pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Christ with Us

Reading: Isaiah 63:7-9

Isaiah 63:7 and 8 – “God treated them compassionately and with deep affection… God became their savior.”

On this Christmas day we turn to Isaiah 63. On a day when we open gifts and enjoy time with family, the opening verses to this “prayer of yearning” draw us to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The prayer begins by recounting past gifts from God: “the Lord’s faithful acts… all the Lord did for us.” We too can remember God’s faithful acts in our lives. This remembering causes gratitude to well up in our hearts and souls. It deepens our connection to and faith in God.

In the middle of today’s passage we read, “God treated them compassionately and with deep affection… God became their savior.” When God has brought Israel home from exile in Babylon, this was a physical return to the Promised Land. The compassion and affection of God then worked for a spiritual return. In love, God became their savior. Today we celebrate the day that God became the whole world’s savior, our Savior. Again moved by love, God entered this broken world, taking on flesh. And after setting for us the example of love, our Emmanuel promised the gift of the Spirit, continuing to be God with us, dwelling in our hearts. This gift can be received by all who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The presence of the Holy Spirit is a gift. Because of this gift of presence in our hearts, God saves us from the inside out. When we are drawn to the ways of the world, the Spirit draws us back to the way of Christ. When we doubt or fear or wander, the Spirit draws us back into relationship, reminding us that we are loved, are worthy, are forgiven. As we open gifts today and celebrate time with family, we pause now and thank God for the gift of the Spirit, Christ with us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for coming to us again and again. Thank you for the compassion and love that led you to set aside heaven to be with your creation. Thank you for teaching us what love lived out every day looked and felt like. Thank you for the sacrifice that allows us to return to your presence again and again. And thank you for the gift of your presence, our constant reminder of your great compassion and unconditional love for each of us. Amen.


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Light and Love

Reading: John 1:1-14

John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.”

On Christmas Eve day we turn to John 1. While not a birth story in the sense of Matthew 1:18-25 or Luke 2:1-20, our reading today is very much a “birth” story – the birth of our world, the birth of light, the birth of welcome and belief, the birth of God in the flesh, the birth of glory, “full of grace and truth.” Throughout the passage, John uses the image of light again and again. This light is Jesus Christ, God in the flesh.

Each time I read and study and meditate on this passage, something new is learned, applied, realized. This is often the case when we return to a passage. God’s word is alive and active. It meets us where we are at and takes us where we need to go each time we engage a passage. Today as I read and reread these verses, this one stood out: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.” My first thought centered on the idea that the light enters the darkness, pushing it away, so to speak. My second thought focused on the idea that light goes as far as its power allows it to go. A small light like a candle will light up a small space. A big light like our sun will light up whole worlds. The light of Christ can make the sun seem like a candle. The light of Christ will shine everywhere and forever, if we allow it to do so.

In today’s Disciplines devotional, Rev. Dr. Dottie Escobar-Frank shared these words: “The true light shines into our hidden spaces, our dirty places, our wounded spots, and illuminates them so that healing and wholesome can be ours.” Christ’s light will shine into our souls, if we allow it in. Christ’s love will make us whole again, if we allow it in. May we say again and again, ‘Come, Lord Jesus, come.’ May it be so. Shine your light and love deep into our hearts and lives.

Prayer: Lord God, so much of who we are desires to walk always with you. This is who you created us to be. The Spirit always leads and guided us in this desire. But the darkness is ever there, too, ready to seep back in. So, Lord, we ask you to fill us with your light and love. Filled, the darkness is held at bay. Thank you, God. Amen.


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True Power and Presence

Reading: Isaiah 7:10-13

Isaiah 7:11 – “Ask a sign from the Lord your God. Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.”

Photo credit: Dan Kiefer

At the start of chapter 7, King Ahaz of Judah receives a word from God through the prophet Isaiah. Ahaz is told that Aram and Israel will not overpower Judah. Both will fall to a resurgent Assyria. In the first half of this week’s reading from Isaiah 7, God says to Ahaz, “Ask a sign from the Lord your God.” A sign could be very reassuring for a still-fearful Ahaz. In times of tension or danger or doubt or fear, it is natural to want a sign that God is with us. It is normal to not want to feel all alone. A sign indicating God’s power and presence helps us to move forward, to not be so afraid…, to have some hope.

