pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: world


by Leave a comment

Fully Trusting in the Lord

Reading: 1st Samuel 17:32-37

1st Samuel 17:37 – “The Lord who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears will rescue me from the power of this Philistine.”

During Saul’s reign as King of Israel, the Philistines and Israelites assembled for battle. The two armies gathered on hills opposite each other with a valley in between. A champion from Gath came out on day one to challenge the Israelites. He was huge, fierce, and strong. Early in chapter 17 Goliath is described in powerful detail: really tall, armor weighing 125 pounds, a spear with a shaft strong as the bar on a weaver’s loom. Each day for forty days Goliath would stride down into the valley and challenge Israel to send out a champion to face him man to man. Saul and the Israelites “were distressed and terrified.” Great fear surrounded Goliath and his challenge.

Sent by his father to bring food to his three older brothers and to gather news of the battle, David hears Goliath’s challenge. Instead of feeling fear, David is upset that this Philistine is “insulting the army of the living God.” The young shepherd boy knows none of the fear that has been immobilizing Israel’s king and army. Filled with God’s presence, David declares, “I, your servant, will go out and fight him!” Saul protests, noting David’s youth. Undeterred, David says to Saul, “The Lord who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears will rescue me from the power of this Philistine.” David trusts in the Lord. He will fight Goliath. With the Lord, David will be victorious.

As we remember this well-known and beloved story, we ask ourselves: What ‘Goliath’ currently has us bound up in fear? Is it the situation in our world? Is it a difficulty at work? Is it a health issue? Is it something else? No matter what it is, no matter how big it feels, God is bigger and is totally capable of leading us to victory. May we, like the shepherd boy, fully trust in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many different ‘giants’ that we face. Often it is fear that grips us too. In those moments, whisper your love and your power into our hearts. With your presence and assurance, guide us to surrender our fears, worries, challenges… to you, trusting in you alone for the victory. Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Simple Choice

Reading: Matthew 7:24-27

Matthew 7:25 (or 27) – “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house.”

We all live in a broken world where evil, illness and disease, violence, death, and all the -isms cause hardship, trial, and suffering. Add to this our proclivity to sin, which only increases the challenge of living faithfully in this broken world. These things are true for all people: Christ followers, Muslims, atheists, agnostics…

For Jesus, in today’s passage, there are two choices with two distinct outcomes. One can choose to hear and put into practice his words and example, or one can hear and choose not to allow his words to shape and guide one’s life. It is a simple choice: obey or disobey.

And there is an outcome of effect of one’s choice. In our broken world, “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house.” Sin, evil, sickness, prejudice, injustice, pride… will rain down on our lives. The guilt, the stress, the shame, the suffering, the doubt – they will flood into our heart, mind, soul, and body. They will beat against our faith or against our psyche, depending on the choice we made to trust self or to trust God.

Those who choose to hear and obey are the “wise” who chose life and faith. These lives are “firmly set on bedrock.” Jesus is our bedrock, our firm foundation. Those who choose the ways of the world are the “fools.” They are building on sand. It is a simple choice: God or self? Our choices determines if we can withstand the storms of life. May we choose to build our lives upon Jesus Christ, our rock.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of the world is wise and easy and it leads to destruction. Your way is narrow and hard but it leads to abundant life. Surrounded by the voices and other influences of the world, it is hard to stay on your path. The storms of life only increase this challenge. Lord, be near us in all things, at all times. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Live “Out Loud”

Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Matthew 5:13 and 14 – “You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world.”

Following the Beatitudes, Jesus turns to this metaphor about living as salt and light. This call to stand out from the world, to live faith in ways that are fully present in the world – they read very differently according to time and context. These words of encouragement, for example, would have been received differently in real time versus in the days right after Jesus’ death or centuries later when the Roman persecution of Christians was really ramping up.

Jesus first declares to all disciples, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt was essential to life in Jesus’ day. Salt was used to cleanse, to preserve, to seal covenants, to flavor food. A Christian’s faith can function in all of these ways. Faith cleanses away the sin of this world. Faith preserves what really matters: the way of God. It makes our relationships steadfast and unconditional. Faith flavors all areas and aspects of our lives.

