pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: sin


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Hearts Turned

Reading: Mark 9:11-13

Mark 9:13 – “Elijah has come, but they did to him whatever they wanted.”

Following the transfiguration (when Peter, James, and John saw Jesus changed into a more divine form who chatted with Moses’ and Elijah’s spirits) the “inner three” ask Jesus about the second coming of Elijah. Here they are connecting with their Jewish upbringing. In Malachi 4 the prophet writes about Elijah coming back “before the great and terrifying day of the Lord.” The understood purpose of his return? To “turn the hearts of the children to their parents” and vice versa.

Experiencing this moment on the mountaintop, hearing talk about Messiah and death and resurrection, it is natural for the disciples to try and make some sense of all of this. They do the natural thing: they try to connect this new information to what they already knew. To help do this, they ask about the second coming of Elijah. The understanding was that Elijah would return to “restore all things.” Jesus pushed back a bit. If one held to the fullest way that this could happen, he asks, then why would he have to suffer and die? This is Jesus’ question in verse 11. Clearly there is some disconnect or misunderstanding.

Answering their question, Jesus says, “Elijah has come, but they did to him whatever they wanted.” Preaching and baptizing in the wilderness, John the Baptist did change hearts. Through his baptism of repentance the children of God’s hearts were turned back to God’s heart and vice versa. John’s work of restoring all things was cut short, though, like many of the prophets who came before him. The pagan powers arrested and beheaded John. Not all Jewish hearts turned to God either. Many rejected John’s invitation and Jesus’ as well, “just as it is written.” In spite of humanity’s selfish and stubborn hearts, God’s plan will continue to unfold as Jesus walks the path to Jerusalem and to the cross.

Prayer: Lord God, we, like the people of Jesus’ day, know the scriptures, can see the signs unfolding, and still choose not to believe. We can cling to our selfish and evil ways, refusing to confess and repent. When our eyes are mostly closed and our hearts are pretty hard, once again empower your indwelling prophet, the Holy Spirit, to open our eyes, to soften our hearts. Bend us to your will and way. Amen.


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Certainly God’s Son

Reading: Mark 15:25-39

Mark 15:32 – “Even those who had been crucified with Jesus insulted him.”

In verses 25-39 of Mark 15, he encapsulates the actual death of Jesus Christ. Fifteen verses is all that Mark gives to this event. Most of these verses cover how the outsiders insulted, made fun of, and mocked Jesus. Most turn Jesus’ words upon him, demonstrating their lack of understanding. Even his fellow sufferers join in, insulting Jesus.

At 9 AM Jesus is nailed to the cross. A charge of insurrection hangs above his head: “The king of the Jews.” Passersby and the religious leaders insult and mock Jesus. These taunts contain truth though. The temple of his body will be “rebuilt” as he rises three days later. He will save many as they do see and believe in the resurrected Christ.

At noon the world goes dark. For three hours God and creation mourn what is happening. Perhaps this is the time that Jesus took our sin upon himself, suffering on behalf of sinners. It would make sense turn that at the end of this time he would utter his last earthly words, shouting, “Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani.” God could not abide being in the presence of sin.

At 3 PM Jesus lets out a loud cry and breathes his last. At this moment the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the temple’s common area is torn in two. The old temple system has come to an end. The new covenant has been established. We join the centurion, declaring, “This man was certainly God’s Son.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, how the world misunderstood you. With at least one eye always focused on self, it was hard to see you clearly. We too can struggle with this, with only being partly committed. Yes, in our own ways, we insult and mock you. Lord, forgive us and draw our eyes to the cross, where we see the depth of your love and grace. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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God/World

Reading: Mark 8:27-33

Mark 8:33 – “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”

Chapter 8 is about the halfway point of Mark’s gospel. In Mark’s 16 chapters, he covers the three years of Jesus’ ministry. There is no birth story or Jesus in the temple as a teenager. This short gospel begins with John the Baptist already baptizing in the wilderness. Chapter 1 through part of chapter 8 covers the first 155 weeks of Jesus’ ministry (+/- a week or so.) Mark 8:27 through chapter 16 cover the last week of Jesus’ ministry, known as the passion of Christ.

