Jeremiah 11:18-20

“But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.” vs. 20

Jeremiah’s life had been threatened by some people from his hometown and he didn’t like it! They evidently had taken offense at things he had said and were scheming to erase his name from the memory of his people. But Jeremiah believes that the Lord, the Righteous One to whom he had made a commitment, won’t let them get away with their plots. And more than that he wants to see the Lord’s retribution upon them–a desire that most of us can understand, because we’d like that sort of thing too. When someone has done us wrong, by breaking vows or being unfaithful, or by some other nasty words or actions, we would like nothing more than to see them brought low. Vengeance is as natural to us as breathing, and we love to see the bad guys beaten down. Unfortunately we have not been called to be followers of Jeremiah! Instead we have committed our cause to Jesus, and the whole world knows what he prayed would happen to his enemies. There’s nothing about revenge or retribution–all we get is his words from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing!” It’s perfectly fine for us to be honest about the vengeful feelings that churn around in our guts! They come on their own–but they don’t have to remain!

Thought for the Day: Against whom have I harbored vengeful feelings?

Mark 8:34-38

“He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” vs. 34

These familiar words have a quaint feel about them. Once they seemed so important, a description of a call to discipleship that could define the journey of our lives. But now there’s a kind of sad irrelevance about them. They’re a reminder of times past when people actually did look beyond themselves and lived their lives in the shadow of the cross. But now times are different. The forces of the world have had decades to bombard our minds with messages of self-indulgence and consumption. Everywhere we look we see the beautiful people of society beckoning us to activate new credit limits and follow them into experiences of unbelievable joy and pleasure. Even churches have changed their messages and some now offer a new Jesus, one created especially for our times, and his new way leads not to the cross but to happiness and prosperity. But thoughtful folks wonder! They know suffering still touches every human heart, and times are not as wonderful as marketers would have us believe. They see the effects of shallow and profligate living all around, and know that joy can never come from self-indulgence. They know that Jesus wasn’t kidding when he said, “What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose their life?” For them the cross will never be obsolete!

Thought for the Day: What is the way of the cross?

Mark 8:27-33

“He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’” vs. 29

There is little doubt that Jesus of Nazareth existed. Only die-hard skeptics continue to say that there never was such a person, that all reports of his existence are only fabrications. Even if we doubt the accuracy of some gospel accounts it seems obvious that he preached and taught in Galilee and Judea at some point in the first century. Less than twenty years after his death there is evidence of growing communities of his followers all around the eastern Mediterranean. Mark reports that during his lifetime people wondered about him, thinking that perhaps he was the promised messiah of Israel. Peter, one of his prominent disciples, was convinced–in his mind there was no doubt. Jesus was the Messiah! We’re faced with the same identity question as Peter. And even if we’re not looking for a messiah, at some point we are called to make some sort of decision about who Jesus is. We could see him as simply a man, an ancient teacher who happened to have a few gifted publicists, or we could acknowledge him as the incarnation of the eternal Christ, and decide to walk in his way. It’s an important decision, one that will have a powerful impact in the way we live. We can delay it if we wish–some like to weigh  options and maybe check out other messiahs, but what a blessing it is when we finally make our choice Jesus!

Thought for the Day: Who do I say that Jesus is?

James 3:6-12

“With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.” vss. 9-10

James understands the power of the tongue. He says that it is like a fire, a small part of our body, yet capable of inflicting enormous damage, but he doesn’t give any hints about how it can be controlled. He points out the problem, says that the same mouth should not both bless and curse, and then leaves it up to the reader to figure out what to do. We know what he’s talking about. We’ve all been the victims of “loose lips” and wagging tongues–and chances are we’ve also been on the other side too. We say hurtful and demeaning things even to the people we’ve sworn to love. And we can’t seem to find a way out of the dilemma. We try biting our tongues, but they’re so resilient. Even after being bitten they will lash out with even greater insults, words specially chosen to wound and destroy. It could be that with the passage of time our tongues can be trained and directed to be more loving and healing, to offer more blessings than curses, but it’s not a guarantee. Slips of the tongue seem to continue as long as we have breath to speak. But so do those opportunities to offer words of love and affection! Our task is to learn to use those additional days to loose our tongues for goodness’ sake–it’s hard, but it can be done!

Thought for the Day: How am I using my tongue these days?

James 3:1-5

“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” vs. 1

There is a strange paradox connected to the teaching profession. On the one hand we see teachers being regularly disparaged and discounted in popular commentary. It is said that they suck up massive amounts of taxpayer dollars while working short hours for only a portion of the year. As a group they’re held responsible for the decline in achievement scores and the breakdown of traditional values. James is right! Those who teach are judged with greater strictness! Yet it is also true that almost all of us remember with fondness teachers who have touched our hearts and challenged our minds. Even today our children are exposed daily to men and women who are having a profound effect on their lives. Denigrated as a group, individually, teachers are changing lives in powerful and wonderful ways. It is indeed a noble profession! We should be thankful for all those who have a gift for teaching, and who take the steps necessary to use that talent in enriching lives. They are making connections that will last for a life-time and passing on skills that every person needs for a satisfying life. Of course they will be judged with greater strictness–their jobs are crucial and need to be done well. But they also need to hear praise–especially in these days of COVID. Today might be the perfect day to “thank a teacher.”

Thought for the Day: How has COVID affected teachers?

