pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: witness


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Many Are Healed

Reading: Mark 6

Mark 6:34 – “He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.”

Photo credit: Jennifer Araujo

Today’s readings begin in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. At first people were surprised by his teaching authority. But then they think, “Isn’t this [just] the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son…?” These thoughts lead to a rejection of Jesus as Messiah. Their unbelief greatly limits his ability to heal. He departs and begins to minister in the surrounding villages. He sends out the 12 two by two. They teach, heal, and cast out demons. They return with excitement, with stories to share. Jesus decides to take them away to a quiet place to rest, but the crowds follow on shore. In between these two events Mark drops in the story of the death of John the Baptist. He does so to tell us that even the king has heard of Jesus.

After landing ashore we read, “He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.” After teaching all day in a remote place, the disciples ask Jesus to send the crowd away so they can buy food. Jesus tells the disciples to feed them. The impossible becomes reality as Jesus feeds the huge crowd from five loaves and two fish. So great is the blessing there are twelve baskets full of leftovers. After sending the 12 on ahead, Jesus dismisses the crowd and goes up the mountain to pray.

In the night the winds come up and the disciples are struggling along. Jesus walks across the lake. Mark notes, “intending to pass them by.” Why, why, why?! We’re left to ponder this. At first the disciples are afraid: is it a ghost? Jesus encourages them and then climbs in the boat. The wind dies down. They are “baffled” by this Jesus.

Our reading today closes in Gennesaret, a town close to Capernaum. The locals recognize Jesus and bring their sick to Jesus. Many are healed – even those that just touch his clothes. Jesus, through the Spirit, continues to bring healing and wholeness to our lives and to our world. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to have compassion for us, your children. We are so grateful. Yet today many are like the crowds – they know of you and your power but they don’t know you. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and through our witness, Lord, make Jesus known today. Bring healing and wholeness to our world. Amen.


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What a Day!

Reading: Zephaniah 1-3

Zephaniah 3:15 – “The LORD has removed your judgment; he has turned away your enemy. The LORD… is in your midst.”

Zephaniah proclaims the coming “day of the Lord.” Those who are humble and seek the Lord will find refuge in God. Those who relied upon themselves, their idols, their wealth and power – they will have nowhere to turn. Judgment will fall on the surrounding nations and then upon Judah. Zephaniah concludes with hope. He speaks of a time after judgment, when all people will “serve God as one.”

Zephaniah begins with judgment for the “world.” God will “eliminate humanity.” The prophet is likely referring to the small world surrounding Judah. He is speaking of and to God’s people. God’s hand will stretch out against those turning away instead of seeking God. Those in power will be punished for their violence, greed, and pride. It will be a horrible day, a day of “fury… distress… desolation… destruction… darkness.”

God encourages the humble to gather and to seek righteousness. They may be “hidden” on the day of the Lord. Zephaniah then turns to Judah’s neighbors next. Gaza, Ashod, Ekron, Philistia – doom is coming. Moab and Ammon will be made like Sodom and Gomorrah because of their taunting and boasting over Judah. Cush and Assyria will perish. And then in chapter 3 the focus shifts to Jerusalem – the city that wouldn’t listen and wouldn’t accept discipline. God will “rise up as a witness” against Jerusalem, pouring out “the heat of my anger.”

In verses 9-20 we read of the restoration that will follow. All people’s speech will change. They will call on God’s name and will “serve him as one.” Their shame will be removed along with their pride. A humble and powerless people will seek and find refuge in God. The lame and the outcast will be exalted. Judgment removed, enemies no more, Israel will know, “The LORD… is in your midst.” All will be restored. What a day that will be!

Prayer: Lord God, one day judgment will fall. As a God of justice and righteousness there will be an accounting. But as a God of love and mercy, a day of healing and restoration will follow. In the end, the world will be as you created it to be. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Patience, Faithful Love

Reading: Jonah 1-2

Jonah 1:6 – “Get up! Call on your god! Perhaps the god will give some thought to us so that we won’t perish.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Our story today begins with God calling Jonah to go to Nineveh. He is to cry out against the city’s evil. Jonah went – just in the opposite direction. He did not want to go to prophesy to Nineveh, the capital city of Judah’s enemy. God has other plans. A storm rages and the sailors cry out to their gods. They wake up Jonah and say to him, “Get up! Call on your god! Perhaps the god will give some thought to us so that we won’t perish.” Perhaps? Give some thought? They do not know God. Yet.

