pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Light, Guide Our Way

Reading: Isaiah 9:1-4

Isaiah 9:4 – “You’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them.”

The first section of Isaiah speaks of God’s sovereignty and calls the people away from sin. Running throughout chapters 1-39 are words that speak of the consequences of sinful living. The defeat and time in exile feel like a train barreling down the tracks – swift and unavoidable. Here and there, though, we find words of future hope sprinkled in amongst the doom and gloom. This mirrors Israel’s political history. Ever since the time of King David, a string of evil and bag kings is halted by a good and righteous king. After a short time, the evil and bad king run begins again. This promise of “a great light” would raise up hope for a good and righteous king to once again restore Israel.

The hope of being a great nation, of again experiencing joy in the land, of seeing abundance in the harvest – these words sound wonderful to a people headed into a time of suffering and exile. These words tell the people that this coming hard time will not last forever. To be honest, I often feel like Israel must’ve felt. I need to hear these words and to believe that our current darkness will not last forever. I need hope stirred up in me – that the poor will be fed and clothed and sheltered, that the marginalized will be welcomed in, that those living in fear will know peace.

Verse 4 shouts hope to such as these. Here we read, “You’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them.” In Isaiah’s time, the system was broken. A good king could only undo so much evil before the darkness rise up anew. Today, much feels broken. Many systems need to be changed, to be made anew. We need the light of Christ to guide our way to being a more just land. Oppressing and arresting and abusing vast swaths of certain ethnic groups is not the way to fix a broken system. There is not a simple or easy solution. But if we choose to be light in the darkness and if we allow the light of Christ to guide our way, then we will find a just and right solution. May your light shine in and through us, O Lord, bringing hope and peace, justice and grace to our land. May it be so, O God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, the rod of the oppressor is heavy on the backs of the vulnerable. The fear of unjust actions is running high in many places. There is a cleansing that needs to occur, a revision that must happen. Lord, let your light guide us to establishing a more just world. Guide us with peace, compassion, and empathy as we work our way to the world you envision. Amen.


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Engage Daily

Reading: Matthew 4:18-23

Matthew 4:23b – “He announced the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people.”

Earlier this week we read and pondered Jesus’ move away from Nazareth, moving to Capernaum in Galilee. This move distanced himself from the threatening worldly powers but it was not an attempt to isolate. The first thing Jesus does in this new place is to call the first disciples: Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Jesus invites them to leave all that they know behind to “Come, follow me.” As these four fisherman respond to the call, Jesus is building a new kind of community, a fellowship of believers.

Today our charge is to alter this invitation slightly, calling to people, “Come, follow Jesus.” This too is an invitation into belonging, into community, into fellowship. In our modern world, one filled with loneliness and division and unease, people are longing for meaning and purpose and for a place to find worth and to be loved. As humans, we need connection. We need to be part of something that matters. So let’s invite others into our circles of faith, whenever and wherever we have the opportunity to engage today.

In verse 23 we gain a model for how to be invitational. Simply inviting others to church is good, but it is not enough. One can be just as lonely, just as lost, just as broken, in a room full of people. Jesus taught a new way of living and being in the world. We have his words. We can share them with others, teaching them and showing them the way of love. We also have the ability and gifts to “heal” others. Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit we have all that we need to help free others from many forms of sickness and disease. This walking alongside others, sharing the good news, it helps them to strip away all that hinders them, opening the way to the new life that Jesus Christ offers to all people. To this end, may we engage today in this ministry of healing and wholeness.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes, free our tongues, guide our steps. As we encounter the hurting, the lost, the lonely, the broken today, empower us to make connections, to meet a need, to share the words of life, to offer words and acts that bring healing and wholesome to people’s lives. With Christ as our model and example, use us today to lift others up as we invite them into a relationship with Jesus and into our communities of faith. Amen.


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Using Our Voice

Reading: John 1:29-42

John 1:30 – “He who comes after me is really greater than me because he existed before me.”

In John 1, John the Baptist is out in the wilderness baptizing and proclaiming the coming Messiah. Lots and lots of people were coming out to see John. It would’ve been easy to look at the large crowds and to think pretty highly of himself. John the Baptist does not do what most of us would do. Instead he remains humble and serves as God has called him to serve: as the “voice crying out in the wilderness.” John knew that he was not the Messiah (or Elijah or…) He knew he was the voice calling people to Jesus.

