Psalm 99:1-5

“Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.” vs. 4

While the word “equity” occurs many times in scripture, it often goes unnoticed or is presumed to be a synonym for “equality.” In reality it is more related to the idea of justice, and could be thought of as being the spirit of the law, rather than the letter. Equality implies that all people should be treated exactly the same; if we break the rules we should all expect to receive the same consequences. In other words, “Rules are rules, there are no exceptions.” But equity recognizes that since all people do not start from the same position, treating them equally would often result in injustice. Equity takes the differences in our life situations seriously and acknowledges and makes adjustments to imbalances. It’s amazing the psalmist was aware of the need for equity in kingdom living. He even tells us that the Lord is an advocate for such corrections in the course of our life together. Of course not all people in our society are fans of equity–they claim that it’s unfair for some to receive advantages because of their background or heritage. Yet it cannot be denied that some folks have huge disadvantages as their life unfolds–there is no such thing as a level playing field–and if we really are interested in justice, we’ll make sure that the needy will get the boost they need and deserve. Divine equity demands it!

Thought for the Day: Why are affirmative action programs so controversial?

Exodus 34:29-35

“When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him.” vs. 30

The Aaronic benediction is dear to the hearts of believers. Those who worship hear it at the close of the service as a blessing from their pastor. The words are familiar and come to us from thousands of years ago. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” We may not know what the phrases mean, but there is no doubt that we love to hear them–and pastors love to say them. It jist feels good to hear that the face of God is shining on us, that God is pleased with us. Presumably that’s what Moses experienced on Mt. Sinai–he saw the shining face of God and he was transformed, so much so that his own face was shining when he rejoined the people. We don’t know exactly what this means, but it continues to happen. People have such profound experiences of God that they are changed, and it can be seen in their shining faces, and in this way the Divine Presence continues to be felt in the world. And we actually see God most clearly in the shining faces of believers. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does it’s unmistakable, and we are blessed!

Thought for the Day: In whom have I seen the shining face of God?

Luke 6:31-36

“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.” vs. 35

Jesus could say radical, eye-brow raising things to his disciples because he knew God’s heart. Most people, then and now, believe that God keeps track of wrong-doing and wreaks vengeance on the ungrateful and the wicked. Somehow we’ve gotten the notion that John Wayne was a member of the Holy Trinity, and that his movie antics mirrored those of the Divine. But Jesus knew better; he knew that God was kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. He saw with his own eyes that rain fell on the just and the unjust, and that rascals were blessed by God’s goodness. And he expected those who claimed to walk in his ways to do exactly the same things. This is where it gets tough to be a follower of Jesus. We have a hard time loving our friends–and he wants us to love our enemies? We’re to do good to those who cut us off on freeways and contribute to the well-being of ne’er-do-wells? 

The answer is yes, yes, and yes again! That’s what it’s like to live in Christ–bit by bit, stumbling along the way, we can actually learn to be merciful, even as God is merciful. And when vengeance departs our lives, and we quit worrying about getting even, love takes over, and joy is ours.

Thought for the Day: Who actually lives this way?

Luke 6:27-31

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” vss. 27-28

Those who heard Jesus preach remembered his radical words, and Luke took pains to include them in his gospel. Later followers of Jesus took these words to heart and they became the identifying mark of the kingdom. This is how Jesus expected his disciples to treat others, and he provided for no caveats or exceptions. Unfortunately our world has found a multitude of reasons to ignore what he said, and even many Christians behave in totally contrary ways. We’ve gotten used to saying ugly things to others via social media, and are more likely to adopt the style of partisan politicians than the difficult way of Jesus. And the divisive results have been devastating! Some of us can’t even speak kindly to friends, much less enemies. We break off relationships with people who don’t share our political convictions, and think the worst of those with whom we disagree. Congregations have been torn apart as folks seek to associate only with those who share their views. But not everyone has been sucked in! Some are listening to Jesus and learning to love all people, offering blessings and prayers for them without exception. Is it easy? Of course not–sometimes insults and hateful words pop into our minds, sometimes we want to retreat–but oh what blessings come our way when words of love become habitual! 

Thought for the Day: How do I relate to those with different political views?

1 Corinthians 15:42-56

“When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’” vs. 54

When death comes to a person of faith, and a funeral is held, there will always be some expressions of grief. That’s to be expected when a loved one dies–they’re going to be missed, so of course there are tears. But there will also be smiles triggered by memories, and songs of hope and praise to celebrate new life in Christ, and mostly, the smiles win the day. That might seem strange to those who do not believe in resurrection. For them death is the end and there’s nothing more to be said. All there is for them are memories and the pain of loss. And the grief is sometimes overwhelming! However we understand the transition between the perishable and the imperishable, for people of faith death does not have the last word. Paul quotes Isaiah 25 as a source of hope, “(The Lord God) will swallow up death forever…and wipe away the tears from all faces.” Whenever followers of Jesus have gathered to remember the dead and celebrate life, this verse provides a succinct witness to our common faith. However sad we may feel about the loss of a friend or family member, we know in our hearts that death has been swallowed up in victory–and every tear will be wiped away!

Thought for the Day: What verses would I like read at my funeral? Tell someone!

