Jeremiah 23:23-26

“Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.” vs. 24

Twenty-five hundred years ago Jeremiah refused to believe that God could be manipulated or avoided. God was no idol of stone or wood hanging out in temples and having no connection to daily life.  Like many of us Jeremiah believed that the Lord filled the universe, that God was present in all that exists. For Jeremiah that was important knowledge, an understanding of God that should keep humans from ever imagining that they could get away with their lies and unscrupulous behaviors. Now it may be that some folks don’t give a rip about God and don’t even care that their language and actions are gross and despicable. But most people, almost all politicians in fact, say that they do believe in God. In the United States it’s a part of our national creed and even shows up on our money (though probably not on Bitcoin). So why then is it so hard for people to behave in God-pleasing ways? There’s probably not a good answer, but the question sure gave Jeremiah heartburn. And it should bother us too, and not just as some other reason to judge others. This is something for each of us to consider carefully in our hearts. Is God’s closeness a factor in my daily living choices? If not, why not?

Thought for the Day: Is my faith real or just lip service?

Luke 12:37-40

“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” vs. 40

Believers are familiar with admonitions to be prepared. They occur regularly in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in those relating to the coming apocalypse. Disciples were warned that the Son of Man would be coming at an unexpected hour and that they should be ready. Early Christians taught that Jesus would be coming again, likely within their lifetimes, and even when his return was delayed, preachers continued to warn their hearers to be ready. Some believers, with an eye on impending global catastrophes, even now take those warnings seriously. Others are not so concerned about “end of the world” scenarios in the traditional sense. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t learned to live in a state of readiness. Anyone with half a brain knows that, as individuals, life can come to an end in a heartbeat. We all have heard the stories about seemingly healthy persons who have suddenly died–and we know that could happen for us too. And even when we can’t know the time of that ending, we can at least have our affairs in order. What that means will vary from person to person. Some will make wills and have estate plans. Others will enjoy life as fully as they can and not put things off. One thing we don’t need to worry about is whether we’ll have a room in the heavenly mansions. That’s God’s business, and that gift is ours by grace!

Thought for the Day: What am I doing to be ready?

Luke 12:32-40

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven…” vss. 32-33a

About 15-20% of the people who stop breathing and seem to be dying have reported what are known as Near Death Experiences as they recall their memories of what occurred. While reports vary as to what is remembered from those moments, almost all say that they no longer have any fear of death. For many the experience is transformative and changes perceptions about the purpose of life. The desire to accumulate virtually disappears, people become more loving, and many devote their remaining years to caring and service. In other words, they experience the truth of Jesus’ message as reported by Luke. Fear leaves them because they know beyond doubt that God’s kingdom, now and forever, is a gift. Giving becomes second nature, and they are convinced that the whole purpose of living is to love. What a blessing it is to know these precious teachings of Jesus without having to go through a Near Death Experience! People of faith who believe in a loving God have learned that giving is the essence of a joy-filled life and spend their entire lives making purses for themselves that will never wear out. They do this not to earn eternal life, but because they have eternal life! The kingdom is ours purely by God’s good pleasure!

Thought for the Day: What are Near Death Experiences?

Hebrews 11:8-16

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.” vs. 8

It’s not unusual for a person in our mobile times to have an experience like that of Abraham. A call comes, maybe a job opportunity, or perhaps a marriage, and off we go, trusting that the move will be good, even though sometimes we really don’t know what we’re doing. And it’s not just once that we do it. Again and again we move on, generally with the sense that life is going to be better. That spirit of optimism is common and it has prompted a great shifting of populations–we have become an unrooted people. But we don’t just have those feelings about geographical or physical moves, there is a general feeling or faith that the future is going to bring blessings. And then when we get older those hopes are translated into retirement plans–we’ve put in our years of labor and are looking for rest, preferably in a more agreeable climate. So we set out again to pursue our dreams, on the move once more. All those years of anticipation are ultimately preparing us for our final destination. One day, God is going to give us our inheritance, and even though we don’t know where or when that journey will be, by faith we can look forward to it. It’s going to be better than we ever dreamed!

Thought for the Day: What was the best move of my life?

Hebrews 11:1-3

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” vs. 1

Whenever a loved one dies and we proclaim with conviction that they rest in peace or are safe in the arms of Jesus, we’re making an important statement of faith. We have no way of proving what we say and rationalists would likely scoff at our words, but we keep on making the claim because it’s the core of our faith. It’s our heart’s deepest conviction and the assurance of all that we hope for. Believers make other faith statements too–some have been incorporated in the creeds that we sometimes use in worship. These are convictions about the nature of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. Obviously there are some differences in what we believe and we will have contrary opinions about any number of things. Some doctrines aren’t as important to some of us as others, and that’s okay. Our salvation certainly doesn’t depend on perfect agreement about theological matters. But for most people the affirmation of life in the face of death has special significance. Even folks who seem to have no faith at all, when death visits, will speak as though their loved one has a new life. Some are enormously curious about that life and will visit mediums in their search for assurance. For many believers the assurance that comes with faith is enough. Even without proof they are convinced that there is new life in Christ–and there is nothing that can take that faith away.

Thought for the Day: What is life after death like?

