pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Time, Time, Time

Reading: Psalm 31:15-16

Psalm 31:15a – “My future is in your hands.”

Returning to Psalm 31 today, the psalmist turns to time and to how we spend our days. In verse 15 he or she declares: “My future is in your hands.” Another way to say this idea is this: My life is in your hands. In both cases we are speaking of our being resting in God’s hands. But as humans, we can struggle with this way of being. Our humanity wants to measure time quantitatively. This is the way of the world. We will all one day live our last day. In this understanding of time, we strive to have “enough.” So we gather and store up and save. The felt need to do these things leads to wanting to cram more and more into each day so that we can accumulate more and more just to…

The other way to measure time is in moments, in experiences, in encounters with the holy. In this construct of time we are able to live into God’s plans for our lives. We can experience life this way when we slow down. Not rushing from thing to thing allows us to watch the sunrise, to linger in the conversation, to notice the smile of the stranger, to relish the flavor of the food. Not focusing on accumulating for self, one is freed to be generous with our resources and time. Living this way, we deepen relationships with God and with one another. We encounter God in the small things and in the large. We find meaning and purpose in life. And, somehow, as life slows down, it gets richer, fuller, more abundant. May this be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, our future and our days are really in your hands – whether one moment or one day or 100 years. Open our eyes and hearts to your presence and purpose in all of life. Make us fully aware of how and when and why your Spirit moves. Draw us in. Deepen our lives. Amen.


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Living Stones

Reading: 1st Peter 2:4-10

1st Peter 2:9 – “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s possession.”

Returning to 1st Peter 2 today, we turn to the image of building. Peter reminds the early Christians and us today that we are “living stones.” This is a unique phrase. We are to be active in our faith. We are to live as a “royal priesthood” in the world. This is not a privilege thing. We are part of a “chosen race.” All of humanity is one chosen race. God hopes all people will find a saving relationship through Jesus Christ. Since we have found that relationship, we are charged with offering up “spiritual sacrifices” bringing hope and healing and redemption to the brokenness of this world. In these actions and images, Peter is connecting to the example of Jesus.

For the faithful, Jesus is the “cornerstone.” This is the firm foundation stone, the one upon which all else is built and stands. But for the non-believer, Jesus is the “capstone,” which causes people to stumble and fall. This is why many non-believers reject Jesus. His light and truth exposed darkness, bringing discomfort. But for the believer, light and truth build up our faith.

In verse 9 we read, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s possession.” First, we are chosen by God. Along with all of humanity, we are intended to be children of God. Faith is not a random occurrence. We are chosen to be holy, living just and righteous lives. But we are holy not on our own. We are holy because Christ is holy. Because of this, we belong to God, not the world. This allows us to follow and live out God’s will and way. Part of this living is our witness or testimony.

In the next verse Peter describes this as speaking of the “wonderful acts” of God that redeemed us as we were called “out of darkness into his amazing light.” In turn, our stories of faith help others to see how they can experience God’s life-changing mercy, grace, and love. As living stones, may we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ so that he is good news to all people everywhere.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you first for Jesus, our sure foundation. And thank you for pulling us up out of the mire and filth of this world, washing us clean in your mercy and grace, redeeming us so that we can live our faith out in the world. Send us out today, O God, empowered by love to tell others of our Jesus, the one true cornerstone. Amen.


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Entrusted to God

Reading: Psalm 31:1-5

Psalm 31:2 – “Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me!”

In Psalm 31 we can feel the writer’s need for God. We do not know what the psalmist needs rescue and refuge from. We don’t know if the situation is his or her making or if it is caused by another. And we do not know just how bad the situation is. Nonetheless, we can relate to the way that the psalmist feels. We’ve sought God’s refuge and rescue in many different ways. We turn to God in great distress and in minor disturbance.

When our trial has gone on or when it feels severe, we’ve uttered a prayer like this one: “Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me!” Coupled with verse 1, it is part proclamation of faith, part plea for help. These two are often connected in our conversations with God. There is also a felt urgency to these words. It fits well in our day where we want it yesterday. It aligns with the way we can pray expectantly of God.

