pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: speak


by Leave a comment

Weeping

Reading: Matthew 2:13-23

Matthew 2:13 – “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape.”

Today we read the story of a family leaving home and country to find safety. Violence was bearing down on their community. A powerful and violent ruler sought to maintain their grip on power and control. The story from Matthew 2 played out over 2,000 years ago. Sadly, the same kind of story had been played out for thousands of years before then. Even sadder, stories like today’s play out in our world on a regular basis even now.

The wise men (or magi) had alerted King Herod to the “newborn king of the Jews.” Bearing that title himself, Herod was greatly troubled by this news. In today’s reading the angel tells Joseph, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape.” Joseph and family flee Israel, escaping to Egypt. Although Jesus is saved, all the children two and younger in and around Bethlehem are killed. All. Weeping and grieving are heard throughout the region.

Similar weeping is heard today in Gaza and Ukraine. In many other parts of the world affected by violent rulers, the cries ring out. In our cities and on our reservations, grief over children lost comes too frequently. Gangs and suicides disproportionately affect places with high poverty levels. We read about what happened 2,000 years ago and we weep for those families. We’re reminded today of what is happening now. Will we do more than weep, O people of God?

Prayer: Lord God, the Herods of the world are still very much alive and in power. Violence and force continue to be the means many rulers use to maintain their grip on power and control. The most vulnerable suffer the most. Raise up in us a holy fire, a fire that drives us to stand with and to speak for the least of these. Empower us to stand and speaks against violence and other evils. Guide us to be people of peace and grace, of love and community. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Holding Fast

Reading: Luke 21:12-19

Luke 21:19 – “By holding fast, you will gain your lives.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Shifting to the second half of this week’s gospel reading, Jesus gets real with the disciples. While these words still have meaning for us today, imagine how differently these words would be heard by readers meeting in secret, praying to avoid these things yet reassured by their Jesus’ words of hope and promise. Think about how these words would be heard in the Sudan, where a small group of Christians were recently arrested during a funeral.

As our passage begins, Jesus declares that “they” will arrest and harass believers, imprisoning some so that they can stand trial. “They” will be the Romans and the Jewish religious leaders. While chances of arrest are low in our nation, harassment and even mild persecution can come our way if we speak up for the vulnerable and the marginalized. People find themselves in these positions because of unjust systems that were created and are perpetuated by those who benefit from them: those in power and those with wealth.

In our time, Jesus’ advice about how to handle oneself if harassed, persecuted, arrested… feels counterintuitive to us. He advises his disciples not to “prepare a defense.” Instead Jesus calls us to faith and trust. He will give us “words and wisdom” so that in this opportunity to witness, “they” will be speechless. God will be glorified. Jesus also shares that these opportunities will not be easy to endure. Some will lose physical life. Yet hear the promise: “By holding fast, you will gain your lives.” Those with the power and means to kill the body (or to abuse or persecute or harass or marginalize) cannot kill the soul. We are God’s and God is with us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, give us the courage to stand tall and to be courageous in our faith. Grant us the assurance that you will give us the words to speak for and to defend the vulnerable and the marginalized and the powerless and the downtrodden. Placing self between such as these and those with power, we have an opportunity to transform the world and to change its unjust systems. Use us to shape a more just world. Make us willing to count and to pay the cost, all for your praise and glory. Amen.


by Leave a comment

God’s Intended Creation

Reading: Psalm 65:9-13

Psalm 65:13 – “The meadowlands are covered in flocks, the valleys decked out in grain.”

Psalm 65 is a song of praise for God’s works. The portion that we read today celebrates God’s provision to the people of the earth. In verses 9-10 the psalmist rejoices over how God brings abundance to the earth through the “rain showers” that enrich the earth and provide grain for the people. From what was chaos in Genesis 1, God has ordered and shaped creation in ways that express God’s love to all of God’s children.

