pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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“I Am the Lord”

Reading: Exodus 20:1-4

Exodus 20:3 – “You must have no other gods before me.”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

For the first three days this week, we will work through the Ten Commandments. While very well-known, these commands are foundational to faithful living. In the story of God’s people, they arrive at Mount Sinai and set up camp. Up on the mountain there is thunder and lightning and a great cloud. God is present. Moses goes up the mountain to hear from God. In today’s verses we read the first two commandments.

Moses’ encounter with God begins with this declaration: “I am the Lord your God.” This statement is followed by two commands that focus on living into this declaration. The first is this: “You must have no other gods before me.” Command two is like an addendum: “Do not make an idol for yourselves.” In our day, when we think of “gods” as imaginary beings in the sky, these ideas seem almost silly. But for the Israelites, living in a time when all the other nations worshipped many different gods, these commands set Israel apart – radically and completely. But Israel would long struggle with the worship of false gods. Again and again they sought to be like those around them and to fit in rather than to stand out or be set apart for God.

This is precisely where these commands hit home today. While far from the gods of Moses’ day, we can treat status, beauty, wealth, popularity, and such like a god that we worship, love, and trust. And while not carved from stone or wood, we can place possessions and titles and other things of this world on the throne of our hearts. It is not difficult to find “gods” to chase after, to prioritize, to hoard, and even to worship. Yes, we too need to be frequently reminded: “I am the Lord your God.” O Lord, may it be so day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, we know the charge is to set our minds on Christ, to focus daily on imitating Christ with our lives. Yet we can turn from this time together, opening an app or turning on the television, and temptation is right there. The call of the world and the allure of its ways are ever before us. O Lord, strengthen and encourage us. Be present within us. Lead and guide us to walk faithfully with you. Amen.


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Authority

Reading: Matthew 21:23-27

Matthew 21:23b – “What kind of authority do you have for going these things? Who gave you this authority?”

As we delve into our gospel reading today and tomorrow, we begin with some context. We are in the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. The triumphal entry that we know as “Palm Sunday” started off the week. Large crowds cheered and shouted praises, identifying Jesus as “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus proceeds to the temple, where he tips over tables and chairs, causing a ruckus in this “hideout for crooks.” Jesus then heals the blind and the lame right there in the temple. The children run around, continuing the excitement of the palm parade, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

The next day, as Jesus entered the temple, the religious leaders asked him, “What kind of authority do you have for going these things? Who gave you this authority?” Jesus sees right through their hypocrisy. They’re more concerned about maintaining their place of authority, the status quo, and the side hustle selling and buying in God’s house. Jesus turns their question back on them, substituting John the Baptist as the focus of where true authority comes from. The religious leaders are afraid to answer. Either answer will take away some of their earthly authority. So they act like politicians, saying what they need to say to maintain their status and power.

Even against those with real earthly power, Jesus stood on the power and truth of God. The religious leaders were not willing to accept Jesus for who he was because it would cost them socially, politically, and economically. When our faith and the actions that it leads us to cause us to be questioned, challenged… may we too stand firmly on God’s power and truth. This is the source of true authority.

Prayer: Lord God, when our faith has led us to stand or speak against an injustice or to give voice and power to the oppressed and marginalized, encourage and strengthen us when those with power over question or move against us. Be present to us in Spirit. Fill us with the words to speak and with the conviction to stand. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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All So Wrong… How Deeply Loved

Reading: Matthew 16:21-23

Matthew 16:23 – “Get behind me, Satan… You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”

Photo credit: Shane

Of all the disciples, Peter seems to be the most “human.” Perhaps this is why it feels like we know him the best of all the disciples. He has his “gold star” moments and he also has moments when it seems like he barely understands who Jesus is. Perhaps we know him best because he is just like us. Last week we read his declaration of Jesus as the Christ. His shining moment led to Jesus stating that he will build his church upon Peter, the “rock.” This week, in the text, Jesus begins to explain the way that the church will be founded and established. He must suffer and die. Then he will rise on the third day.

Although it is certainly not the first time that Jesus has shared this news with the disciples, Peter acts like it is. Maybe he now hears this news through the lens of being #2 to Jesus. Peter’s world was much like our world today. Power was might. Success was measured in wealth, status, and/or possessions. There was a social hierarchy and society taught you to try and climb that ladder. In this moment, Peter seems caught up in all of this. We’ve been there too. We understand.

