pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: sinner


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Weak, Ungodly, Sinners No More

Reading: Romans 5:6-8

Romans 5:6 – “While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.”

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

In the first part of this week’s Romans 5 passage we were reminded of the hope, love, and peace that are ours in and through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Yesterday we were also reminded that we don’t just endure but also grow and are refined as the Holy Spirit guides us through the troubles and problems that are just part of living in this world. Looking back, these times can feel like a small miracle. Today, in verses 6-8, Paul turns to the work of Jesus that made and makes all of this possible.

In verse 5 Paul reminds us of this truth: “While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.” There are three parts to this statement. First, Christ died for us while we were still weak. Before his death, all people everywhere were powerless in the battle with sin. Our human flesh is far too weak to stand against the evil one. But with Christ we are strong. Second, Jesus’ death occurred at just the right time. His birth, life, death, and resurrection – all parts of God’s plan. All solidly in God’s control. Jesus’ example, witness, and teachings – all placed exactly when and where they needed to be along the spectrum of God’s unfolding plan to redeem all of creation.

And lastly, Jesus died for the ungodly. This is not bound by time, place, or any other human construct. It is not bound by ethnic or social or even religious constraints. All of humanity are ungodly. Without a saving faith in Jesus Christ, we all live as ungodly, wretched creatures. Without belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we live in a state of separation from God. Without Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, we would live in this state forever. However, Paul reminds us, “while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Why? Because God loves us. Yes, God loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, it is true that some might die for a good person or for a just cause or even for the right reason. But for the ungodly, for the blind, for the ones lost in sin? Only Jesus and only through love divine. Thank you, O God, for sending your Son, knowing this was his human fate. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Forward in Faith

Reading: Romans 4:18-25

Romans 4:21-22 – “He was fully convinced that God was able to do what he promised. Therefore, it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today we conclude our week returning to Romans 4. In our reading on Wednesday we looked at verses 13-17, where Paul argued that Abraham’s and our inheritance is based on God’s grace and not on keeping the Law. Jesus also demonstrated this in our Matthew 9 reading, when he sat and ate with tax collectors and other “known sinners.” Jesus called for mercy, which leads to grace, opening the way for all to find their way to God’s table.

Picking up Abraham’s story today, Paul reminds us that Abraham’s situation was “beyond hope.” And yet Abraham had faith in God that he would become “the father of many nations.” At almost 100, Abraham’s body was “good as dead.” Sarah’s womb was also thought to be “dead.” And yet, because God has said it would be so, in faith Abraham was “fully convinced that God was able to do what he promised.” With a hope based in trust and grounded in faith, we read, “It was credited to him as righteousness.”

Continuing, Paul extends the story beyond Abraham. The apostle reminds us that righteousness will be credited to us too if we hold sure to our faith in God. The hope that secures our faith comes through Jesus Christ, the one who met the “requirements” for righteousness on our behalf. In dying for our sins, Jesus paid the price for our “mistakes,” opening the way for us to be made right with God, again and again. Removing this barrier, Christ made a way for all to sit at the table in God’s heavenly banquet. What was and is impossible on our own, Christ made possible for all.

At present, what is your “hope against hope” thing or situation? In this moment, what feels impossible? The God of Abraham remains our God. Grace upon grace continues to abound. Jesus made the way for all who believe to enter into God’s glory, both now and one day. In hope and trust, may we step forward in faith.

Prayer: Lord God, even the most impossible and seemingly improbable are well within your reality. That “thing” happening after years and years of trying and failing? The power over sin? Me in heaven? All not only possible but reality for those who hope in you, who trust in you, who believe in you. Make it so for us, O God. Amen.


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A Place at the Table

Reading: Matthew 9:11-13

Matthew 9:13 – “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.'”

Today we turn back to Matthew’s gospel, revisiting the call of Matthew the tax collector. We recall that tax collectors were thought to be sinners because of their connection to the Romans. Added to this fact, many used this connection to take advantage of their fellow Jews, collecting more than was required, adding to their “sins.” After Jesus ends up at the table in Matthew’s house, surrounded by more tax collectors and other “known sinners,” the Pharisees ask Jesus’ disciples – not Jesus – “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” In many ways, the Pharisees were gate keepers, determining who could enter the circle, deciding who could remain in the circle. Their understanding, interpretation, and application of a myriad of laws guided these determinations and decisions.

