Psalm 23

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.” vss. 2-3

Each of us has a soul–it’s what gives us our identity. That soul bears the stamp of God and is the part of us that craves meaning and purpose. When we’re at our best we feel the connection with the Divine and know in our hearts that we have come from God and will be going to God. There’s a unity that transcends the muck of the world and gives peace to our hearts in the darkest moments. But at other times life seems difficult and even living from day to day is a chore. That yearned for connection is gone and we feel an emptiness in our hearts that aches for fulfillment. The psalmist knew that feeling but also knew that the Good Shepherd would bring restoration to his soul. And so it continues for us. The restoration business is a part of the Divine job description and when our souls are disconnected, we should know that our plight has not escaped God’s attention. In the midst of our dismembering we are remembered and Light heads our way. Sometimes it comes through creation, in a poignant moment out in the wild or in a garden. Most often it comes through the eyes and touches of friends and family, those special persons who have been assigned our cases from eternity. Oh how good it is to be loved and not forgotten!

Thought for the Day: How’s my soul doing?

Jeremiah 23:3-6

“I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.” vs. 4

For centuries the Jews hung on to the words of prophets like Jeremiah, hoping against hope that one day God would send a good shepherd, a king who would ensure their prosperity and security. When Jesus began his ministry there were some who believed that their prayers had been answered, that he was the promised Righteous Branch of David. Many of his followers, inspired by his own words, began to think of him as the Good Shepherd. We’ve continued to picture Jesus in that way and images of the Good Shepherd are regularly seen in our homes and churches. It’s not that we think of him in political terms any longer–we don’t imagine him leading an army or vanquishing foes. For us he is the Divine Presence, that intimate experience of God’s love that comes near in our hours of greatest need. In those fearful times it is as though we are cowering lambs caught up in the arms of the shepherd and being carried safely home. The Good Shepherd is better than any president or governor–they let folks fall through the cracks. No wandering sheep is ever lost or forsaken in Christ. Indeed, goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, and we have a place in the house of the Lord forever.

Thought for the Day: When do I need shepherding?

Jeremiah 23:1-3

“‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ says the Lord.” vs. 1

The Hebrew scriptures abound with references to shepherds and their flocks. Whenever a writer was looking for an analogy to describe the relationship between a sovereign and the nation, this was the go-to metaphor. Jeremiah uses it here to blame the kings of Judah and Israel for the sorry condition of God’s chosen people. They were the ones in charge and they were the ones who had messed things up–and Jeremiah believes they deserve to be punished. We aren’t as familiar with shepherds and flocks but it isn’t hard to get the prophet’s point–and his charge is still right on! While we enjoy a good deal of independence in our world, leaders are enormously important. And there are plenty of candidates clamoring for our attention and allegiance. And when they get control, their policies will always have an effect on lives, both for better and for worse. Some have a heart for justice and peace, others have more self-serving motivations. A few demand almost slavish allegiance and are ruthless in destroying their opposition. The consequences of their leadership will endure for decades. To paraphrase Jeremiah, “Woe to those who lead us astray!” How good it is when our shepherds guide us on paths of righteousness and peace while caring for the weak and the hurting! It’s a delicate balance, and few are those who would merit a prophet’s praise!

Thought for the Day: How can a politician be a good shepherd?

Mark 6:21-29

“The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.” vs. 26

Those who operate without a moral compass often make decisions with far-reaching effects for the flimsiest of reasons. Herod makes a foolish promise to the step-daughter who has entertained him and his presumably well-lubricated guests. The girl’s mother seizes on the opportunity to rid herself of a well-hated nemesis–and John the Baptizer loses his head. Herod’s stated regard for his oaths and his guests is pure theater and indicates a complete lack of principle and values, even when accompanied by crocodile tears. He would rather plunge his country into war than lose face! Of course he wasn’t the first such fool, and he obviously hasn’t been the last. Millions of people have lost their lives in senseless wars at the whim of heartless sovereigns who stand on the sidelines, relishing their luxury while their subjects perish. Such is the way of empires everywhere! What a contrast Jesus presents as he comes announcing the coming Reign of God! And what joy it brings to see signs of that power popping up across the land! How blessed it is when Christ-centered people of all faiths lead the way in establishing pockets of peace and justice where the hurting of this world can be embraced by the sacrificial love of God! And praise God for those prophets who, like John, stand with the poor and the broken, and who gladly take every opportunity to speak truth to power.

Thought for the Day: What can happen when truth is spoken to power?

Mark 6:14-20

“for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.” vs. 20

Herod ruled over Galilee and Perea (a territory east of the Jordan and the Dead Sea) on behalf of the Romans and was involved in a series of clashes with the king of Nabatea. He had arrested John because of his comments about Herod’s marital status, but because of John’s popularity he hesitated to kill him. Instead John was imprisoned in Machaerus, a palace fortress, on the eastern highland over the Dead Sea. Herod who was widely traveled, a member of the Imperial jet set and a regular visitor to Rome, evidently found amusement in conversing with John, and perhaps hearing stories about the decadence of the Jewish religious establishment in Jerusalem. It seems likely that Herod, familiar with both privilege and prestige, lacked a moral compass, and simply acted in line with his base desires. Everything hinged on maintaining control and doing whatever he could to stay in power. When those are the operative principles, as we see again and again among our politicians, there is little chance that the words of a prophet are going to make a difference. Power closes minds! The most effective change always comes from those with well-calibrated moral compasses working from the outside in and the bottom up.

