pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Abiding Presence, Ongoing Work

Reading: Genesis 32:25-31

Genesis 32:31 – “The sun rose as Jacob passed Peniel, limping because of his thigh.”

Photo credit: Timo Volz

Continuing in Genesis 32 today, the “man” cannot defeat Jacob, who refuses to quit. Even after God injures Jacob’s hip, he wrestles on. Jacob must sense some purpose in this encounter. So as dawn nears and God again asks Jacob to let go, he responds, “I won’t let go until you bless me.” God blesses Jacob with a new name, symbolizing the change within. All of his life, Jacob has struggled with God. After this personal encounter, seeing God “face-to-face,” Jacob has been “saved.” Saved from selfishness and pride, Jacob can see and live beyond himself. As our passage closes, we read, “The sun rose as Jacob passed Peniel, limping because of his thigh.”

The band I AM THEY wrote a song called “Scars.” The first two verses read, “Waking up to a new sunrise, Looking back from the other side, I can see now with open eyes… Darkest water and deepest pain, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, ‘Cause my brokenness brought me to You, And these wounds are a story You’ll use.” These words remind us that, like Jacob, God works in and through our struggles. Sometimes there is deep pain and hurt. But afterwards, looking back, we can see how God changed us, transformed us. For Jacob, his limp was a tangible reminder, yes of the wrestling, but more so of the transformation. Our scars, whether physical or emotional or spiritual, remind us too of God’s abiding presence and ongoing work in our lives. As the lyrics of the chorus thank God for the scars and the reminders of who God is, may we also rejoice in God’s deliverance, victory, and transformation through the struggles.

Prayer: Lord God, while we’d never choose the struggle while in the middle of it, we can look back and see your plan, your purpose, at work. We can also see how we were changed and how we grew in our relationship with you. Thank you for your faithfulness, especially as we are often less than we should be in the struggle. And thank you for never leaving us there when we need you most. Amen.


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The First of Many

Reading: Romans 8:26-30

Romans 8:29b – “That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters.”

Photo credit: Hans Heiner Buhr

As we begin the Romans 8 reading for this week, Paul offers this: “the Spirit comes to help our weakness.” This help comes in many forms, but today Paul is talking about intercession. The Spirit prays for us when our words don’t come or when they fall short or when they are misguided. At times our situation is so overwhelming or so distressing, we cannot form the words to pray. And some of the time we pray greedy or selfish or spiteful prayers. In all cases the Spirit steps in and prays for us “consistent with God’s will.” Through groans and pleadings, the Spirit intercedes for us, always seeking to conform us to the Son.

These Holy Spirit prayers help us to live as God calls us to live. When we do so, loving God and neighbor, then God “works all things together for good.” This is always God’s intended outcome simply because God is good. Yes, we can foil God’s plans and we can even work against them at times. Yet God is faithful. The Spirit keeps praying for us. And we’re drawn again and again to become who and what God created us to be: a child of God.

To be confirmed to the Son, to be a child of God, this is God’s good plan for us all. This plan was decided before we breathed our first breath. Created in God’s image with the spark of the divine within us, we are invited to step into God’s will for our lives. Doing so, we fulfill God’s purpose: “That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters.” As a brother or sister in Christ, we strive to be righteous in our daily living. In the end, we will be glorified as Christ was glorified. But in the here and now, we also bring glory to God when we reveal Christ to the world. My friends, may it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice that you are on our side in so many ways. Attune us to the Spirit’s presence, guiding us to pray as we should pray, to do as we should do, to be as we should be. In all ways, draw us closer and closer to conformity with Christ. And in all things, may we be Christ to the world. Amen.


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If So… If not…

Readings: Psalm 119:108 and Matthew 13:18-23

Psalm 119:108 – “Please, Lord, accept my spontaneous gifts of praise. Teach me your rules!”

Today’s verse from Psalm 119 expresses gratitude and a desire to know God more. The psalmist offers praise as an expression of thanksgiving and worship, which leads to a request for God to respond by revealing more of God to his or her heart. This is a great example of what it means to love the Lord with all of one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. To love this way – it always seeks to deepen that love. With this example in mind, we turn to Matthew 13.

