pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Unity Yields Justice and Peace

Reading: Psalm 122

Psalm 122:9 – “For the sake of the Lord our God’s house, I will pray for your good.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

The Psalm of David that we read today rejoices in worshipping God in Jerusalem. The city is both the seat of power for the kings of Israel and it is understood to be the seat of grace for the King of Kings. This song would be sung by many people each time they journeyed to Jerusalem to visit the temple, to offer sacrifices, to celebrate their holy days.

Themes of unity and justice and peace are woven into this Psalm. Unity is found in the people of God coming together to worship the Lord. This is both in actual worship in the temple and it is in the way that they lived their daily lives. God is the thing that unites. The unity found in and through God gives the people of God strength and power. This power is so different from the world’s power. The strength and power that comes from unity with God and with one another leads to justice and peace in the land and in the peoples’ lives.

David writes these words in verse 9: “For the sake of the Lord our God’s house, I will pray for your good.” He prays this prayer with unity and justice and peace as his goal. When the people of God are faithful to the will and way of God centered on Jesus’ example and teachings, then unity with God and with one another will yield justice and peace in our homes, in our communities, and in our world. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, be the king of our hearts. Sitting on the throne of our hearts, guide us to a unity that brings justice and peace to our hearts and to our lives. Centered on the love of Christ as our guide, make us people who stand for and work for justice for all and for peace in all places. O God, may it be so. Amen.


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Worthy with Christ

Reading: Colossians 1:10-14

Colossians 1:10-12 – “We’re praying this so that… being strengthened through his glorious might… you endure everything and have patience, and by giving thanks with joy.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

We back up a bit in Colossians 1 today, looking at the prayer that leads into yesterday’s hymn of praise. The prayer begins with Paul asking God to help those in these churches to “live lives worthy of the Lord.” This is an expression that Paul and other New Testament writers used frequently. It was a call to live like and act like and speak like and treat others like Jesus did. While there was and is an understanding that one could never be exactly like Jesus because he was perfect, the charge was and is to get as close as possible. This idea reminds me of the 90’s, when many aspiring basketball players wanted to play and be like Michael Jordan. Athletes worked hard at emulating the six time NBA champ’s moves, style… Although no one is or was exactly like Christ (or MJ) many have and do walk faithfully in his footsteps, bearing fruit and growing in faith.

Daily faithful living creates a connection with Jesus that becoming sustaining, yielding what Paul prays for. Through the Spirit of Christ within us, we receive strength from Jesus. This strength empowers us to endure and to have patience. When our faith places us in a difficult spot or leads us into a hard situation, we do have to endure at times. In these times, this strength brings us a patience to endure, trusting as God leads and guided according to God’s plans and purposes. When we are faithful, striving to live a life worthy of Jesus’ example and teachings, then his strength helps us through. Often, from the other side of the trial or suffering or…, we can look back and see how God in Christ was at work in our lives. This usually leads to joyfully giving thanks to the one who is faithful and true. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in our day we don’t face the same persecution and threats that Jesus’ first disciples faced. But our culture, with its focus on power over and on personal gain, creates at least as great of a challenge to faithful living. So Lord we ask for strength and endurance and patience. Help us to be faithful in this secular, selfish world. Amen.


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Christ Reigns!

Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

Colossians 1:18 – “He is the head of the body, the church… firstborn from among the dead so that he might occupy first place in everything.”

In today’s hymn of praise Paul elevates Jesus to his rightful place: the one who is supreme over all of creation – past, present, and future. Paul begins by identifying who Jesus is: “the image of the invisible God.” In the flesh, dwelling here on earth, Jesus revealed fully who and what God is. Then Paul connects Jesus to the very beginning, to Genesis 1, stating that “all things were created by him.” Paul unpacks “all” a bit to help us understand the totality of Christ’s reign. “All” includes things visible and invisible, including all powers and rulers. Paul doubles down, declaring that Jesus existed before all things and that in Christ, “all things are held together.” Christ reigns over all of creation! Hallelujah!

