pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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All the Glory

Reading: John 15:5-8

John 15:8 – “My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples.”

Today’s passage bridges last week’s question of heaven’s existence and this week’s wrestling with unanswered prayer. The two topics of doubt fund answers in Jesus’ teaching about being the true vine. This image is one also used throughout the Old Testament.

In verse 5 Jesus declares the connected relationship: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” If we remain in Jesus, then we will “produce much fruit.” The main fruit aligns with the great commission: making disciples of all nations. We also produce fruit and bring heaven to earth when we bring Christ’s love, hope, mercy, grace, peace, joy, forgiveness… to those in the world. Of this good life Jesus says, “My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples.” When we remain in Christ we produce fruit in this world, we bring God much glory.

The converse is also true. When we allow ourselves to become disconnected from Jesus, we will then fail to produce fruit for the kingdom. In that broken relationship we cannot do any good work that glorifies God. And, in the end, we will be “gathered up, thrown into a fire,” where there will be, as Jesus often said elsewhere, weeping and gnashing of teeth.

In verse 7 we begin to lean into the outcomes of our prayers. Here too is a connection. Here Jesus tells us that if we “remain in me and my words remain in you,” then what we ask for will be done. Remaining connected to Christ keeps our heart and therefore our prayers aligned with God’s heart and with God’s will and way. Praying in this way will produce good fruit that glorifies God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, our connection to you is so important, so vital. As we spend time each day in prayer and study, our connection strengthens. Then, as we go out into life and into the world, your words, your Spirit, your will and way go with us, guiding us. May this connection empower us to produce fruit as we strive to build your kingdom of heaven here on earth, bringing you all the glory. Amen.


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The Will to Choose

Readings: John 3:16-16 and 34-36, and John 14:1-7

John 3:17 – “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

John 3:16 is about as well-known as any verse in the Bible. God sent his one and only son into this world, taking on flesh, becoming one of us, so that he could die on our behalf, removing our sins, opening the way for us to enter eternal life. This is a beautiful picture of sacrificial love.

The next verse reminds us of God’s unconditional love: “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” God’s first choice is not to be a God of judgment but a God of love, mercy, grace, and salvation. This is what God desires for all humanity, not judgment. God also created humanity with free will or the will to choose. So we can choose to not choose Jesus as our Savior. We can choose to live for self. We can choose to be judged. We can choose to ignore the words of life that Jesus speaks, to ignore the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we invite “the angry judgment of God” upon ourselves.

Jumping forward to John 14, it is a heavy moment. Sandwiched around the command to love one another “as I have loved you” is the news of Judas’ betrayal and of Peter’s denial of knowing Christ. Jesus tells the disciples to not be troubled but to trust in God and in him. He then promises that he will come back for them so that they can be with him in heaven. In response to Thomas’ confusion, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus’ life and example are the way to know God and God’s truths. They are the way to live the life that God intended for us to live, the life here and now that leads one day to life eternal. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you sent your son to save and redeem us. You desire this for each and every one of us. It must break your heart to see the one you wove together in the womb, the one you created for relationship with you, choose the ways of the world. Lord, break our heart for what breaks yours. Amen.


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God’s Presence, Goodness, and Love

Reading: Psalm 19

Psalm 19:8 – “The Lord’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The Lord’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes.”

Psalm 19 celebrates God’s presence with us. David first recognizes God in the created world. The Psalm begins, “Heaven is declaring God’s glory.” This is evident in God’s “handiwork.” To take in the vastness of the stars, to feel that limitless power, is to sense and feel God. Yet God’s handiwork is also small and intricate, like a spider web or like a tiny seed that yields a beautiful flower. David also recognizes God in the passing of time. One day to one night, over and over again, reveals God’s good plans for our world. David acknowledges that the sun, moon, and stars do not literally speak, yet the presence of God in them reaches out “to the ends of the earth.”