In verses 18-23 Jesus explains the parable that we read yesterday. Each soil type relates to both a person’s readiness to accept Jesus and to the outcomes of each type of “soil.” Considering the psalmist – at least in today’s verse – he or she would be “good soil.” They are grateful for their relationship with God and are eager to grow that connection deeper and stronger. Knowing God more, in turn, leads to making God more known. This is the bearing of fruit that Jesus refers to.

Are you like the psalmist? Do you thank God each day for all that God has done? Do you daily seek to know God more? if so, alleluia and amen! If not, what is the condition of your soil? And, even more important than honest assessment, how are you going to work the soil of your heart to better love God with all that you are? Maybe it begins with some spontaneous praise and thanksgiving. Maybe it includes a little more study, meditation, and prayer. Decide and act. It’s your soul!

Prayer: Lord God, each kindness, each blessing, each brush with the divine – all potential fertilizer for our faith. Lord, help us to realize this potential: slow us down, help us to pause and reflect on your presence in our lives. Lead us to rejoicing and thanksgiving, to awe and to praise. Ready our hearts to receive more and more of you. Amen.


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The Simple Way of Love

Readings: Matthew 11:16-19 and 25-26

Matthew 11:19b – “Wisdom is proved to be right by her works.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

Two kindergarteners were best friends. Just before Christmas break, one got a buzz cut – to look sharp for family pictures. Over break the other one got a buzz cut – so their teacher couldn’t tell them apart. One boy was Caucasian. The other was African American. We are not born knowing hate, prejudice, sexism, greed…

In the first part of this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus is lamenting how “this generation” misunderstood John the Baptist and even Jesus himself. When he says this, I think he’s looking at the religious leaders. This becomes clear in the second half of today’s reading. John was sober and very serious. He lived an austere life out in the wilderness. Yet the religious leaders said he was possessed by a demon. What demon would call people to repent of their sins?

Jesus, by comparison, was pretty social. Instead of taking up residence in the church, oops – in the wilderness – and waiting for people to come to him, Jesus went to where the people were. He ate and drank with those who needed to know God’s love. That included those looked down upon and shunned by the religious leaders. So they called Jesus “a glutton and a drunk.” To this “opinion,” Jesus replied, “Wisdom is proved to be right by her works.” Wait and see how God works in and through Jesus.

Speaking more directly to those with the power and authority of his day, Jesus thanks God for hiding who he truly is from those thought wise and intelligent. He thanks God, too, that his simple way of love is known by “babies.” There is a story about two kindergarteners…

Prayer: Lord God, the “wisdom” of this world leads us so far from who and what you created us to be. Sadly, sometimes the wisdom of religion also can lead us astray. Living as the world lives, there is little room for the way of love. Focused on self or on protecting an institution, there is no space for “the other.” Lord, like you always did, may we make space both at the table and in our hearts for those who are in need to love, belonging, worth. And, when needed, may we sit at their tables and be present there. Amen.


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Blessings

Reading: Genesis 24:58-67

Genesis 24:60 – “May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousand.”

Returning to this week’s Genesis 24 passage, we see the final outcome. But first, in verses 50-56, the men discuss the potential arrangement. Rebekah’s brothers say, “This is all the Lord’s doing.” From the servant’s story, it is clear that God is at work here. Abraham’s servant gives wedding gifts to Rebekah and to her family. All is settled. They will depart in the morning. Until morning comes. It is then that Rebekah’s family asks for ten days – the customary betrothal period. Abraham’s servant still wants to leave. Rebekah is brought in to decide. In our reading today she states, “I will go.” She too sees God’s hand at work.

All is made ready and Rebekah’s brothers send her off with this blessing: “May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousand.” Reflecting their belief that God is at work, they hone in on what makes women most blessed in that culture: having lots and lots of children. As soon as they arrive back home, this process begins with Isaac taking Rebekah as his wife that very night.

Thinking about the brother’s blessing, it causes me to wonder: What blessings do we offer to people as they enter into new things? What hopes do we have for young couples today and how do we express that in the blessings that we give? What blessings do we give to people as they step into something new as they follow God’s call and plan for their lives? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we become a part of that blessing, walking alongside one another in faith and love?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to build community both through our words and our actions. In word, may we support and encourage one another. And then may we back our words up in practical, tangible, helpful ways. Walk with us, Lord, as we seek to walk with one another in faith and love. Amen.