Thought for the Day: Why do the powerful have closed minds?

Ephesians 1:8b-13

“so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.” vs. 12

Early Christian communities had to deal with a variety of issues as they began to consider how to live as Christ’s people in a culture teeming with alternatives. The process wasn’t easy and leaders struggled to offer prescriptions that aligned with the gospel and the traditions. There were obviously many disagreements, just as there are in contemporary congregations. But there was general agreement that all those who had believed the good news and had put their hope in Christ should live for the praise of his glory. That continues to be a mark of genuine worship in our communities of faith. No matter what our denomination, we share an appreciation of what has been done for us in Christ. So when we come together there has to be room for genuine, unbridled praise and thanksgiving. And some congregations have become masters at making songs of praise the core of their worship. Their singers are magnificent and the music is loud and fast with many repetitions and repeated phrases. Of course such “performances” aren’t for everyone and some followers of Jesus prefer chorales and quieter songs–tastes vary widely. But those who hold up holy hands and sway with the rhythms have discovered a powerful way to offer their testimony, one that speaks volumes to those who are searching for a more “lively” expression of faith. And when Christ is glorified how can any be critical?

Thought for the Day: What makes worship come alive for me?

Ephesians 1:3-8a

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.” vss. 7-8a

When soldiers die in battle we commonly say that they have shed their blood for the sake of their country, and that they died to maintain our freedom. And of course we set aside days to remember their great sacrifice. Early Christians had a similar regard for the death of Jesus on a cross. They had almost all been reared in a religion that required the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins. So when Jesus was crucified, almost at once they began to understand his death in sacrificial terms. In fact, they believed that his death marked the end of that whole era of blood atonement. No longer would people need to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins, from now on, by the lavish riches of God’s grace, redemption had been taken care of. Jesus had died so that all might be set free! And it was all a gift! Now there are some who don’t like this kind of language–the notion of a blood atonement is repellant to them. We can understand the objection. And certainly it’s barbaric to think of God requiring such a thing of Jesus. But we can understand the power of the imagery–the shedding of blood for the sake of another is the ultimate statement of love. And because it is, the cross of Christ will always be the center of our faith!

Thought for the Day: Which is the more powerful symbol in your life? $ or T

Psalm 85:8-13

“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” vs. 10

The psalmist knew that there was nothing but good ahead for the people of Israel. Even though they had rebelled against the Lord, there would be a restoration. They would not be forsaken–salvation was at hand. Ever since those days the people of God have lived in anticipation of that moment–Jesus called it the coming of the Kingdom of God. And while we often think of that restoration as being a part of a far distant future, Jesus told his followers that it was at hand, that it could be experienced in the here and now. Where do we see that? It is as the psalmist described. Salvation comes when steadfast love and faithfulness meet; when righteousness and peace kiss each other. And just as our attentive eyes catch regular glimpses of the Christ, we also see the signs of that salvation. It happens all the time in families and congregations all over the world. Love and faithfulness come together, and when they do, righteousness and peace are not far behind. Of course we always long for the end of rebellion and idolatry–such yearnings are natural. But brokenness will never have the last word in a universe circumscribed by the absolute and steadfast love of God! No wonder the psalmist always broke into praise by the time his psalm had ended–it’s the only fitting response for any of us.

Thought for the Day: When do I get discouraged?

Amos 7:10-15

“Then Amos answered Amaziah, ‘I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”’”

As might be expected Amos’ message had not gone over well with the religious leaders of Israel. He was from Judah, and when he stirred up the poor against the rich in Israel, the high priest told him to take his message back to his homeland. In general that’s how it is with people. We don’t like to be criticized by outsiders. Whether it be in regard to our families, politics, or religion we’d just as soon that critics keep their noses out of our business. The sad result of that attitude is that we just keep on worshipping our old idols and making the same foolish mistakes over and over again. Really, it’s the people who aren’t captive to our system, culture, or theology who can offer the keenest insights about where we’ve gone astray and what we might do to get back on track again. Occasionally through history, such persons have been listened to, but most often they’re ignored. People would rather fight bloody civil wars than change their slavish ways. Blessed are those who open their ears to outsiders, reflect on what they hear, and then change what needs to be changed! After all, as any fool can attest, change is not a four letter word!

Thought for the Day: Why do we resist the advice of outsiders?

Amos 7:7-9

“And the Lord said to me, ‘Amos, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘A plumb line.’ Then the Lord said, ‘See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by;’” vs. 8

With the aid of a plumb line a worker can always find the true vertical and will know in an instant if a wall is crooked or straight. The prophet Amos uses it as a metaphor to describe how the people of Israel had wandered away from the way of the Lord. They no longer measured up…and there would be consequences! It’s a good question for any follower of Jesus too. How well do we measure up? As the years have passed are our lives still in plumb? Or have we yielded to the desires of the age and become careless about the way that we live? It’s easy to do when we’ve been steeped in a gospel of grace and assured of God’s steadfast love. We begin to imagine that it really doesn’t make any difference if we’re crooked or straight and that we can pretty much do as we please with no consequences. And that’s just not true! It’s not that we run the risk of going to hell when we die, but we can certainly mess up life in the present. Through Jesus Christ we know the way to experience joy in the midst of suffering. It’s simply a matter of being awake to the presence of the Divine in all that exists…including ourselves!

Thought for the Day: How’s my life measuring up?