pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Humility and Love

Reading: 1st Kings 3:3-14

1st Kings 3:5b – “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.”

In our reading today God comes to Solomon in a dream. He has just become king, succeeding his father David. While David has set a great example for Solomon, all wasn’t perfect. The temple had not yet been built so people are sacrificing at local shrines. As we begin our reading we see that this is also Solomon’s practice. We also see that Solomon loved God and sought to walk according to the Law. Solomon goes to Gibeon and offers a very large sacrifice to God. Gibeon was the location of the Tabernacle. The ark of the covenant, however, was in David’s tent in Jerusalem.

That night God appears to Solomon in a dream. God says to Solomon, “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.” What an open-ended question! Before pressing on in our passage, we pause to ask ourselves: What would be my response to this question? Solomon’s response demonstrates both humility and his love of God. After thanking God for walking with David and for passing the kingship on to him, Solomon acknowledges his youth and inexperience. Accordingly he asks for “a discerning mind in order to govern your people” and for the ability “to discern good from evil.” Solomon also recognizes the impossibility of leading Israel without God’s help.

The Lord is pleased and grants Solomon’s requests. These requests were aligned with God’s will and plans for Solomon and for Israel. In addition, God grants Solomon wealth, fame, and the possibility of “a very long life.” This last part is contingent upon Solomon’s continued faithfulness to God.

Solomon sought to honor God with his request. His humility and Love of God drove his petition. May it be so with us as we lift our petitions to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to walk in humility, recognizing our need for your direction on our lives. Lead us to see with honest and clear eyes and hearts, recognizing our own weaknesses. Fill us with your presence, empowering us to bring you the glory in all we say, do, and think. Amen.


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Professing Faith

Reading: John 19:38-42

John 19:42 – “Because it was the Jewish preparation day and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus in it.”

Even though the disciples, the 11 men who had spent three years with Jesus, were hiding behind closed doors for fear of the Jewish religious leaders, two men step up in faith. The first is Joseph of Arimathea. He was a man of wealth. He was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He was a man of status and power. Up to this point he was a “secret disciple” of Jesus. In a profession of faith, Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body.

Nicodemus was also there. He also has wealth, status, power. Nicodemus first met Jesus back in John 3, when he came under cover of night. Then he did not want to risk much, but he was drawn to Jesus. Although he left that conversation likely more confused and conflicted, Jesus must’ve continued to work on Nicodemus’ heart. Here he is now, in the light of day, professing his faith in Jesus as he brings myrrh and aloes to begin to prepare the body for burial. 75 pounds is extravagant – a gift fit for a king.

Beginning the process for a proper Jewish burial, Joseph and Nicodemus wrap the body in linen clothes, along with myrrh and aloes. Time was an issue. Sunset and the start of Sabbath were drawing near. Joseph and Nicodemus laid the body in a nearby tomb, planning to return on Sunday to finish the burial process. Two men, recently declaring their faith in Jesus, did what they could in the moment to honor their Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the brave witness of Joseph and Nicodemus. They risked much as they stepped forward to care for Jesus’ body. Joseph has the platform to gain an audience with Pilate. Nicodemus has much to lose too. May we see in these men an example of faith without fear of the world, of faith filled with trust in you. Lead and guide us, O Lord, to live out loud this kind of faith. Amen.


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The Upside-down Kingdom

Reading: Luke 16:25-26

Luke 16:25 – “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things.”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

Today we step into the middle of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. We read two verses from the middle of the story. If unfamiliar with this parable, for greater context please read verses 19-31. Today, though, we focus on the two verses that speak to the nature of God’s upside-down kingdom.

Speaking to the rich man who is being tormented in hell, Abraham says, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things.” Abraham’s referring here to the rich man’s wealth and all the fine things that entrapped the rich man, blinding him to the beggar outside his door. That beggar, Lazarus, lived a terrible life on earth. He begged for his survival. He suffered illness. Now, by Abraham’s side, Lazarus is being comforted.

Of this parable John Wesley writes, “It is no more sinful to be rich than to be poor. But it is dangerous beyond expression.” In the kingdoms of this world, wealth and extravagance are valued, sought. This can lead to greed, hoarding, selfishness. These tend to isolate one from the world right outside ones gated properties. It was easy for the rich man to ignore Lazarus and his desperate needs.