1 Corinthians 15:35-38

“‘But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.’” vss. 35-36

Among those who believe that there is life beyond death, there is sometimes curiosity about the nature of that new life. People wonder whether their loved ones can see them, some even consult mediums in hopes of making a connection. Often they find reassurance from the psychic and are told that their loved one is at peace–sometimes they are told of reunions with those who have died in the past. Others are convinced that the one who has died is “looking down” on them from above. Often we’ll hear descriptions of the new life that imply that it will be a continuation of what gives us joy now. Paul indicates in rather forceful terms that the resurrected life will be totally different and that we don’t really have a clue about what it’s like. Just as carrot seeds bear no resemblance to carrots, so it will be in the life to come. Our physical bodies will be exchanged for spiritual ones, and for Paul that’s all we need to know. And perhaps he’s right! Our language works well in describing that which we know and have experienced. It’s pretty useless in painting a picture of that which is beyond experience. Perhaps the best we can do is say that we will continue to be in Christ and at peace, and maybe that’s all we need to know!

Thought for the Day: What do I hope for in the new life?

Psalm 37:7-11,39-40

“Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil.” vss. 7-8

It’s obvious to most of us that there are some pretty rotten people in our world, some of whom the psalmist would have called wicked. They are preoccupied with power and greed and will do anything that brings them gain. Lies masquerading as truth come easily to their lips and none of their words can be trusted. They are despicable people, created in the image of God, yet living as though God does not exist. For the most part people of faith steer clear of such folks and they’re not likely to show up in our circle of friends. But we can’t avoid their presence or influence–reports of their activities are ubiquitous in media of all kinds. They are masters of manipulation and skilled marketers, amassing enormous amounts of money–and it makes us mad! The psalmist offered some sage advice. “Be still before the Lord…and do not fret…it leads only to evil.” Admittedly, that’s hard to do! Fretting has become second nature for many, a daily response to social media or the evening news, but it’s a horrible way to live. We can easily end up being angry all the time. Some recommend meditation, a time every day for being still before the Lord, and it works for them. They find peace for their souls, even when scoundrels prosper.

Thought for the Day: What causes me to fret?

Psalm 37:1-6

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.   Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” vss. 3-4

As a teacher the psalmist has a sense of how life ought to be lived now that Israel had a land of its own and was no longer known as a wandering people. They could plant vineyards and raise olives on the land and find mutual security in their towns and villages. There were places of worship and plenty of opportunities to sing praises to the Lord. So the psalmist encouraged the people. “Do good,” he tells them, and “take delight in the Lord,” and they would be blessed. The desires of their hearts would become realities. For the most part things are not too different for us. Life is not rocket science! If we want to enjoy the benefits of this incredible creation the psalmist’s simple advice still holds true. “Do good,” and things will go well. And for the most part he’s right! Of course we all know that ugly things are out there in the world, and bad things can happen to good people. And none of us are immune–even if we have devoted ourselves to doing good! But those are exceptions, and generally doing good pays off for us. And even when it doesn’t, our trust in the Lord will be rewarded. We will find delight in the Divine Presence in every circumstance, and joy will fill our hearts.

Thought for the Day: How have I been blessed by doing good?

Genesis 43:3-11, 15

“Then Judah said to his father Israel, ‘Send the boy with me, and let us be on our way, so that we may live and not die—you and we and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; you can hold me accountable for him.’” vss. 8-9a

The ancestral stories we find recounted in the last half of Genesis are entertaining, but none of them are particularly uplifting. Each of the families portrayed is dysfunctional and what heroes emerge are flawed at best. Jacob, the favored son of Isaac, is a trickster and a liar–but he’s also capable of great love. There’s no doubting his deep love for his first cousin, Rachel–he works 14 years to make her his wife. And when she died giving birth to her second son, Benjamin, he poured all of his love into her boys, so much so that his 10 other sons became jealous to the point of fratricide. As we all know from his starring role in a Broadway musical, Joseph, Rachel’s first-born, survived his brothers’ attack, and became a ruler in Egypt. From that position Joseph is able to save his family in a time of famine, but not without exacting a bit of payback from his brothers. The whole story reminds us that none of God’s people are saints! We’re all more than a bit flawed–some of us significantly. We too have dysfunctional families and are still used in downright miraculous ways to bring goodness to hurting people. That’s just how it is with the family of God!

Thought for the Day: How is my family flawed?

Luke 6:20-26

“Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.’” vss. 20-21b

As Luke recounts Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain we hear echoes of Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, with one major difference. In Matthew Jesus’ words are directed to souls, e.g. blessed are the poor in spirit, while in Luke they are aimed at stomachs, e.g. blessed are you who are poor and hungry now. Luke wants us to know that Jesus had compassion for those who were needy and hurting, and that any rich or wealthy folks in the crowd could expect to be challenged. It isn’t that Jesus avoided the rich. Indeed he seems to have regularly dined at their tables and responded to their requests for healing. But he didn’t mince words when talking about their wealth. ”Woe to you who are rich,” was a regular refrain in his teaching and preaching, and most of us don’t like to hear that. Instead we embrace what is called the “prosperity gospel” and have come to believe that riches are God’s blessing for the faithful. Our artful preachers have learned to ease our consciences by tweaking Jesus’ words on wealth and taking away their sting. Admittedly it is hard to see poverty and hunger as blessings–that isn’t how we want to live. But Jesus’ words are meant to be wrestled with and not ignored. He does have a point–our task is to figure out what it is!

Thought for the Day: What is Jesus’ point?