In verse 18 Paul then writes, “He is the head of the body, the church… firstborn from among the dead so that he might occupy first place in everything.” Here Paul enters the now and then. Jesus is the head of the church now and into the future, giving guidance, direction, strength… through his Spirit. And Jesus is the path to the next life, the way to eternity. Through the cross and his blood, Jesus made a way for all things to be reconciled to God, to be made right with God.

This act of surrender was not just at the cross. The fullness of God also surrendered, taking on flesh, experiencing suffering and sorrow, doubt and temptation. God chose this because God longs to be in relationship with us. God in the flesh walked as one of us so that we could become one with him. Hallelujah and amen!

Prayer: Lord God, alpha and omega, beginning and end, first and last, you are in all things and all things were created for your glory. We are created in your image, made to be your heart and hands and feet in this world, just as Jesus was. When we fail to honor you, reconcile us. Use us to reveal to the world what it is to live daily with you on the throne of our hearts. Amen.


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Radical Love

Reading: Luke 23:33-38

Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Our readings today and tomorrow focus on Jesus’ crucifixion. The way of Jesus stands in very sharp contrast to the ways of the world. This contrast begins in verse 33. The Romans crucify three people. Two crucifixions are just and one is unjust. All three accomplish the same goal: eliminating those who challenge your power. This remains the way of the world.

Those present at the crucifixion, all three groups named in today’s reading, they all equate power with strength, control, wealth, status. The religious leaders and the soldiers and the Roman governor sneer at and mock Jesus. They all want (or say they want) Jesus to exert some of his power to come down off the cross: “Save yourself.” That’s what we’d try to do. We’d try to save ourselves. Many there that day that utter these words have seen the miracles and heard the unearthly wisdom of Jesus’ teachings. Pilate’s sign above Jesus’ head mocks him too. A king? Surely he would save himself if that were true. Today we continue to mock and sneer at things and at people that do not meet our expectations and/or that we do not understand.

Jesus’ power runs counter to all of these ways of power and of the world. As he is physically being nailed to the cross – large spikes being driven through his palms and his feet – Jesus says, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” As John Wesley noted in a sermon, Jesus ignores this incredible pain because he is more worried about the salvation of all involved in the crucifixion. Forgiving others always, this is power. The way of love for God and neighbor triumphs over all things. Thanks be to God for this most excellent way of love.

Prayer: Lord God, what great power we see in your radical way of love. It was unaffected by the things of the world going on around you. It was an unconditional love that reached out to those harming you and taking your life. Lord, fill us with this powerful love. Filled, send us out as your radical love lived out in the world. Amen.


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Willing Participants

Reading: Isaiah 65:17-19

Isaiah 65:18b – “I’m creating Jerusalem as a joy and her people as a source of gladness.”

As we turn to Isaiah 65 today and tomorrow we turn to a new period in Israel’s history. It is now post-exile. The people of God have returned to Jerusalem, and like in much of Israel, there is hard work to be done. Almost everything must be rebuilt, replanted, or remade. Before much progress is made, the people have turned away again, allowing greed and the worship of idols to take over their doing and being. Isaiah speaks into this reality. But instead of harsh words or condemnation, he speaks words of hope that give an invitation into God’s preferred future.

God is planning to create something new – “a new heaven and a new earth.” God invites the people of God into this new creation, into a time of hope. The things of the past – the sins and bad memories – they will be no more. God declares, “I’m creating Jerusalem as a joy and her people as a source of gladness.” In this new creation God will find joy and gladness too as the Israelites once again become the people of God. In contrast to much of Israel’s recent past, there will be no weeping or crying in this new heaven and earth.

While God is eager to create anew, Israel still must choose to be a willing participant. As God continues to desire to transform this world and our lives into something new, we too must be willing participants. If this is our desire, then we must first be aware of how and when and where God is at work. Once aware we must then choose to willingly enter into that work, whether in the world or within ourselves. May we be willing participants in God’s transformation projects.

