pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: witness


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Be Ready

Reading: 1st Peter 3:13-22

Verse 15: “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Peter continues in this week’s reading with the theme of being blessed when we suffer for doing good. He offers a word of encouragement from Isaiah 8: “Do not fear what they fear.” This can be taken as a blanket statement. In this context Peter is encouraging them not to fear suffering. But it is broader than this. As followers of Christ we need not fear death because Jesus Christ has won that victory too. As Peter later writes, we are saved “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” The world has other fears too – loss of wealth, loss of status, loss of power… These worldly things were also on the line for these elect exiles. The same goes for you and me.

In verse 15 Peter offers this guidance: “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” The first part encourages followers to hold Jesus in the #1 position – ahead of self, ahead of family, ahead of work, ahead of the lures and cares of this world. Doing so will lead us to live lives that stand out from this world’s ways of living. As it did for Peter’s readers, it will bring attention and focus upon us. So we are advised to always be ready to offer testimony to the hope we exhibit during suffering – or the joy in mourning or the contentment in times of need or… In short, we are to ever be ready to tell the good news: the story of what Jesus Christ has done and is doing in our lives.

As we share our faith with others we shine the light and love of Jesus Christ into the darkness and pain of their lives. This is not always easy. Sometimes we suffer for doing good. Yet this is our call: to bring Christ to the world. May it ever be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead me to bravely and boldly live out my faith. Keep me always prepared to talk of how you have been and are at work in my life. In and through me may others see and be drawn to your love. Amen.


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Paul’s Witness – Part 1

Reading: Acts 17:22-31

Verses 22-23: “I see that in every way you are very religious… I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god.”

Our focus this week is on being prepared to offer our witness to our faith. As we spend today and tomorrow in Acts 17, we will gain some insight from Paul’s example. While there is not any one right way to share our faith with others, some general do’s and do not’s are helpful.

As Paul prepares to minister in Athens he first spends some time in observation. He gets to know his audience. This provides Paul a place to engage them, to meet them where they are at. When we are nearing an opportunity to share our faith, these are steps we take naturally if the person is someone we know personally. If not, these are wise steps to take. Paul begins the conversation with this acknowledgement: “I see that in every way you are very religious.” He commends them for being spiritual. Continuing, he shares this observation: “I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god.” This is the place from which he can engage in a conversation. Paul will connect their unknown god to the God that he knows. More on that tomorrow!

But for today, let’s consider what Paul does not do at this point. He did not say ‘You think you are religious’ and then launch into belittling or ridiculing or tearing apart their religion because they worship a god they don’t know and can’t even name. He does not comment on how they worship a plethora of gods, as if the breadth might cover all their bases. And he does not tell them how wrong they are as a means to provide space to prove how right he is or to share just how much he knows. There is nothing negative or insulting or confrontational about Paul’s witness to his one true God.

As we consider our natural approach to sharing our faith, ponder which of these do not’s might be your tendency.

Prayer: Lord God, part of the power of our faith comes from really believing what we believe. That’s great, right God? And yet… God, please guard my heart and mind against using my belief as a battering ram or as a stick to pound on another. Instead, Lord, use my faith as a loving and gentle tool to share you with others. Amen.


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Declare

Reading: 1st Peter 2:9-10

Verse 9b: “Declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

As we continue in 1st Peter 2, he explored what it means to be living stones. Peter’s main audience, as were most Christians at that time, came from the lower classes. The early church was made up mostly of women, servants or slaves, and other basic laborers. These groups were looked down upon and had almost no rights. Hear verse 9a from this perspective: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” For people of low status in society, their standing in God’s eyes couldn’t be any higher.