What do you think led them to ask this question? And on a related line of thinking, what makes us accept some into our circles while rejecting others? There is a huge part inside of us that desperately wants to belong, to fit in, to matter. There is also this part inside of us that wants to determine and guard who else can enter our circles. I think both were at play as the Pharisees asked this question of Jesus.

On the surface level, Jesus was making space at the table based on need: these “sinners” needed healing. But the deeper question is this: Who was Jesus identifying as the sinners – the tax collectors… or the Pharisees? Each in their own way needed Jesus’ healing. This makes me wonder, how often do we forget our circle “rules” and invite someone different in that causes looks or even questions from others in our circles? Jesus tells the Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.'” Go and reveal God’s love and grace to the world. That is what invites others to the table. Don’t try to require or force sacrifices they’re not ready to make yet. Obedience to God comes through love and faith, not through authority and power over. We were not asked to follow Jesus once we were perfect or even once we checked certain boxes. May we extend that love and grace to others too.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider the call to love others into a place at the table and then into a relationship with you, remind us of how we got there. We’re all sinners saved by grace. None of us deserved a place at your table, yet here we are. First, thank you. Second, may our response of thanksgiving be to open wide the doors of invitation to all people. Then might they come to know your love and grace too. Amen.

PS – On a related side note/rabbit hole… Do you think Jesus invited himself to Matthew’s table, or was he invited by Matthew?


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Healed to Bring Healing

Reading: Matthew 9:9-10

Matthew 9:9 – “As Jesus continued on… He said to him, ‘Follow me,’ and he got up and followed him.”

The first part of our readings this week from Matthew’s gospel cover the calling of Matthew. According to what is recorded in the gospel, Matthew is the fifth disciple to be called. The first four were fishermen: Andrew and Peter, James and John. Matthew is cut from a different cloth. He is a tax collector. He was financially secure if not wealthy. Matthew did not work long days hoping to eek out a living. Sitting there in his kiosk, his most anxious thoughts maybe concerned his evening plans. There is a possibility that he has heard of Jesus. But maybe not.

After being rejected and sent away from a Gentile area, Jesus walks along the road in Israel. Seeing Matthew, Jesus says, “Follow me.” In the text we read, “He got up and followed him.” Simple as that! Looking deeper, though, are these two stories connected? In cahoots with the Romans, Matthew would’ve been rejected by the Jews. If they could, the Jews would send Matthew away. He and all like him were known “sinners.” When Jesus ends up at Matthew’s house for dinner, the Pharisees say as much. Jesus’ response is that he came to heal. Inviting the Pharisees to come along too, Jesus adds, “Go and learn what this means: I want mercy and not sacrifice.”

To this point in the gospel, healing mercies have been a focus of Jesus’ ministry. In today’s passage Jesus chooses to be present to these “sinners” who are “sick” with things like greed, power, status… He has called Matthew to receive healing. Through Matthew, Jesus is reaching out to others in need of similar healing. You and I have been healed of many things. Through us and our stories, whom might Jesus reach out to today?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for calling us from whatever “kiosk”  we were stuck in. Thank you for drawing us into your light and love and mercy. Use the story of that “place” from which you rescued and redeemed us as a way to draw others in. Lead us to others who need to know Jesus Christ and the power of his love and grace. Amen.


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Communion = Community

Reading: 1st Corinthians 11:23-32

1st Corinthians 11:28 – “Each individual should test himself or herself, and eat from the bread and drink from the cup in that way.”

Photo credit: Geda Zyvatkauskaite

We seek to “stay in love with God” through various means of grace. One of these is Holy Communion. This sacrament first reminds us of Christ’s loving sacrifice on our behalf. The giving of his innocent blood in place of ours made atonement for our sins, paying the price for forgiveness. We approach this gift with a deep sense of awe and reverence.

Sometimes we do something for a while and it becomes just going through the motions. Perhaps you’ve felt that before with something like the Lord’s Prayer. For the church in Corinth, the Lord’s Supper had become one of those things. It was now causing more harm than good. It was creating division in the church. At this point it was more like what we’d call a “love feast” than what we recognize as a communion with its liturgy and formality. In Corinth, it had become a “private meal” with the rich getting drunk and stuffed while the poor were left hungry and thirsty. The church has forgotten that love, sacrifice, service, and community were at the heart of the Lord’s Supper.

Paul addresses this situation by reminding the church that the Lord’s Supper is centered on and celebrates the new covenant made by Jesus Christ. He also reminds them, though, that this communal celebration begins with individual preparation: “Each individual should test himself or herself, and eat from the bread and drink from the cup in that way.” Each person must come before God, humbling confessing and repenting of their sins. This necessary step prepares each to be made “new” again as the blood of the Lamb washes away their sin. To not take this step is to hide or hold onto one’s sin. This brings judgment and condemnation instead of forgiveness and grace.

