-term sobriety or recovery. Some of these can be lengthy but not forever.

Taken together these become our journey of faith. Casually speaking, these practices become our lifestyle. Lived out, we experience losing this earthly life and all of its attachments. In turn we gain true life – a life focused ultimately on the gift of eternal life, both for us and for all others. It is a day by day, moment by moment focus. Jesus asks, “What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Nothing but a day by day, moment by moment walk of faith. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you ask for all of me to be given, to be poured out for you. From the outside it seemed like such an ask. But now on the inside, it feels like the only possible choice, understanding what you did and do for me. Use me this day and every day in loving service to you and to my neighbors. Amen.


by Leave a comment

His Hope for Us Too

Reading: Matthew 16:21-23

Verse 23: “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Right after Peter’s amazing declaration of Jesus as the Messiah, I wonder if the disciples high-fived one another and got all excited – like rabid fans before the big game. Among the 12 were 2 zealots and probably 10 others who longed to see Rome sent home with her tail between her legs. The disciples, like 99.9% of the Jewish population, dreamed of being a great and powerful nation once again. We recall that Jesus ended that last messianic conversation with the stern warning not to tell anyone that Jesus is the Messiah. Tempering the emotions and expectations of the masses is never easy. A crowd can go from zero to 100 in a moment. (See the Palm Sunday passages.)

Jesus begins to temper the disciples’ messianic expectations by God explaining what his last few days will actually look like. He tells them that he will “suffer many things” and that he will be killed. Then he says, but on the third day he will be “raised to life.” All of this must’ve felt crushing and simply impossible to the disciples – especially the last part about rising to life after being killed. Jesus, dead is dead. There is no going back.

Peter can’t make any sense of it. He probably didn’t want to either. That’s why he reacts as he does, saying, “Never, Lord!” Peter thought he was being brave and courageous. He thought he knew better than Jesus. Jesus does not think so. He sharply redirects Peter’s thinking, inviting him away from “merely human concerns” and into “the concerns of God.” Peter, the rock, will get there.

That is Jesus’ hope for us too. We can easily lose our kingdom of God focus and regress into the ways of the kingdom of the world. Self can easily slip ahead of Jesus as the one who ruled the roost. In these moments when we begin to teeter – and we will – may we remember that Jesus is the king of love not hate, of humility not greatness, of peace not competition and comparison. May this be our king, our Lord, our Savior.

Prayer: Lord God, the things and ways of this world can so easily become a stumbling block. Soon enough we’ve fallen and are all bruised and broken. By the power of your Holy Spirit, intervene and intercede in our lives. Lead and guide us to walk in the way that leads to abundant life. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Beautiful Feet

Reading: Romans 10:14-15

Verse 14b: “And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

Returning to Romans 10 today, Paul follows up his proclamation that “all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved” with a few questions. While we hope that Peter’s proclamation will one day include all people everywhere, the reality is that many people do not have the opportunity to call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This middle question in verse 14 really resonated with me: “And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” Really, how can they?

Many years ago Christians read this question and thought of places like Africa. While Africa remains a place of mission today, this question increasingly applies to where we live. Faith is no longer a guiding force in our nation and in most of our communities. Today we are living in the post-Christian era. In the US and in Europe church and faith are on the decline. Just 2 generations ago almost everyone went to church each Sunday. Today 1 Sunday a month is considered “regular” attendance. On any given Sunday about 17% of the population is in church. We have many people in our communities who are disconnected from faith in Jesus Christ.

Yes, as Paul writes, those who preach and those sent on mission are important parts of the faith process. But the heart and soul of faith and of the church remains those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is these folks who put on Christ and go forth, taking Jesus with them to work, to school, to the neighbor next door. This is how non-believers get to know Jesus. This is how the lost hear the good news of Jesus Christ. May we all have beautiful feet this week.

Prayer: Lord God, move us all out into the world as your love, being poured out into the lives of those we meet. Use each of us to make Jesus Christ known. Use each of us to proclaim the good news every day. Amen.


by Leave a comment

No Jew or Gentile, No…

Reading: Romans 10:5-13

Verse 12: “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”

Paul writes in chapter 10 of the Lord who is Lord of all. For the Jewish Christians in Rome, they still clung to the Law of Moses. They saw faith as living out the Law. The Jewish Christians thought the new Gentile believers should adhere to all of the Law as well. Paul is calling for a faith based upon living out Jesus’ teachings and example. Paul invites those in the church in Rome to a faith that is “in your mouth and in your heart.” He is inviting them all to live a faith driven and guided by the Holy Spirit – the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ within each of them.

Paul continues, emphasizing that faith in Jesus comes not from the Law but from confessing and living out “Jesus is Lord.” Faith is ‘finalized’ with the belief that because Jesus rose, one day the faithful will rise too. Put another way, one day our justification will lead to our sanctification. Put yet another way, faithful and righteous living here will one day lead to eternal glory. For both groups in the Roman church, this was the hoped-for outcome of their faith in Jesus Christ. It is all believers hoped-for outcome of faith.

There was a division in the Roman church and it was getting in the way of their moving towards this desired outcome AND it was getting in the way of their witnessing to non-believers. So Paul uses some strong language in verse 12: “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” Paul does not say “Christian Jews and Gentile believers.” He goes a step wider. He wants the church to understand that their little squabble affects more than just them. He says all Jews and all Gentiles (which, in the language of the day, means “all people”) can call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. All people can call on Jesus to be saved.

As we seek to share and live out our faith and righteousness, may our eyes and hearts also be wide open, loving and witnessing to all people as the beloved children of God.

Prayer: Lord, in your kingdom there will be no Jew or Gentile, no Methodist or Catholic, no slave or free, no black or white, no rich or poor, no this or that. All people are the creation of your hands. All people are beloved by you. Lead me and use me to build that kingdom here on earth. Open my eyes and heart wide open. Amen.