So Peter grabs ahold of Jesus and begins to scold him. Peter proclaims, “This won’t happen to you.” Not on my watch, Jesus. Reflecting the needed reality check, Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan… You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.” The depth of love required to endure humiliation and torture, to die a very painful and public death – it is hard for us humans to understand at times. It’s no wonder Peter got it all so wrong here. We do too at times. That’s Jesus’ point, though. He came to save you and me. And Peter too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, living daily in the world, it is easy to get caught up in the ways of the world. Draw us into daily time with you. Fill us with your ways and with your love. Then guide us to walk counter to the ways of the world, giving instead of taking, surrendering instead of ascending, lifting rather than pushing down. Lead us, O God, in your way of love. Amen.


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Steady and Consistent

Reading: Psalm 86:1-10 and 16-17

Psalm 86:2 – “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you – you! My God!”

Psalm 86 is attributed to David and is a “servant’s prayer for protection.” David mixes together a range of emotions and of faith. At times he affirms God’s certain response and at other times David reminds God (and himself?) that he is indeed faithful to God. Sometimes it feels like David is trying to motivate God to act on his behalf because is suffering and sometimes because David’s enemies need to be put to shame! When I am troubled and pray to God, my emotions and my faith can range far and wide too. Maybe you’ve experienced this as well.

Verse 2 is a great example of this range of faith and emotion. Here we read, “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you – you! My God!” David petitions God’s guarding and saving while reminding God how faithful and trusting he is in God. I can slip into the same “How can you let this happen God – don’t you know how…?” prayer. In the end, these thoughts and prayers really come down to our questioning the status of our relationship with God. This questioning is most present when I’ve been neglecting my daily time with God.

In seasons of my life I’ve treated God like a vending machine. I’ve come to God when I need or want something, but when life is good or even just okay, I’ve let my relationship slide. I’ve come to realize that when I think I need to remind God how faithful and trusting I am, it’s really me that needs reminding that I haven’t been these things lately. This realization often draws me back to the God who has been present all along, just waiting for me to do the same. Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to walk a more steady and consistent faith. Even though the day always begins with you now, I can still drift away during the everyday of life. In moments when other things begin to creep in, lessening my connection to you, touch my heart and draw me close. Thank you, God, for your faithfulness. Amen.


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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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Peace and Love

Reading: Romans 8:6-11

Romans 8:6b – “The attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

Chapter 8 of Romans is titled “Set Free by the Spirit” in my Bible. In this chapter Paul reminds us that the law of the Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death. We who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior are set free through his sacrifice, death, and resurrection. Giving our whole self to Christ leads to Christ’s Spirit living inside of us, freeing us from the selfishness that is inherent in the flesh. The Holy Spirit leads us to think about the things of God instead of the things of this world. These two forces, however, are constantly at work within us: one pulling us towards God and one pulling us towards the ways of the world.

Paul addresses the outcome of this “battle” in verse 6. Here he reminds believers that “The attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.” The other outcome leads to death. It is not an immediate death but a long, slow death. Living a self-centered life slowly isolates oneself for all others, including God. The longer one elevates self, the less room there is for anyone other than self. One tolerates others, yes, even those they “love,” as long as it benefits them and increases their power, wealth, status, image…

The apostle contrasts this outcome with the outcome of a life lived in and guided by the Spirit of Christ. The outcome of living in and by the Spirit is peace and true life. This too is a long, slow walk, but in the total opposite direction. The walk of faith builds relationships and community, seeking to benefit others as we seek to please God not self. There is ample space and time to care for others, to help those in need, to comfort the grieving and afflicted, to lift the downtrodden, to love neighbor. We find that as we express our love of God in these ways, giving away self, we experience true peace and a life filled with joy and hope and love. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when it is challenging to live guided by the Spirit, when those guided by the way of selfishness make life hard, when the ways of the world seek to draw us in, remind us of your deep, deep love for us. Strengthen and encourage us to trust into this love, to feel and to live out this kind of love. Amen.


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Remember the Promise

Reading: Psalm 121

Psalm 121:8 – “The Lord will protect you on your journeys – whether going or coming – from now until forever from now.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Psalm 121 was one of a small collection of Psalms that were sung by pilgrims heading to Jerusalem. It is a song about God’s protection, something we often need on our journeys. There is a practical side to the Psalm. Safety when traveling in the heat of the day or in the shadows of the night could be a real concern. For God to shade or protect the pilgrims – whether going or coming – this could be a real need.

There was likely also a spiritual need held in the Psalm. As Disciplines writer Mark Feldmeir points out, the mountaintops around Jerusalem held shrines to Baal and Asherah at many times in Israel’s history. Seeing these idols of false hope, one could be drawn in. Perhaps the question, “Where will my help come from?,” was one asked to snatch one’s focus back to God. For many in our modern world, we may scoff at the idea of worshipping false gods at altars and fertility poles.