In verse 26 Jesus addresses the impassable separation between heaven and hell. There is absolutely no crossing over. Having wealth – or power or status or anything else the world values – is of no consequence in God’s upside-down kingdom. Having a heart that feels and eyes that see and hands that respond to the other – these are what matter to God. These absolutely matter in God’s kingdom – here and in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord God, so many of us are richly blessed. We have the “conveniences of life” that Wesley warned of. Lord, ever turn our hearts and eyes away from our stuff. Ever guide us to see and respond to the immediate needs right before us. Lead us to live daily as your love expressed in the world. Amen.


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Kingdoms

Readings: Luke 22:6-12 and 13:31-33

Luke 13:32 – “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.'”

As Jesus’ path to the cross continues, there is a detour in Luke’s gospel. Hearing that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate sends him to Herod Antipas, the ruler of that region. Pilate is trying to extricate himself from this sticky situation, thrusting it upon his political enemy. But Herod is happy to see Jesus – at first. He’s wanted to see Jesus for a long time. Herod has heard the stories and hopes that Jesus will “perform a sign” for him.

Jesus refuses to answer any questions and Herod’s curiosity turns to anger and mockery. Dressing Jesus in “elegant clothes,” he sends Jesus back to Pilate. This wasn’t Herod’s first exposure to Jesus, though. In chapter 13 the religious leaders warn Jesus that Herod wanted to kill him. Herod was notoriously violent and unstable, especially against anyone he saw as a threat to his power. The bad blood with Pilate began long ago when Herod and his brothers had Pilate charged and punished by Tiberius Caesar. And Pilate ruled over the land once ruled by Herod the Great, Herod Antipas’ father.

In chapter 13, in response to Herod’s threat, Jesus says, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.'” The Jews saw foxes as destructive and worthless pests. This was not a compliment. The casting out and healing were signs of God’s kingdom amongst the people. Jesus’ finished work on the third day, resurrected to life, would validate his claims of bringing the kingdom to earth. Working together against this perceived threat to their power, Pilate and Herod became friends that day. So it is with the kingdoms and powers of this world.

Prayer: Lord God, in Pilate and Herod we see two men with power willing to do anything to hold onto or to build that power. We see this in our world today as people strive and connive to gather more power, wealth, status… Jesus’ kingdom runs counter to these ways of the world. His is a kingdom of healing, giving, and pouring out of self. O God, draw us into this kingdom and use us to build your kingdom in our time and place. Amen.


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Heed the Teachings

Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Luke 16:31 – “If they didn’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.”

Our parable for today comes just after a clash between Jesus and the Pharisees. In verse 14 this group of religious leaders is identified as “money-lovers.” Jesus told them that their worldly wealth is “deeply offensive to God.” After reminding them that they have Moses and the Prophets and now the good news, Jesus launches into today’s parable. It is clear who the rich man really is.

There is a rich man, finely dressed, who feasts “luxuriously” every day. Outside his gate is a poor man, Lazarus, who longs for crumbs from the rich man’s table. Lazarus dies and is carried to Abraham’s side in heaven. The rich man dies and now suffers torment in the flames. Their places in life are reversed in the afterlife. The rich man now longs – for a drop of water to cool his tongue. But it is not possible, says Abraham. A great crevasse separates heaven from hell.

The torment of hell is so great that the rich man finally thinks of someone other than self. He begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers. Apparently they are as self-centered as he was in life. They too have ignored the call of the great commands and more. Abraham reminds the rich man that his brothers have the Law and Prophets. Alas, he knows they’ve ignored them just as he did. The rich man again asks that Lazarus be sent. Then they’ll change hearts and lives. No, Abraham says, “If they didn’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.” How true.

May we heed the teachings in the Bible and the example set by Jesus, he who rose from the dead.

Prayer: Lord God, wealth is not all that can drag us away from loving you and loving neighbor. We can love power or status or titles or beauty or… more than you, which, in turn, means more than others. Lord, remind us again and again of the danger of placing anything above you. The harm, the cost, the outcome – all detrimental to our relationships with you and with those around us. Heal our brokenness. Break our selfishness. Lead us to find wholeness and contentment in you alone. Amen.


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Gracious and Generous

Reading: Luke 15-16

Luke 15:19 – “I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.”

We begin with three parables about “lost” things. The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin follow the same pattern: a thing is lost, a careful search is made, the thing is found, and a celebration follows. A similar celebration happens in heaven when a sinner changes heart and life.

