pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Reality Check

Reading: Daniel 4:34-37

Daniel 4:37 – “All his [God’s] works are truth, all his paths are justice, and he is able to humble all who walk in pride.”

At the start of Daniel 4 King Nebuchadnezzar praises God as powerful and everlasting. God has just rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. Yes, they were thrown into the furnace because they refused to worship the 90′ statue made in the king’s likeness. God then brings Nebuchadnezzar a dream. None of the king’s sages, diviners… can interpret it. But Daniel can – “because the breath of the holy gods is in you.” The dream reveals that God will drive the king into the wilderness, living as an animal. He will live in this state until he acknowledges that “heaven rules all” – including him.

A year later the king is walking in the palace roof. He says to himself, ‘Isn’t Babylon great… this city built by MY mighty strength and by MY majestic glory?’ The words hadn’t left his mouth before God pronounced judgment on him. We see here how pride is ever there, often just below the surface. There are times when we’ll think how talented or beautiful we are or how wonderful that thing I did was or ___. You fill in the blank. We all can, many times over. Pride is something almost all of us battle with. And thinking too highly of oneself is not the only way pride is revealed.

Nebuchadnezzar’s sentence is immediately carried out. He lives as an animal in the wild for “seven periods of time.” We don’t know how long this was but we do know it was long enough for Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge God’s authority. In humility he says, “All his [God’s] works are truth, all his paths are justice, and he is able to humble all who walk in pride.” When we get too full of ourselves, when we start judging and playing the comparison game, when we refuse to do a menial task, when we… we too will get a reality check. It might not be immediately, but it will come. The way to avoid this? Walk humbly with God each and every day, acknowledging God’s power and strength over all things. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how often we see pride leading to words, actions, and behaviors that are far less than you call us to be. When we fall into the sun of pride, open our eyes as we look in the mirror. Humble us when needed, returning us to the worship of you instead of self. To you, O God, is all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.


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One to Exalt

Reading: Isaiah 2:10-18

Isaiah 2:17 – “People’s pride will be brought down and human arrogance humiliated. The Lord alone will be exalted on that day.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

We return to the beginning of Isaiah again this week. In chapter 1 we read about Judah being far from God, turning to idols and foreign powers to save them. The leaders were taking advantage of and oppressing the least among them. Even so, God offered grace and mercy, forgiveness and restoration – if the nation would humble themselves, confessing and repenting of their sins. If only…

Turning to verse 10, Isaiah suggests that the people “go into the rocks” to hide from the Lord’s terror. The sin of Judah will be dealt with. The people’s “proud gazing” and “humanity’s arrogance” will be brought low. The day is coming, says the prophet, when all that is prideful, haughty, and lofty will be “laid low.” These sins have led Judah to the precarious place that they find themselves in.

Next we find a list of some of the things that humankind’s pride can be rooted in: natural resources, man made structures, the means of war. In our day, does the list look much different? Pride and arrogance continue to drive many of the sins and evil of our day. Again speaking of the difficult and painful day soon to come, in verse 17 we read, “People’s pride will be brought down and human arrogance humiliated. The Lord alone will be exalted on that day.” It is good and right to that God alone is exalted, that God alone is worshipped. It is a choice that we can make. May it be so in our lives. Yes, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be so easy to look around, to see others with ‘things’ we’d like – power, status, possessions. Once there it is an easy step to lust and envy, to greed and want. But to desire and pursue these things us to move in the opposite direction of you. The world is all about self, elevating self, gathering things. In that arena, pride and arrogance are rampant and infectious. Shield us from these desires. Lead us to find our worth in you. Guide us to seek you above all else. Center our lives on worshipping you alone. Amen.


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A Simple Choice

Reading: Matthew 7:24-27

Matthew 7:25 (or 27) – “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house.”

We all live in a broken world where evil, illness and disease, violence, death, and all the -isms cause hardship, trial, and suffering. Add to this our proclivity to sin, which only increases the challenge of living faithfully in this broken world. These things are true for all people: Christ followers, Muslims, atheists, agnostics…

For Jesus, in today’s passage, there are two choices with two distinct outcomes. One can choose to hear and put into practice his words and example, or one can hear and choose not to allow his words to shape and guide one’s life. It is a simple choice: obey or disobey.