Next Jesus declares: “You are the light of the world.” Faith is not to be hidden, but is to be used to light our way and to show others the life that brings glory and honor to God, not to self. As light, faith calls us to illuminate the evils of our world. Our faith is not to be private or secret, but is to “shine before people” and is to “shine on all who are in the house.” The world is our house.

Disciples today are still called to be salt and light. We are still called to live our faith “out loud.” Today that perhaps feels a bit more like it must’ve felt under Roman persecution. It feels like speaking against evil and against the powers of this world might be costly. Yet this personal cost pales in comparison to the social cost of silence in the face of injustice and other evils, both to our faith and to the lives of those being targeted. With this in mind, may we be salt and light to our world in need.

Prayer: Lord God, fill us with your love and mercy, with your grace and strength. Filled, empower us to stand for the marginalized and for those without voice, without power, without place. Build up in each of us a will to love and live as Jesus loved and lived. And, Lord, may it begin with me. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Christ’s Peace

Reading: John 14:23-29

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Chapter 13 ends with announcements of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial with the command to love one another tucked in between. The depth of love that the disciples hold for one another will set them apart from the world. Chapter 14 begins with a call to trust God and with a reminder that Jesus is the way to the father and to heaven. Jesus shares that the words he speaks and the deeds that he does are not his own words or deeds, but are from the Father “who dwells in me.”

It is within the context of all of this that Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word.” By extension, this is keeping God’s word. This will lead Jesus’ followers to experience what Jesus himself experienced: “We will come and make our home with them.” Jesus goes on to explain that this indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, “the Companion,” will teach and remind believers of everything that Jesus said. This is what Jesus was referring to earlier when he said to the disciples, “I won’t leave you as orphans.”

Jesus then says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” Because of the constant presence of the Holy Spirit within, we have a constant source of peace. The steadfast and unchanging nature of Jesus’ presence is very different from the world’s offer of peace. The world’s peace is a moving target. It shifts with our whims, with cultural norms, with the latest fads, with society’s definition of “success.” God’s love and presence, and therefore our peace, is steady and unchanging. May this ever be the peace that we seek.

Prayer: Lord God, the desires of the flesh and the lures of this world can so easily shift our focus, changing the thing that we think might bring us peace. By the power of your Holy Spirit keep us focused on your words and on the voice within our heart that seeks to lead and guide us. And when we stumble, Lord, by the power of your love and grace return us to the path guided by your light and truth. Thank you, O God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Come Near

Reading: James 4:1-12

James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and God will lift you up.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

James 4 addresses the conflict in the early church. In general, conflict over the things of this world are normal in the world. It should not be so in the church. In the opening verses of chapter 4 James identifies the issue: “cravings that are at war.” He then names want and jealousy as the primary drivers of these cravings. Our human natures focuses on self and our desires for power, status, possessions. These desires, left unchecked, lead us down evil paths. On this path we “struggle and fight,” we gossip and judge and slander, and even “commit murder” in extreme cases

James chooses language such as “hostility… enemy…” because there is a battle within us. Echoing Jesus’ teaching about our inability to serve two masters, James pits friendship with the world against friendship with God. He then offers the Christian choice: “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.” When we make this choice it leads us to repent of our sins, to purify our hearts. Continuing, we read, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and God will lift you up.” Humility – thinking less of self and more of God and neighbor – is one of the key practices of an authentic faith and is absolutely essential in this battle. Walking in humility works against those worldly lures that tear apart community and fellowship.

Our prayer life is where much of this battle is fought. It is in prayer that we offer humble confessions and commi to repentance. It is in prayer that we find strength to resist the lures of this world. It is in prayer that we offer thanks for God’s blessings, provision, and grace. It is in prayer that we “Come near to God” so that “God will come near to you.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, the walk of faith is not an easy walk. The voices of the world are loud and powerful. But you are far greater. Your Spirit places us within your power. In that place, fill us with strength today, O God, so that we can walk faithfully with you and with one another. Amen.


by Leave a comment

He Came to Save

Reading: John 3:13-17

John 3:17 – “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

As we turn to the gospel of John for the week ahead, today we read one of this gospel’s most well known verses: “God so loved the world…” This verse is seen on signs at ball games, on T-shirts, on artwork in homes and houses offices. It is an important reminder of the depth of God’s love for us and of the gift that Jesus’ sacrifice was for you and for me.