In verse 29 John the Baptist identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” These descriptors fit with part of who the Jews expected the Messiah to be. John can name Jesus this way because he saw God’s word come true as the Spirit descended upon Jesus after he was baptized by John. This presence empowers Jesus to be the one who “baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” With these words, with his voice, John the Baptist clearly identifies Jesus Christ as the Messiah come into the world.

Today our world is filled with many voices. Some are clearly of this earthly kingdom. Some are clearly followers of Jesus who seek to share the good news. Many voices are a mix of these two. They try and sound like Jesus – even using a snippet of his words as a sound bite. Their lives and actions, however , do not look like Jesus at all. And where do our voices fit in this mix? We are called to be like John the Baptist, pointing to Jesus the Messiah, using our voices to carry his message of love to the world, using our hands and feet in humble service to our God. May it be so for all who seek to follow Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, make our hearts as sure and steady as John’s was. Make our words as true and our actions as pure. In all things and in all ways, use us to point others to Jesus. Amen.


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A “Song” to “Sing”

Reading: Psalm 40:1-4

Psalm 40:3b – “Many people will learn of this and be amazed; they will trust the Lord.”

Photo credit: Matt Botsford

David’s Psalm 40 is a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s salvation in his life. As we read the passages today and tomorrow, we will see how God’s rescue instills in David hope for the future. While we do not know the exact nature of this particular rescue, we too have experienced rescue by God. Whether from a poor decision or from a sin, whether from an illness or from an unwanted change, whether from suffering caused by another or from grief over a loss, we have all been in the “pit.” From these depths we’ve all cried out to God. And we have all experienced God leaning down, listening, lifting us up, steadying us, and putting a “new song” in our hearts. We’ve all been saved. We all have a “song” to “sing.”

David was an accomplished musician. As a youngster his music calmed a troubled King Saul again and again. Over his lifetime, he wrote many songs to God. Almost half of the 150 Psalms in our Bibles are credited to David. You too may be musically talented. If so, let your song of salvation be proclaimed in music. But maybe music isn’t your thing. Maybe it is creative writing or poetry or painting. Maybe it is story telling or having good conversations. Maybe it is prayer. We all have a “song” to “sing” to God and to one another. Our call is to “sing,” so that “Many people will learn of this and be amazed; they will trust the Lord.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, first we thank you for your steadfast love that draws near, that hears our cries, that rescues us – often from ourselves. Lord, turn these experiences into our “songs” of faith. However we express our testimony, God, use it to bring others to a saving faith in you. Amen.


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Bring the Light

Reading: Isaiah 49:5-7

Isaiah 49:6b – “I will also appoint you as a light to the nations, so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Photo credit: Gian D.

Continuing in Isaiah 49 today, the prophet shares God’s decision. It is not simply a change of heart. The time in exile prophesied by Jeremiah and others is drawing to a close. The 70 years are up. It is time to “restore Jacob to God.” A group will lead the return to God, then larger Israel will follow, also returning to God. To begin the process of returning to the Promised Land, God has honored the prophet, becoming his strength.

While this brings hope and joy to the prophet, God says, “It is not enough.” Yes, God will “raise up” the tribes of Jacob, and, yes, God will bring home “the survivors of exile.” But this is not enough. God’s plan is far bigger than Isaiah envisioned. God works this way in our lives too. Yes, it is awesome that God has brought your family to Jesus Christ. But then God asks, what about your neighbor and the stranger down the street? And what about “those” people in “that” part of town?

In verse 7 we get the full scope of God’s plan: “I will also appoint you as a light to the nations, so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” God’s plan is to save all people everywhere. That other part of town? Yes. And the people of our reservations and inner cities and the people on the other side of the world? Yes, yes, and yes! Carrying the light of Christ in our hearts, God’s people are appointed by God to bring the light of Christ to all people. Reading on we see that even kings and military leaders will bow before the Lord. All on account of the Lord. And all because we who are chosen are faithful to our charge. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we first ask that the light of Christ would burn brightly in our hearts. Burning brightly may your fire burn away the chaff and sin, readying us to step into the world’s darkness and pain. Use our light to open blind eyes and to soften hard hearts. Use our light to guide others to welcome the light of Christ into their hearts. Amen.