In the rest of verse 9 we hear their task: “Declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” These new believers are to declare their testimony. They are called to praise God for what has been done in their lives. They are to tell of how God brought them from dark to light. They are to declare to the world how they received mercy. In short, these folks thought lowly by society, these folks who faced much persecution, Peter is calling them to live their faith out loud, boldly declaring Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

As readers and recipients of these words nearly 2,000 years later, we are spoken to as well. You and I are chosen as priests belonging to God. You and I have received mercy upon mercy, grace upon grace. You and I have walked out of darkness and into God’s marvelous light. In response may we boldly declare our praises of the God who saves.

Prayer: Lord God, walking in your marvelous light is so wonderful. Even though I step off the path now and then, you continue to guide, to bless, to love, to pour out your mercies. Use me today to declare my witness to those still walking in darkness. Amen.


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In Spirit, Faith, and Truth

Reading: Acts 7:59-60

Verses 59-60: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit… Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

Photo credit: Simon Schmitt

After Jesus, Stephen is the first person to die for their faith. Just as the early church is finding itself and its voice, this tragedy occurs. Stephen was bold and lived his faith out loud. He was led by the Holy Spirit. He was drawing people to Jesus Christ. The stoning of Stephen must’ve felt like a massive gut punch to the early church. Until you heard the words he said even as death came. Stephen’s last words were a powerful witness to the faith that he had in the Lord.

As the stoning began Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He was committing his soul to the one in whom he put all his hope and trust. He was declaring his faith in the one who rose from death. Even now he remained bold for his faith. With his last breath Stephen offers these words that echo Jesus’ words from the cross: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Like his master, even in death Stephen offers forgiveness. He models grace. This too is a great testimony to the power of the Spirit of Christ within Stephen, leading and guiding him right to the very end.

This martyrdom and the intense persecution that will follow forces the church out into the world. Led by Saul, the Jewish religious leaders will try to eradicate this new faith in Jesus Christ. This too will lead to bold witnessing for their faith. In Spirit, truth, and faith the church will grow and thrive. It is God’s plan. May it continue to be so with you and with me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the witness of Stephen. Lead and guide me by the same power of the Holy Spirit. Empower in me a bold and courageous faith that stands tall for you. Amen.


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Expressing Our Gratitude

Reading: Psalm 116:12-19

Verse 12: “What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?”

The first half of Psalm 116 reminded us yesterday of how God hears our cries… God is ever present, ever faithful, ever listening. Today we delve into the psalmist’s response to God’s goodness. It begins with a question: “What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?” It is a great question to consider and to unpack.

The psalmist declares that he or she will worship, serve, and offer a sacrifice to the Lord. These are all responses that we too can make to express our gratitude to the Lord’s involvement in our lives. Some of the response is personal and some is also public – “in the presence of all his people” is how the psalmist states this. The private part is essential because it develops and deepens our personal relationship with God. The public is also important. This aspect of our faith encourages others as it reflects God and God’s goodness to others.

This public witness is what we receive from the psalmist. Yesterday we read of how God rescued him or her. It leads us to ask: what are our rescue stories? When has God heard our cries or whispers and responded? In the answer to these questions we have a powerful witness to share with others. Our witness is just the story that some need to hear. Like yesterday, when we read of the psalmist’s anguish, it resonated deeply with some. So too will your story resonate with others – especially those in the midst of what God led you through.

So this day and each day may we seek, call out, cry out… to God. And may we express our gratitude through praise, service, sacrifice, and witness, all to the glory of God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, I am grateful for your presence and guidance, for your comfort and strength, for your patience and steadfastness, for your goodness and for your mercy. You are ever with me, always attuned to my life. Use me each day to share the story of rescue and redemption, restoration and transformation. Amen.


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Blessed Are…

Reading: John 20:24-29

Verse 29: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Act 2 unfolds today. We learn that Thomas was absent from the risen one’s first visit. It seems odd that Jesus would first visit when one disciple was missing but the reason why becomes clear as we read on. Thomas refuses to believe. He insists on his own physical proof. How many times have you said or thought “I’ll believe that when I see it with my own eyes”?