As Jesus turns toward Jerusalem and the cross he asks for an evaluation of sorts: “Who do people say that I am?” Generally, the people believe that he is a prophet. He is seen by many as one sent by God, speaking on behalf of God. They are partly correct. Wanting to go deeper, Jesus asks, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” This is a question we could and should ask ourselves regularly.

Peter responds, “You are the Christ.” We want to give Peter props for his answer identifying Jesus as the Messiah. But as we read on, we see that Peter’s understanding of Jesus (at this point) is not our understanding of Jesus. After Jesus shares what the passion of the Christ will look like, Peter scolds him. The suffering, trial, death… does NOT match Peter’s definition of a Messiah. Jesus’ response is swift and cutting: “Get behind me Satan.” Perhaps Jesus is thinking of when Satan tempted him in the wilderness, dangling human desires before him. Is Peter’s vision tempting to Jesus at this point?

Continuing on, Jesus adds, “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.” Peter and likely the other disciples cannot see beyond themselves right now. At times, we too struggle with this. Our selfish and sinful nature is ever at odds with the divine within us. May the Holy Spirit ever whisper and nudge (and convict) us to choose God over the world.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we can be like Peter, thinking not if you and your purposes. Our thoughts can turn to self and to our wants. We can be quite selfish. In those frequent moments, remind us of who Christ truly is – humble servant, gentle good shepherd, redeemer, salvation. Draw us back into obedience to your will and way. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Rescuer, Redeemer, Hope

Reading: Habakkuk 2:9-11

Habakkuk 2:11 – “A stone will cry out from a village wall, and a tree branch will respond.”

The book of Habakkuk wrestles with the question, “Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer?” The prophet struggles with the idea that God could use the wicked for God’s own purposes. In the midst of our own suffering we too can wonder how any good can come from our suffering. In these moments, like the prophet, we must trust and lean into our good and loving God.

In our short passage Habakkuk pronounces doom on “the one making evil gain.” Babylon has used power, deceit, and dishonesty to add to their own wealth, at the expense of Israel. The prophet predicts that the ultimate outcome will be shame and death for evil Babylon. In many ways this is a timeless story. Greed and the hunger for power will always be sins that humanity struggles with. Today many people could utter the words of the prophet.

Hope comes in verse 11. The prophets hopes for a rescuer, for a Messiah. He trusts that God will redeem and restore God’s people. Hope will come through the cornerstone, through the root of Jesse. The longing of God’s people will be answered in Jesus Christ. He continues to be our rescuer, our redeemer, our hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, this ago-old story feels true yet today. The gap between those with and those without grows. Power becomes more consolidated. May we, your children, be the stones that cry out for justice. May we, created in your image, be the branches that bring righteousness back to the land. God, restore your people, redeem the oppressed. Amen.


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A Clean Heart, A Faithful Spirit

Reading: Psalm 51:1-17

Psalm 51:10 – “Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!”

Today’s Psalm is believed to be David’s response to Nathan confronting him about his great sins around Bathsheba. When he realized the depth of his sin, David became deeply remorseful. While adultery and murder are serious sins, we must keep in mind that any and all sin separates us from God. There are no levels or degrees of separation from God’s view.

David seeks God’s mercy and cleansing. Only God can offer these means of grace and newness. David longs to be made clean so that he can “hear joy and celebration again.” He wants to be restored. And he wants to be able to teach others – so they can return to God as well.

In the Psalm we see an acknowledgement of our human condition. David admits “my sin is always right in front of me.” Sin is ever knocking at the door of our heart. While our sins can certainly affect others, sin primarily affects our relationship with God. It is God alone that has the power to change our hearts and, in turn, to create the praise that comes from a heart tuned to God.

Because God desires truth and wisdom in “the most hidden places” (in our hearts,) David invites God to “create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!” God alone empowers us in our battle with sin. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can our “broken spirit” become a “faithful spirit,” the sacrifice that God desires. Dying to our old self, breaking that worldly pull, we open ourselves to living as a child of the light. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, bring us again and again to the place where David is at in this Psalm. Bring us to the place of honesty with ourselves and with you, to the space where we can lay all of our sin before you, begging to be made new again. Walk forward from there with us, O God, encouraging and empowering us to be Spirit-filled creations, living joy, bringing you glory and praise. Amen.


