pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: truth


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Live in Love

Reading: 2nd John

2nd John 1:6 – “This is love: that we live according to his commands. This is the command that you heard from the beginning: live in love.”

2nd John is a short letter from “the elder” (likely John the apostle) to the “chosen gentlewoman” (likely a personification of a local house church.) The letter begins by expressing joy over some that are “living in the truth.” These believers are being faithfully obedient, living an active faith out in the world. This joy then becomes an invitation as the elder invites all in this community of faith to be love in action. In verse 6 we read, “This is love: that we live according to his commands. This is the command that you heard from the beginning: live in love.” This community of faith is being called to demonstrate God’s love for them to others – to those both inside and outside the church. This continues to be the call for all Christian communities of faith.

The elder also addresses false teaching. These false teachers, later known as Docetists, were teaching that Jesus did not come in a real body. They taught that Jesus just “appeared” to have a body. Imagine what this teaching would mean to the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and to recent readings about Jesus emptying himself, laying aside equality with God to walk with us. The elder warns the faith community about receiving or welcoming these teachers into their homes. To bring a false teacher into the place that the community of faith met would be to affirm their teachings.

The letter closes by stating that there is much more to say. The elder hopes to visit, to see this faith community face to face. Being present to one another is the best way to “live in love.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us today to be love lived out loud in the world. In all ways, may we seek to love you through loving neighbor and stranger alike. Guide us to walk in your truths. Protect us from falsehoods and the ways of the world. Amen.


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Light and Love to the World

Reading: 1st John 1-3

1st John 3:9 – “Those born from God don’t practice sin because God’s DNA remains in them.”

The opening of 1st John echoes the words and feel of John’s gospel: from the beginning, life was revealed, fellowship with the Father and Son. There is also his firsthand testimony to Jesus’ life. “We” have seen him, heard him, touched him.

John then launches into “living in the light.” Jesus is the light and in him there is no darkness. Living in the light we have fellowship with Jesus and with one another. Living in the light we find forgiveness of sins. John adds, “The one who claims to remain in him ought to live like him.” We should strive to emulate Jesus’ example. As we read on, John equates living in the light to two things: loving God/others and keeping God’s commands. If we love our brothers and sisters, then we remain in the light. But if we hate our brothers and sisters, then we are living in darkness (or sin.) Similarly, if we love the things of this world instead, then we are of the world, living in darkness.

1st John briefly addresses the “antichrists” that have come from within the faith communities. These false teachers have distorted the good news, denying God. John reminds the believers of the Spirit’s anointing that keeps them in relationship with God. This relationship is rooted in love. It was love that makes us God’s children. It is love that keeps us from sinning. In 3:9 John connects these dots, writing, “Those born from God don’t practice sin because God’s DNA remains in them.” The Spirit of God, dwelling in our hearts, empowers us to live and to keep the commands. Echoing James’ words, John encourages us to lay self down for others, loving in action and truth. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, as you have loved us, making us part of your family, may we love others, drawing them into the family. Empower us to love well as you guard our hearts against loving the things of this world. May we be light to the darkness of this world, love to the hate. Amen.


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The Armor of Love

Reading: Ephesians 5-6

Ephesians 5:8 – “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light.”

As we close out Ephesians today, Paul continues to explain how to live as followers of Jesus Christ. He begins by encouraging us to “imitate God” by “following the example of Christ.” Paul reminds us next of what this is not. It is not sexual immortality or greed or obscene language. These are not kingdom-worthy behaviors. Paul tells them, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light.” Here Paul uses darkness and light as states of being, not as adjectives that describe something that changes with the time of day. This sharp contrast is intentional. This is why Paul encouraged us to “test everything” to see if it is pleasing to God. More recently the idea to test everything was carried on WWJD bracelets…

Paul encourages us to be filled with the Spirit as we worship and praise God, as we offer our thanksgiving to God, as we submit to one another “out of respect for Christ.” Paul is continuing his “follow the example” thoughts here. He calls on us to love one another just as Christ loves us. In this way we will build up one another and the church, bringing each into a deeper holiness and into a stronger faith. Paul also applies these ideas to parents and children then to slaves and masters, a reality given up long ago. Today we could apply the latter to business owners and employees.