We scoff until we consider the idols that we look to (instead of God) in our times of need and want. Primary is self. If I can just work hard enough, be good enough, try long enough… success and happiness will come to me. This drive is often to gain the things of this world: wealth, popularity, status… So the psalmist speaks to us too. As we look towards the mountains, we remember that is where Moses, Elijah, and Peter, James, and John all met the Lord almighty. When we need strength, guidance, direction, protection… may we too look to the Lord our God as we remember the promise: “The Lord will protect you on your journeys – whether going or coming – from now until forever from now.” Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you are our only hope, our only help against the desires and pulls of this world. When we are tempted to look elsewhere, may you Holy Spirit turn us away from the altars of self and the towers of consumerism, individualism, and materialism. May the Spirit within us draw our eyes and hearts to you – to your love, care, provision, protection… Guide us on our journeys and walk with us each day, leading us to peace and contentment and joy. Thank you, God. Amen.


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The Spirit of God

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4

Isaiah 42:1 – “But here is my servant… I’ve put my spirit upon him; he will bring justice to the nations.”

Isaiah 42 has been identified since the time of Jesus as one of four Servant Songs found in Isaiah. The New Testament writers used these songs as messianic prophecies, identifying Jesus as the servant who suffers. At the time of their writing, though, the aim of these songs was to help Israel understand its servant role, even in the midst of suffering and exile.

In this first Servant Song, the servant is chosen by God. His or her role is defined this way: “I’ve put my spirit upon him; he [or she] will bring justice to the nations.” It is important to note that the spirit of God is much different than the spirit of the world. God’s spirit and the power that it brings works to bring justice to the world. This spirit doesn’t shout and demand respect. This spirit does not trample over others but cares for the weak and the marginalized – the “bruised reed” and the “faint wick.” With compassion and care this spirit will bring God’s justice to the world. This gentle yet strong spirit of God works steadfastly to build a just and loving world.

The spirit of the world cares little for this way of kingdom building. Those with the spirit of the world recklessly force their way, seeking personal gain and glory above all else. In their wake we find suffering and harm. Justice is a good thing, yes – unless it gets in the way of accumulating more and more. The goals of the spirit of the world are more power, more wealth, more status. These aims are about as far from “humble servant” as one could get.

In Isaiah, in any other prophet’s words, and in the New Testament witness, the people of God are called to humble service, gentle leadership, compassionate care for the vulnerable. The spirit of God calls us to be bringers of justice. May we choose to walk as a humble and sometimes suffering servant of God today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, outside of your word and outside of our faith communities, so much of what we hear and see is guided by the spirit of the world. Although not easy in our current world, lead and guide us to be people of your spirit – humbly serving, seeking justice, protecting the least of these. Chosen by you, use us to shine your light and love into the darkness of this world. 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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Radical Love

Reading: Luke 23:33-38

Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Our readings today and tomorrow focus on Jesus’ crucifixion. The way of Jesus stands in very sharp contrast to the ways of the world. This contrast begins in verse 33. The Romans crucify three people. Two crucifixions are just and one is unjust. All three accomplish the same goal: eliminating those who challenge your power. This remains the way of the world.

Those present at the crucifixion, all three groups named in today’s reading, they all equate power with strength, control, wealth, status. The religious leaders and the soldiers and the Roman governor sneer at and mock Jesus. They all want (or say they want) Jesus to exert some of his power to come down off the cross: “Save yourself.” That’s what we’d try to do. We’d try to save ourselves. Many there that day that utter these words have seen the miracles and heard the unearthly wisdom of Jesus’ teachings. Pilate’s sign above Jesus’ head mocks him too. A king? Surely he would save himself if that were true. Today we continue to mock and sneer at things and at people that do not meet our expectations and/or that we do not understand.

Jesus’ power runs counter to all of these ways of power and of the world. As he is physically being nailed to the cross – large spikes being driven through his palms and his feet – Jesus says, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” As John Wesley noted in a sermon, Jesus ignores this incredible pain because he is more worried about the salvation of all involved in the crucifixion. Forgiving others always, this is power. The way of love for God and neighbor triumphs over all things. Thanks be to God for this most excellent way of love.

Prayer: Lord God, what great power we see in your radical way of love. It was unaffected by the things of the world going on around you. It was an unconditional love that reached out to those harming you and taking your life. Lord, fill us with this powerful love. Filled, send us out as your radical love lived out in the world. Amen.