Moving into verses 11-12 we see that it is God’s goodness that creates this overflowing abundance. God provides because God is good. God’s goodness is so graciously given that even the desert is “dressed in pure joy.” This goodness and blessing extends even more to the valleys and meadowlands tended by God’s people. Of these we read, “The meadowlands are covered in flocks, the valleys decked out in grain.” This provision yields a joy that expresses itself in songs of praise to God.

As I read these verses, I think that all of creation and all of humanity should be greatly blessed with all that we need. This is clearly God’s intent for the world that God designed and created. The hard reality, though, is that there is a great wrench that “we” have thrown into God’s plan. Greed and selfishness and the desire for power have twisted God’s plan and design. A very small few are greatly blessed in all ways. And while a good chunk in the middle are doing okay, a too-large group struggles daily for food, shelter, and security. How can we, as the people of God, move our world closer to what it was created to be?

Prayer: Lord God, likely as we read this we sit in the middle group – comfortable enough in life that it can feel okay to ignore those other groups. But, Lord, you call us to more. Awaken in us your spirit of generous abundance for all of creation. Move us to be people who speak and act in ways that bring about your intended world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Choice

Reading: Psalm 138:13-18

Psalm 139:16 – “On your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me.”

Returning to Psalm 139 today we read verses 13-18, a most personal and intimate look at our relationship with God – should we choose it. Whether or not one is currently walking with God, these words are true. Each and every one of us, no matter our ethnicity or vocation or gender or place in life or place of birth or anything else, each was “knit together” by God in the womb. Each of us was “marvelously set apart” – each formed and shaped by God in our own unique ways.

As God wove and weaves each human being together, there was or is a plan and a purpose in God’s mind. To this one that gift was given and to that one this talent is given, each to play a role in the building of God’s kingdom. Each of us was and is seen and known by God. Because of this love and knowledge, “on your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me.” Here is where we have a choice. Here is where free will can thwart God’s plan. This is possible because God loves us. We were created this way by God.

The divine within some leads them to be good and kind and merciful and loving in places where Christianity isn’t even known. The human within some leads them to be evil and cruel and oppressive and hateful in places where most folks claim to be “Christian.” The Spirit of God – whether know by this name or as our conscious or as another force – this Spirit speaks into all people’s heart. Again, here we have a choice: to listen and obey or to ignore and deny. No matter one’s choice, though, God remains loving and present. Oh what great love God has for each and every one of us!

Prayer: Lord God, you create us just as you want us to be. You have plans and a purpose for us, just as you want it to be. Open our hearts to hear and follow where you lead and guide, just as you want it to be. Walk with us daily, living out your incomprehensible plans for us, just as you want it to be. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Love of God and Other

Reading: 1st Corinthians 13:4-7

1st Corinthians 13:4 – “Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous… doesn’t brag… isn’t arrogant.”

Photo credit: Freestocks

Continuing in the theme of love of self versus love of God and neighbor, today we turn to a familiar wedding verse. Chapter 13 is titled, “Love: the universal gift” in the Bible I use at home. In this chapter, Paul elevates love above all else.

If one takes just a bit of time and watches or observes someone, it becomes apparent rather quickly if they love self more than God or other. Yes, we all have our bad days and challenging moments, but if one gets a large enough sample size, the answer to who sits on the throne of our heart becomes apparent.

Verse 4 begins with “Love is patient, love is kind.” These observable traits show up, especially in hard situations. To practice patience and kindness at all times is the first sign of love of God and other. Paul continues, love “isn’t happy with injustice.” Yes, to truly live means standing up for the other, usually putting self at risk. Paul adds, “Love puts up with… trusts in… hopes for… endures…” all things. These are all ways that one elevates love of God and other over love of self.

In verses 4-6 Paul shares a list of what love is not. These are also easily observable. Love “isn’t jealous… doesn’t brag… isn’t arrogant… rude… irritable.” Love does not “keep a record of complaints” (wrongs.) There are ways that we keep score, that we try to maintain our place atop the ladder or sand pile, that we love self above all else. May it not be so with you and I.