And there is an outcome of effect of one’s choice. In our broken world, “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house.” Sin, evil, sickness, prejudice, injustice, pride… will rain down on our lives. The guilt, the stress, the shame, the suffering, the doubt – they will flood into our heart, mind, soul, and body. They will beat against our faith or against our psyche, depending on the choice we made to trust self or to trust God.

Those who choose to hear and obey are the “wise” who chose life and faith. These lives are “firmly set on bedrock.” Jesus is our bedrock, our firm foundation. Those who choose the ways of the world are the “fools.” They are building on sand. It is a simple choice: God or self? Our choices determines if we can withstand the storms of life. May we choose to build our lives upon Jesus Christ, our rock.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of the world is wise and easy and it leads to destruction. Your way is narrow and hard but it leads to abundant life. Surrounded by the voices and other influences of the world, it is hard to stay on your path. The storms of life only increase this challenge. Lord, be near us in all things, at all times. Amen.


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Our Sure Foundation

Reading: Isaiah 28:14-17

Isaiah 28:17 – “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.”

The prophet Isaiah spoke to the southern kingdom of Judah. Today’s passage comes from “First Isaiah” (chapters 1-39) where the prophet reminds Judah of God’s sovereignty and holiness. Isaiah also reminds Judah of the consequences of relying on self and on the things and powers of this world.

In the opening verses Isaiah calls out Judah’s leaders, the “scoffers” who do not think that God is mighty enough to protect them from looming Assyria. Instead of turning to and trusting in God, they have made an alliance with Egypt, with “death.” Judah’s leaders have told themselves that the flood won’t reach them, that their hiding place will keep them safe. No, Isaiah says, these will be swept away. The flood of Assyria will overflow the land. The “rushing flood… you will be annihilated by it.”

God has another plan – one of restoration and redemption. Through Isaiah, God declares, “I’m laying in Zion a stone… a valuable cornerstone… a sure foundation.” The invitation is to trust in the stone, in Jesus Christ. In a time to come, upon this solid foundation, faith will center again on the way of the Lord: “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.” This call to Holy living remains our call today. May it be justice that flows like a flood across the land. May it be righteousness that wells us within us, flowing out to bring healing and wholeness to our land.

Prayer: Lord God, when we too decide that we can handle it, when we tell ourselves that our power or wealth or another earthly thing will save us, remind us of what and what you are: all-powerful, ever present, always seeking our good. Humble us; drive away our arrogance and self-assurance. Raise up in us a longing for justice and a craving for righteousness. In all things, draw us again and again to stand upon Jesus Christ, our sure foundation, our true cornerstone. Amen.


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Because God Loves Us…

Reading: 1st John 4:7-21

1st John 4:12b – “If we love each other, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us.”

Photo credit: Shane

Our passage begins with John imploring us, “dear friends,” to love one another. The foundation for this charge is built upon two things. First, love is God. Love comes from God. God is love. Second, those who practice love are born from God and know God. There is a relationship formed as a believer professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This relationship is grounded in God’s love.

All relationships are two-way. The apostle John first establishes proof of God’s love for us in the fact that God sent Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. John also reminds us that God has given us the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This is the second proof. This is how God’s love remains in us and enables the relationship to be two-way. We next read about how we offer proofs of our love of God through our love for one another.

In verse 12 we read, “If we love each other, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us.” John Wesley picks up on this idea in what he called ‘going on to perfection.’ Wesley understood the Christian faith as a process of unending growth. Loving more and wider changes the believer for the good, maturing and deepening our faith. Now, this call to love and the process of maturing in our faith – they are not easy.

John reflects this as he writes these words of encouragement: “Perfect love drives our fear.” To love one another as God loves us will call us to risky places, to challenging conversations, to situations where we lie self on the line. Yet we do not go alone nor do we do these things by ourselves. Because God loves us, God goes with us into these places, situations, and conversations where we are called to be love and light, hope and peace, trust and justice, grace and forgiveness. Through God’s unconditional and faithful love, may we seek and strive to love all of our brothers and sisters just as God loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, emboldened by your love, guide us to step out in faith, without fear and without concern for self. Bring us into all the places and lives that need to know your love. Empowered and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, lead us to practice your love well so that others may come to experience and know your love in their hearts. Amen.