In the remainder of verse 11 God adds, “Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.” Often we want this kind of sign from God. We want a flashing neon billboard-sized sign from God, one that is as high as the heavens (or as low as the grave.) We’d prefer a sign so large that there is absolutely no mistaking that God is present and large and in total control. Ahaz does not fall into this temptation. He states that he does not “want to test the Lord.” Although still fearful, Ahaz resists the temptation to ask God to prove God’s power, presence…

In this season of Advent we’re reminded that Immanuel, God with us, did not come in grand fashion. Christ wasn’t born into a powerful and wealthy family. Instead, Jesus was born to humble parents in the simplest of settings. In times when we are seeking God’s power and presence, may we remember that God most often comes in the humble, simple, and everyday of life. When this is the God that we seek, we will find signs of God’s true power and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, in our times of need, turn our eyes and hearts away from the amazing and awesome. Instead, focus our eyes and hearts on the many ways that you are present in and amongst us – in Spirit, in your Word, in one another, and in creation. May this constant presence strengthen and encourage us. Amen.


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The Way of Love

Reading: James 5:7-10

James 5:10 – “Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolved and steadfastness.”

In today’s passage from James 5 we are invited into a “courageous patience” as we await the return of Jesus Christ. As it was during James’ day, it is not easy to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. The world was and remains selfish and focused on accumulating the things of this world. The pursuit of these worldly things often leads to oppression and unjust systems.

James first invites us to consider the farmer’s patience and perseverance. The crop is planted and the farmer waits patiently and with courage for the rain. In the spring the rain causes the plant to sprout and in the fall it brings the crops to maturity. In the same way we can trust into the reign of the Holy Spirit in our lives to first give life to our faith and then to nourish it to maturity.

James next warns against complaining and judging one another. Nothing weakens a relationship or community quicker than infighting and tearing one another down. There is ample evidence of the cost of these destructive behaviors in our world today. The Spirit of Christ remains at the door of our hearts always, warning against such behaviors, encouraging us to instead choose love, kindness, mercy, and grace.

The passage closes with these words in verse 10: “Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolved and steadfastness.” There are indeed many prophets in the Jewish scriptures who exhibited great resolve and steadfastness. But more recently, Jesus provided an even better example to follow. This is the prophet to whom we should look in times of hardship and trial. Love of God and neighbor guided all that Jesus said and did. It dictated his decisions. Love brought Jesus a resolve and steadfastness that strengthened him at all times. In all ways and in all circumstances, may love be our guide too.

Prayer: Lord God, the world remains a hard place to daily follow Jesus. The ways of the world are driven by a desire for power and possessions in many forms. You call us instead to desire to love and to serve. Living in such sharp contrast to the ways of the world, we can experience oppression and trials at times. Give us a holy resolve and a Spirit-fueled perseverance so that we may always choose the way of love. Amen.


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Serving Humbly

Reading: Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:47 – “In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my Savior.”

In our passage today Mary praises God. Her prayer of thanks contains many of the themes found throughout Luke’s gospel. Considering Mary’s circumstances, these are amazing words to speak. She is barely a teenager. Mary is unmarried yet pregnant. This likely led her to travel to see Elizabeth, perhaps an even more unlikely mother-to-be. Elizabeth has been barren all her life and is very much past child bearing years. Yet she too is pregnant. Both pregnancies have been blessed by an angel’s prophetic words. Mary humbly accepted these words, declaring, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

We see Mary’s commitment in verses 46 and 47. Mary glorifies God “with all my heart” and rejoices in God from “the depths of who I am.” Because God chose her, the lowly has become “highly favored.” This theme continues as Mary celebrates a God who shows mercy and lifts the lowly and feeds the hungry. Recognizing the coming reality of God in the flesh, Mary declares prophetically, “He has come to the aid of his servant Israel.” Mary truly understands the incarnational nature of the one in her womb. Young Mary’s faith is amazing.

While the role we are called to play will never be exactly like Mary’s role, we too are called to humble servanthood. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us in the work of building the kingdom here on earth. Sometimes the call invites us to places or to people who are difficult or challenging. As we play our role, especially in the hard moments, may we choose to trust as Mary trusted, knowing that the Lord our God will look with favor upon all who serve the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of how simple faith can be. Playing our roles comes down to leaning into the call, trusting that you are present and will walk with us. When we don’t know the steps to take or the words to say, help us to trust that you know and that your Spirit will guide us in those moments. In this way may we each humbly serve you with all of our heart. Amen.