For each person to come before God, to confess and repent, it levels the playing field. It places us all equally before the table of grace, all sinners redeemed by his blood. In this way, community is restored. It brought one body to the one bread, one blood. That was Paul’s goal. It should be our goal. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us to our knees, to the place of confessing and repenting of our sins. Open up our hands and hearts to release all that separates us from you and from one another. As we come clean, thank you for making us clean. Thank you for your great love that washes away our sins and failures. Thank you for your redeeming love. Amen.


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Love Your…

Reading: Luke 6:27-36

Luke 6:35 – “Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have great reward.”

Our passage today comes from a section titled, “Behaving as God’s Children.” The title alone alerts us to the fact that Jesus is about to lay down some serious expectations. Verse 27 reveals the challenge inherent in the word to follow: “But I say to you who are willing to hear.” So our question as we begin: Are we willing to hear these words of Jesus?

Diving in, Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” For Jesus this entails doing good, blessing, and praying for those who hate, curse, and mistreat us. Reminiscent of Saturday’s reading from Matthew 5, here too Jesus says to go above and beyond, offering the other cheek or the shirt off our back. Summing up verses 27-30, Jesus says, “Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.”

As if the first instructions were not enough, Jesus next asks some questions that speak to loving our enemies and treating others as we want to be treated. If we love those who love us or if we do good or lend to those who do good or lend to us,  Jesus asks, “Why should you be commended?” He points out that even the sinners do these things. Continuing, Jesus advises us, “Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have great reward.” Expect nothing in return. Act as God acts, being kind and compassionate.

These words, these instructions, are very challenging. They are counter-cultural. As the notes in my study Bible say, “This love is never conditioned upon the other person’s behavior; it is motivated and empowered by its giver and not its receiver.” May we love well from the deep reservoir of God’s love that resides in each of our hearts. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you speak words today that are hard to hear, hard to really live out. Your words to love our enemies call us deep into your upside-down kingdom. These are world- and life-changing words. Walk with us, O God, transforming both our lives and our world. Such is the great reward – becoming more like Christ. Amen.


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The Walk of Sincere Faith

Reading: 1st Timothy 1-3

1st Timothy 1:5 – “The goal of instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.”

1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus are “pastoral epistles,” written to teach these new pastors how to lead. A task for young Timothy is to counter the false teachings present in Epaphras. These letters include practical advice aimed at forming faithful communities of faith. Paul identifies Timothy as “my true child in faith.” He then identifies the keys to good instruction as living from the heart, keeping a good conscience, and holding to a sincere faith.

Next Paul addresses the Law. Used rightly it can guide sinners – those who are sexually unfaithful, untruthful, and opposed to sound teaching. Reflecting back on his own life, Paul rejoices in the mercy and grace that he himself received from God. Even though the “biggest sinner,” Paul is now an example for others.

Paul offers encouragement to Timothy. Based on the prophecies made about Timothy, Paul believes that Timothy can “wage a good war” for Christ. In chapter 2 the instruction begins: pray for everyone. Live quiet and peaceful lives. Look to the one mediator, Jesus Christ. Paul then touches on the expected behavior of the folks in the community of faith. Men are to pray with holy hands. Women are to be modest, to do good works, and to learn from their husbands. Paul says all will be well with both husband and wife if both are walking in love, faith, holiness, and self-control.

In chapter 3 Paul speaks of the qualifications for supervisors and servants in the church. Supervisors are to be without fault, skilled at teaching, faithful, gentle, peaceable, and not greedy. Servants should be dignified, sober, and faithful. They shouldn’t gossip or be greedy. Paul closes this section telling Timothy that these instructions are in case he is delayed. And remember the mystery of Christ!

Prayer: Lord God, in our walk of faith, help us to be dedicated to you alone. Lead us to love well, to be sincere and honest, to be people of peace. Guard our hearts from the things of this world, keeping our focus on the things that are above. In all we do and say, may we bring you the glory. Amen.


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Grace Is Greater

Reading: Romans 3:21-5:21

Romans 5:10 – “If we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son while we were still enemies… how much more certain is it that we will be saved by his life?”

Photo credit: Kate Remmer

As we begin today’s reading, Paul declares that righteousness comes through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, not through the Law. Under the Law, Paul correctly notes “all have fallen short of God’s glory.” But through the ransom paid by Christ, through grace we can be made righteous. Christ did for us what we could never do for ourselves.