Prayer: Lord God, in our world and in our culture, there are ample examples of what it is and what it looks like to love self. These ways neglect love of you and therefore love of other. Speak into our hearts, O God, calling us to the most excellent way of love. In humility may we ever seek to love you with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Awareness and Compassion

Reading: Psalm 24:1-2

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.”

In the children’s book Horton Hears a Who! the main character is Horton the elephant. Because he has ears to hear he discovers a whole world living on a speck of dust, people with houses and grocery stores and churches. Horton then goes to great lengths, endures scorn and ridicule and abuse, and gives his all to save, rescue, and protect these tiny people. This is because he believes in his heart that “a person is a person, no matter how small.” Because of his compassion and dedication, others join him in his cause.

In Psalm 24:1 we read, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” As the Creator, yes, the world is the Lord’s! We are included in that “everything.” Whether we are in the ruling party or in the smallest majority, whether we are flush with money or in deject poverty, whether we are the center of our own universe or the humblest servant – we are the Lord’s!

Volunteering this week at a high school church camp, we named the injustices we see in the world and we talked about solutions and needed resources to remedy these injustices. I was amazed by the breadth of the student’s awareness and the depth of their compassion and empathy. Some injustices had touched their lives, others touched their hearts. In these ways they were like Horton, who is like God, who we’re called to be like.

Our question to wrestle with is this: Who or what cries out, needing us to rise up, to stand up, to speak up, to walk alongside? As people of faith, may we be people of awareness and compassion.

Prayer: Lord God, you created all the earth and everything on it and in it. Because all this is the work of your hands, all declared good, may we see, treat, and understand all of creation as good, as sacred, as an extension of you. With this heart and within this mentality, may we be and bring your light and love, your healing and redemption into the world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Supremely Good

Reading: Genesis 1:24-2:4a

Genesis 1:26 – “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take care of the fish…”

Today we conclude the first creation story, reading about days six and seven. These time frames separate acts of creation. They may or may not be 24 hour periods. The sixth “day” begins with God speaking into existence the “livestock, crawling things, and wildlife.” God again saw that this was good.

Next God says, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take care of the fish…” Note that the language is different. The words “us, make, our, image” imply a collaborative effort. Most theologians read this team effort as involving Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is also an implication that humanity does not merely come from the other parts of creation like the earth growing plant life. One cannot read these words and not understand that humanity is to care for this earth as God does and would. We are to do so because we are not merely made from the elements of this earth. We also carry some of the divine within ourselves.

At the end of this period God looks at the creation and declares that it is “supremely good.” From the chaos and disorder at the beginning to the completed, ordered, purposeful world, it is now supremely good. The world was as it was intended to be. And then God rested. God set aside a day, making it holy. It was a day without work. Later this will become known as the Sabbath – a day to rest, renew, and recharge physically, a day to reconnect with God. This too is part of God’s goodness, order, and purpose. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, in the story, the process is finished. Day 8 begins our tenure as caretakers or stewards of this world and all that is in it. Lord, help humanity to reclaim our role, especially in the ways that we care for one another. May we see and treat all of humanity as brothers and sisters also created in your divine image. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Hearts and Lives

Reading: Acts 1 and 2

Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Turning to Acts today, Luke first connects this second volume to his first: the Gospel of Luke. The story then continues as the risen Jesus appears and teaches for 40 days. His time culminates with the giving of the disciples’ mission: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The new community of faith will take Jesus’ message to the world. Jesus ascends to heaven and two angels tell his followers that Jesus will return in the same way (one day.)

The 11 apostles return to Jerusalem and devote themselves to prayer. Peter then addresses the group of about 120 about replacing Judas. Twelve are necessary for their eternal assignment of judging the tribes of Israel. Two men are nominated. Both Justus and Matthias have been with them since the beginning and both men witnessed the resurrection. After prayer, Matthias is chosen by lottery.