Verses 3 and 4 follow the basic pattern of verses 1 and 2. The psalmist declares that God is his or her rock and fortress. He or she petitions for guidance. Then the author asks God to “get me out of this net that has been laid.” Rescue me, O God. Now! And then, in verse 5 we find a moment of surrender. Like Stephen in yesterday’s reading, the psalmist entrusts themselves to God, knowing that God has already saved them. The same can be true for you and for me. Through faith in Christ, our inheritance is sure. May this be our final thought in hard times and in good times. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you are faithful and true, steadfast and loving. You provide for all of our needs, keeping us safe from the worries of this world. When we cry out, your ear is open. You are our rock and redeemer. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Know His Voice

Reading: John 10:1-6

John 10:4 – “Whenever he has gathered all of his sheep, he goes before them and they follow him, because they know his voice.”

Photo credit: Hans Heiner Buhr

Today and tomorrow we delve into John 10. Here we find yet another of Jesus’ teachings that are counter-cultural. In the Old Testament, writers spoke of shepherds and of God as shepherd in positive and encouraging ways. By Jesus’ day something had changed. When Jesus spoke these words, shepherds existed on the edges of society. It was a job at the very bottom of the ladder. They were ceremonially unclean because of their occupation, so they were looked down upon, excluded, avoided. Jesus claims this role for himself. Sit with that for a second.

John 10 begins with Jesus establishing the idea of a gate. It is the only true way into the sheepfold. Today it is easy to call oneself a Christian. But many do not enter through the gate. They make their own way, their own walls, their own gate. They do not know the voice of the true shepherd. If they did, they would not act and speak as they do. No, there is only gate that opens the path to one way, one truth, and one life.

Kristin and I are wrapping up our time in Laragh, a small Irish village. There are sheep on the property. When we walk over to the fields with the goats or the donkey, they come to see us. But when we walk near the field that the sheep are in, they run away. They do not know our voices. Protective mommas call out to curious babies, warning them, keeping them safe. Jesus tells us that his sheep know his voice.

In verse 4 we read, “Whenever he has gathered all of his sheep, he goes before them and they follow him, because they know his voice.” We are living in the middle of this verse. Jesus has begun to gather those who know his voice. He now leads us in Spirit, going before us, inviting us to follow, calling us to walk in his ways. Those that know Jesus’ voice walk in the way of love, grace, mercy, and peace. May it be so for you and for me this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, there are so many voices today. Each claims truth. Each promises the way to “life.” But there is only one voice that matters for this life and for the life to come. Thank you for opening the gates of our hearts to your son, Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, keep us faithful to the way of Jesus. Help us to always hear his voice above the din of this world. Lead us to follow always in the footsteps of our good shepherd. Amen.


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An Example to Follow

Reading: 1st Peter 1:19-25

1st Peter 1:24 – “He carried in his own body on the cross the sins we committed. He did this so that we might live in righteousness.”

Peter begins our passage for today with a reality check. He is reminding his readers then and us today that to walk steadfastly in the faith can sometimes be difficult. When we stand for our faith and for what is right and just in God’s eyes, then we might suffer. This is so because almost always, in cases of unjust suffering, we are standing or speaking against someone or something that runs contrary to the will and way of God. Those creating or maintaining these injustices and evils are doing so for personal gain in this world. Now, choosing to stand or speak for what is just and right is not a one-off or a “thing” we do when it is convenient. It is who we are because it is who Jesus was. Of this Peter writes, “You were called to this kind of endurance, because Christ suffered on your behalf.” The cross was and is very much a statement against the ways of this world.

Peter then reminds us of Jesus’ example. He did not insult those who insulted him. He did not “threaten revenge.” Jesus trusted God’s will and way in all times and situations. In the end, this led Jesus to endure the greatest possible suffering: “He carried in his own body on the cross the sins we committed. He did this so that we might live in righteousness.” Taking on our sin, paying the atoning price with his life, Jesus made it possible for our sin to be healed. Though we stray, yes, we always have Jesus Christ, the “shepherd and guardian of your lives.” We have an example to follow. And when we fall short, we have one who redeems and saves us. Thanks be to God for the Savior of our lives and of our world.