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Walk the Walk

Reading: Matthew 3:7-12

Matthew 3:8 – “Produce fruit that shows you have changed hearts and lives.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Continuing in Matthew 3 today we see that many Pharisees and Sadducees come to John the Baptist in the wilderness. These two religious groups were very different. The Sadducees came from the ruling class, didn’t believe in an afterlife, and interpreted the scriptures much differently than the Pharisees. Both groups were powerful and popular amongst the people. The fact that these two groups both came to be baptized by John is a testament to the appeal of John’s message. Even the religious leaders were looking for the kingdom of God to draw near.

Even though the scripture tells us that the Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized, John goes on the offensive. He begins by calling them “children of snakes.” He then asks them about who warned them to flee the coming wrath and judgment. This calling out is exactly the opposite of ‘Welcome! Step on down into the water!’ John’s assault on their status and place in society continues with this charge: “Produce fruit that shows you have changed hearts and lives.” John has been around these groups long enough to know that what they teach and what they live do not line up. Status, heritage, popularity… do not matter to John. It’s all about walking the walk.

John then points to the coming Messiah. His or her baptism will not be with water but with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John references the “coming judgment” in verse 12. The Messiah will sift the wheat from the husks, the good from the bad. Those not producing good fruit will suffer “a fire that can’t be put out.” Confession and repentance must lead to a change in heart and life, to turning back to the path that we are called to walk in and through Jesus Christ. May we daily choose to walk the walk of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we can be tempted to think, ‘I read my Bible, I go to church’ as our justification for being a ‘good’ person. Checking boxes, though, will not equate to eternal life. So Lord we ask that the fire of your Holy Spirit would burn away our selfish desires and actions. And may the fire of the Spirit ignite our love of you and of neighbor, leading to humble service, producing fruit that lasts. Amen.


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Bless God, Bless the World

Reading: Psalm 72:1-7 and 18-19

Psalm 72:19 – “Bless God’s glorious name forever; let his glory fill all the earth!”

Our reading today returns to Psalm 72, adding verses 18-19 to the verses that we read on Monday. In verses 1-7 the psalmist prayed for a just king to reign with righteousness and equity. This kind of leadership would lead to flourishing and peace for all people. These verses cast a vision for an ideal leader. In this kingdom, all people would be blessed.

The direction and tone and example that our leaders give and set often help determine our words, actions, and thoughts. In a small group meeting, for example, if the leader is welcoming and open to many different ideas, then people contribute and collaborate and share freely. The outcome or product is better because all involved take ownership. This becomes increasingly important the larger the group or the more elevated the platform. Negative or greedy or power-hungry or non-inclusive leaders tend to bring out these things in those they are trying to lead, limiting cooperation and involvement.

While leadership sets the direction, tone… we still have a choice in how we will act, speak, and think. The still, small voice of the Holy Spirit is key in these situations. If we will but listen, the Spirit will lead and guide. This is especially important when the leader is not aligned with the will and way of God’s justice and peace. In the moment, maybe holding our tongue is best. Or maybe it is speaking up to change the direction, tone… It might be a private conversation with the leader or it might be to help guide the way to find a new leader. Each of us, in our own way, are called to be a part of creating a more just and peaceful world. When we each play our part, we are fulfilling verse 19: “Bless God’s glorious name forever; let his glory fill all the earth!”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us. When we are in leadership positions – large or small – may your Holy Spirit help us to lead in ways that are just and right, that encourage cooperation and build community. And when we find ourselves straying from these ideals or when we find ourselves under leaders who are less than you call us to be, may the Spirit work within us to guide our words, actions, and thoughts in ways that bless your name, thereby blessing our world. Amen.


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Rescuer, Deliverer, Redeemer

Reading: Luke 1:76-79

Luke 1:77 – “You [John] will tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins.”

