pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Compassionate, Forgiving

Readings: Psalms 76-78

‭Psalm 78:38 – “But God, being compassionate, kept forgiving their sins.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today’s three Psalms begin with praise, turn to lament, and close with a remembrance of God’s redeeming actions throughout Israel’s history. Psalm 76 recognizes God’s presence in Israel and God’s power over “the shield, the sword.” The psalmist praises God’s justice and care for the poor – another side of God’s compassion. In response, the invitation is given to keep their promises and to bring gifts to God.

The mood shifts in Psalm 77. The psalmist cries out to God day and night. They wonder if God has “rejected me forever.” In verse 11 the mood reverses. The author recalls God’s deeds and power. These are revealed both in the redemption of God’s people with “a mighty arm” and in the power of the thunderstorm. The Psalm closes by remembering Moses and Aaron’s leadership in the wilderness.

This line transitions us into Psalm 78, a teaching on God’s activity with Israel. Asaph begins by declaring the charge to tell future generations these stories. He then summarizes Israel’s history. He is honest, sharing again and again how “they didn’t keep the covenant.” He also recounts how God split the sea, provided manna and quail, gave them the Promised Land. “How often they rebelled” is followed by a review of the ten plagues that led to their freedom from Egypt. And again we read, “They tested and defied…” Shrines and idols replaced God. The Israelites were then delivered into the enemy’s hands. But they weren’t rejected forever. God chose David to lead them back and used Solomon to build the temple – God’s presence amongst the people of God.

We too can be a stubborn and sinful people. We can stray from God, turning to the idols of our time. Yet God’s unconditional love remains: “But God, being compassionate, kept forgiving their sins.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, I am so grateful for your love and mercy. Like the Israelites we try to walk obediently. Yet we fail at times. We separate ourselves from you and eventually cry out, seeking you once again. In your covenant faithfulness you draw us back into relationship. Again and again. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Foundational Truths… Practices… Disciplines

Readings: Psalms 13-16

‭Psalm 16:8 – “I always put the LORD in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.”

Psalm 13 begins with a series of questions that all ask “How long?” This pattern of repetition for emphasis is found in many Psalms and throughout the Bible. To these questions the psalmist adds, “Look at me! Answer me, Lord my God!” When we are in a “how long?” experience or season, these thoughts are on our minds too. The feel shifts in verse 5, where God’s faithful love, salvation, and goodness become the rock on which the psalmist will stand during this present storm. May we too claim these foundational truths.

Psalms 14 and 15 wrestle with what it means to live for God and what it means to live for the world. These Psalms invite us to reflect on which person we are. Are we the fool, the wicked, the sinful… OR… are we the righteous, the blameless, the thankful? In reality we are mostly one or the other. The goal is to be “the person who lives free of blame, does what is right, and speaks the truth sincerely… who does no harm.” This worthy life is mirrored in two of John Wesley’s “3 Simple Rules.” May we too live these foundational practices.

Psalm 16 is a song of faith in God. God is the psalmist’s refuge and protector. God is the psalmist’s portion, cup, and provider of good things. In turn, this is the psalmist’s commitment to God: “I always put the LORD in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.” Instruction from God’s word coupled with God’s daily presence prevents stumbling as we seek to “walk in the way of life.” May we too strive to live out these foundational faith disciplines.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Lead and guide us to choose you and your ways over the selfish and sinful ways of worldly living. Help us to focus on and to live out your faithful love, your goodness, your truth. Be our sure foundation and our eternal hope. Amen.


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Belief and Reality

Readings: Job 15 through Job 21

‭Job 16:6 – “If I speak, my pain is not eased; if I hold back, what have I lost?”

As we read cycle 2 of the discourse between Job and his friends, our initial reaction might be to condemn Job’s friends, to think them cruel and downright unfriendly. We must remember, however, that they are defending who and what they truly believe God to be and they are defending the ancients understanding of how and why the world works according to long held beliefs. To them, Job’s arguments rail against God and question how the justice of God really works.