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God Will…

Reading: Isaiah 49:1-4

Isaiah 49:4b – “Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with God.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

The second of four Servant Songs found in Isaiah is our focus today and tomorrow. In this week’s reading, the servant speaks in the first person. These words could be Isaiah himself speaking or they could be the words of the servant Israel – an ideal Israel. Or is the prophet speaking as you or me?

The chosenness found in Isaiah 42 continues in chapter 49. The servant was called before birth, formed by God in the womb for this very purpose. As God’s hand continued to shape and form the servant, he or she or we became “a sharp sword… a sharpened arrow.” God’s word continues to cut through our sin and complacency and apathy, calling us to be people bent on righteousness and justice. God identifies the servant as one “in whom I show my glory.” God’s light and love, shining in and through us, reveal God’s presence and glory to the world. It is a high calling.

And it is not always easy to speak truth and to bring God glory. At times we feel like the servant feels: “wearied… in vain… used up… strength… for nothing.” We have given our all, but the fight feels too uphill. We have walked the long road of faith, but there seems to be no end in sight. The injustice, the oppression, the grief, the evils of this world – they appear to be winning. In these low moments, in the depth of the dark valley, we need to remember and cling to the words found at the end of verse 4: “Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with God.” God is on our side. God has a plan. God is a God of justice and righteousness. God will triumph over all evil. And if not in our lifetime, then heaven is surely our reward. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, there are many days when we walk in your light and love. We feel your presence, strength, and guidance. Our words, thoughts, and actions are pleasing in your sight. May these days be our reminders. Lord, in those seasons when we are worn down and feel defeated, remind us of your presence. Lift us up by the memories of our long and steady walk with you. Renew our strength and focus so that your light might shine into the darkness, whether in our hearts or in our world. Amen.


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Lord of All

Reading: Acts 10:34-43

Acts 10:36 – “This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all!”

As cultures and as individuals we are well-practiced at placing ourselves and others in categories, boxes, distinct groups, pecking orders… There are a variety of reasons that we tend to do this. It is easy. But easy is cheap. It discards our uniqueness. It makes us feel better about ourselves. But it is an artificial and temporary identity. It gives us places to fit in, to belong. “Fitting in” – it is shallow and limited. It is freeing. We don’t have to worry about, care for, or make space for “them.” This excludes and disrespects whole swaths of people and/or groups in one fell swoop.

In today’s Acts reading, Peter’s speech comes after Peter has been summoned by God to go to Cornelius’ home. This Roman centurion was about as far outside of any box that Peter thought was acceptable as one could get. Yet here Peter was, right where God wanted him to be. That’s the thing about the Holy Spirit – it will do the same with us if we hear, listen, and follow. When we go there, where the Spirit leads, we will come to truly know what Peter learned: God shows no partiality.

In his speech, Peter states that acceptance into God’s family comes through worshipping God and living a righteous life. Luke writes, “This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all!” To be this message of peace is to be a person who is open to include all people, who finds worth and value in all people, who seeks to find common ground with all people. This is the example set by the one who did good and healed, who died and rose again. This is the one who offers forgiveness of sins to all who believe in him as Lord and Savior. It is a wide-open invitation. The only qualifier, the only requirement, the only need is belief. Jesus can be Lord of all. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in love you call all people to a saving faith. In grace you call us as we are: sinful, flawed, selfish. In mercy you show us who and what we can be for you when we walk faithfully and live righteously. With forgiveness, you restart our journey again and again. We thank you today for always being a God whose heart is bent on forming community and building relationships. Guide us, shape us, and form us to have your heart. Use us to share the goods news of Jesus Christ: he is Lord of all. Amen.


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Almighty and All-Powerful

Reading: John 1:10-18

John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory… full of grace and truth.”

Continuing in John 1 today, in verses 10 and 11, we find a reality that remains true today. Christ’s light is in the world. We see it in the little miracles and we feel it in the moments when the presence of the divine is tangible. All people, at points in their lives, see and sense the almighty and all-powerful God, yet many choose to ignore it or to reject it for what it is. Many consequently refuse to welcome Christ into their hearts.

Many other people do encounter the divine and they make the decision to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For all who welcome Jesus into their hearts and lives, Christ “authorizes” them to become “children of God.” Being born anew, not of the flesh but of the Spirit, we personally experience what John described long ago as “made his home among them.” It was a present and physical reality in John’s day as “the Word became flesh.” Since Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit has come and continues to come to all believers, dwelling in and making his home in our hearts.