The sailors cast lots and it falls on Jonah. As instructed, they hurl Jonah into the sea. These pagan sailors pray to God, hoping to survive. The sea calms. The sailors worship God and offer a sacrifice. They have met God. God’s plan continues as a fish swallows Jonah, providing him a place to pray. Sinking down, Jonah has accepted his fate. Then God “brought me out of the pit.” Inside the fish, Jonah realizes that God heard his prayer. He offers thanks and pledges obedience: “That which I promised, I will pay.” Accepting his role as prophet, he commits to that life. God then has the fish vomit Jonah out on dry land.

I can be like Jonah, hearing a call or feeling a nudge, then deciding to ignore it or even go the other way. I can allow pride or anger or other things to get in the way of obedience. Yet God remains faithful. Maybe a storm is my wake up call. Maybe it’s something else that gets my attention. But then God doesn’t make me go. It’s my choice to respond. It’s my choice to surrender to the storm or to choose obedience. And even then, when I’m still stubborn or prideful or…, God still is faithful and loving. God provides another chance for me to respond faithfully. And then another if needed. Thanks be to God for God’s patience and faithful love.

Prayer: Lord God, today I take pause at your great love and faithfulness. When I choose plan B, C, D… instead of your plan A, you don’t ever give up. You go to B1, C1 and C2, D1 – whatever it takes to keep working me to your will and way. Thank you for not giving up, for shaping and reshaping me, for continuing to lead and guide my life, my witness, my service. You are an awesome and almighty God. Amen.


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As for Me and My House…

Readings: Joshua 18, Joshua 19, Joshua 20, Joshua 21, Joshua 22, Joshua 23, Joshua 24

Joshua 24:15 – “But my family and I will serve the LORD.”

Today’s seven chapters close out the story about inheriting the Promised Land. It begins with a way to divide up the remaining land west of the Jordan. Lots are cast and land is allotted to the tribes of Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Nephtali, and Dan. Joshua also receives a legacy. Then, in chapters 20 and 21, the Levites are given cities and their surrounding pastureland. These 48 cities are spread out amongst the twelve tribes and they include the six refuge cities. God is preparing here for a day yet to come. God is good.

Now that the land legacies have been given and now that peace has come, Joshua summons the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. He thanks them for their faithful service and sends them home with a charge to be obedient and faithful to the Lord. At the Jordan these tribes build an altar as a witness to their belonging to the people of Israel west of the Jordan. It is a standing reminder.

Chapter 23 holds Joshua’s final words of warning. He first reminds the Israelites of all that God has done and then implores them to be faithful and obedient. Joshua warns them about mixing with the locals. They will be “a snare and a trap.” Joshua warns Israel that they will “vanish quickly” if they violate the covenant.

Chapter 24 closes Joshua’s story. He begins with a great review that takes Israel from Abram to this very moment. Joshua challenges Israel to decide “whom you will serve.” Joshua declares that he and his house will serve the Lord. So too will the people of Israel. May it be so for you and for me and for our households.

Prayer: Lord God, the story of another great leader and a meaningful period in Israel’s history comes to a close. Yet the choice at the end of Joshua remains our choice today. It’s a choice we make every day. So each day, O Lord our God, empower us to choose you. Amen.


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Filled with Wisdom and Spirit

Readings: Deuteronomy 31, Deuteronomy 32, Deuteronomy 33, Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you.”

Today, on the 50th day of our plan to read through the Bible in a year, we close out the book of Deuteronomy. This is the close of the Torah, or the Law. Moses has been the central character and the driving force. We have been walking with Moses since day 16. That’s just over 200 pages in my Bible!

In chapter 31 Moses announces his death. Joshua is commissioned to lead next. The words above, spoken over and to Joshua, will guide his life and his leadership. Moses then stipulates that the Instructions (the Law) must be kept by the covenant chest and must be read every seven years so that all Israel will hear it and learn it. God then foretells the downfall of Israel. This couldn’t have been a surprise to Moses – he’s walked long with this stubborn and rebellious people.

God then commissions Moses to speak a poem to all of Israel. It is a witness against them, a warning to be remembered, taught, and heeded. Poetry is the format – it is both memorable and memorizable. Memory is key to obedience. The poem is part history, part promise of God’s mercy and compassion.

Moses then speaks from his own heart as he offers a blessing to Israel. In chapter 33 Moses gives blessings to almost all of the tribes and to all of Israel. The blessings are material and militaristic with some about faithfulness and God’s continued presence. This feels like a fitting end to Moses instruction of Israel.