On the day of Pentecost a mighty wind fills the place where they are gathered. What looks like flames alight on each believer, empowering them to speak the good news in many languages. All of this draws an international crowd. Peter rises and speaks to both the amazed and the skeptical, offering scriptural teaching about this moment. Many are troubled and are moved to ask, “Brothers, what should we do?” Echoing the words of both John the Baptist and Jesus, Peter says, “Change your hearts and lives” by being baptized, repenting of your sins, and by receiving the Holy Spirit. About 3,000 accept the invitation as God brings them into the community of faith.

Our reading closes by describing this new community of faith. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to living as a community, to sharing what they had, and to prayer. This is a snapshot of what the church of Jesus Christ is supposed to be. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your Spirit upon us – both as individuals and as faith communities. Fill us with your love and grace, with your power and presence, with your uniting spirit, and with your generous heart. Change our hearts and lives, using us to witness to others so that they too may change hearts and lives, coming to a saving faith in Jesus. Amen.


by Leave a comment

God Looks Within

Reading: Proverbs 31

‭Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

As we close our Proverbs we read from Lemuel, also from Massa. Our passage begins with the words the king heard from his mother. She warns him against the woman of folly who steals men’s strength. She warns him against strong drink – it leads one to forget the Law and the rights of the needy. She encourages him to speak for the voiceless and to judge righteously, defending the poor and needy.

In verse 10 the focus shifts to the “competent wife.” Recent scholars believe this poem is really about Lady Wisdom and not some earthly woman. The elevated status she enjoys in these words would’ve been most unlikely in the ancient world. Even so, this can represent the ideal, then and now, for all of us.

The “competent wife” possesses the traits of Lady Wisdom. She brings good, not trouble. She works joyfully with her hands, even at night. She buys vineyards and makes and sells garments. She cares for the poor and needy. She is confident about the future because “her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue.” Her children bless her and her husband praises her. Indeed, her value is “far above pearls.”

A good and competent woman – or any person for that matter – will possess these qualities. They are inner qualities. In verse 30 we are reminded, “Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” God looks within to see who and what we are. May that be pleasing in God’s sight.

Prayer: Lord God, help us all to aspire to the example set by Lady Wisdom, an extension of you. Guide us to work diligently and joyfully, to stand and speak for the voiceless, to care for those in need, and to honor you above all else. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Incomplete Understanding

Readings: Job 32 through Job 37

‭Job 32:8 – “But the spirit in a person, the Almighty’s breath, gives understanding.”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

Elihu speaks today. He has listened to the words of Job and his friends. He has waited to speak because he is younger. In the opening verses we see what drives his words. He is angry with Job because Job thinks he is more righteous than God. Elihu is angry with the friends because they wrongly assumed Job to be sinful, preventing them from finding an answer to his suffering. Elihu claims a divine source for his words, saying, “But the spirit in a person, the Almighty’s breath, gives understanding.” It is also this spirit within that enlivens Elihu’s speech.

Elihu tells Job that God is greater than anybody – Job included. He reminds Job that God “speaks” in many ways: dreams, visions, pain, illness. He reminds Job that prayer leads to a response from God. Elihu reminds the friends that God is not evil and that God sees all human steps. Evil doers cannot hide from God. But the divine consequences for their actions is not always immediate. Elihu says that our good and our bad does not affect God but does impact those around us.

Elihu closes by reminding all four that God does prompt people to turn from their sin. To turn from sin brings plenty and contentment. To ignore God, it brings death – at some point. His windy and winding speech wraps up with a picture of how wondrous, powerful, mighty, and just God is. So much so that God will not respond to humans. How surprised he will be when God speaks next from the whirlwind. Clearly Elihu’s understanding of God is not as complete as he thinks.

Prayer: Lord God, as we walk with you we do gain insight; we come to know you more and more. As we journey, help this to continue as we seek to know who you are. The ‘what’ isn’t so important. And, Lord, even though we hold some truths about who you are, because we do not and will not ever know the whole picture, guard our tongues lest we demonstrate the limits of our knowledge. Amen.