For John and others that lived at the time of Jesus, they received grace and truth as it was lived out in the person of Jesus. Just as Moses gave the Law long ago, Jesus laid down, by his example and teachings, the new law of love and grace and truth. Jesus fulfilled the Law, showing humanity the true heart of God. This example and way of being in the world revealed the glory of God to humankind, making God known in a more personal and intimate way. For this life and this example, we say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes it is hard to fathom why someone so almighty and all-powerful would choose to step away from heaven, to come to this broken world, to live amongst sinful and selfish people. Prophets had long come, reminding the people of your will and way. Exile and other hard experiences reminded the people of the price of ignoring and rejecting your will and way. Was the incarnation and making the ultimate sacrifice the only way to really show us what your almighty and all-powerful love looked like lived out to the full? Yes, it was. So we thank you. Amen.


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God’s Goodwill and Plan

Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14

Ephesians 1:7 – “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.”

Verses 3-6 speak of God choosing us. This choosing is rooted in God’s “goodwill and plan.” At the beginning of time as we know it, God created humanity in the image of the divine and appointed humankind as stewards of creation. A partnership, a relationship – this has always been God’s good plan for all of humanity. This intimate connection with God calls us to be “holy and blameless.” This calls requires us to surrender our life to Christ’s will and way so that we can become “adopted children,” becoming like Christ in every way that is humanly possible. At its simplest, this comes down to loving God and one another just as God first loved us.

Part way through verse 6 the focus shifts to grace and forgiveness. Because we are human, at times our flesh leads us away from our relationship with Jesus Christ and into temptation and sin. At all times, God is ready to redeem us. Verse 7 speaks of this truth: “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.” Ransomed – the atoning price for our sins has been paid. Forgiveness – our sins are no more. This has always been God’s design. At just the right time, God in the flesh made the sacrifice required to redeem all the world.

The last five verses shift to an eternal reality. At the end of this present age – “the climax of all time” – Christ will bring all things together in the new heaven and earth. This is our inheritance. It first comes through belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is then sealed by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The forgiveness and redemption founded on God’s love will one day lead us to our true and eternal home. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your plan that seeks to include us all. Thank you for the wooing and pursuing that draws us into relationship with you. Thank you for the steadfast love and for the indwelling presence that strengthens and deepens our relationship with you. Thank you for the grace, overflowing and unending, that brings us back into right relationship again and again, redeeming us from ourselves, returning us to who you designed us to be. Thank you for your great love for us all. Amen.


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Our Brother, Jesus Christ

Reading: Hebrews 2:10-18

Hebrews 2:17 – “He has to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way.”

Today’s reading from Hebrews 2 speaks of how and why Jesus is our “great high priest.” The author begins by declaring that it was “appropriate” for Jesus to experience suffering. These experiences prepared him to be our “pioneer of salvation.” Suffering is a part of our lives. Because Jesus in the flesh experienced this too, we can be confident that Jesus in Spirit will be present to us during our times of suffering. This common experience is one way that we are brothers and sisters with Jesus.

In verse 11 the writer of Hebrews declares that both Jesus and all who seek to walk in his ways “all come from one source.” Using three quotes from the ancient scriptures, the author reminds the Hebrews and us that we are all born of the divine, that we are all made in the image of God. This is the second way that we are brothers and sisters with Christ.

Our brother, in order to set us free from the power of death, sacrificed himself so that we too could be resurrected to new life. This death was for our benefit. Without fear of death we didn’t have to chase after the things of this world. Freed from this we can pursue the things of God instead. This freedom allows us to focus on joyful and complete obedience to the will and way of God.

In verse 17 we read, “He has to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way.” Jesus chose to spend time up close and personal with humanity. His time with us fallible and imperfect creatures led to two things. First, it is what led Jesus to die for us too. He paid the atoning price for our sins, freeing us from the power that sin can hold over our lives. Second, it is what allows Jesus to be our “merciful and faithful high priest.” Being made like us, experiencing the temptation and suffering that we experience, it is what empowers Christ to intercede for us before God. And it is what draws our brother to us during our difficult times in this life. For the freedom from sin and death, for the presence and strength in times of need, we say, “Thank you, Jesus!”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for taking on flesh to better understand, to better connect, to better be our advocate before God in heaven. You know our joys and sorrows, our griefs and elations, our sufferings and our victories. You were made like us so that we could become more like you. Thank you. Amen.