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Chosen and Blessed

Reading: Psalm 33:1-12

Psalm 33:5 – “The Lord’s faithful love fills the whole earth.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

Psalm 33 celebrates God both for God’s control over the earth and for the created world that God has made. The initial response to our God is to worship God – to shout joyfully and to give thanks as we sing praises. The response is partly because of who and what God is: good, faithful, righteous, and just. The response is also partly because of what God has done. “God spoke… There it was!” Creation was spoken into being. To take in our world, in all of its creativity and diversity, is to understand an all-powerful God. This understanding brings us humility as we stand in awe of our God.

The psalmist speaks of God’s plan and control in verses 10-12. Nations can plan and scheme. We can plan and scheme. But it is God’s plans that “stand forever.” Set in place since the beginning of creation, it is the plans of God that will endure. This is so because God is good and just and righteous… Within God’s plans we do not find greed or envy or any of the other selfish or sinful desires that tend to doom our plans and schemes.

In verse 5 we read, “The Lord’s faithful love fills the whole earth.” God’s love is all around us. It is there for the taking. It has the power to fill your heart and my heart. When we surrender to God’s love, when we allow ourselves to be and live as “people whom God has chosen,” then we are blessed and are “truly happy.” Surrendered and filled, we pour God’s love back out into the world. May it be so for you and for me, this day and always.

Prayer: Lord God, we, like all of creation, are the work of your hands. We can be as you are in the world – good, faithful, righteous, just… We can live as your chosen ones, aligned with your will and way. Lord, draw us again and again to that place of surrender, over and over to that place of humility. From this place of the heart, we offer our whole lives to you, all for your praise and glory. Amen.


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A Big Step of Faith

Reading: Genesis 12:1-9

Genesis 12:1 – “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.”

Today we read from Genesis 12. This continues a long walk in Genesis that began last week with the creation story. The journey will culminate in mid-August with the Israelites beginning their move to Egypt. During June, the story will focus on Abram (later he becomes Abraham) and his faithful obedience to God. His radical obedience to God will become the model of faith in the Old Testament. His example continues to bear witness to us, even today. His call story is but one of many examples of Abram/Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s plans.

In verse 1 we read, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.” The call to leave is a call into the unknown. Abram has lived in Ur and then Haran for 75 years. He is deeply connected to Terah, his father. As the patriarch, Terah’s home would be Abram’s religious, social, and economic hub for all of life. God calls Abram to leave all this – all he’s ever known – to go to a “land that I will show you.” With a promise of blessing and presence, Abram packs up all that is his and leaves for this unknown land. God leads. Abram follows. He worships and God confirms that Canaan is the land. It is promised to Abram and his descendants.

This is one of the stories in the Bible that makes us ask a simple question: Could I? Very few of us go someplace without any planning. We want to know the route, the distance… We plan stops and we research where we’re going and what we’ll do when we get there. Imagine hearing the call of God to pack it all up and to head down the road in the U-haul, without knowing where, how long…? What would it take for you or for me to take such a step of faith?

Prayer: Lord God, what a powerful example of faith! Hearing your voice, we hope that we’d go. Yet we do hear your voice all the time. In the whispers and shouts of the Holy Spirit we hear the call to this person or to that situation. Call by call, build our faithful response. Step by step, continue to work in us, O Lord, bringing us closer and closer to Abram’s example. Thank you for your patience and your steadfast guidance, God. Amen.


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Go, Disciple, Baptize, Teach

Reading: Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey.”

Yesterday we pondered doubt. But what if the doubt wasn’t about God or Jesus? What if the doubt was about themselves, about their ability to carry on the work of Jesus? Perhaps the disciples sensed that this was the last time they’d see the risen Christ. Like Joshua staring down the fears of what lay ahead in the Promised Land, maybe all of these disciples of Jesus were questioning their place in the building of a kingdom here on earth. This is a doubt that we frequently feel and face too.

In verse 18 Jesus declares, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth.” All things are under Jesus’ authority, power, and control. The fears of the authorities? The doubt within? The unsurety of what comes next? Surrender it all to Jesus’ authority. Trust it all to his power. And believe that his authority is your authority because he lives in you.

