pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Faithful Obedience

Reading: Romans 1:1-7

Romans 1:6 – “You who are called by Jesus Christ are also included among the Gentiles.”

Today we turn to Paul’s greeting in his letter to the believers in Rome. He is writing to a group that he has not met, to a church founded by others. This unfamiliarity is the reason for the longer than normal greeting. Paul begins by identifying himself – a “slave of Christ” and an apostle “set apart for God’s good news.” These two descriptors tells much about how Paul saw himself and about how he thinks all believers should be. More than any other New Testament writer, Paul paints a clear line between following the ways of Jesus and the ways of the world. Being 100% committed, living 24/7 for Christ, that was the only way to follow Jesus. Like a slave, faithful obedience was required in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ.

Paul also leans heavily into the idea of being set apart. This might come from his Jewish background. The Jews saw themselves as the chosen people, marked and set apart by God. Prior to meeting Jesus, that was a tightly closed and exclusive circle for Paul. After meeting Jesus, Paul wanted to loop that circle around as many people as possible. This Jesus who was raised from the dead and who offered grace to all who sought to live in “faithful obedience” – he is the good news. To the church in Rome and to the church today, Paul writes, “You who are called by Jesus Christ are also included among the Gentiles.” You, me, we all are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all the world so that they too may know the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, use us today to expand the circle. Use our faithful obedience to the will and way of Jesus Christ as a witness to the lost and the lonely, to the hurting and the broken, to the self-assured and the powerful. In and through us and our living may the world come to know the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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A God For All People

Reading: Acts 11:1-18

Verse 9: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

Today’s passage from Acts 11 is about God opening hearts and minds. There were many laws from the Torah concerning dietary restrictions, circumcision, and interaction with outsiders. Devout Jews had followed these laws for years, for centuries as a people. While some were aimed at remaining healthy, many were to keep the circle drawn in tightly around God’s “chosen people.”

Peter grew up practicing these laws. He is astounded when God – yes, God – tells him to kill and eat things that are unclean according to the law. He says, “Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.” And it’s not about to start now God! How dare God say such a thing! Yes, it does sound a bit ridiculous to question God, doesn’t it? But that’s how deeply ingrained these laws are. God repeats the message three times to make sure pious Peter hears it.

Just after this God encounter, some men come, asking Peter to come to Cornelius’ home. Led by the Spirit, Peter goes. He enters the home of an uncircumcised (pop!) Gentile (pop!). There goes two more “I never…” moments. Once there, Peter begins to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit suddenly “comes on them as he has come on us at the beginning” (pop!). This was proof that God was at work, leading and guiding this widening of the circle. Peter and the other church leaders understood that God and salvation is for all people.

When have you experienced such a thing? When were you witness to someone receiving Christ that you had thought outside of his love? If you haven’t witnessed this, who could you begin sharing the good news with that you might have previously seen as outside of God’s love?

Prayer: Lord God, open my heart and mind to further realize and understand and practice the width and breadth of your love. Help me to see, to treat, to engage all people as your beloved creation. Amen.