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Equipped

Reading: Romans 15:14-20

Romans 15:14 – “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.”

Photo credit: Shane

At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages the people in the church in Rome to be patient with and to build up one another. He encourages them to have the attitude of Christ and to welcome others as Jesus did. Paul wants to see their hope and joy overflow into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we turn to verse 14, Paul is reminding the church that it is not just the pastor’s job to grow the church and the faith of those in the church and wider community.

In verse 14 we read, “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.” They have been shaped and formed into people that are equipped to minister to one another and to the world. They are ready to shape and form one another and any new disciples. He is reminding them “of what you already knew.” If they are to call themselves “Christians” then they need to model Christ. They too are to witness to their faith in God just as Jesus did. Paul has also set for them an example of what good ministry looks like. Bringing others to faith and growing their faith has happened “by what I’ve said and what I’ve done.” Paul has both encouraged and challenged the church, both built them up and called them out. And now the Roman church has been equipped to do the same. These words apply to us as well. As followers of Jesus Christ we have been equipped to help others know Jesus and to help one another grow in our faith.

Modeling Jesus with our words and actions is easy sometimes. Sharing joy and hope and love is not hard. The challenge comes when we are called to speak or act in situations where injustice or sin or some other wrong is taking place. To lift God’s will and way to the forefront and to challenge others to walk in this way can be hard and it can be costly. To fail to speak or to act will cause harm. Trusting in God, in the example of Jesus, and in the guidance of the Spirit, may we choose sacrifice and service to others.

Prayer: Lord God, there are times when it is easy to be a faithful witness in word or in deed. Encourage us to do so! And we also find ourselves in times and places when the Holy Spirit calls us to hold others accountable to who and what you call us all to be. Encourage and empower us to love you and neighbor even when it is hard and risky. All to your glory! Amen.


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Rule and Cleanse

Reading: Psalm 18:7-8 and 12-13a

Psalm 19:13a – “Save your servant from willful sins.”

Psalm 19 celebrates who and what God is. The psalmist speaks of God’s order and power. The writer acknowledges, by contrast, our disorder and powerlessness. In verses 7-8 we focus in on the Law. God’s “rules” for living out our faith are “perfect… faithful… right… pure.” God’s Law reflects God’s character. If we follow God’s will for how we are to live and be in the world, then we are “revived… gladdened… made wise… given light.” This is all in alignment with this understanding amongst God’s people: live according to the Law, experience goodness and blessing. People of faith today hold to this basic understanding. And, for the most part, this extends to our relationship with civil law too. There are times, though, when our faith will call us to hold God’s Law above common law.

In verses 12-13 the psalmist acknowledges and addresses those times when we do break God’s Law. Because of our human nature, we will sin, hurting or harming ourselves and/or other(s). At times these are “accidental.” Some of the time we become aware of these sins. Someone will let us know or the Holy Spirit will bring conviction into our hearts. And sometimes we don’t know; we won’t ever know. In these cases the psalmist asks God to “clear” him of sins. General confession is good for us to practice periodically too.

Our reading today closes with this petition: “Save your servant from willful sins.” At times we will know what we’re about to do or say or think, we’ll know it is sinful, and we will proceed forward anyway. We’ll cross the line. We’ll cause harm. We’ll damage a relationship. The psalmist asks God to not allow these sins to “rule me.” May this be our prayer as well.

Prayer: Lord God, we admit that it is not always easy to be faithful. Our human nature comes out at times, eclipsing the divine within. But even then your Holy Spirit whispers and nudges, calling us to faithfulness, calling us to walk once again with you. Welcome our confession, O God, cleanse us through your grace. Bring healing and wholeness to our lives and to our relationships. Rule in our hearts. Amen.


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The Battle with Self

Reading: Galatians 5:13-21

Galatians 5:17 – “A person’s selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one’s selfish desires.”

In Galatians 5:13 Paul reminds the believers that they have been “called to freedom.” Having committed themselves to Jesus Christ, they have died to their old self and have been made new in Christ. They were freed from their old ways and from the power of sin and death. Through grace they are forgiven and made right with God – again and again. Paul warns the believers against returning to their selfish ways. Grace was and is not given so that one can indulge and indulge. Instead Paul calls them away from selfishness and into service through love. This call will fulfill the command to love neighbor as self.