Much of the friend’s conversation in today’s readings focuses on the wicked and what their lives look like. (These thoughts will apply to Job’s life in cycle 3.) Eliphaz argues that “all the days of the wicked are painful.” Bildad adds that the wicked are “snatched from the safety of their tents” and that “nothing they own remains.” Zophar notes that “the rejoicing of the wicked is short.” He adds “the fire that no one stoked consumes them.” All three friends argue from the belief that God swiftly punishes the wicked and sinful. God is just and cannot tolerate the ways of the wicked.

Job’s response to Eliphaz addresses how his “friends” are treating him. Job calls them “sorry comforters.” Job asks, “If I speak, my pain is not eased; if I hold back, what have I lost?” In his suffering he might as well cry out to God. Nothing to lose! In his response to Bildad, Job returns to his innocence. He points to how suffering has afflicted the righteous. God’s punishment is apparently not just for the wicked. And in his last speech for today, he counters his friends’ arguments. Job points to the reality of the actual world: “the wicked grow old,” “they spend their days contentedly,” and “on the day of disaster the wicked are spared.” Job states that the world is not as his friends would make it out to be. For Job, that simple understanding of God and the world does not match reality.

Prayer: Lord God, what a wrestling today with who and what you are and with who and what we are to be to one another. We are called to trust in your love and care and guidance. And we are called to be these things to others. We are called to walk in a right relationship with you. And we are called to help others back into that path when they stray. Lord, guide us as we walk this difficult journey with you and with one another. May we ever lead in love and grace. Amen.


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From the Margins, to the Margins

Reading: Luke 1:46-55

Verses 47-48: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for God has been mindful of the humble state of God’s servant.”

Mary’s Song is a beautiful song lifted up to her God. It is an outpouring of faith and emotion. She begins by glorifying and praising God because God has “been mindful of the humble state of God’s servant.” In these words we see the spirit shared by Mary and Elizabeth. Both women are totally humbled by God choosing them to play such important roles in the birth and life and ministry of the Messiah.

Mary’s Song speaks of God’s preference for the poor and marginalized. Mary is one of these. She is a young girl, pregnant and not yet married. Her song is personal in this sense. Elizabeth too was from the margins. She was barren. Old and without any children to care for her, she existed on the edges of society. Mary and Elizabeth were two of the unlikeliest choices possible. I wonder what each thought as they stated at each other while this beautiful song poured out, amazed at what God was doing. What a blessing for these two women!

Within Mary’s Song we also find evidence of the divide between folks like Mary and Elizabeth and the folks who were rich and powerful. Mary sings of God “scattering” the proud and of God bringing down rulers from their thrones. Mary has a deep sense of who and what God is, and by nature, of who and what her son will be. In God’s choosing one from the margins, Mary knows that God is a God of the margins. In his ministry, Jesus will very much reflect God’s preference for the poor and needy, for the marginalized and the outcast, for the hurting and broken, for the powerless and the sinful. With Mary’s humble spirit and deep faith in God may we go forth to do the same, loving those most in need of God’s presence.

Prayer: God, turn my heart to what matters to your heart. Lead me away from the cares and concerns of the world, away from greed and pride and power. Lead me to love those who matter to you. Amen.


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Being a Disciple

Reading: Luke 14:25-27

Verse 26: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate… his [or her] own life cannot be my disciple.”

When was the last time you tried to wheel and deal to get your way or to get something you wanted? When have you tried to negotiate for more time on a project or payment? When have you use a “little white lie” to sway someone or to avoid hardship or trial? When have you fully committed to something only to let it slide, and in short order to boot?! In this life we’ve all been guilty of at least some of these things. This tendency is part of what leads Jesus to speak the words in today’s passage.

In verses 26 Jesus says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father… mother… wife… children…” These are hard words to read. How can one be a Christian and hate those closest to him or her? That sounds so contradictory to almost all else that Jesus says. The list does not end here though. Jesus calls us to hate “his [or her] own life.” To me this call brings the first part of verse 26 into a clearer perspective.

To hate our own life is to hate the fleshy and sinful parts of ourselves. To hate the pride and ego, to hate the jealousy and envy, to hate lust and other evil desires – this is something I can understand. It is not easy, but I can get behind this call from Jesus. When I allow these and other sinful behaviors to rule in my life, then I am less than God created me to be. In a similar way, we can hate these parts of father, mother… Speaking the word of truth we can help one another to recognize and deal with these parts of us that lessen the image of God in all of us.