Paul turns to Abraham as a model of righteousness. He has faith in God and he acted on that faith. Because of this, God credited Abraham as righteous. He was yet uncircumcised and there was no Law yet given. Through trust and faith Abraham also believed God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. Abraham was “fully convinced” that God was able and that God would do what God had promised. This too was credited to Abraham as righteous. Paul then turns it personal, reminding us that we too are credited as righteous through our faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ.

Because of the righteousness that comes through faith we have peace with God. Peace comes through the reconciling work of Jesus on the cross. Paul reminds us that while we were weak, while we were still sinners – even while we were enemies of God – Christ died for us. Paul asks us, “If we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son while we were still enemies… how much more certain is it that we will be saved by his life?” Sin and death came into the world through Adam. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, grace and eternal life were offered to the world. In verse 20 Paul writes, “Where sin increased, grace multiplied even more.” God’s grace is always greater than our sin. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, faith, hope, trust – the foundations of our relationship with you. Sacrifice, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation – the foundations of who you are. Thank you God for always loving us beyond our sins. Thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord. Amen.


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Life to the Full

Reading: John 10 and 11

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.”

In today’s reading we really see the division created by Jesus’ words and ministry. It is first revealed in the healing of the blind man. The “light of the world” ends the man’s darkness, restoring his sight. There is division amongst those who now see him. Some say it is the blind man and others say it just looks like him. This question is answered as the man is brought to the Jewish leaders. Calling in his parents, they testify that he is their son who was born blind. They say they don’t know how he sees. Even though he has already told them, the leaders ask again. He asks them, “Do you want to be his disciples too?” They insult him. In response he reminds them that God doesn’t listen to sinners but to those who are devout and do God’s will. The man is expelled from the synagogue.

The story transitions next to spiritual blindness. Jesus centers this teaching on the shepherding metaphor. The shepherd enters through the gate, the sheep know his voice, he leads them out. Jesus declares, “I am the gate.” Others come to “steal, destroy, and kill.” The good shepherd, Jesus, “came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.” Life to the fullest. What an image! What a reality for those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The metaphor continues with Jesus telling the Pharisees that he will “lay down his life for the sheep.” Unlike the hired hands now listening to the story, Jesus cares about the sheep – and about the sheep not if this pen too! More division reveals itself as they argue about Jesus having a demon. Others ask, how then could he heal this man?

As chapter 11 closes, Jesus tells the “Jewish opposition” that the signs he does should testify to his being one with the Father. He invites them to see this, to believe in him. But they are ready to stone him. As Jesus’ time has not yet come, he escapes, going out to Bethany to minister there.

Prayer: Lord God, reading these stories we so clearly see that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Yet when we step away, going out into that world, we can become blind to needs, to our own sin, to injustice. Lord, help us to live with eyes wide open, living and enjoying the fullness of life that you give to all who believe. Amen.


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Outward and Upward

Reading: Luke 17-18

Luke 18:14b – “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”

Our text today begins with words of accountability. We are to help one another in our walk of faith, warning others when they sin. We are also to forgive others when they sincerely repent. Recognizing the challenge in living out these words, the disciples say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!”

As Jesus travels along the border between Samaria and Galilee he encounters ten lepers. They seek and receive healing. Only one comes to give thanks. Jesus sends the Samaritan on his way, healed by faith. At the end of our reading a persistent blind man is healed because of his faith. In between a widow’s persistence is rewarded, much as our prayers for justice will be answered by God. She received justice from an unjust judge. Imagine how our prayers for justice will be answered by our just God.

The Pharisees ask Jesus when God’s kingdom is coming. He first tells them that it is already among them. He then speaks of the time when he’ll come again – because they’re missing the present. It will be like it was in the days of Noah and of Lot. People will be eating, drinking, living life… Then Jesus will return like a flash of lightning, swift and sure as the flood came or as the fire and sulfur rained down. In that moment, “one will be taken and the other left.” We must remain faithful and ready for this day.

Two stories illustrate what being faithful and ready looks like. It begins with having a selfless and humble attitude. Like the tax collector we must pray again and again, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” And unlike the ruler, we must keep our faith as the top priority, forsaking wealth, power, status… We are reminded, “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to ever keep our focus and commitment outward and upward. We need your help because we are naturally selfish. Yet we know that all things are possible with you. Keep us persistent in our faith, generous with our blessings, and humble in our walk. Amen.