Ephesians closes with a well-known passage about the armor of God. He first acknowledges the spiritual battle that is always going on. He uses a Roman soldier’s armor as the analogy but underneath it all are the core tenants of our belief: truth, justice, the good news, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit. These allow us to stand and to win the battle. With this “armor” may we too hang in there and pray for one another.

Prayer: Lord God, it comes down to love. To follow the example of Christ is to love you with all that we are and to love others as Christ loves us. To love, therefore, means to do no harm. To love means to give all of self to you and to others. To love means to do and be good. May it be so. Amen.


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New Creations

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 4-7

2nd Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!”

In today’s reading Paul first reviews their conduct and the “results.” He and his fellow apostles received their commission just as they received God’s mercy – from Christ. They have publicly proclaimed the gospel, preaching Jesus as Lord, living as “slaves” for Jesus’ sake. Paul then acknowledges that this “treasure” is in “clay pots” – fragile themselves so that God’s power can be revealed. Hard pressed in many ways, they are being handed over to life.

Along these lines, Paul recognizes that as this “tent” is torn down, the soul has a place to go, “eternal and in heaven.” Yes, he says, we groan now under the weight of this earthly life. Yet, living by faith and not by sight, Paul and companions continue to live for the “one who died for them.” Paul then declares, “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” Just as God reconciled the world to himself through Christ, Paul invites the Corinthians (and us) to be reconciled to God. He begs them and us to receive God’s grace.

In chapter 6 Paul revisits the hardships of his ministry. Through it all they have served with the Holy Spirit through God’s power, offering love and truth. He invites the Corinthians to open their hearts once again to their ministry. Paul invites them to cleanse themselves from all that contaminates. Paul also expresses the encouragement he received from Titus’ visit to Corinth. He knows that his last letter hurt them, but rejoices that it produced changed hearts and lives.

We too can experience moments of conviction that can lead to change. Whether through the Holy Spirit or another believer, truth and love can lead us to changed hearts and lives. May we receive, allowing the Spirit to make us new creations in Christ, transformed a bit more into his image.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us, these fragile clay pots, into ministry for you today. Guide us and use us to reveal your power as we proclaim your love and healing to the broken and lost. May our lives be spent for the building of your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Hope in Christ

Reading: Romans 1:1-3:20

Romans 3:9 – “We have already stated the charge: both Jews and Greeks are all under the power of sin.”

In his introduction Paul describes himself as “set apart” to be an apostle “for the good news.” He has received God’s grace and his appointment through Jesus Christ, the Son identified through his resurrection from the dead.

Paul begins with thanksgiving for the faith evident in the church in Rome. He has prayed for the church and for a visit to this church. Paul sees a visit as mutually encouraging. Paul is ready to “preach the gospel” in Rome. To Paul it is “God’s own power for salvation” for all who believe. The gospel has the power to save one from God’s wrath, which comes because of “ungodly behavior and injustice.” The challenge in avoiding God’s wrath comes because sin is in our human nature. We are also prone to “trade God’s truth for a lie.” We can be tempted and can allow greed, jealousy, lust, gossip, pride, and many other sins to separate us from God. We can easily fall into the judgment trap that Paul describes in the opening to chapter 2.

Paul addresses the Law in chapter 2. It is not those who have the Law that are righteous, but those who do and practice the Law that are righteous. Through Christ the Gentiles have the Law “written on their hearts.” It is those who are “circumcised in spirit” that do good and are pleasing to God.

Our reading today closes with the universal problem of sin. Paul states that both Jews and Greeks are “all under the power of sin.” Blending together four Psalms and a passage from Isaiah, Paul comes to this conclusion regarding non-believers: “There is no fear of God in their view of the world.” Although this sounds hopeless, in Christ there is home. Establishing the need as Romans begins, Paul next lays out the solution.

Prayer: Lord God, we are indeed sinful by nature. Daily we struggle with pride and greed, with jealousy and judging. Only you can save. So we ask you, O Lord, to guide us in your ways. Save us. Amen.


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As Jesus First Loved

Reading: John 13 and 14

John 13:34 – “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.”

As his time nears, Jesus demonstrates humble service, a form of love. During the meal, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. This dirty job was normally done by a slave. Peter, recognizing the upside-down nature of what’s happening, protests Jesus washing his feet. Jesus persuades him and later explains that if the Lord and teacher washes feet, so too must they. This is a practical example of what Jesus says later in chapter 13: “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.” Love will do anything for the other.