In verse 13 we’re reminded of the incarnation, itself a sacrifice. Paul reminds us that Jesus emptied himself, giving up his divinity to come to earth in the flesh. Coming from heaven also allowed Jesus insight into what he would die for: so that we could one day join him there.

Connecting to the healing and life that the Israelites received in the wilderness when Moses lifted the golden serpent (Numbers 21,) Jesus declares that he must be lifted up for us to receive eternal life. Is he referring to being lifted up onto the cross, being lifted up out of the grave, being lifted up into heaven, or all three?

Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin and death. We are forgiven and raised to new life through these actions of Jesus on our behalf. In verse 17 we read, “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus did not come to judge or to condemn. He came to save – to save us from ourselves, from the lies of the world, and, yes, from the powers of sin and death. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your great love for us. It was revealed first in your taking on flesh. It culminated in sacrificing that flesh as the atonement for our sin. All so that you could save us. What a deep love you have for us, your sons and daughters. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Radical Love

Reading: Luke 6:27-31

Luke 6:31 – “Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.”

Photo credit: Christopher Beloch

Today’s passage begins with “But I say to you.” This is a familiar phrase Jesus uses, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. As Luke employs this phrase, he adds to it. His phrasing includes “to you who are willing to hear.” This is Luke’s way of getting his readers, including us, ready to take in and wrestle with a difficult teaching.

In verses 27 and 28 Jesus encourages us to “love your enemies… do good to those who hate you… bless those who curse you… pray for those who mistreat you.” This kind of love is counter-cultural. It calls the followers of Christ to act in a way that surprises the world. Instead of returning hate for hate, which is the norm, do good instead. Radical.

The next two verses provide real world examples. To offer the other cheek, to give your shirt too, to not expect repayment – these too run against the cultural norms. Our culture teaches us to hit back, to hold tightly to all that is ours, to charge high interest. Not so with Jesus. Here he call his followers to a self-sacrificial, others first kind of love. This kind of radical behavior is something that also surprises the world.

Our reading closes with a well known maxim: “Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.” This kind of love is given regardless of who the other person is or isn’t, regardless of what they’ve done or not done. This radical love comes from within us. It is motivated by Christ’s example and it is empowered by his Spirit. It is a love for all people. May this be a live we embody and practice daily.

Prayer: Lord God, what a call we hear today: love all people, especially when it is hard or costly or both. Your counter-cultural and counter-instinctual call to sacrificial love is challenging, but so powerful. Walk with us and enable us to overcome evil with good, hate with love, greed with generosity. Use us to change the world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Kingdoms

Readings: Luke 22:6-12 and 13:31-33

Luke 13:32 – “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.'”

As Jesus’ path to the cross continues, there is a detour in Luke’s gospel. Hearing that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate sends him to Herod Antipas, the ruler of that region. Pilate is trying to extricate himself from this sticky situation, thrusting it upon his political enemy. But Herod is happy to see Jesus – at first. He’s wanted to see Jesus for a long time. Herod has heard the stories and hopes that Jesus will “perform a sign” for him.

Jesus refuses to answer any questions and Herod’s curiosity turns to anger and mockery. Dressing Jesus in “elegant clothes,” he sends Jesus back to Pilate. This wasn’t Herod’s first exposure to Jesus, though. In chapter 13 the religious leaders warn Jesus that Herod wanted to kill him. Herod was notoriously violent and unstable, especially against anyone he saw as a threat to his power. The bad blood with Pilate began long ago when Herod and his brothers had Pilate charged and punished by Tiberius Caesar. And Pilate ruled over the land once ruled by Herod the Great, Herod Antipas’ father.