Usually when I’ve said that, the person’s response has been something along the “Well then, I’ll show you!” lines. It is not said with grace or humility or compassion. Contrast this human norm with how Jesus speaks to Thomas. In act 2 Jesus once again appears and greets them. Then, turning to Thomas alone, Jesus offers what he needs: “Put your finger here…” I picture a kindness in Jesus’ eyes and I sense a mercy and compassion in his voice. I think this is because it’s what I’ve felt when Jesus has met me where I was at and has given me what I needed. Thomas immediately professes faith in “my Lord and my God.”

And then to Thomas, but certainly loud enough for all to hear, Jesus says, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” All there have now seen him. By seeing the risen Lord they have come to believe. Yet when Mary Magdalene came from the tomb with her good news… They all had doubt. They all needed more. So not only with Thomas but with all the disciples, he gave them what they needed to really believe. Jesus met them where they were at and helped them to step forward in faith. In Spirit, Christ continues to do this.

You and I fall into this “Blessed are…” statement. We have come to believe without physically seeing Jesus. How? Through the words of scripture, through the witness of others, and through our own experiences with Christ, we have come to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This day may our lives lay the groundwork for the Spirit to move the heart of another, drawing them towards faith in Jesus Christ. In whatever way we can, may we be part of other’s “how.”

Prayer: Lord God, use me today as you will. In and through me may others come to see and know Jesus in their hearts. Lead and guide me to help others toward the Lord and Savior of us all. Amen.


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Witnesses

Reading: Acts 2:14 and 22-32

Verse 32: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.”

As we jump into Acts 2, Pentecost had just occurred. The Holy Spirit has fallen on a group of Jesus followers. This event has drawn a large crowd of Jews “from every nation under heaven” (verse 5). It is to this crowd that Peter speaks in today’s passage. He recounts the crucifixion of Jesus. He begins by recalling who Jesus was: “a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs.” And then, “by God’s set purpose,” Jesus was put to death by the Jews with the help of the Romans. We can choose to focus on the role played by the Jews (or Romans) or we can choose to focus on the fact that the crucifixion was always part of God’s plan for Jesus. I choose that latter.

Filled with the same Holy Spirit that fell at Pentecost, Peter continues, quoting from Psalm 16. Here David looks to the Lord, envisioning “the Lord always before me,” the one that assures him “that my body will live in hope.” David has this living hope because it has been revealed to him by God that God will not “let your Holy One see decay.” This prophecy speaks of Jesus Christ, the Lord. Peter connects this dot for his audience and for us in verse 31, where he says, “Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of Christ.” It was all part of God’s plan, spoken by David about 1,000 years before the life of Christ.

Our passage closed with a statement that is true in 2 ways. In verse 32 we read, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” Peter, the other disciples, and about 500 followers have seen, encountered, spoken with the risen Christ. This is one truth. The other truth is the witness that we can offer. We know this to be true because the risen Christ lives in our hearts, filling us too with this same living hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, today I am once again amazed by the arch of your story. Centuries before Jesus, David spoke of Christ, his eternity, his death and resurrection. Your plan has clearly been at work for generations and generations. Lord, empower followers today to bear witness to Jesus Christ, our living hope. Amen.


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Going on Ahead

Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Verse 1: “As they approached Jerusalem… Jesus sent two disciples.”

The big focus this week is on the palm parade that brought Jesus triumphally into Jerusalem. This joyous and celebratory event stands in sharp contrast to many of the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It bookends Jesus’ triumphal exit from the grave and his joyful re-entry into paradise. Today, though, we delve into one small step in the palm parade. It is covered in verses 1-6.

In verse 1 we read, “As they approached Jerusalem… Jesus sent two disciples.” The simple but key phrase is the second part: “Jesus sent two disciples.” The two are sent with specific instructions and they follow these. The scene in the village unfolds just as Jesus said it would. A simple “The Lord needs them” releases the donkey and colt. Imagine for a moment what this whole experience would’ve been like. To go and do as instructed, to find all exactly as Jesus said you would. There was a trust and a faith required to go as sent. How both must have grown through this experience.

