pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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God’s Upward Call

Reading: Philippians 3:4-14

Philippians 4:14 – “The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Our Epistle reading begins with a list of accolades and accomplishments. These are the titles and things that would impress the religious people of Paul’s day. Modernizing the list, it might read: “I’m a Christian… an American… an elder at my church… I do no wrong…” Outside the church, one might say, “I’m a billionaire… I’m the CEO of ___… I’m an All-Star… I won a Grammy…” These status symbols matter in certain circles. But for Paul, when Jesus found him, he “wrote them off as a loss for the sake of Christ.” As Paul walked with Jesus, the things of this world became unimportant. Paul’s identity was in Christ.

Paul came to understand that because Christ was in him, his righteousness was “not my own.” It had been before. In his old life, Paul knew an outward righteousness based upon what he did. In and with Jesus, Paul came to know an inward righteousness – one based on faith alone. Because it is grounded in Christ’s faithfulness, this inward righteousness is not tied to the things of this world. With Christ in his heart, Paul strove to live in right relationships with God and with his fellow human beings. Through faith in Christ, we can strive to live this way too.

In the last few verses, Paul lifts his spirit and his thoughts heavenward. First recognizing that he has not yet “been perfected,” Paul declares that he is still pursuing eternal life. Forgetting his past, Paul looks forward and upward. In verse 14 we read, “The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.” Living faithfully day by day, loving God and neighbor, trusting in the power of Jesus Christ, Paul presses on for the prize: perfect fellowship with Jesus in glory. Day by day, may we press on for the prize.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your Holy Spirit in us, lead and guide us to live a good and just and righteous life. Fill us with your love so that love guides all of our thoughts, words, and actions. As we walk in faith each day, drawing ever closer to eternal glory, use our life and witness to bring more of heaven to earth. Amen.


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Love, Bless, Value

Reading: Mark 10: 13-16

Verse 16: “He took the children in His arms, and He blessed them”.

Our short passage today is about many things. It begins with a desire for a blessing. It includes a desire to see the “real work” of God being done. It includes an invitation with a nod to having such simple faith. It concludes with welcome, love, and blessing.

The passage begins with parents bringing their children to Jesus. It was the norm to have the rabbi bless the child. This usually occurred at the temple, much as baptism occurs in many of our churches. To bring them to this itinerant rabbi was similar – except there was something special about this Jesus. As parents we all want our children to be blessed, so we can relate to their motives here.

But the disciples try to intervene. Children were at the bottom of the social ladder, of little worth in society’s eyes. This was part of their trying to ‘protect’ Jesus. The larger part, though, was that this would distract Jesus from the ‘real work’ of ministry: preaching, teaching, healing. This was the disciples angle, to allow Jesus to work. We can all relate here too. How often we ignore or wish we could have avoided those trivial or unimportant things or people. That phone call, that knock on the door, that email – yes, maybe distractions. But maybe opportunities to minister to another.

Preventing the children from coming to Him upsets Jesus. He elevates their status – the kingdom belongs to these – and He recognizes their inner value – examples of how to receive love and God and faith. To demonstrate this, Jesus takes them in His arms and He blesses them. I envision this being a robust hug and a personal engagement with each child. I imagine the blessing is compassionate and loving and focused on each child. It is dedicated and intentional time. It is how we too should see and receive and treat all people, especially those that society deems unworthy and of little or no value. To these belong the kingdom of God.

Father God, how you love the children! Help me to love them as you do. May I never be too busy or too selfish – for then I miss the opportunities to love and bless those you send my way. In your name I pray. Amen.