Prayer: Lord God, to what do you call us today? Is it to the simple and humble walk of a servant of the king? Is it to a place of suffering alongside those dealing with injustice or oppression or violence or…? Lord, to the people and places that you call us today, may we live well the example set by Jesus, our shepherd and guardian. Living faithfully, use us to help build your kingdom of love here on earth. Amen.


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Foundation, Future, Present

Reading: 1st Peter 1:17-23

1st Peter 1:19 – “You were liberated by the precious blood of Christ.”

Photo credit: Shane

Our passage today begins with a call to “conduct yourselves with reverence” as we live out our days in this “strange world.” This is a very accurate description of our time and it is an important reminder. Sometimes it can be hard to live with reverence. We often live in a spin cycle, doing the same things day after day. A brief break comes on the weekend, but then we’re right back at it. If we are to live with reverence for God in the day to day, then we must daily remember our foundation and our future.

Peter reminds us that we are not “liberated” or set free or saved by the “perishable things” of this world. Yes, we can get caught up chasing after gold and other worldly things, living that “empty lifestyle.” Instead, though, Peter reminds us, “You were liberated by the precious blood of Christ.” We were freed to live differently, to be set apart from the things of the world. Jesus was chosen before creation began to be the perfect sacrifice to free us from sin and death, the two great powers of this world. Freed from these powers, our faith and hope can rest in God. Resting here, Christ is our sure foundation and our promise of a future in God’s glory.

There is also a “present” to Peter’s words today. The charge Peter gives is very much like the response called for in Psalm 116. The charge is to be obedient to Jesus’ example, having “genuine affection” for one another. We are to love one another “deeply and earnestly.” This should be our response to God’s “life-giving and enduring word,” Jesus Christ. Living as love and with love, we share our foundation and we invite others into a future with hope. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, as we live out our moments on this earth, daily remind us of our place with you. Reminded, guide us to live daily as Christ lived: loving one and all. Living as love, use us to draw others to the living word, Christ Jesus. Secure our hope in your love, our rock and redeemer. Day by day, walk with us, guiding us towards our true and eternal home. Amen.


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Called and Sent

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9

Isaiah 42:6b – “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.”

Isaiah 42 is about “God’s servant.” These words come from what is known as “Second Isaiah,” written during Israel’s time in Babylonian exile. It is likely that the original “suffering servant” was Isaiah. Later, in another Servant Song, it is the nation of Israel who are the servants. The earliest church and the New Testament writers identified Jesus as the servant. Read today, you and I, we are the servants of God.

Let’s look at the qualities and behaviors of the servant described in Isaiah 42. As we do, think about how each applies to Isaiah, to Israel, to Jesus, and to you. The servant is chosen by God and has the Spirit of God upon them. The servant is called to bring justice and light to the world. The servant is not forceful or violent. He is she won’t even “break a bruised reed.” In verse 6 we read, “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.” Given as the covenant of love, the servant partners with God to bring healing and wholeness to the world, opening blind eyes, setting people free from sin and brokenness.

Just as Jesus was and is our light, calling and leading us out of our own sin and darkness, we are called to do this for others. Bringing the light of Christ into the darkness of this world, we seek to bring healing and wholeness, justice and peace to our world. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you called Isaiah and Israel, you call us and the community of faith. And just as you sent Jesus, so too do you send us into the world to be light and love. Empower us with the presence of the Holy Spirit, leading us to bring healing and wholeness to the darkness and brokenness of our world. Amen.


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Not of This World

Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Matthew 21:9 – “The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted… ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As Jesus nears Jerusalem, he gives two disciples “a task.” They do as he says – as hard as it might have been to believe – and return to Jesus with the donkey and colt. Perhaps these two disciples knew the words of Isaiah and Zechariah and understood that they were about to be fulfilled. The crowd certainly knew these prophesies and longed for their fulfillment. This is why they lined the road and placed clothes and palm branches on the road into the city, creating a makeshift “royal carpet.” This is why they shouted, “Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'” They believed that the Messiah would come to save them and to re-establish the kingdom of God. This stirred up the city as Jesus entered in.