In chapter 13, in response to Herod’s threat, Jesus says, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.'” The Jews saw foxes as destructive and worthless pests. This was not a compliment. The casting out and healing were signs of God’s kingdom amongst the people. Jesus’ finished work on the third day, resurrected to life, would validate his claims of bringing the kingdom to earth. Working together against this perceived threat to their power, Pilate and Herod became friends that day. So it is with the kingdoms and powers of this world.

Prayer: Lord God, in Pilate and Herod we see two men with power willing to do anything to hold onto or to build that power. We see this in our world today as people strive and connive to gather more power, wealth, status… Jesus’ kingdom runs counter to these ways of the world. His is a kingdom of healing, giving, and pouring out of self. O God, draw us into this kingdom and use us to build your kingdom in our time and place. Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Spiritual Kingdom

Readings: Ezekiel 37:22-23 and Matthew 11:2-6

Ezekiel 37:23 – “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

The prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s word to those living with him in exile in Babylon. Both Israel and Judah were conquered and many people were relocated to this foreign land. It was hard to maintain their faith in this pagan place. Living in oppression in captivity, these words would spark hope in a hopeless people. God speaks of bringing them home, reuniting them as one people under one king. In this new reality the people of God will no longer pursue idols or other things that lead them into rebellion against God. They will be cleansed. God declares, “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

In Matthew 11:2 John the Baptist is in prison, arrested for speaking out against Herod’s immoral behavior. As news of Jesus’ work spreads, John sends his disciples to Jesus. They ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus responds with a report about what he’s been up to. The blind see and the crippled walk. The deaf hear and the dead are raised. The poor hear the good news. These words are from Isaiah 35 and 61. These words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah speak of a day when God would restore Israel.

The religious leaders and most of the people of Jesus’ day longed for a mighty Messiah to free them from Rome’s oppression. They read the words from Ezekiel 37 with this longing in mind. Slight problem. They forgot the context of these verses. These words follow and are connected to the vision of the dry bones – God’s vision for restoring Israel’s dry and dead faith. These words speak of a Messiah who will restore Israel’s faith, not their political might. Digging deeper, we see that Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too want you to be what we think we need. Because of our situation or circumstance we want you to be this or that. Help us, instead, to see with eyes focused on your kingdom, on your will and way. Guide us to know your heart, for there we find out who you truly are. Knowing you intimately and personally, you are our God and we are your people. From this place of connection, use us to be your good news for the world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Keep at the Walk

Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Mark 16:7 – “Go, tell the disciples… You will see him there, just as he told you “

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As originally written, Mark’s gospel seems to end abruptly and without resolution. It ends with the women fleeing in fear. They were so afraid, they didn’t say anything to anyone. That’s the original ending point. In the fourth and second centuries one verse 9 and verses 9-20 were added, respectively. In these additions the women do tell and the risen Jesus does appear to his followers. But Mark’s original ending, it really does beg the question: Why end it there, that way?!

Mark’s whole gospel is aimed at getting the church to be the church. The teachings he chooses and the parables Mark employs are all aimed at reminding the church of how Jesus taught and called them to live in the world. Chapter 16 is no different.

Mary, Mary, and Salome go and buy spices to anoint a body. Their hopes were dashed at the cross. Here they do the next thing. Church, disappointment and apparent failure will come. Keep doing the next thing. The women worry about the stone. They wonder who will move it. Here God does a thing. Church, if you are faithful, trust God to act. Inside the empty tomb an angel gives them instructions. They’re afraid. They do nothing. But we’re reading these words so the story doesn’t really end this way. Church, when God speaks something to you that feels scary or risky or hard to believe, say or do it anyway. Believe in God’s whispers, nudges, and movements. Then be amazed by what God does. This story is ongoing. The call to keep at the walk of faith, to trust and believe, to be amazed by God – that’s still our story. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be the faithful church. Guide us on an obedient walk. When there is struggle, when there is disappointment, when there is uncertainty, when there is fear and worry – whisper words of love, nudge us with your presence, move alongside us. Use us as your church. Amen.