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Almost Ready

Reading: Numbers 11:1-15

Numbers 11:10b – “The Lord was outraged, and Moses was upset.”

Have you ever been around a complainer? Even on the best of days they find something to grumble about. Now, imagine being around (and trying to lead!) a group of about a million complainers. Welcome to Moses’ reality as he led the Israelites in the wilderness.

Our passage begins with the people complaining intensely. This angers God and fire falls from heaven, burning the “edges of camp.” This is like a warning shot. Moses prays for the people and God’s anger subsides. Next the “riffraff” crave meat and they apparently stir up the whole camp. The people long for the food they had in Egypt. Now all they eat is manna, God’s gift from heaven. Soon there is complaining at all of their tents. Everyone longs for meat.

As Moses (and God) hear this crying out, “The Lord was outraged, and Moses was upset.” But Moses does not pray for the people now. Moses is done. We’re familiar with how Moses feels. We’ve all avoided complainers. Moses questions why God is treating him this way. He questions his ability to bear the “burden” of leading these people. Moses even reminds God that God is really the parent of these people. At his wits’ end, Moses tells God, “If you’re going to treat me like this, just kill me.”

God has Moses close to where Moses needs to be. He is bearing the end of self. Moses is almost ready once again to fully depend on God. God will respond to Moses’ pleas and to the peoples’ complaining, bringing provision, love, and care.

Prayer: Lord God, we feel for Moses and we feel for you. Getting honest, though, we must admit that we too complain and grumble. At times we must try you. Lord, build up in us the ability to encourage those who complain. And, Lord, build up in us our gratitude for you and for your provision, love, and care. From this place of gratefulness, we can truly thank you for who and what you are, O great God of love and care. Amen.


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He Will Be There

Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Matthew 14:25 – “Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake.”

Our passage begins with “Right then…” This sudden shift follows and is connected to what has just happened. Chapter 14 begins with the death of John the Baptist. Jesus hears the story from John’s disciples. Jesus tries to find solitude but the crowd follows. He heals the sick. As evening nears, filled with compassion, Jesus feeds 5,000 men plus women and children from two fish and five loaves. It is right then that Jesus sends the disciples across the lake. He dismisses the crowd and finally finds some alone time with God, time to grieve for John. This pattern is typical for Jesus and is our call too: care for others before self, but still take time to care for self. One simply cannot pour into others from a place of exhaustion and emptiness.

In verse 25 we read, “Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake.” Seeing him, the disciples are terrified. Yes, the Old Testament speaks of God making “a way in the sea” (Isaiah 43:16,) but this has never been done by a human. Of course they think Jesus is a ghost. Quickly he reassures them, offering encouragement, identifying himself. Peter asks for proof: “If it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says, “Come,” and Peter begins to walk on the water. When have you observed someone doing something amazing, been encouraged to join them, and started doing what they’re doing? Although likely not walking on water, when willing we can do what we thought beyond ourselves when encouraged to believe that we can.

Unfortunately Peter gets distracted and sinks back to the base line. Fear overtakes his faith. So too is it with us. Our human weaknesses impact our faith. Just as Jesus was there for Peter, he will be there for us too, reaching out a hand, helping us back to our place of comfort, calming our storms. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, when and where will you call us out of the boat today? How will you move us beyond where we think we can go? Lord, when you do, make us ready and willing. Trusting in you, guide us to step forward. Amen.


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Loving Others, Giving of Self

Reading: John 19:25-27 and 33-35

John 19:34 – “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

On the day of Jesus’ death there are a handful of women and “the disciple whom he loved” at the foot of the cross. The women include Jesus’ mother, her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John is there too, the beloved disciple. Looking down from the cross, Jesus employs a Jewish law, entrusting his mother’s care to John. Jesus created not only a new family but also the community of faith. Loving and caring for one another as a family does will be a mark of the early church. It is the mark of Christ-following communities today.