Prayer: Lord God, you are ever at work seeking to make our world and your people more loving, more gracious, more just. Open our eyes and hearts to this work, encouraging us by your Spirit to be your voice and your hands and feet in the creation of a new heaven and earth in this time and place. Amen.


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Present in the People

Reading: Haggai 1:15b-2:5

Haggai 2:5b – “My spirit stands in your midst. Don’t fear.”

Photo credit: Joel Muniz

Fear is an emotion we often feel. When in a dangerous situation, when enemies are all around, when stepping into the unknown – these are but a few of the things that cause fear to rise up in us. The prophet Haggai speaks to a small remnant that has returned from exile in Babylon who is dealing with these three fear-inducing situations. Zerubbabel, the governor, led the remnant back and started to rebuild the temple, but threats from the groups who inhabited the land during exile derailed the building project.

Chapter 1 of Haggai isn’t exactly encouraging. The prophet challenges the people. They are living in nicely built homes while God’s house lies in ruins. Their return has been difficult. For example, they’ve planted crops but are hungry. The harvest has been meager. Haggai informs them that this is because they’ve been neglecting God. This pronouncement induces more fear in the people. But it is a good fear – a healthy respect, a reverent awareness, a motivator.

As the people return to working on the temple, Haggai addresses them in chapter 2. After speaking into their present reality, he speaks words of encouragement, “Be strong,” three times. Through him God encourages them to work, because “I am with you.” Then, in verse 5, God says, “My spirit stands in your midst. Don’t fear.” These words of Haggai remind the people that God is present – building or no building. God is present in the people of God doing the work of God. The same will be true for us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, gathering to worship and to do other churchy things is wonderful. But you clearly call us beyond the walls of our churches. Like Jesus, who spent the vast majority of his time and energy ministering and teaching outside of the temple and synagogues, move us to be your hands and feet out there in the world. Amen.


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Stand Firm, Hold On

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 2:13-17

2nd Thessalonians 2:15 – “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions we taught you.”

Photo credit: Emma Gossett

Reading the second part of this week’s passage from 2nd Thessalonians, we encounter Paul’s prayer for these churches. This prayer begins with thanksgiving. Paul is first thankful that these churches are loved by God. This love is revealed in their being chosen by God to be “the first fruits of the harvest.” Paul is thankful that God’s plan included these churches as early models of the faith. From their witness, more fruit is surely to come. Their faith, along with belief, has brought salvation to the followers who accepted and are now living out the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul is thankful for their connection to Jesus that empowers their faithful living.

Moving into verse 15 we see Paul inviting those in these churches to remember why all of these things matter. In verse 15 we read, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions we taught you.” These things that Paul is thankful for? Hold onto them, use them to help you stand firm in the faith. The false teachers? The persecution and abuse? All the other noise that the world makes? Hold fast to the good news of salvation, trust in God’s love, stand firm on all that you have been taught and have come to believe.

Paul closes by reminding the believers that in love and grace God has given them “eternal comfort and a good hope.” These blessings cannot be taken by the world. They were not given by the world. Therefore, Paul says, be encouraged and receive strength for all that you do and say. Standing on and holding fast to our faith in Jesus Christ, may we do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminders today that we are loved by you, chosen by you, and saved by you. In this place of love and care, encourage and strengthen us to live faithfully amongst the noise and challenges of this world. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Power and Presence

Reading: Psalm 65:1-8

Psalm 65:5 – “In righteousness you answer us, by your awesome deeds, God of our salvation.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Psalm 65 is a song of praise for all of God’s works. The psalmist intertwines and connects God’s works in creation and in our lives. In the first two verses we are reminded that God is the God of all living things. God is in the created world just as much as God is in you and me and in all of humanity. In response we praise God by being faithful in our living and in our praying. And, the psalmist reminds us, when we fall short, God forgives our sins. For David and for us, in drawing close to God we encounter happiness, goodness, and holiness. These traits of God become ours when we choose to enter God’s presence.