The third parable centers on a lost son. The truly lost one is not the one in the early parts of the parable. The younger son is initially lost but realizes it and “comes to his senses.” He decided on these words: “I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” People can feel this way with God. We can feel this way. Yet in the father’s persona we see a God who runs to us with unconditional love. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done (or left undone) – God loves us and will offer grace always. We’re always welcomed back into the family of God. Sometimes we are called upon to help others understand this too.

The older son is truly lost. He sees himself as a servant and not as a son. His is a joyless yet dutiful existence. That is why anger rises so quickly. Even though the father reminds him of his inherited place in the family, he cannot move past his anger. The story leaves us hanging. What will the oldest son do? Will he too “come to his senses” or will he remain furious?

Chapter 16 holds two parables that deal with wealth. In the first story a manager cleverly uses money to benefit others in the present and to insure his own future. We are called to do the same. Wealth is just a tool to employ in the building of the kingdom. The second story reinforces this point. The rich man did the opposite, hoarding his wealth, ignoring the man in need right under his nose. His future does not end well. He did not listen to the Law and the prophets. We have these as well as the “one who rises from the dead.” May we hear Jesus’ call to be both gracious and generous, doing all we can to redeem the lost.

Prayer: Lord God, when we’re “lost” ourselves, help us to “come to our senses” again and again. And help us to walk alongside those who feel undeserving of your grace and forgiveness, enabling them to see their place in the family. And, Lord, when we struggle, thinking another undeserving of your or our grace, remind us of your great love that redeemed a sinner like us. May we gratefully receive and generously give of your love, grace, and forgiveness. Amen.


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We’ve Been Given Much

Reading: Luke 11:37-12

Luke 12:33 – “Make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

Today’s reading deals with authentic versus surface commitment to God. And it speaks into the worry and doubt and anxiety that is so common in our world today. These two topics relate to one another.

Our words from chapter 11 address the outward and superficial faith lived out by the Pharisees and legal experts. They tithe their herbs but neglect justice and love. They crave recognition and status. They place huge expectations on others but don’t help them and often get in the way of their faith development. These condemnations create deep resentment towards Jesus. But we must ask: Which would be addressed to the faith lived out by you and me?

Chapter 12 mostly focuses on trusting in God’s love and care instead of getting caught up in worry and fear or in the cares and concerns of the world. Jesus reminds us that God cares for and loves us much more than sparrows, ravens, and lilies. Each of these is provided for. How much more will God provide for us, God’s dearly loved children.

Jesus warns against greed, specifically against hoarding or storing up. These inwardly focused acts draw us away from compassion, empathy, and generosity. We are encouraged to release our “things,” to give to those in need. Doing so, we “make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out.” Nothing can take these eternal things away. Jesus sums up why it is so important to be selfless: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be too.”

Jesus also addresses our spiritual readiness. As servants of God we all have roles to play. We are to be diligent and faithful in how we use all of our resources – time, talents, gifts, wealth… “Much will be demanded from everyone who has been given much.” Friends, we have been abundantly and generously blessed by our God.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, you love us far beyond our understanding. And, yes, you care for us unlike any other. Yet worry and fear and earthly concerns can creep in. We can question you. In these moments, remind us of your truths and promises. Speak these into our hearts, Holy Spirit of God. Amen.


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Service and Sacrifice

Reading: Mark 9-10

Mark 10:24 – “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

The transfiguration of Jesus begins today’s readings. On a mountain top with Peter, James, and John, Jesus becomes “amazingly bright.” Elijah and Moses come and talk with Jesus. God speaks, saying, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” These words echo God’s words at Jesus’ baptism. Coming down the mountain Jesus finds a hubbub. The disciples were unable to cast out a demon. Jesus laments the lack of faith. The father begs Jesus for his son’s healing and admits his own lack of faith. Jesus casts out the demon. How do you think this affected the father’s lack of faith?

Jesus tells the disciples once again of his coming death. They, in turn, argue about who is the greatest among them. Jesus gathers the disciples and reminds them that the first will be the least, the servant. He explains that there is a cost to being a follower. It might cost a hand or foot or eye if that leads one into sin. Jesus is telling them to do anything to avoid sin and disobedience to God.

A rich man comes and asks about obtaining eternal life. He has kept the commands faithfully. After Jesus “looked at him carefully and loved him,” he is instructed to sell all that he has. The man goes away sad. Jesus goes on to say, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!” Much can get between us and Jesus. It’s not just our wealth or our possessions. When Jesus looks carefully at our hearts, what does he see that vies for the throne of our hearts?