In the second part of our reading the soldiers are making sure that Jesus is dead. The religious leaders were concerned that the killing of an innocent man was completed before sundown – so that they could properly honor God and the Sabbath. In verse 34 we read, “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John, a gospel rich in symbolism and meaning, keeps Jesus’ legs unbroken, an unblemished lamb slaughtered for our sins. The water and blood that flow – like the living water of Jesus Christ that we experience in baptism and throughout our journeys of faith. The blood, like the blood poured out for many, cleansing us of our sin.

Today, as we remember the palm parade, joyously celebrating the Messiah, the one who came in the name of the Lord, let us also remember this Jesus in the cross, the one who died as he lived: loving others, giving of self.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the faithful witness of John, for his presence in these moments and so many others in Jesus’ life. He testifies to the truth and shares his Jesus with others. May we do the same, O God. Amen.


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Radical Love

Reading: Luke 6:27-31

Luke 6:31 – “Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.”

Photo credit: Christopher Beloch

Today’s passage begins with “But I say to you.” This is a familiar phrase Jesus uses, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. As Luke employs this phrase, he adds to it. His phrasing includes “to you who are willing to hear.” This is Luke’s way of getting his readers, including us, ready to take in and wrestle with a difficult teaching.

In verses 27 and 28 Jesus encourages us to “love your enemies… do good to those who hate you… bless those who curse you… pray for those who mistreat you.” This kind of love is counter-cultural. It calls the followers of Christ to act in a way that surprises the world. Instead of returning hate for hate, which is the norm, do good instead. Radical.

The next two verses provide real world examples. To offer the other cheek, to give your shirt too, to not expect repayment – these too run against the cultural norms. Our culture teaches us to hit back, to hold tightly to all that is ours, to charge high interest. Not so with Jesus. Here he call his followers to a self-sacrificial, others first kind of love. This kind of radical behavior is something that also surprises the world.

Our reading closes with a well known maxim: “Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.” This kind of love is given regardless of who the other person is or isn’t, regardless of what they’ve done or not done. This radical love comes from within us. It is motivated by Christ’s example and it is empowered by his Spirit. It is a love for all people. May this be a live we embody and practice daily.

Prayer: Lord God, what a call we hear today: love all people, especially when it is hard or costly or both. Your counter-cultural and counter-instinctual call to sacrificial love is challenging, but so powerful. Walk with us and enable us to overcome evil with good, hate with love, greed with generosity. Use us to change the world. Amen.


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Kingdoms

Readings: Luke 22:6-12 and 13:31-33

Luke 13:32 – “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.'”

As Jesus’ path to the cross continues, there is a detour in Luke’s gospel. Hearing that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate sends him to Herod Antipas, the ruler of that region. Pilate is trying to extricate himself from this sticky situation, thrusting it upon his political enemy. But Herod is happy to see Jesus – at first. He’s wanted to see Jesus for a long time. Herod has heard the stories and hopes that Jesus will “perform a sign” for him.

Jesus refuses to answer any questions and Herod’s curiosity turns to anger and mockery. Dressing Jesus in “elegant clothes,” he sends Jesus back to Pilate. This wasn’t Herod’s first exposure to Jesus, though. In chapter 13 the religious leaders warn Jesus that Herod wanted to kill him. Herod was notoriously violent and unstable, especially against anyone he saw as a threat to his power. The bad blood with Pilate began long ago when Herod and his brothers had Pilate charged and punished by Tiberius Caesar. And Pilate ruled over the land once ruled by Herod the Great, Herod Antipas’ father.

In chapter 13, in response to Herod’s threat, Jesus says, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.'” The Jews saw foxes as destructive and worthless pests. This was not a compliment. The casting out and healing were signs of God’s kingdom amongst the people. Jesus’ finished work on the third day, resurrected to life, would validate his claims of bringing the kingdom to earth. Working together against this perceived threat to their power, Pilate and Herod became friends that day. So it is with the kingdoms and powers of this world.

Prayer: Lord God, in Pilate and Herod we see two men with power willing to do anything to hold onto or to build that power. We see this in our world today as people strive and connive to gather more power, wealth, status… Jesus’ kingdom runs counter to these ways of the world. His is a kingdom of healing, giving, and pouring out of self. O God, draw us into this kingdom and use us to build your kingdom in our time and place. Amen.