The focus shifts to God’s acts in verses 5-8. In verse 5 we read, “In righteousness you answer us, by your awesome deeds, God of our salvation.” God’s power and presence is evident in many ways. God holds all things, even to the “far edges of the sea.” In strength God established the mountains. In power God calms the storms and will calm the “waves” and “noise” of the nations. God’s power brings the morning and evening, day after day, giving us more reasons to praise God.

These are David’s observations and experiences of God’s power and presence in his life and in the world. We certainly experience some of these. In what other ways have you and do you see and feel God’s power and presence in your life and in the world? May these be a source of praise today.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love and care. It is all around us. Open our eyes and hearts to see you in both the wonders of creation and in the daily ways that you work in our lives and in the world. For all of this we praise you! Amen.


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Our Response?

Reading: Joel 2:23-27

Joel 2:26 – “You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God.”

The book of Joel begins with a lament over the destruction of Israel and the causes of this great devastation. The invading armies are like locust – they strip the land bare and leave suffering in their wake. In response, Joel calls for fasting and repentance, both as means to draw close to God once again. Midway through chapter 2 God promises to respond to the changed hearts of the once again faithful people.

As we turn to verse 23, through Joel, God invites the “children of God” to rejoice and be glad. God promises to send rain upon the land, “a sign of righteousness.” This abundant rainfall will lead to an abundant harvest. The grain, grapes, and olives will fill threshing floors and storage vats. In stark contrast to the years of suffering and hunger, God says, “You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God.” The peoples’ shame will be no more and they will know “that I am the Lord your God.” God’s love and provision will be clearly evident.

For those who haven’t faced hunger as a way of life, think of recent images in Gaza, in slums outside major urban areas, in poverty-stricken third world nations. Many in our world and even in our nation lack food security. Recent policy changes will likely put more people into this situation. In these places of suffering and hunger, as it was for the people of Joel’s day, shame is often present. Living today in a land of great abundance, we must ask ourselves why hunger is such an overwhelming issue for so many people. It should not be so. As the people of God, what is our response to this injustice?

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes and hearts to the food needs around us. Whether it is people living in “food deserts” or people wrestling with the decision to buy gas to get to work or to buy food to put on the table, raise up your people to respond. Move us out into the world, filled with compassion, bringing our abundance along with us. Lead us to care well for those created in your image, so that they too might “praise the name of the Lord.” Amen.


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Seeking Justice

Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Luke 18:7 – “Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people when they cry out day and night? Will he be slow to help them?”

In our world today one would not have to exert much time or energy to find someone to substitute into the place of the widow in this parable. The brokenness and selfishness and greed of our world makes it too easy to find someone abusing the power that they hold over another, to find someone taking advantage of another for personal gain, to find someone with lots of resources walking above the laws that govern our lives. These are but a few of the many situations that cause people to cry out for justice.

The people who create and perpetuate the injustices of our world tend to be like the judge in our parable – people who are self-centered and only care about personal gain. Justice can be had – at a price or if you walk in their social or economic circles. Doing the right thing instead? Yes, that can come at times when a voice raised will not be quieted or silenced. Or when the people rally together to raise the injustice into the public’s consciousness.

As people of faith, we have a role to play in making our world and our societies just and compassionate places. This is so because our God is a compassionate God of justice. God’s goodness and mercy are bent towards justice, especially for people like the widow – the marginalized and the powerless. As the chosen people, may we cry out to God day and night, seeking a more just world. Doing so, we better align our heart and our actions with the heart and will and way of God.

Prayer: Lord God, use us, your people, to bring about a better, more loving world. Grant us the courage to see and to act when the Spirit moves our hearts towards your heart. Give us the words to speak and the steps to take to end injustices in our world. Make us justice-seekers. Amen.