In verse 27 Jesus says, “And anyone who does not carry [her or] his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” To carry the cross of faith is not always easy. To follow in the footsteps and example of Jesus isn’t easy either. We must hate that parts of ourselves (and of those we love) if we are to carry and follow. This is the way that leads to true life. May we willingly and faithfully choose to carry our cross, following in the way, being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to keep you as #1 in my life – over self, over family, over all else. Lead and guide me to walk in your ways. Amen.


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Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Reading: Romans 8: 6-11

Verse 11: “He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies”.

In Romans 8, verses six through eleven, Paul speaks of the role God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit play in our lives. He begins with a reminder that the sinful mind is not connected to God… A sinful mind is not controlled by the Spirit but instead is hostile towards God. In verse nine Paul begins to contrast this mindset to the mindset that is controlled by God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Paul reminds the Christians in Rome and us reading this passage today that we are controlled by the Spirit because “the Spirit of God lives in you”. He goes on to connect to Jesus Christ, reminding us that when Christ is in us, our “Spirit is alive because of righteousness”. Paul closes this trinitarian passage by writing, “He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies”. Through the Spirit, we will be raised to eternal life one day.

Today’s passage is a great reminder of how God our creator begins a relationship with us as we first learn of faith and of how Jesus our example and mediator makes our faith personal and lived out and if how the Holy Spirit becomes the indwelling presence of our Lord and Savior within us. Each draws us closer to the other. As we continue to walk in faith each day, the sinful mind dies part by part as we become more and more like the Christ, the one we follow. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, draw me closer and closer, deeper and deeper. Be my all in all today and every day. Amen.


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Walk in the Light of Christ

Reading: Ephesians 5: 8-14

Verse 14: “Wake up, o sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you”.

As we come to the fourth Sunday in Lent we have been on a journey since Ash Wednesday. Over the course of these 21 days we have sought to look within, to identify that which hinders our relationships with God and with one another. Today’s passage speaks of light and darkness. These elements have always been a part of who we are and of our journey of faith.

Before we became a follower of Jesus Christ we did live in the darkness. Once we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, his light shown in our lives, bit by bit exposing our darkness. His light continues to expose our selfish and sinful desires and deeds. Still, every once in a while, we try and turn our backs and seek to please self instead of God. We know well what Paul speaks of when he mentions being shameful and disobedient.

Over the course of our Lenten journey we have been reminded again and again of what is pleasing and holy and true. As our desire to pursue these things – the things of God – increases, our worldly desires slowly die. In this process the light shines brighter and brighter and it becomes less tempting to turn our backs against God. Being in the light brings us joy. It is a journey to get to that place.

Paul ends today’s passage, probably quoting from Isaiah, with these words: “Wake up, o sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you”. May we ever walk in the light of Christ, fully aware of our sinful nature that leads to death. May we ever turn to Christ, allowing his light to lead and guide us.

Prayer: Father God, when I do slip or begin to wander, send the light of Jesus Christ blazing into my heart and mind. Shine your light into my life, drawing me back into your love. Amen.


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The Savior Has Come!

Reading: Luke 2: 1-20

Verse 10: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people”.

Mary and Joseph have made the three day journey. They have arrived and found Bethlehem crowded. Many are the ancestors of David. Someone is kind enough to give them a roof over their heads – in a stable with the animals. They come to this point with the knowledge of whom Mary bears in her womb largely a secret. They have only told Elizabeth. It is quite the secret to keep, to hold onto. He is born, wrapped in clothes, and placed in a manger – the feeding trough for some of the animals. Perhaps they wonder, “Did anyone even notice the baby was born”?

Meanwhile, out in the fields that night, some unsuspecting shepherds tend the flocks. Then the news of what has happened in Bethlehem bursts onto the scene. An angel of the Lord appears and says, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people”. Good news of great joy. Hope has come into the world. Peace has come into the world. Love has come into the world. Joy has come into the world. It is good news for all people. Not just for the Jews. Not just for the people living in Palestine. Good news for all people. And just what is this good news? “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”. There could be no better news for a broken and sinful world.

