pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Don’t Be Afraid

Reading: Matthew 10:26-31

Matthew 10:31 – “Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Photo credit: Saad Chaudhry

Today’s passage begins with “Therefore,” a great connecting word. Jesus has just finished talking to his disciples about standing firm, even though they will be persecuted for their faith. While persecution in this sense is not a true reality for most of us, there are costs to following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Choosing the path of discipleship means choosing not to live according to the ways of the world. While not usually physical, the costs to being a follower can be felt in other ways – financial, social, political…

Jesus begins by telling us not to be afraid of “those people” – the ones who persecute. We are reminded that in the end, all things will be brought into the open. In the final accounting, good and evil will be sifted. Encouraging us to be bold in our faith, we’re invited to be light in the darkness of our world, announcing our faith “from the rooftops.” Here we are being invited to live a life of faith that all can see and hear.

Returning to the final accounting, Jesus tells us not to fear earthly powers but to fear heavenly powers. This life is temporary. Our “soul” is eternal. Our passage closes with a reminder of our all-powerful, ever-present God’s love. Not a sparrow dies without God knowing it. Each hair on our head is counted. This is Jesus’ personal and intimate way of saying, ‘God’s got you… “Don’t be afraid.” Thank you Lord!

Prayer: Lord God, when we wander towards the bright and shiny tempting things of this world, draw us back to you. Remind us once again of your eternal love – one that will never fade or rust. Guide us to live a transparent and living faith, being truth and love and light in our broken world. Amen.


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Divinity and Humanity, Strengths and Weaknesses

Reading: Luke 22

Luke 22:42 – “Not my will but your will must be done.”

Our reading begins with Judas agreeing to hand Jesus over. It must be an opportunity without a crowd. This time comes as Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray, which he does regularly. Another regular event was the celebration of the Passover meal. Peter and John are tasked with setting it up. At the table, though, Jesus becomes irregular. He changes the words and the meaning of this ancient ritual. The bread represents his body and the cup of wine represents the new covenant of his blood. He will become the new Passover lamb, sacrificed for many.

At the table, Jesus tells the disciples that his betrayer is present. They question who it could be, which leads to an argument about who is the greatest. To prove that we’re not the “weak link” we often resort to sharing our strengths to prove our own innocence. Jesus reigns them in, reminding them to become low, like a servant, like Jesus himself. He also offers words of encouragement. Because they have (and will) continue to walk with Jesus, one day they’ll eat and drink at his table in heaven. One day they’ll each sit on a throne overseeing the tribes of Israel.

Jesus shifts gears, sharing with the disciples that Satan will “sift you all like wheat.” Peter boldly states that he is ready to go to prison or even to die with Jesus. Alas, Peter, you will deny Jesus three times this very night – all before the rooster crows. Jesus then goes to the Mount of Olives to pray. He first asks God to take away this cup of suffering and death. He then prays, “Not my will but your will must be done.” Jesus is committed to God’s plan. He’s then betrayed by a kiss, is arrested, is beaten and questioned. In the midst of all this, he heals a servant. Peter denies him three times, then breaks down, sobbing uncontrollably. Jesus makes the claim that he will now be seated at God’s right hand. His words seal his fate.

Prayer: Lord God, a plan hurtles towards completion. We know the story and the steps. We’re reminded of both Jesus’ divinity and of his humanity. We too carry these within us. We’re also reminded of the disciples’ strengths and weaknesses. We too possess plenty of both. Lord, be present to us today so that we too might know and follow your will. Amen.


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Prayer and Repetition

Reading: Philippians 4:5-9

Verse 6: “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Photo credit: Diane Simumpande

After encouraging us to “rejoice always” yesterday, as we continue in Philippians 4, we read, “Do not be anxious about anything.” As Paul often does in his letters, here he encourages us with the best choice or action and then he acknowledges the human reality. Yes, in a perfect world we would all go from rejoicing over this to being thankful for that to… But we do not live in a perfect world. Being anxious or growing fearful or allowing worry to preoccupy us… can be our human reality, especially in the world that we now live in.

Anxiety, fear, doubt, worry – these seem to rise up at night. During the day most of us are busy. This keeps these emotions at bay. Reflecting on the day just done or thinking about the days ahead, these can cause our troublesome thoughts to bubble up, especially when we lay down to go to sleep. With no phone, no TV, no distractions, these emotions can try to take center stage. Paul’s advice (and not just at night!) is this: “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

If we are able to lift that thing to God in prayer without raising our anxiety… then that is option one. Sometimes praying about it, though, raises our anxiety… In these situations ,we can offer words of prayer that focus on God instead. This kind of prayer can be a simple “Lord have mercy” repeated again and again. It can be the Lord’s Prayer or some other prayer or scripture that you know, repeated over and over. Or it can be a passage from the Bible, read over and over as a prayer lifted to God. As we offer these prayers to God, God enters our situation. The peace of God soon settles over us and “guards your hearts and your minds.” This presence of God keeps the anxiety… at bay. In everything, may we go to God in prayer. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when those negative emotions begin to rise up, remind me to turn to you. Draw me into conversation, into prayer, into connection with you, allowing you and your peace to gently sift through my worry, fear, anxiety, doubt… Filled with your peace, bring me gracious rest. Thank you, God. Amen.