Jesus has given us instructions too. In the surface level they are as easy as the ones given to the disciples in today’s text. Jesus tells us: love as I have loved you… love God and love neighbor… go and make disciples for the transformation of the world… As it was in our passage, Jesus continues to send disciples, telling us to go into the world to witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. In the gospels we find example after example of Jesus modeling these things for us. Given instructions and many examples to follow, the question for us is this: Do we go on ahead of Jesus, preparing the way so that he may enter in?

Prayer: Lord God, guide me to be faithful to your call. I know that you have given me all I need and I know that you go with me in Spirit. In faith and trust may I too go where you send me. In hope and love may I faithfully follow where you lead. Amen.


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Divine Moments

Reading: 2nd Peter 1:16-21

Verse 18: “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Jesus on the sacred mountain.”

Today we connect the dots that reveal what the transfiguration meant to Peter. Years after the actual event, Peter writes about it in the passage that we read today. It is clearly a powerful memory for Peter. Recalling that day Peter begins by stating, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” He remembers the “honor and glory” that God placed upon Jesus that day. Peter testifies, “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Jesus on the sacred mountain.” In this context today he is retelling the story for the benefit of his audience, which includes us today. Yet we also know that recalling the story builds Peter’s faith too. Recalling this event and other encounters with Jesus, Peter finds courage when he needs that, assurance when he needs that… This moment on the mountain, it changed Peter forever.

We too have moments that change us forever. We may not always hear the audible voice of God speaking from “the Majestic Glory,” but we do have moments when we feel a tangible presence, when we feel a little nudge, when the Spirit whispers a thought into our heart. These are moments when the divine becomes just as present to us as it was to Peter on the mountain.

Our stories of these moments are powerful. As Peter did, we recall them, we relive them in times of need. These memories bring us a faith boost, a calm in the storm, a strength in the trial… Our stories can be powerful when told to others too. Our moments with the divine provide a great witness to the power of God at work in our lives and in the world. Like Peter, may we share our stories of faith – sometimes in our own hearts and minds, sometimes with one who needs to hear a story of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for each of the moments that have become a part of my story of faith. In love, you touched my life in these ways. May I love others by sharing my personal witness of your power and love. Amen.


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Divine Presence

Reading: Matthew 17:1-3

Verse 2: “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Faith is belief in things unseen, trust in things we cannot “prove.” The concept of faith can be challenging for some. For those rooted in facts and knowledge, faith can be hard to understand. For those rooted in what they can see and touch, faith is intangible, hard to grasp. Faith for the first disciples was built upon life lived with Jesus. For later disciples like us, we read these stories and they build our faith. Willing to take steps of faith, we begin to experience the “proof” of Jesus – an unexplainable peace, a strength that comes from outside of ourselves, an ability to live those who are hard to love, a gift for forgiving the unforgivable…

For the folks that lived during the ministry of Jesus, many chose the knowledge that they had and remained Jewish. Others demanded proofs and signs. Even though they just witnessed Jesus feeding thousands with 7 loaves and a few fish, the Pharisees and Sadducees ask for a sign from Jesus. Sometimes hard hearts shudder eyes.

In today’s passage we read about the ultimate sign. Taking his inner circle only, Jesus goes to a place of solitude. In verses 2 we read, “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Jesus reveals the true extent of his divinity. He becomes as close to what he’ll be like in heaven while still remaining in the flesh. To add to the depth of the revelation, he converses with Moses and Elijah, two greats of the faith. What awesome proof. What a powerful witness. The glory of God in Christ is on full display. We can read the story. We can picture the scene. We can do so because we too have brushed up against the holy, because we too have experienced the divine presence in our lives. We can “see” because we believe. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this glimpse of what will be. In revealing who you are to the disciples, you begin to paint a picture of eternity. There your full glory will be revealed. Lead and guide me until that day. Amen.