John 4:5-15

“The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)” vs. 9

The Jews and the Samaritans were of the same ethnic background, but the Samaritans had not been a part of the Babylonian exile. When the Jews returned to Jerusalem under Ezra and Nehemiah there were immediate tensions with the Samaritans. Those tensions continued through the next couple of centuries and came to a head when the Jews destroyed the Samaritan temple that had been on Mt. Gerizim. By the time of Jesus the two groups would have nothing to do with each other. 

Ethnic and religious boundaries still exist among us and they are exceptionally difficult to overcome. It seems we are much more comfortable in a homogenous community, and are quick to develop tribal antipathies, which regularly result in war or armed conflicts. Even when things are relatively peaceful we are acutely aware of our differences.

That Jesus was willing to ask for a drink from a Samaritan woman was extraordinary and in so doing, he set an example for his followers. We are called to embrace the “other” and put aside every kind of ethnic, racial, or religious difference. It’s an enormous challenge and our congregations struggle to present an inclusive presence to the world. Even when we are aware of the problem, we seem almost powerless to do anything about it!

Thought for the Day: Why is inclusiveness so difficult?

Romans 5:6-11

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die.” vss. 6-7

In most of the places where followers of Jesus gather for worship there will be a cross in a prominent position near the front of the church, sometimes in a crucifix form, bearing the body of Jesus, and often empty, a reminder that Jesus has risen from the dead. Always the cross is intended to be a symbol of the great love that God has for humanity.

And this is no narrow love, one that is directed only toward righteous persons, the folks who have their ducks in a row and who are known for their goodness. Paul tells us that this is an inclusive love, one that is directed particularly toward the ungodly. It’s a love that is demonstrated by the extended arms of Jesus on the cross, arms that are reaching out to embrace all of humanity. 

Paul reminds us how rare this kind of love is. Most of us care little for the ungodly and wouldn’t even think about sacrificing our own lives to save theirs. But the love of Christ is different, so different that it’s hard for us to even grasp. And when it finally hits us that this is intended to be a model for our own loving, it brings us to our knees. Yet that’s what he says,“As I have loved you, so you are to love one another.” 

Thought for the Day:Who would I die for?

Romans 5:1-5

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand;” vss. 1-2a

Sometimes we believers get our slogans confused, and we wonder things like, are we “justified by grace through faith,” or is it “justified by faith through grace?” And really it doesn’t make any difference which phrase we’ve learned–both contain the same essential truth about our relationship to God. But Paul here goes with “justification by faith through grace” and we can see his point. In the first place, salvation is purely by the grace of God, and faith doesn’t have anything to do with it! Faith is not some sort of good work that earns us favor in the sight of God. It’s grace alone, the unbelievable universal love of God that restores our relationship to God. Grace is what God does, faith is what we do!

But, and it is a big but, that grace is inaccessible except through faith. We could even say that faith is the key that unlocks the riches of salvation. Faith is Thomas saying “I believe” when he encounters the Risen Christ. Faith is saying “I believe,” when we’ve never seen Jesus in the flesh. Faith is saying “I am righteous,” and “all my sins have been forgiven.”

Which is more important? Grace or faith? We can have one without the other, but both are essential for our salvation!

Thought for the Day: Am I more of a “grace” or “faith” person?

Psalm 95

“O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” vs. 1

According to recent surveys 83% of Americans say that they believe in God but only about 30% participate in regular worship services. Now it is true that you don’t have to be a part of a worshipping community to worship God. Since God is not confined to buildings it’s quite possible to worship in a variety of places, even lying on our backs in bed! Even so, it’s quite likely that most people who say that they believe in God never bother to worship either formally or informally.

And that’s okay! God certainly doesn’t need our worship. But somehow it’s sad that those who seem to fervently believe that God is don’t take the time to engage in worship with a community of faith. Because even if God doesn’t need our worship, we need to worship!  There are such blessings that come from singing our hearts out to the Lord, and it doesn’t even have to be in tune or in harmony. The psalmist encourages simply a joyful noise, something that all of us can  do with ease!

Now there are obviously obstacles to worship in every congregation and people stay away for a variety of reasons. .But what a pity it is when we miss out on the singing and praise. Even if that’s the only reason we go to church, it is enough!

Thought for the Day: Where do I make a joyful noise to God?

Exodus 17:1-7

But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?’ “ vs. 3

It appears that when the people of Israel quarreled with Moses and then complained about his leadership, they pushed him over the edge. He became so angry that, according to the book of Numbers, he failed to honor God when he struck the rock with his staff. When water gushed forth he took the credit and did not give proper glory to God. And for that reason he was barred from entry into the Promised Land.

It’s a perfect example of what can happen to the best of us when we lose our tempers. In Moses’ estimation the people were being ungrateful. After all he had done they still dared to question and complain. We know what it’s like to be unappreciated when we’ve given our best on behalf of others. People can be such jerks! And sometimes we just have to lash out in anger.

And let’s face it! Not much good comes from losing our tempers. We might not be barred from the Promised Land, but sometimes relationships are damaged almost beyond repair. A person we’ve counted as a friend can become an enemy. And in a close relationship like marriage, an unbridled anger can wreak havoc. While anger is inevitable in life, people of faith figure out how to channel and control it. Sometimes we can even use it for good!

Thought for the Day: What do I do when my temper flares?

John 3:11-17

“If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?”