Starting in verse 7 David turns to God’s “instruction.” He is speaking of the Torah, the collection of laws and commands that governed his life. Following these, David gains wisdom. They gladden his heart and give light to his eyes. The Law is true, worth more than gold, “sweeter than honey.” David finds great reward in keeping God’s will and way. This too is evidence that there is a God, one who ordered not only creation, but life itself. As a follower of Jesus, we also find joy in keeping God’s will and way. We find that doing so, we have a relationship with our God. Within this relationship we experience peace and hope, assurance and contentment, comfort and guidance. Loving God and loving neighbor yields a life centered outside of self, a life that truly reflects God’s goodness and love.

In the closing verses, David shares another way that he experiences God. Fallible and sinful as we are, God is overflowing in forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. This is because God created us to be in relationship – with God and with one another. Again and again God cleansed and restored David to right relationship. Our rock and redeemer will do the same for you and for me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your presence in the world – yes, in the heavens but also in the tides, in the spring growth, in the gentle snowfall. Thank you for pursuing us, for seeking us out, for desiring to be in relationship with us, and for being willing to do whatever it takes to keep us there, loving us unconditionally. This day may we honor you by reflecting your love and goodness into the world. Amen.


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A Steadfast, Patient Resolve

Reading: James 3-5

James 4:7-8 – “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Chapters 3-5 deal with living as a friend or enemy of God. To be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God. James first addresses speech: taming the tongue. Though small, like the rudder of a ship or a spark, the tongue is powerful: “a world of evil at work in us.” With the tongue we both bless God and curse one another. “It just shouldn’t be this way!”

A better way is suggested: “wisdom from above.” Contrasted with the jealousy and selfish ambition of the world, the better way is “pure… peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions, fair, and genuine.” The ways of the world lead to murder, fighting, theft… Instead, James says, pray to the Lord, go to God: “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” When we cry out to God, humbly seeking the Lord, God will “lift you up.”

James encourages us to live in the present, not looking too far ahead, not relying on our wealth or other things of this earth. Soberly, we are reminded, “You are a mist.” We are but a tiny blip on God’s eternal timeline. All we do and say and think should be done with God’s will, plan, and purposes in mind. Accordingly, we are to pray for one another, confess our sins to each other, and hold one another accountable. And as we live this life, looking forward to the day of the Lord, we should do so with patient resolve. Like the prophets and like Job, may we be steadfast in our walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, the battle is real, the war wages on. We are helpless and weak; you are strong and mighty. Come alongside us in Spirit, fight for us and with us. Give us a patient resolve and a sure faith. Guide us moment by moment. Amen.


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Rooted and Built Up

Reading: Colossians 1-2

Colossians 2:7 – “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.”

Colossians, as a whole, presents a beautiful picture of Christ as the fullness of God, as the agent of creation and redemption, and as the one who empowers the church to faithful living. In the face of rival, more worldly teaching, Paul presents a Christ fully capable of changing and transforming hearts and lives into a new, holy, and blameless way of living.

Colossians begins with thanksgiving and a prayer. Paul offers thanks for their faith in Christ and for their love of all of God’s people – both outcomes of Epaphras’ teaching. The message of hope has been growing and producing fruit in all of their good works. Paul prays that they will be strengthened and will grow in their knowledge of God’s will. He prays that they will endure hardships with patience so that they “can take part in the inheritance” – eternal life.

A hymn about Christ’s work comes next, in verses 15-20. This hymn celebrates Christ as the creator of all things and as the glue that holds all things together. Christ is the one who reconciles all to God – including those in the Colosse church. Paul encourages them to stay rooted in their faith. He warns against this “philosophy and foolish deception,” these human rules. Paul encourages them to live in and with Christ: “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.” Being baptized into Christ’s death, Paul says, now live alive in Christ. Stay connected to Christ, Paul implores. May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us in our walk of faith. Open our hearts and minds to the fullness of Jesus Christ. Help us to truly be reconciled to you, living as light and love in this world. Guard us from the false teachings of the world and of the evil one. Root us deeply in Christ. Establish our faith on the rock. Empower us to faithful living through the power of the Holy Spirit. 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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Life to the Full

Reading: John 10 and 11

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.”