As we continue in Zechariah’s prophecy today we read about the role that his son, John the Baptist, will play in the coming of the Messiah. We also learn more about who and what this Messiah will be. John will go before the Lord “to prepare his way.” Zechariah is channeling his inner Isaiah here, as John will also do during his ministry. Out there in the wilderness, along the Jordan River, John will “tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins.” Calling God’s people to a baptism of confession and repentance, John will prepare people’s hearts to receive the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

With these words, Zechariah is looping back around to the Savior who delivers and rescues God’s people from their enemies. John calls folks to battle with their sins, the enemies within. This call will next be echoed by Jesus. And after sending his Spirit, this call will be echoed down through the generations of believers, echoed in our hearts. This call is the “light to those sitting in darkness.” Whether from John, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, the call to live out the covenant of love shines a light on our sins and the darkness that they create in us and in the world. This light and the change of heart that it leads to guides us to step out of “the shadow of death.” Freed from the power of sin and death through Jesus Christ, we are guided to walk on “the path of peace.” Thanks be to God for our Savior, deliverer, and redeemer!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the voice that calls out to us, inviting us to come before you, confessing and repenting of our inner darkness, committing to walk on your path of light and peace. Keep our hearts ever open to your still, small voice that whispers words of love. Free us, O Lord, to be people whose love helps others to know the Savior. Amen.


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A Plan Unfolding

Reading: Luke 1:68-75

Luke 1:69-70 – “He [God] has raised up a mighty savior… just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago.”

By nature we are social beings. We were created by God to be in community. While each of us enjoys some solitude from time to time, we crave human interaction. A large part of this involves expressing ourselves, our thoughts, our emotions. The average person does this mainly through speaking about 10,000 words a day. Imagine being silent for a few days. For me that would soon begin to feel like a heavy weight. What would that feel like for you? Now, imagine being silent for nine months.

As we turn to Luke 1:68 today, Zechariah begins to speak for the first time in nine months. He had been struck mute by God about 840,000 words ago. Zechariah did not believe the angel Gabriel when he told the old priest that was having a son. The angel told him that his son would “bring many Israelites back to the Lord.” What news to share! But he cannot. After all of this silence, what are Zechariah’s first words?

Zechariah first announces that the words of the prophets from long ago have been fulfilled. A Savior has been born! The priest turned prophet tells the people that God has remembered the covenant and will rescue Israel “from the power of our enemies.” Recalling the times in exile and in the wilderness, those enemies were mostly within – selfishness, greed, idolatry. As we continue tomorrow, Zechariah will next speak of the role that his son, John the baptizer, will play in God’s unfolding plan. The unfolding plan continues today. You and I are a part of that plan.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for remembering your covenant and setting in motion the redemption of all of creation. Thank you for sending the one filled with the spirit of Elijah to prepare hearts to receive your son, the Savior. Lord, fill us with the Spirit’s power, using us today to call people to change hearts and lives. Use us to call people to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.


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All We Need

Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6

Jeremiah 23:5 – “He will rule as a wise king. He will do what is just and right in the land.”

Photo credit: Hans Heiner Buhr

Chapter 23 of Jeremiah is titled “Promise of Restoration.” The promise begins with a warning and then adds God’s solution. In verse 1 the prophet declares, “Watch out, you shepherds…” Jeremiah is specifically referring to the kings of Judah but also to the religious leaders. While the king is ultimately responsible for the well-being of the people, the priests also had a prominent role to play in helping the people remain faithful to God. All of the shepherds, however, have become inwardly focused. Instead of tending to the needs of the flock, the selfish behaviors of the leaders has, in effect, “scattered my flock and driven them away.” God declares to these bad leaders, “revenge” is coming.

Verse 3 shifts leadership back to God. God will act, gathering the sheep, making them fruitful and numerous again. God will “place over them shepherds who care.” Under good shepherds, there will be no fear or worry. Needs will be met. All will be well cared for. Jeremiah’s words get more specific in verses 5 and 6. These messianic words point to Jesus, the one who will rule as a “wise king.” Guided by the Spirit, the wisdom from on high, Jesus’ kingdom will be one of justice and righteousness. He will offer salvation to all people.

When Jesus arrived in Israel, they needed a Savior. The people longed for someone to save them from the Romans. Jesus longed to save them from their sins and lack of abiding faith. Jesus taught and healed, inviting the people back into an intimate, dependent relationship with their God. He then died, offering self as the sacrifice, offering salvation to the world. This Jesus, he continues to save us from self and to give us all that we truly need. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we can long for things we do not need. We can wish that you would wipe away our problems and our enemies. Remind us again and again that you love us so much. Remind us that you always provide just what we need. Help us to abide in you, trusting in your will and way. Open our eyes to see that your way is always the best way. Amen.