This commandment comes after it is revealed that Judas is the betrayer. Jesus then tells Judas to do it quickly. Judas exits into the night. Jesus tells the disciples that they cannot go where he is going right now. One day they will. Peter declares, “Lord… I’ll give up my life for you.” No, Jesus says, first you’ll deny me three times – “before the rooster crows.”

Jesus offers words of great assurance and comfort in chapter 14. Calling them to trust over fear, Jesus tells them there is a room in heaven prepared for them. One day he will take them to dwell with him there in eternity. Because Jesus lives on, they too will live on. Into their confusion Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus assures them that they know the way because they have seen the Father and have heard the Father’s words, both revealed in and through Jesus. Because of this, whatever they ask in his name, it will be given to them.

Jesus then promises them the Companion – the Holy Spirit. Jesus and God “will come… and make our home with them.” Dwelling in the heart of all believers, the Spirit will teach and remind us of the words, will, and way of Jesus. Through this, the Spirit will empower believers to live as Jesus first loved us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see that loving as you loved involves doing the lowly yet simple as well as the costly and sacrificial. Your love knows no bounds, no limits, no conditions. Through the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit may we love as you have loved each day. Amen.


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Day by Day

Reading: John 7:10-8:59

John 8:19 – “You don’t know me and you don’t know my Father. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.”

Much of today’s reading centers around this key verse. In many ways Jesus asserts that he is “I AM” – knowing Jesus is knowing God and vice versa. Some people recognize this truth. Others struggle to see it or to believe in Jesus. Such is the case to this very day.

Almost all of today’s reading is set in the temple. Jesus’ teaching astonishes the Jewish leaders, the people, and even the temple guards sent to arrest him. But the impact of Jesus’ teaching does not travel to everyone’s heart. Some want to arrest him and others believe Jesus is the Christ, God’s son.

Jesus’ authority is questioned again and again by the leaders and the people. Jesus points to the Law and to Abraham’s example, asserting that they don’t keep true to Moses’ words and that they don’t follow Abraham’s actions. Jesus tells them that the devil is their father because they listen to Satan’s lies. As proof, Jesus says, “You don’t know me and you don’t know my Father. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” They won’t accept God’s words that Jesus speaks, the words that are the light of life and that will set them free from their sin.

At the start of chapter 8 we find the story of the woman caught in adultery. This story generates many questions for me. Where is the man? What did Jesus write on the ground? Did the woman go and sin no more? This story also offers specific truths. We’re all sinners. None of us has right standing to judge or condemn others. Jesus offers us all grace and mercy. We are all called by Jesus to go and sin no more. Day by day may we grow in our capacity to live out these truths and this call.

Prayer: Lord God, like many in today’s text we struggle and we walk in belief some days, in doubt other days. We allow other voices, sometimes our own, to distract us from our walk with you. Lord, ground us in the truth of your word and in the guidance of your Spirit. Lead us to live daily as a repentant sinner saved by grace and as an unconditionally loved child of the one true God. Amen.


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“Water” to “Wine”

Reading: John 1:1-2:12

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

Today we begin the Gospel of John, written about 30 years after Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John tells the story of Jesus, Son of God, dwelling among human beings, giving life and the Spirit to those who receive and believe in him as the Son of God, as Lord and Savior.

The Gospel begins connecting Jesus to eternity. Channeling the words and feel of Genesis, John establishes Jesus as the “Word” who was with and is God. In Jesus is light and life. John declares that Jesus is “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.” Even though the light shone on all people, Jesus’ own people didn’t recognize or welcome him. Even so, “the Word became flesh” and dwelled among humanity, revealing grace and truth, making God known.

The religious leaders sent representatives to ask John, “Who are you?” He tells them he’s not the one, not Elijah, not a prophet. Pushed further, John says he is the one “crying out in the wilderness” preparing people to receive Jesus. The next day (very Genesis-like) John sees and names Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Baptizing Jesus, John sees the Spirit descending and resting upon Jesus, “the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

The next day the first disciples are called – some by Jesus and some by one another. On the third day, Jesus is at a wedding in Cana. Here we find a great mother-son exchange. The wedding hosts have run out of wine and Mary brings it to Jesus’ attention. He replies, “My time hasn’t come yet.” Likely looking straight at Jesus, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” The water jugs are filled and it turns into wine – the best wine. Jesus’ glory is revealed. The disciples believe in him.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for taking on flesh, for stepping down out of heaven’s glory to bring it to earth. Your light continues to shine into the darkness of our world and our lives. You continue to turn the “water” of our lives into the best possible “wine.” Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Real Stories

Reading: Mark 14

Mark 14:31 – “But Peter insisted, ‘If I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.’ And they all said the same thing.”