Paul then draws a sharp contrast between living in the way of the Lord and living in the ways of the world. These two ways stand in opposition to one another. He puts it this way in verse 17: “A person’s selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one’s selfish desires.” We know from our own life experiences that this is a constant battle. Our inherent selfishness is always calling us to love self. The Spirit is always calling us to love God and other. The Spirit calls us away from doing “whatever you want to do.”

Paul gives us quite the list of things we do when motivated by selfish motives. This list of 16 behaviors reveal many issues in our world today. We see many of these selfish actions on display each day. And, if we’re being honest, there are several on Paul’s list that we struggle with daily. This is why surrender of self is so important. Guided by the Spirit, we will be called to  selflessness instead of selfishness. Living the way of Jesus, we will build the kingdom of God both in this time and place and in our hearts. Doing both, we await our eternal inheritance. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we ask for your Spirit presence in the battle between self and the call to love you and neighbor. On our own we struggle so. The impure thoughts, the unkind words, the selfish actions – they rise up so quickly. Counter this, O God, with the power of the Spirit. Moment by moment, call us to your will and ways. Amen.


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Together

Readings: James 5:13-18 and Galatians 6:1-2

James 5:16b – “The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.”

As we wrestle with the practice of prayer this week, today we receive guidance on how, when, and why. In James we read of when to pray: when suffering, when sick, when struggling with sin. This list is, of course, not all-inclusive but illustrative. There are many other situations that call for the power of prayer.

James encourages us to be a part of our prayers too. We are to pray together. We are to gather with other believers and to anoint the sick with the oil of blessing. We are to confess our sins to one another, and then to pray for each other. This adds both support and accountability to our walk of faith. For James, prayer should lead us to action when possible because prayer should move our heart. In the last part of verse 16 he writes, “The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.” This is because prayer works both in the life of the one prayer for and in the life of the one who is praying.

In Galatians 6 Paul also addresses the call to hold one another accountable when we fall short. Paul tasks the faithful with restoring one another. A spirit of gentleness should guide our actions. After a reminder to be cautious of the temptation that comes from being near sin, Paul encourages us to carry each other’s burdens. Doing so we “fulfill the law of Christ.” We carry and fulfill through both action and prayer, physically and spiritually strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, community is so important to our faith. Yes, we can walk in relationship with you by ourselves. But it is so much richer, so much easier, to walk with others in faith. Together we are stronger. Together we receive and give to one another, encouraging, supporting, lifting, sharing. O Lord, guide us to live our faith together in community. Amen.


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The Day of the Lord

Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9

Isaiah 25:9 – “Let’s be glad and rejoice in his [God’s] salvation.“

Photo credit: Fuu J

In Isaiah 25 the prophet celebrates the salvation that God will bring. In verses 1-5 Isaiah speaks of God saving Israel from their enemies. Isaiah then celebrates how God has been (and will be) a refuge for all in need. In verses 6-9, our passage for today, the prophet envisions the day when God will bring this age to a close. Isaiah sets the scene “on this mountain,” referring to Zion, God’s holy mountain. On Zion the Lord will prepare “a rich feast” for all peoples. It will feature “choice wines” and “select foods.” It will be the feast of all feasts. Almost all readers or hearers in the ancient world would likely envision the best wedding banquet they’d ever been to – times ten!

Isaiah next writes of God swallowing up “the veil that is veiling all people.” It is unclear what this veil is. Is it the veil that casts evil over humanity’s eyes? Is it the veil that keeps people from fully seeing God? Whatever the case, all people will see clearly, seeing as God fully intends us to see.

In verse 8 Isaiah tells us that death will also be swallowed up. Eternal life will reign. Tears and people’s “disgrace” (sin) will be removed. This day will be a day of celebration and thanksgiving. All people will exult the God who saves. The joyful people will declare, “Let’s be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” What a day that will be! We wait with eager anticipation for the coming day of the Lord!

Prayer: Lord God, we see into your plans today. We see the prophet’s vision for the day when you make all things new. Many have stepped into this vision and more will likely enter their rest before the final day comes. We give thanks for your faithfulness. Fill us with the same faith, allowing us to live out your light and love as we await the day of our eternal salvation. Amen.