Next comes the Great Commission, the marching orders. Jesus says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey.” Go and disciple others, revealing Jesus’ light and love, using words when necessary (thanks St. Francis of Assisi.) As people come to know Jesus and to believe in him as Lord and Savior, baptize them “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is the entry point for the Spirit’s presence in the heart of a new believer. This presence brings with it Jesus’ authority. The last step is to teach them more and more about Jesus so that their obedience grows and grows. As we live out these steps, we too continue to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your constant presence and your unconditional love. Reassure us when we doubt ourselves, reminding us of your power and presence within us. By that same Holy Spirit within, lead us and guide us to disciple others, growing ourselves in the process. Empower us with the authority of Jesus, trusting that nothing in this world can ever defeat the power of your love. Amen.


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All the Glory

Reading: John 17:1-5

John 17:3 – “This is eternal life: to know you [God], the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

John 17:1-11 is this week’s gospel reading. Today we read verses 1-5 and tomorrow we read verses 6-11. Today’s reading is about glorifying God and Jesus Christ. Jesus begins by acknowledging “the time has come.” His time on earth is soon to end. In John’s gospel, Jesus is arrested in chapter 18, beginning the short journey to the cross. Jesus asks God that this would be a time of glorification for God and himself. God will be glorified through Jesus’ grace and obedience lived out in these final moments. Christ will then be glorified in the resurrection. After rising from the grave, Jesus will return to the place of glory in heaven that he has shared with God since “before the world was created.”

We too will one day experience this “glorification.” Jesus thanks God for those given to him – all believers – and for their gift of eternal life. It is interesting how Jesus defines eternal life: “to know you [God], the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.” To know God is to love and obey God’s will and way. Jesus modeled this throughout his ministry – especially on the cross. This example of love and obedience is what Jesus is talking about in verse 4 when he says he finished “the work you gave me to do.” Jesus came to reveal God to us.

My friends, this is our work too. Our task (or work) as Christians is to reveal God (and therefore Jesus) to the world. Through our example, through our witness, through our words and actions, we are called to show our love of and obedience to God. Living this out, we will in turn love our neighbors as Christ first loved us. Doing so, we bring God in Christ all the glory. May it be so for you and for me today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for choosing us. Thank you for drawing us into your family and into an eternal relationship with you. Lord, help us to realize our call and our “work’ and to live into both each day. In our words, in our actions, and in our presence, may others experience your love, grace, forgiveness… In these ways, use us to bring all the glory to you. Amen.


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Remember the Promise

Reading: Psalm 121

Psalm 121:8 – “The Lord will protect you on your journeys – whether going or coming – from now until forever from now.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Psalm 121 was one of a small collection of Psalms that were sung by pilgrims heading to Jerusalem. It is a song about God’s protection, something we often need on our journeys. There is a practical side to the Psalm. Safety when traveling in the heat of the day or in the shadows of the night could be a real concern. For God to shade or protect the pilgrims – whether going or coming – this could be a real need.

There was likely also a spiritual need held in the Psalm. As Disciplines writer Mark Feldmeir points out, the mountaintops around Jerusalem held shrines to Baal and Asherah at many times in Israel’s history. Seeing these idols of false hope, one could be drawn in. Perhaps the question, “Where will my help come from?,” was one asked to snatch one’s focus back to God. For many in our modern world, we may scoff at the idea of worshipping false gods at altars and fertility poles.

We scoff until we consider the idols that we look to (instead of God) in our times of need and want. Primary is self. If I can just work hard enough, be good enough, try long enough… success and happiness will come to me. This drive is often to gain the things of this world: wealth, popularity, status… So the psalmist speaks to us too. As we look towards the mountains, we remember that is where Moses, Elijah, and Peter, James, and John all met the Lord almighty. When we need strength, guidance, direction, protection… may we too look to the Lord our God as we remember the promise: “The Lord will protect you on your journeys – whether going or coming – from now until forever from now.” Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you are our only hope, our only help against the desires and pulls of this world. When we are tempted to look elsewhere, may you Holy Spirit turn us away from the altars of self and the towers of consumerism, individualism, and materialism. May the Spirit within us draw our eyes and hearts to you – to your love, care, provision, protection… Guide us on our journeys and walk with us each day, leading us to peace and contentment and joy. Thank you, God. Amen.