Just before the Passover, Jesus is in Bethany. A woman anoints Jesus with some very expensive perfume, preparing his body for burial. Although the disciples think this is a waste, Jesus defends her and tells them that her actions will be remembered and told as part of the good news. Judas leaves and agrees to betray Jesus.

Gathering the 12, Jesus celebrates the Passover. Again his instructions about how and where come true. Jesus announces his betrayal and they all ask, “It’s not me, is it?” While eating the meal Jesus says of the bread, “Take, this is my body.” Taking the cup, he says, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” After singing praises, they head out to the Mount of Olives.

There, Jesus tells them they will all fall away. Peter boldly declares his loyalty to Jesus. But Jesus says to Peter, before the roosters crowd twice you’ll deny me three times. Peter insists, “If I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.” The other eleven say the same thing. Yet when asked to pray with and for Jesus, they all fall asleep. Jesus struggles with the coming suffering, yet remains committed to God’s plan and purposes.

Judas then comes with a mob and betrays Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested and all the disciples run away. We too profess a faith willing to die for Jesus yet in those moments when discipleship has a cost, how often we too run away. A sham trial seals Jesus’ fate. It is Jesus’ words of truth that actually condemn him.

We close today with Peter living our Jesus’ words. Three times Peter denies being with Jesus. The rooster crows. Peter recalls Jesus’ words and breaks down in tears. We too are familiar with failing Jesus and with the feelings of remorse. They too are signs of our humanity. And they are a step on the path of mercy and grace. Thanks be to God for both.

Prayer: Lord God, how real today’s stories are. Sometimes we are the woman – a part of a story of faith. Sometimes we are Peter – sure of our rock solid faith yet so vulnerable to fear. And sometimes we’re Judas – betraying you with our words and actions. No matter what, though, you love us just the same. For your great and unconditional love, we say thank you. Amen.


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Jewels in a Crown

Reading: Zechariah 5-9

Zechariah 8:8 – “I’ll bring them back… They will be my people, and I will be their God — in truth and in righteousness.”

Today’s middle section of the book of Zechariah begins with the last three night visions. In the sixth vision a flying scroll announces a curse on all who steal and then lie about it. The curse will totally destroy their homes. The seventh vision identified wickedness as a tiny woman in a basket. She is sent home to Babylon. In the last vision Zechariah sees horses with chariots. They are sent out to patrol the earth. The ones going north (to Babylon) provide rest for God and God’s people. This allows Zechariah to gather gold and silver to make two crowns. With one he anoints Joshua as the high priest. The second will be for “Branch” – one who will build the temple, who will sit and rule. All of this will happen if they truly obey God.

In chapter 7 a delegation comes from Bethel asking about fasting. God basically asks, “Did you fast for me?” They have just been going through the motions, saying the words from before the exile. Hinting at the meaninglessness of this and using words reminiscent of Isaiah 58, Zechariah declares that God really wants to see just and faithful decisions, to see kindness and compassion as their norms. But instead, in the past, they chose to oppress the poor and vulnerable, to “steel” their hearts against God. So God scattered them.

Then in chapter 8 God declares compassion and passion for Zion. God has returned to Jerusalem. The old and the young will fill the city. God proclaims, “I’ll bring them back… They will be my people, and I will be their God — in truth and in righteousness.” Israel will become a blessing to the world. Nations will come, seeking God’s favor. After a sobering pronouncement against the nations around Israel, Zechariah prophesies a day when their king will come, “humble and riding on an ass.” He will speak peace and will rule “to the ends of the earth.” The Lord will deliver his people and they will “be the jewels in a crown dotting this land.” That will be the day!

Prayer: Lord God, as we read of our common struggles today and of our common tendency towards disobedience, we are also reminded of your grace and mercy in our moments of failure and of your ultimate plan to bring a full healing and restoration to your people and to your world. In the meantime, O God, use us as those “jewels,” reflecting and shining your light and love into the world. Amen.