Moses then climbs the mountain and sees the whole land that Israel will possess. Although still healthy and vigorous, Moses dies and is buried by God. The people mourn. Joshua is filled with Moses’ wisdom and spirit. He is ready to lead. To close, a poignant note from John Wesley’s commentary on Moses’ death: “God’s servants must die, that they may rest from their labors, receive their recompense, and make room for others.” So it is in the great cloud of witness and in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, what a life of faith Moses led. He was not perfect but he was an exemplary model of faith and trust. May we too walk faithfully, teaching by word and example, raising others up, passing along the faith. Amen.


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Our Covenant God

Readings: Exodus 22, Exodus 23, Exodus 24

Exodus 24:7 – “They responded, ‘Everything that the LORD has said we will do, and we will obey.’”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

The first part of today’s reading contains more of the instructions found in the covenant scroll. The first instructions cover the proper use and treatment of other’s stuff. We are still called to live by the ideals found here. If I break a tool I’m borrowing, for example, then I buy a new one and return that to the lender. Then the instructions shift to personal responsibilities, to how we are to treat and care for and interact with each other. Several verses touch on how to treat the immigrant, widow, and orphan – the vulnerable and powerless. We are to treat them well. God extends doing the right thing even to our enemies. Taken as a whole, these instructions reveal “God’s subtle yet steady work of grace.”

The Israelites are then reminded to observe three yearly festivals. The first is from the Passover – God’s great rescue of Israel. The other two center on the harvest and on giving God thanks for God’s provision. Then the text leads us into the provision of the Promised Land. A conflict in the text struck me today – “wipe out… completely destroy” and “I’ll drive them out… little by little.” There is a faith concern: mixing in with the locals will threaten Israel’s fidelity to God. And there is a practical concern: the Israelite population will not be large enough yet to properly care for the whole Promised Land.

These instructions are written into the covenant scroll and read to the people. It is sealed with burned offerings and with blood. The people declare, “Everything that the LORD has said we will do, and we will obey.” Moses and the elders are then brought into God’s presence. They worship and celebrate their covenant God. They see God and they do not die. Then Moses goes up the mountain to receive the stone tablets and many more instructions. Moses will be with God for a long time – 40 days and nights. He leaves Aaron and Hur in charge.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the grace and love that flows throughout your instructions. You remind us to care for the vulnerable and to treat even our enemies with love and grace. May we read these words and also declare our intent to walk in your ways as we seek to witness to your love and grace in the world. Amen.


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God Is So Faithful

Readings: Genesis 24, Genesis 25:1-18

Genesis 25:27: “Bless the LORD, God of my master Abraham, who hasn’t given up his loyalty and his faithfulness to my master.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

The bulk of today’s reading covers finding a suitable wife for Isaac. In the culture of the day, that meant finding a wife from within one’s kinship group. This would insure continuity of religious and cultural norms and beliefs. Abram has married from within his kinship group and knew that was essential for his son Isaac too. Living as “temporary immigrants” in a foreign land, Abraham knew how important this would be for Isaac and for his future descendants. What follows is an amazing story of our faithful God at work.

The story begins with the oldest servant swearing an oath to Abraham to try to carry out his wishes for Isaac’s wife. Abraham is sure that God will go before and will guide this process, providing the right wife for Isaac. Arriving at the well outside of Nahor’s city, the servant prays to God for a woman who will give him a drink and then will water his ten camels. Rebekah does exactly that. The servant gazes in awe and wonder as this scene unfolds. He praises God, saying, “Bless the LORD, God of my master Abraham, who hasn’t given up his loyalty and his faithfulness to my master.” Once at the family home, he recounts the whole story. Essentially asking to take Rebekah back home with him to marry Isaac, both dad and brother respond, “This is all the Lord’s doing.” The next day the journey home begins. On arrival, Isaac and Rebekah meet each other and are married.

All set in order, Abraham makes final arrangements. He wills everything to his son Isaac and sends his second wife and their children far away. Abraham dies at 175. Isaac and Ishmael bury their father with Sarah. It is beautiful that both “first sons” are a part of this. Our reading closes with another example of God’s love and faithfulness. Ishmael dies at 137, leaving a line of 12 sons/princes to build his “great nation,” as promised by God to Hagar and Abraham. Our God is so faithful and true. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, what a powerful witness to who and what you are! All unfolds exactly as you had it planned and we, like the servant, stand in awe and wonder. From that posture, Lord, may we step forward in faith each day, trusting in you to guide and lead our steps as we seek to do your will. Amen.