In today’s reading we really see the division created by Jesus’ words and ministry. It is first revealed in the healing of the blind man. The “light of the world” ends the man’s darkness, restoring his sight. There is division amongst those who now see him. Some say it is the blind man and others say it just looks like him. This question is answered as the man is brought to the Jewish leaders. Calling in his parents, they testify that he is their son who was born blind. They say they don’t know how he sees. Even though he has already told them, the leaders ask again. He asks them, “Do you want to be his disciples too?” They insult him. In response he reminds them that God doesn’t listen to sinners but to those who are devout and do God’s will. The man is expelled from the synagogue.

The story transitions next to spiritual blindness. Jesus centers this teaching on the shepherding metaphor. The shepherd enters through the gate, the sheep know his voice, he leads them out. Jesus declares, “I am the gate.” Others come to “steal, destroy, and kill.” The good shepherd, Jesus, “came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.” Life to the fullest. What an image! What a reality for those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The metaphor continues with Jesus telling the Pharisees that he will “lay down his life for the sheep.” Unlike the hired hands now listening to the story, Jesus cares about the sheep – and about the sheep not if this pen too! More division reveals itself as they argue about Jesus having a demon. Others ask, how then could he heal this man?

As chapter 11 closes, Jesus tells the “Jewish opposition” that the signs he does should testify to his being one with the Father. He invites them to see this, to believe in him. But they are ready to stone him. As Jesus’ time has not yet come, he escapes, going out to Bethany to minister there.

Prayer: Lord God, reading these stories we so clearly see that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Yet when we step away, going out into that world, we can become blind to needs, to our own sin, to injustice. Lord, help us to live with eyes wide open, living and enjoying the fullness of life that you give to all who believe. Amen.


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Divinity and Humanity, Strengths and Weaknesses

Reading: Luke 22

Luke 22:42 – “Not my will but your will must be done.”

Our reading begins with Judas agreeing to hand Jesus over. It must be an opportunity without a crowd. This time comes as Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray, which he does regularly. Another regular event was the celebration of the Passover meal. Peter and John are tasked with setting it up. At the table, though, Jesus becomes irregular. He changes the words and the meaning of this ancient ritual. The bread represents his body and the cup of wine represents the new covenant of his blood. He will become the new Passover lamb, sacrificed for many.

At the table, Jesus tells the disciples that his betrayer is present. They question who it could be, which leads to an argument about who is the greatest. To prove that we’re not the “weak link” we often resort to sharing our strengths to prove our own innocence. Jesus reigns them in, reminding them to become low, like a servant, like Jesus himself. He also offers words of encouragement. Because they have (and will) continue to walk with Jesus, one day they’ll eat and drink at his table in heaven. One day they’ll each sit on a throne overseeing the tribes of Israel.

Jesus shifts gears, sharing with the disciples that Satan will “sift you all like wheat.” Peter boldly states that he is ready to go to prison or even to die with Jesus. Alas, Peter, you will deny Jesus three times this very night – all before the rooster crows. Jesus then goes to the Mount of Olives to pray. He first asks God to take away this cup of suffering and death. He then prays, “Not my will but your will must be done.” Jesus is committed to God’s plan. He’s then betrayed by a kiss, is arrested, is beaten and questioned. In the midst of all this, he heals a servant. Peter denies him three times, then breaks down, sobbing uncontrollably. Jesus makes the claim that he will now be seated at God’s right hand. His words seal his fate.

Prayer: Lord God, a plan hurtles towards completion. We know the story and the steps. We’re reminded of both Jesus’ divinity and of his humanity. We too carry these within us. We’re also reminded of the disciples’ strengths and weaknesses. We too possess plenty of both. Lord, be present to us today so that we too might know and follow your will. Amen.


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So It Will Be with Us

Reading: Matthew 24-25

Matthew 24:46 – “Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes.”