Nicodemus didn’t get it, and there were no words to explain what he was missing. Sometimes that’s how it is when we try to share our deepest feelings and ideas with a curious questioner. We can know something so intimately in our hearts but when we try to share that truth all the words we choose seem inadequate. Instead of getting an understanding nod, all we get is a blank stare. It is as though we are speaking a foreign language! It’s frustrating!

Generally this happens because these things we hold in our souls didn’t get there from reading a book or even listening to a podcast. Rather they’ve been planted by the Holy Spirit and are absolutely unique to our own perspective and background. We don’t choose to believe as we do, it’s something that happens in us over a lifetime. And rather than despair about not being able to explain it, perhaps we only need recognize that the same Spirit who has molded our being is at work in the life of the other. God is not powerless in touching our hearts, and the results will not be the same in all. 

And sometimes, and this is the humbling part, the person we’re trying to convince of our truth, already possesses a deeply satisfying truth of their own. Ultimately, sharing our faith is not so much a matter of convincing the other as it is listening to them. 

Thought for the Day: Times when sharing brings frustration.

John 3:1-10

“Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’” vs. 4

There is nothing like being a literalist to hinder a person from grasping the Truth! Nicodemus, a teacher of the law, was eager to talk to Jesus. He’d been watching his ministry from a distance, but was reluctant to show his interest publicly. He comes under cover of darkness with his questions, and then when Jesus answers him in an enigmatic way, totally misses the point.

That’s the way it is with literalists. They have a dualistic, black and white approach to faith and the scriptures and they don’t like to wrestle with mystery. It’s either their way or the highway: either the world was created in six days or the bible is a lie, either Jesus walked on water or the gospels can’t be trusted. Because there are many who feel as they do, it’s easy to find communities of like-minded people. And that’s fine. Generally they love Jesus and devote themselves to serving the needy. 

But they miss out on the excitement of faith, the joy that comes from wrestling with mysteries, and figuring out the nuances of Truth. And sometimes their worlds get so small that they miss out on the inclusiveness of the Peaceable Kingdom. Fortunately Nicodemus didn’t disappear when he failed to understand what Jesus was saying. He hung around, and John tells us he was there at the end, loving the dead Jesus even when the disciples fled.

Thought for the Day: In what ways am I a literalist?

Romans 4:13-17

 “If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.” vss. 14-15

There is much to be said for operating under the rule of law in our world. It’s what enables businesses to flourish and governments to be trusted. Without it markets are quickly taken over by cartels and politicians rake in billions from pay-offs and blackmail. We particularly like living in a country with well-defined laws and rigid enforcement. Unless we are criminals the law gives a sense of security and safety.

Because we know the benefits of law and its effects on society, it’s easy to see how precious the law was to the Jewish people. It not only covered religious dealings and matters of worship, it could easily be stretched to include all aspects of human interactions. So when Paul came proclaiming grace and faith as the way of salvation, those who loved the law were shocked. It appeared to them that living by grace would be infinitely more difficult than living under the law. And they were right! 

But Paul wasn’t advocating the abolition of the law! He fully realized the importance of rules and ordinances in ordering society. But he also knew that all the law could do was reveal sin, it couldn’t heal sinners! Only grace and faith could bring reconciliation–and that’s still the way it is today!

Thought for the Day: Why is living by grace so difficult?

Romans 4:1-5

“But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” vs. 5

Most people have a pretty good sense of how they have lived their lives. Oh, we forget some things, but in general we know exactly what we have done and what we have not done, and we’re particularly aware of our shortcomings. That’s why many folks find it really hard to believe that they are worthy in the sight of God. Even though they’ve heard about grace, and maybe even like to sing “Amazing Grace,” when it comes right down to it they think of themselves as being undeserving.

And that’s okay! In fact, Paul would say that this is exactly where we need to be in relationship to the Divine. It’s the arrogant and presumptuous who miss out when it comes to the righteousness that comes from God. If in our ungodliness, with no merit of our own to lean on, we put our trust in God, we receive restoration and healing through the Holy Spirit. Our pasts do not define our futures! 

Of course this can’t happen just once in our lifetimes. Because time passes so quickly and new circumstances rapidly redefine us, our faith decisions will be a continuing part of our spiritual growth. Day by day, confessing our sin, we will turn again to the promises of God and be born again to new life.

Thought for the Day: What shortcomings do I regularly bring before God?

Psalm 121:5-8

“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.” vs. 7

Sometimes it’s hard to believe the things we read in scripture, and that’s particularly true with verses like this one. We wonder how the psalmist could speak with such certainty! Surely he must have known people whose lives had been turned upside down by the evils of this world. Sometimes good and decent people have awful things happen to them and to their families, and their lives are devastated. How is it even possible then to say that the Lord will keep us from all evil? That’s a hard question. And yet people of faith keep on saying such things. When we worship generally the last words of the service are a benediction, “The Lord bless you and keep you.” It’s one thing to say that we wish the Lord will keep us from all evil, but can we really say that the Lord will do that?

And the answer is yes! No matter what happens to us in this mixed up and broken world, the Lord will keep us. Our lives are forever safe in the hands of the Creator! Nothing, not even death will be able to separate us from the love of God! That’s a basic Christian belief, and it’s the bedrock of our faith. Even when it seems that all hell has broken loose, our lives are precious to our Maker and our Redeemer, and we will be preserved from all evil.

Thought for the Day: When do I doubt the power of God?