The shepherds go and find the baby Jesus. They tell Mary and Joseph all about the angels. Mary treasures this news in her heart. The world is beginning to know. The Savior has come! Praise God!

Prayer: Lord God, ever that first night the news began to spread. It has been spreading ever since. Use me to continue the spreading of the good news. May it be so. Amen.


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The Father’s Love

Reading: Luke 15: 1-3 and 11b-32

Verse 20: “His father saw him and was filled with compassion for him”.

Today we turn to a familiar parable. It is the story of a father and two sons. It is the story of God and us.

One son sees his father as the means to really live life as he wants to live it. He is selfish and immature. He collects what his father owes him and heads off. This son reminds me of the times I have acted selfishly and the times I have prayed prayers that speak of my own will and desires. It may have been about a new car I did not really need or about a situation that I created and needed to take steps to remedy. These actions and prayers were selfish and immature. When this son “came to his senses”, he headed back towards the father. With humility and maturity he went to his father and “his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him”.

The other son did not leave the property. But at some point he left the father-son relationship too. He saw his father as the boss that he worked obediently for. In essence he also saw his father as the means to finally being able to live as he pleased. He was just biding his time in a way that appears more socially acceptable. This is reflected in the anger over the celebration for his brother. The hard heart is revealed as he says “this son of yours”. To him too the father goes. “His father saw him and was filled with compassion for him”.

The father does not wait until his sons are perfect sons before he offers his love and compassion. The father does not require a fully repentant heart before he goes to his sons. The love of the father is unconditional and unlimited. It is a pure love. It is a love not based on efforts or merit or privilege. It is a love fully and freely given.

When we place ourselves in the story, we easily find our place. At times we are the son who is selfish and wants our way. At times we are the son who dutifully does what is expected, loathing it the whole time. God does not look at us as we are – sinful, unworthy, broken. God looks at us as the child of God that we are. God doesn’t wait for us. Like the father and his sons, God sees us and comes to us and is filled with love and compassion for us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for always loving me – always. I am far from perfect. I seldom come close to being all you created me to be. You love me anyway. Thanks be to God. Amen.


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A Plan

Reading: Luke 5: 8-11

Verse 8: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man”.

Peter, James, and John experience a miracle. In the same lake that they caught absolutely nothing a couple of hours ago, they now catch a huge amount of fish. At the time of day when they don’t usually fish because you usually catch fish at night, they catch a huge amount of fish. In the same nets that they often catch some fish, they have a huge amount of fish. They are astonished.

Simon Peter will always be the one to speak or act out without thinking, without considering the affects or the consequences. It is Peter who voices what James and John must’ve been feeling too. Peter says, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man”. In the presence of holiness, Peter sees himself as unworthy. Standing next to the light, Peter becomes aware of his own darkness. This is what the light does: it reveals what is hidden in the darkness. This is what continues to make people uncomfortable with living a life of faith. The light reveals what must die within us. To follow Jesus we must first look within and admit what must go. We first die to self and then to our sins. These thoughts scared Peter and led him to make his confession: “I am a sinful man”.

Jesus does not see this as a barrier. Yes, it is something that we must get past. Yes, it is something hard. Yes, it requires discipline and effort. But, when we walk with Jesus Christ, our sins are something we can overcome. Jesus had absolute confidence in the fact that He is the path to the Father; that He is the way, the truth, and the life; and, that one can be saved solely by faith in Him alone. Jesus says to Simon Peter, “don’t be afraid”. Jesus knows the life that He offers is the only true life. Yes, stepping out of the darkness and into the light is scary – it reveals our warts and blemishes and our sins. And just as Jesus invites Peter, so too does He invite all people.

Jesus continues, telling Peter, “from now on you will catch men”. Not only does Jesus tell Peter not to be afraid, He also tells Peter that He has a plan for him. And what a plan it is! Peter, James, and John leave all behind that day – all they owned – and followed Jesus.

Jesus has a plan for each of our lives as well. He has a purpose for each of us in His kingdom here on earth. What is Jesus asked me to leave behind so that I can come and follow Him more closely?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, reveal to me that which I must let go of or courageously step into to best follow you. Guide me Jesus. Thank you! Amen.