pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: tender


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Seeing God

Reading: Exodus 33:18-23

Exodus 33:18 – “Moses replied, ‘Then show me your glorious presence.'”

On Tuesday this week we read of Moses petitioning God to remain present to him and to Israel. God relented from the plan to send them on to the Promised Land without God’s presence. But Moses wanted some proof. He says to God, “Then show me your glorious presence.” God’s answer is “Yes, but…” God will reveal the fullness of God’s glory, sort of. God knows that the full glory of God is more than Moses or any human being can take in at one time. God graciously comes up with a plan for Moses to see as much of God as is humanly possible.

God places Moses in a crevice of a rock and shields Moses’ eyes as God passes by. As God walks away, the hand is lifted and Moses sees God’s back. Because of God’s tender compassion, God found a way to grant Moses’ request. It would have been easier to just say “no” and offer a reason why. Instead, God found a way to say “yes” to Moses.

There are times when we’d really like to see God. Sometimes our faith is wearing thin and we need reassurance. Some of the time we are really upset or even angry and we want to have it out with God. Other times we feel like we just need to be in God’s actual presence. God is present to us in each of these situations, just as God was with Moses – in Spirit. But once in a while, God is more present, in a tangible way – as we look in the mirror one day, as another person is present to us, as we are awed by a sunset or by ocean waves. God graciously meets us where we are at, giving us just what we need in that moment. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your presence in our lives. Your Spirit is a constant presence with us as you lead and guide, direct and assure, convict and refine, restore and redeem. And thank you for the glimpses, for your tangible presence that we do experience from time to time. Continue to be present to us in all ways, O God. Amen.


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Faithful to God

Readings: 2nd Samuel 8, 2nd Samuel 9, 2nd Samuel 10

2nd Samuel 8:15 – “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Photo credit: Emma Gossett

Turning to chapters 8-10, David continues to solidify his kingdom. He defeats the Philistines, Moabites, and Zobah. They bring him tribute. A king from Hamath sends his son with silver, gold, and bronze – a form of tribute. God gives David “victory wherever he went.” In return, in verse 8:15 we read, “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

In chapter 9 we see the tender side of David. In a way, this is an expression of his grief over Jonathan. David locates Mephibosheth, the only surviving son of Jonathan. For most new kings, eliminating the former king’s offspring was a priority. But in this case, David brings him to the palace, buys back all the family land, tasks Ziba with working the land, and makes Mephibosheth like his own son. He will eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life.

In the next chapter Nahash dies. He is the king who took in a fleeing David, giving him Ziklag as a place to live. David sends messengers with condolences, but Hanun, the son, doubts David’s sincerity. He humiliates the messengers and sends them back home. War is on. Joab and his brother Abishai lead Israel against the Ammonites and Arameans. Trusting that God is with them, Israel wins two great victories. God is with David in all that he does. David has been faithful to God. It is as it should be.

Prayer: Lord God, in our daily lives, lead and guide us to follow you and to honor you in all that we do. Guide us to seek justice and to be righteous. Lead us to care well for those in need. Keep us faithful to you alone. Amen.


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A Holy Kiss

Reading: Psalm 85:8-13

Verse 10: “Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.”

Our second half of Psalm 85 with promises of peace, salvation, and the glory of the Lord. What wonderful words for the people to hear. God has felt absent for a while now. To beg for God’s presence and to hear these words in response – what hope! Embedded in these words are also things that the people must live out. They must return to being God’s people, fearing the Lord by living lives that honor and adhere to God’s will and ways. The relationship is not one-way.

The Psalm pivots in verse 10. Here we read, “Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.” The coming together of these four qualities of God are sealed with a kiss. In our time, this is no longer a common practice or gesture. This kiss, one gentle expression of friendship, love, and peace, was a greeting between close friends and family. This kiss was tender and vulnerable. This kiss expressed genuine affection and it welcomed both parties back into intimate relationship.

Today’s equivalent may be the handshake and the hug. My wife and I went to a reunion of sorts last night. It was folks who had taught and worked together at a school that closed at the end of 2012. There were some folks I waved to and smiled at from across the room. Some I shook hands with and then we shared in small talk. A side hug was the greeting that was used. We shared in a bit deeper conversation about our lives. For many, the hug was embracing and lasted a few seconds. The conversation thereafter was genuine and deep, bringing us right back to 2012 and then up to last night. In today’s text, that is the holy kiss shared between God and God’s people. May that be how we greet God as we open our Bibles, as we bow our heads, as we worship, and as we engage God’s world.

Prayer: Lord God, each time that we draw near to you, may it be filled with genuine affection and deep love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. And as we go from our time together, may these be the fragrance and outpouring of our lives, drawing others towards you. Amen.


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Go, Prepare the Way

Reading: Luke 1:76-79

Verse 76: “You will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him.”

Photo credit: Dominik Lange

Continuing today in Zechariah’s Song, the praise shifts to the role his own son will play in God’s plan. John the Baptist will be called “a prophet of the Most High.” John’s ministry will be out in the wilderness, along the Jordan River. Preaching about the good news soon to come, he will “give his people a knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” John will call people to repent of their sins to prepare their hearts for the coming Messiah. A baptism of repentance will symbolize their readiness to walk with Christ. This gift of salvation is available “because of the tender mercies of our God.” It’s not just mercy, but tender mercy. I love the image that this line creates. Oh the depth of God’s love for you and me!

In verse 76 Zechariah defines John’s primary task: “You will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him.” No one meets Jesus without someone telling them about Jesus. No one experiences “the rising sun from heaven” coming into their lives to “shine on those living in darkness” without someone going on to prepare their heart to receive Jesus. John called others and prepared them both through his words and his example. He was faithful in his living and was engaging and encouraging with his words.

Just before his final departure to return to heaven, Jesus gave all who follow him this task: “Go and make disciples of all nations… baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Just as John did, we are to do to. Living faithfully as a follower of Jesus Christ, may we draw others to the Son, bringing his light and love into the darkness. In Christ’s light and love, may they too experience the tender mercies of God.

Prayer: Lord God, guide me to live a simple, faithful life, one that reflects your light and love out into the world’s darkness. As others are drawn to the light, grant me the words and actions to prepare the way for them to receive your son as Lord and Savior. All for your glory, O God! Amen.