Psalm 33:9-22

“The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save. Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death…” vss. 17-19a

For millennia the nations of the world have been engaged in an enormous and deadly contest for power and control. Great empires have arisen, each one dependent on the latest advances in weapons and military might. In our time, by virtue of technology and genius we are now able to obliterate entire cities with the sending of rockets and the explosions of bombs. Combined, the nations have stockpiled enough firepower to destroy the entire planet many times over–and we’re still not done. The arms race continues unabated in spite of the horrors of the last century’s wars. In recent years more people have been driven from their homes than ever before in history–and the leaders of the world seem unwilling to call a halt! Even some Christians advocate for the development and use of more powerful weaponry! We know better! The psalmist says that great might cannot save us. War horses and atomic bombs are vain hopes for victory. Only the steadfast love of the Lord will ultimately deliver the nations from their war-mongering ways! Only then will the soul of humanity be delivered from death and destruction! We pray fervently for the triumph of love!

Thought for the Day: Why are leaders unwilling to do the things that will make for peace?

Psalm 33:1-9

“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous. Praise befits the upright. Praise the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.” vss. 1-3

One of the consequences of these COVID years, paradoxically combined with our increasing mobility, has been the precipitous decline in worship attendance in most congregations. Oh, many have moved to live-streaming their services, but the experience of community worship simply can’t be replicated. Not only do we miss out on the shoulder to shoulder experience of Holy Communion, there is virtually no opportunity for singing. Some say they don’t miss the songs and hymns, and maybe they don’t. In some ways music is an acquired taste. But for the psalmist, praising God with stringed instruments was a natural expression of joy and thanksgiving. He even says that “praise befits the upright.” We can wonder what will happen to faith as fewer and fewer people have that experience–will it fade away if we stop gathering for worship? Time will tell, but the truth is that as people have returned to in-person praise they have reported that tears have come to their eyes in the singing of the songs and hymns. Something is happening in them! And it’s a good thing! Praise God for all the congregations that have reopened with fresh attention being paid to the worship experience. It’s one of the best ways we have of refreshing our souls.

Thought for the Day: What did I miss most during COVID closures?

Genesis 15:1-6

“And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.” vs. 6

Abraham’s response to God’s promise of many descendants was picked up by Paul as a proof that salvation comes through faith and not through obedience to the Law. Abraham didn’t have much going for him according to the scriptures. He never did settle down, was unbelievably cruel to the mother of his first son, and a big-time liar while he lived in Egypt. But he did trust God, and ultimately, that’s what he is remembered for. For most it’s a huge consolation to know that God hasn’t made perfection a requirement for entrance into the peaceable kingdom. We come as we are into the arenas of God’s grace, knowing full well that we’ve screwed up massively in the span of our lives, but still trusting that in Christ we are included under the mantle of unconditional love. Sometimes we wonder about those who do not believe, who for one reason or another have rejected God’s promises. Some even deny the existence of God. It’s so important to remember that such persons are loved by God–they too have been created in God’s image–God’s love is imprinted in their genes from birth. And that never ends. Even when we don’t believe God’s promises God continues to believe in us. And believe it or not that’s good news for us all! It’s just sad when people don’t know that!

Thought for the Day: How strong is my faith?

Luke 12:16-21

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” vss. 20-21

Jesus told a parable about a man whose fields had done very well. In fact they produced so much grain that the man didn’t have enough storage facilities. So he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones, where he’d have room to store all his crops. Many of us have stories like that too. We probably don’t have fields and barns but we may have had successful careers or businesses. Perhaps we’ve invested in apartment buildings or made a killing in hedge funds. When that happens it feels like we’re winning the game, that big game of life that tracks our income and investments. The money is how we keep score! It’s funny! When things are going well we feel a sense of pride in our success–we like watching our accounts increase in value. Even pastors get upset when they notice that their pension funds are taking a hit. It’s important for believers to take stock from time to time and remember that Jesus doesn’t give a rip about our bottom line. And he’s right! He called the man in the parable a fool, and we’re no different when we get obsessed about storing up treasures, and pay no attention to the state of our souls. 

Thought for the Day: How does my bottom line affect my morale?

Luke 12:13-15

“Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’” vs. 13

There’s nothing that stirs up a family more than the division of an estate after a death has taken place. Ill feelings abound, attorneys are hired, and final disposition of lawsuits may take years to be settled. Even when a will exists and the intentions of the deceased seem crystal clear, family members end up at odds with one another. Sometimes people have lived for years with the expectation of a big pay-off when one or both of their parents finally die, only to be deeply disappointed. Of course this isn’t just a modern problem–even Jesus was asked to be an arbitrator and settle a family inheritance dispute. Greed has been around forever. We like stuff, and if we don’t have to work for it, all the better. Even when we think we’re above all that monkey business, in the right situation we can easily get our feelings hurt and think that we’ve been cheated. The best solution is to do a ton of estate planning, give most of our stuff to organizations we love, and make sure that our closest heirs are treated fairly in our wills. Even then there’s a good chance that someone is going to be upset–greed can expose our ugly side in a heartbeat. Blessed are those who have the spiritual gift of generosity! They will be the masters of wealth and not its slaves!

Thought for the Day: My family inheritance squabbles.