Once again Jesus tells of his death. This time he is very clear. James and John come with a request: to sit at Jesus’ left and right in heaven. Power is their struggle. Jesus, with great patience, again tells the 12 that the greatest will be the servant and the first will be slave to all. Jesus again reminds them – and us – that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life “to liberate many people.” May we too choose service and sacrifice.

Prayer: Lord God, humble servant, slave to all, keeping you #1 in our hearts – no, discipleship is not easy. We must first die to self – the greatest barrier to walking humbly and obediently. Guide us in this necessary and daily act of surrender. Grant us the faith and trust, the strength and courage to do so each day. Amen.


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Trust, Faith… Each Day

Reading: Matthew 6

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters.”

Photo credit: Wesual Click

As Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount he addresses showy religion, prayer, and fasting. To give to the poor or to pray or to fast in ways to be noticed by others – then that recognition will be our only reward. Jesus advises us to do these things in private or in secret. Then our reward will come from God. When we pray, Jesus cautions against “a flow of empty words.” He gives us a simple and humble prayer, one grounded in loving God and neighbor. We know this prayer as “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Jesus then addresses our tendency towards our “treasures.” Today he’d caution us against collecting homes, cars, the latest gadgets, bigger bank accounts… Instead he encourages us to collect treasures in heaven. Some examples of how to do this were given in verses 1-18. In verses 22-24 Jesus connects this struggle into the common Old Testament, Jewish understanding about good/evil, light/dark. In first century Palestine the eye was seen as the window or door to the heart (or soul for us). Jesus clearly believes the best choice is light. He then states, “No one can serve two masters.” God and wealth is the example Jesus gives. While probably the biggest struggle for most of us, there are many other things that we can prioritize over our relationship with God.

Chapter 6 closes with perhaps one of our greatest adversaries in our battle to trust God: worry. We can worry about so many things, big and small. Jesus points to the birds and lilies – examples of parts of creation that God cares wonderfully for. He points out that we are worth much more than these to God. We are told to “desire first and foremost God’s kingdom.” Keep God #1 in your life, Jesus says, and “all these things” will be given to you by God as well. Jesus concludes, “Stop worrying about tomorrow… Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Trust God each day, believing that our “daily bread” will come from our God who loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a simple faith, to a day by day walk with you. To focus on the day, to live each moment, we have a chance to notice the opportunities and ways you call us to love completely. To stay in the moment, it focuses our heart on you and in your presence in our lives each day. Help us to live a simple and honest faith today, O God. Amen.


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Much Lament

Reading: Ezekiel 27-32

Ezekiel 28:18 – “Therefore, I will bring fire from your midst. When it has consumed you, I will turn you into dust on the earth.”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Most of chapters 27 and 28 are a lament for Tyre. Tyre had it all: beauty, trade, allies, wealth, abundance. Until God took it all away. Their prince was arrogant, saying, “I am God, I rule the seas!” God conceded that his wisdom and discernment were great, making him rich and powerful. But the claim, the pride – too much. Because the prince exalted himself, God declared, “Therefore, I will bring fire from your midst. When it has consumed you, I will turn you into dust on the earth.” At the end of chapter 28 we find a prophecy against Sidon. There will be a plague followed by the sword. Into this land, God will gather Israel. There they will build houses, will plant vineyards, and will live in safety.

Chapters 29-32 bring judgment against Egypt. God will set hooks in the great crocodile, flinging it onto open ground. Egypt is condemned as a “flimsy crutch” that splintered or broke in times of need. Because Pharaoh also claimed divinity – he created and owned the Nile, God will make Egypt an utter ruin – the most ruined place anywhere. God will one day regather Egypt, but it will remain lowly. Nebuchadnezzar will conquer Egypt and carry off its wealth – “wages for his army.”

In chapter 31 God compares Egypt to Assyria – the tallest of trees. There was no equal to Assyria in Eden, God’s garden. And yet Assyria fell, going down to the underworld. Assyria’s allies went along too. Elam and Edom and Sidon are there too – laid among the uncircumcised, those slain by the sword. Many arrogant and evil nations will come to a bitter end. Much Lament will be shared.

Prayer: Lord God, open our ears today to these warnings against being arrogant and greedy and selfish. When we get to thinking we’re king of the roost, remind us that we’re not. Humble us, bring us down to where we should be. Guide us to walk in your will and way. Amen.