As the week unfolds, though, it becomes clear that the kingdom of Jesus was not a kingdom of this world. The clearing of the temple was a vivid declaration of this fact. This work and all of Jesus’ work was about opening people’s lives to his kingdom of love. The teachings, the healings – all about bringing people into his kingdom. Even the cross was about opening the way for all people to enter into his kingdom of love. Through the transformation of lives – dying to the things of this world and living for the things of God – love begins to rule first in our hearts and then in our world. Through the power of love, peace and mercy and grace and forgiveness and justice and hope triumph over hate and violence and oppression and other injustices. Come, Lord Jesus, come into our hearts and into our world.

Prayer: Lord God, your radical way of love has begun to transform our hearts and lives. We are becoming who you created us to be. Please continue to work in and through us, transforming this world into your kingdom of love. Amen.


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Unleashed

Reading: Matthew 26:6-13

Matthew 26:7 – “A woman came to him… very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ head.”

At the start of chapter 26 we see that the plotting to arrest and kill Jesus has begun. Our passage flows out of this context. While at Simon’s house for dinner, “A woman came to him… very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ head.” The disciples are upset. They think the worth of the perfume could be put to better use. How often have you or others thought a similar thing? One possible example in my life and ministry might be the time I spend with youth and children. Some in the church might think this 8-10 hours a week could be better spent.

Jesus defends and elevates this woman’s act of love. In a slightly different version of this event, John’s gospel names Mary as the woman present at Lazarus’ house. Jesus declares that her act of love will be remembered “wherever in the whole world this good news is announced.” In our world, where diamonds and new phones and cars and bonuses at work capture our attention, it is significant that Jesus elevates this simple act of love.

Mary’s act of love itself is worth far more that the cash value of this precious perfume. The act also transcends the moment. Jesus feels loved, attended to, cared for. Love has the power to do that when we too choose to live God’s love out loud. The smile of a third grader when you wave to them from the bleachers, the way they lean in when you hug a struggling teenager – the love transcends the simple showing up and being present. The same is true, by the way, when one shows up at a shut-in’s residence. We all need love. Who will experience the love of Christ in you today as you unleash it in the world?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to see today the small opportunities that you provide for us to love well on others. Seeing, move us to doing and being love lived out loud. Guide us to be love in this broken and hard world. Use us to make others feel loved and cared for today. Amen.


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Peace and Love

Reading: Romans 8:6-11

Romans 8:6b – “The attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

Chapter 8 of Romans is titled “Set Free by the Spirit” in my Bible. In this chapter Paul reminds us that the law of the Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death. We who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior are set free through his sacrifice, death, and resurrection. Giving our whole self to Christ leads to Christ’s Spirit living inside of us, freeing us from the selfishness that is inherent in the flesh. The Holy Spirit leads us to think about the things of God instead of the things of this world. These two forces, however, are constantly at work within us: one pulling us towards God and one pulling us towards the ways of the world.

Paul addresses the outcome of this “battle” in verse 6. Here he reminds believers that “The attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.” The other outcome leads to death. It is not an immediate death but a long, slow death. Living a self-centered life slowly isolates oneself for all others, including God. The longer one elevates self, the less room there is for anyone other than self. One tolerates others, yes, even those they “love,” as long as it benefits them and increases their power, wealth, status, image…

The apostle contrasts this outcome with the outcome of a life lived in and guided by the Spirit of Christ. The outcome of living in and by the Spirit is peace and true life. This too is a long, slow walk, but in the total opposite direction. The walk of faith builds relationships and community, seeking to benefit others as we seek to please God not self. There is ample space and time to care for others, to help those in need, to comfort the grieving and afflicted, to lift the downtrodden, to love neighbor. We find that as we express our love of God in these ways, giving away self, we experience true peace and a life filled with joy and hope and love. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when it is challenging to live guided by the Spirit, when those guided by the way of selfishness make life hard, when the ways of the world seek to draw us in, remind us of your deep, deep love for us. Strengthen and encourage us to trust into this love, to feel and to live out this kind of love. Amen.