Chapter 24 is almost all about the signs of Jesus’ return. The end of chapter 24 and most of chapter 25 is about being ready or prepared for that day. Chapter 25 closes with the consequences of our decisions and actions leading up to that day. The conversation begins outside the temple, where Jesus predicts its destruction. This leads the disciples to ask about the end times when Jesus will return in glory.

Jesus says there will be many things that will happen. There will be false prophets and false christs. There will be war, famine, earthquakes, great suffering, and persecution. Many will fall away. Then the sun and moon will go dark and the planets will shake. Christ will come on the clouds in great splendor and power. The angels will gather the chosen ones. Jesus then reminds us that no one knows the day or hour. It will come upon the earth just as the flood came upon the people of Noah’s day. The message is clear: stay alert, always be prepared for the day.

From 24:45 through 25:30 we find three parables that describe what it looks like to be alert and prepared. In the first parable we read, “Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes.” The bad or unfaithful servants will be cut to pieces and thrown into hell when the master returns unexpectedly. In the second parable the wise bridesmaids had plenty of oil (faith.) They will enter the wedding (heaven) when the late groom (Christ) arrives. The door will be closed. The foolish or unprepared will hear, “I don’t know you” when they try to get in. In the third parable the faithful who have put their gifts to work will hear, “Come, celebrate with me.” The lazy and evil will be thrown into the “furthest darkness.”

We close with the parable of the sheep and the goats. This summarizes the results of how one lived. The sheep lived for others, feeding the hungry, visiting the prisoners, welcoming the strangers. They did so in the name of Christ. Eternal life is their final reward. The goats ignored the hungry… Their final reward is eternal punishment. So it will be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, how we live day by day matters. Keep us faithful in the small things, attending to all that you place before us, using the gifts and blessings you have given us to bring your kingdom to fruition. Amen.


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You Will Know

Reading: Joel 1-3

Joel 2:27 – “You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God — no other exists.”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In three chapters Joel packs a ton into his prophetic message. He follows the normal pattern: devastation, cry out, repent, deliverance. Joel is a bit unique in the fact that Israel’s sin isn’t included. That usually leads to the ‘devastation’ part of the cycle. Joel begins with an invading army. Locusts? Assyria? Babylon? We’re not 100% sure if it’s real or metaphor as Joel is really hard to date. He does not include kings or names that can be tied to a specific point in Israel’s history. The effects of whichever army are all the same: starvation, death, suffering, grief. Even the earth and creatures of the earth mourn, so great is the fire that burns before and after the army’s invasion. People shake in fear as the army rushes upon the city and into their homes.

Yet… there’s that word! Yet, even now, says Joel, God invites us to return to God with all of our hearts, to weep and fast and mourn. Yes, weep, fast, and mourn over what we’ve done. Yes, weep, fast, and mourn over the consequences of that sin. Do so because God is compassionate, merciful, very patient, full of love, and ready to forgive. So, cry out to God! Who knows? God does. God brings renewal and restoration to a repentant Israel: corn, wine, oil… green pastures and fruitful trees. An early rain will be a “sign of righteousness” that will pour out abundance on them. And then the Lord declares, “You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God — no other exists.” Is this because of these physical blessings or is it because of what God promised next?

In verses 28-29 God proclaims that the Spirit will be poured out on all people – sons and daughters, young and old, slaves. All people will receive the gift of the Spirit. All barriers will be broken down. Then Joel turns to the coming day of the Lord. This day will bring darkness but all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. The darkness comes as God gathers and judges the nations. Through Joel, God condemns a variety of offenses against God’s people. Crowd after crowd will come before the Lord. But God will be a refuge for the faithful. Jerusalem will be holy and a spring will come forth from God’s house. The new Judah and Jerusalem will be forgiven. It will be inhabited forever. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what good and great plans you have for those who love you. Yes, the storms of life will come, drawing us closer to you. Yes, times of separation will come as we choose self over you. Even then, you work to renew our relationship, to restore our connection. You remain ever ready to forgive. You continue to declare that you are our God. Thank you, Lord, for your unconditional love. Amen.