Psalm 116:6-9

“The Lord protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.” vs.6

The psalmist had come close to death, but he had survived, not because of his wealth or privilege, or because he had acted with wisdom and valor. He didn’t have any credits to his name, but for some reason the Lord had smiled on him in his misery, and he had been restored to life.There are whole bunches of folks who have had that same experience with God. They know they’re not the smartest or the most capable–and they haven’t come close to figuring out the answers to life’s perplexing mysteries. They’ve never been the brightest bulb in the room but they have enjoyed being alive. They like the eating and drinking that goes along with living and they particularly like being a part of a family. Oh, and they do know there is a God who loves them and takes care of them; frankly, they’re puzzled that anyone would even question such a basic truth. They do what they do, day in and day out, and they love doing the serving tasks that community life requires. The psalmist believed that God took special care for such simple folk, that they were protected by God’s healing love. And even though we may not aspire to be simple, there is much that we can learn from them. As the old Shaker folk song puts it, “‘Tis a gift to be simple, ‘tis a gift to be free!” And so it is! 

Thought for the Day: Why is a simple person more free?

Psalm 116:1-5

“The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.” vs. 3

It’s possible for some to live in this world without giving much thought to the passage of time or the inevitability of death. In fact most folks don’t care one bit to dwell on the prospect of dying–they’d much rather talk of something else. But realistically, sooner or later, whether through our own experience or that of a loved one, we’re bound to consider end of life scenarios. The psalmist had endured such a moment. A dread illness had seized him and the prospect of death loomed large; he had suffered distress and anguish. That’s not an uncommon reaction. Most of us would much rather live and so we’ll do anything to hold death at bay, at least until we’ve lived to a ripe old age. So when death does come near it’s perfectly natural to offer protests to God and check out any possibilities for thwarting our enemy. We turn to oncologists and surgeons, miracle drugs and therapies, and submit to every kind of treatment, all in the hope of continuing to live. It’s what we do as humans, even if we believe in eternal life. And then one day, at least for some, there comes a time when they come to grips with their own mortality, and death loses its power to torment and terrify. It’s a huge blessing when such a moment arrives. Not only do we lose our fear, we gain a fresh appreciation for whatever life remains!

Thought for the Day: How am I approaching death?

Isaiah 50:4-9a

“The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.” vs. 4

The prophet knew that he had a gift for teaching, one that he hadn’t sought, but that had come from God. His audience was the exiled community of Israel, and they were getting discouraged as they waited out their time in Babylon. And somehow he was able to find images and stories that they could identify with, and in those words they found hope. Such teachers continue to be a gift in our communities of faith–and we are drawn to their words. They don’t rely on theological jargon or “canned” sermons plucked from the internet–they make connections more subtly, with stories that come alive with the telling. And as we listen we hear words of grace and hope that fill our hearts. Where do they develop their skills? The prophet tells us that his giftedness came through careful listening, both to God and to those he was teaching. And so it continues to be. Our best teachers will also be the best listeners–it’s how they learn what people are hungry for. Listening is a gift that most of us could learn to practice–knowledge never ever comes to us while we’re talking. In fact, the more we talk, the less we’re able to learn. Thank God for those who have practiced keeping their mouths shut! It’s through them that we learn the secrets of the universe.

Thought for the Day: Who is my teacher these days?

Mark 7:31-37

“Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.” vs. 36

Readers have long wondered about a peculiarity in the gospel of Mark. Some have called it a mystery, and they’re referring to Mark’s account of Jesus’ repeated efforts to keep his messianic ministry a secret. New Testament scholars have debated this for centuries and many have written books that provide solutions to the mystery. Of course, since it is a mystery, and Mark isn’t around to provide explanations, all of what they write is speculation, something that all of them love to do. In fact, it’s something we enjoy doing too, and most of our conversations would be a lot shorter if we stopped speculating about stuff. The truth is that we don’t know precisely what Jesus was up to–the best we can do is say that according to Mark, he loved privacy. And so do we! At least the introverts among us do–and a good number of extroverts too! No matter how much we’re needed by others, we need private time, precious minutes in the course of a busy day when we can recharge our spiritual batteries, and find energy for loving. The texts tell us that Jesus spent such time in prayer–and the more isolated he was the better. Occasionally, in order to get such moments he said “no” to people in need. Now, this is likely not the answer to the “mystery” of Mark, but it is good guidance for our busy, busy lives.

Thought for the Day: Where do I find my privacy?

Mark 7:24-30

“He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’” vs. 27

To escape the bread-seeking crowds Jesus goes to the coastal city of Tyre where he imagines he can remain anonymous. Of course the plan doesn’t work and he is immediately approached by a woman seeking healing for her demon possessed daughter. Because she is a Gentile, Jesus initially denied her request. At that point he didn’t believe that his ministry extended beyond the Jewish people. His refusal is a surprise to many–we’ve gotten used to the idea of an inclusive Jesus who gave his life for all. But that’s not how things work in this world. Almost all religious movements begin with a solid core of insiders, people with similar traditions and outlooks, and they begin their operations using an exclusive playbook. But sooner or later, if the movement is of God, the Spirit begins to open hearts to a more expansive vision of God’s love. The transition doesn’t happen easily–believers are remarkably resistant to change. In the early church it took many decades before boundaries began to be penetrated. Even now change comes hard–there’s a reluctance to the opening of doors and doing away with barriers to outsiders. But even Jesus changed his mind and healed the woman’s daughter–and inclusion  became the rule rather than the exception for his followers.

Thought for the Day: Why are most American Lutheran congregations so white?