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Witness to the Light

Reading: John 1:6-8

Verse 7: “He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.”

The first half of this week’s gospel lesson focuses on John the Baptist’s ministry. We’ve been walking with John the Baptist these past two weeks. These readings have been primarily about the bigger picture and implications of his ministry. Today’s passage feels more personal and more relatable to our lives and ministry. Proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins out in the Judean wilderness feels like a lot for me and my life. Maybe the same is true for you.

We first read today that John was sent by God. This average person was called to fill a role, to play a part in God’s plan. While from the big picture perspective John’s ministry was amazing and powerful, in verse 7 we read, “He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.” To witness to the light so that others can come to know Jesus, to believe in him – this sounds and feels like a role that we could all live out.

John the Baptist was not the light. That is Jesus. John wasn’t pointing to himself. He was pointing to Jesus. John always kept the focus on Jesus and on helping others to be ready to receive Jesus. This feels like something that we can do day in and day out. Also being sent by God may you and I witness to the light of the world through the words we speak and through the actions of our hands and feet.

Prayer: Lord God, in this version and in this way, it feels possible to live out our faith in ways that point others to Jesus. Empower us to be witnesses to the light of Christ so that those living outside of a relationship with Jesus may be drawn towards him. Amen.


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Work to Be Done

Reading: 2nd Peter 3:8-12

Verses 11-12: “What sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As Peter closes his second letter, he addresses their concerns about the delay of Jesus’ return. He first reminds them of the difference between God’s time and their time. It has been about 30 years since Jesus was raised from the tomb. In the present moment, 30 years of waiting does feel like a really long time for us. Yet from God’s perspective, 30 years isn’t even a miniscule blip on the eternal timeline. Yet Peter does understand the believers desire for Jesus to return. I love Peter’s words and thoughts that address this longing: “God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

I love the fact that Peter sees beyond just the believers. It’s not all about them (or us in today’s context.) It is partly about the other. As the day will come “like a thief’s – unexpected and suddenly – the followers of Jesus need to always “live holy and godly lives.” Day by day they must live always ready for Christ to come. Peter is echoing Jesus’ words from last week: stay alert, be ready, keep awake. The second emphasis in this part of the passage is on the other. They are why God is patient. They are why the second coming has not yet occurred. God wants “everyone to come to repentance.” Everyone.

Peter’s encouragement to live holy and godly lives is both for their own salvation and for the non-believers salvation. The believers must live this way to be able to witness to the other. Always loving and caring for others reveals Jesus’ love and care for the other. This is how they and we work “to speed its coming.” Yes, there is still work to be done. Let’s get busy!

Prayer: Lord God, what great love you have for all of humanity. Your patience is waiting on us to make disciples of all peoples. This feels like an “all” – not just some, not just most. This requires us to have a love as deep and wide as your love. Make it so within us, O God. Amen.


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The Presence of Grace

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:3-5 and 8

Verse 5: “For in every way you have been enriched in God, in speech and knowledge of every kind.”

In this week’s Epistle text Paul writes about grace. Most simply put, grace is God’s presence in our lives. Paul begins by asking for God’s grace and peace to be with the Corinthian church. These two things often go hand in hand. God’s presence often brings a sense of peace to our lives. This peace is one of the marks of a Christian.

Paul then offers words of thanksgiving. He begins by offering thanks for the grace that is clearly evident in the lives of the people who make up this community of faith. This presence of God is what makes them stand out. It is that “there’s something different about you” that people notice when they’re around a person of faith.

As the church lives out its witness in Corinth, filled by and guided by the Holy Spirit (that’s God’s constant, indwelling presence), their lives are “enriched.” Paul notes that this enrichment is “in every way.” That’s the thing about grace – it doesn’t come and go. It is with us all of the time. This grace is evident in the ways that the church members speak and think. It is in their words and in the ways that they live out these words. It is in the strength that they exhibit in their lives. People around them notice this presence of God that permeates their lives.

If we too open ourselves up to the grace of God that is always present and is always available to us, we too will be blessed as we are filled with grace. It will fill us with strength and with guidance, empowering us to witness to our faith in Jesus Christ. Filled we too will live in such a way that others notice the grace and peace in us. May it be so today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your presence into my heart and into my mind. Fill me with a grace and peace that overflows into the lives of all that I meet today. Equip me to witness well to your love today. Use me to be a connection point to you. Amen.