Isaiah 40:21-26

“It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in;” vs. 22

The prophet may not have had our cosmology–we’ve pretty much discarded the notion of a three story universe–but he certainly had an understanding of God that defies the centuries. In his estimation the Lord was above and beyond all things and human beings were pretty much at the level of grasshoppers. Some days, with all our hopping and scurrying around, that seems a pretty apt description. Isaiah wanted to encourage the people in their discouraging situation. As captives in Babylon they were finding it hard to maintain faith, and many believed that God had deserted them. Isaiah tells them that their image of God is too small and that God is more than they can even imagine. There are plenty of people among us who can relate to the Israelites–it’s like the world has been taken captive by COVID-19 and after a year of social distancing and losing loved ones, many are discouraged. And even the advent of a vaccine doesn’t seem to have made things much better. Some wonder where God is in all of this. And the answer is that there’s nowhere that God isn’t! God is present in the dying and in the living, and in God, ultimately there will be healing and new life. Because of who God is there can’t be any other outcome!

Thought for the Day: What was my first image of God? Did I ever adjust it?

“They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’” vs. 27

The crowd recognized that Jesus was teaching with authority and they were amazed. They were well acquainted with authority figures of several kinds. There was that of their Roman overlords, a kind of political authority derived from the emperor. And the scribes too claimed authority–they interpreted the religious laws and their word on controversial issues was presumed to be final. But the authority that Jesus exhibited was different; it came directly from God and was accompanied by power. Even the demons obeyed him–not even Tiberius had that kind of pull! Later on, the gospel testifies, Jesus passed that authority on to his disciples, and in his stead they too exhibited great power. Since then there have been many who have tried to latch on to the authority of Jesus, but have discovered to their chagrin that they had no power to effect change. In general we’re well advised to avoid authoritarian leaders in the Church, especially when they’re trying to exercise control. Jesus-style authority is found in those places where words of forgiveness and healing are spoken. When a leader tells us, “By the authority vested in me I forgive you all of your sins,” forgiveness actually happens. Guilt is lifted and the power of evil is broken–and we experience the real presence of Christ.

Thought for the Day: Where do I hear the authoritative voice of Jesus?

Mark 1:23-26

“Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’” vss. 23-24

According to Mark the demons knew exactly who Jesus was–they spotted his holiness a mile away and called him out. They not only knew his name but they knew his divine origins, and considered him to be a threat to their well-being. It may be that we have different notions about demonic possession in our time, but it remains true that evil cannot stand in the presence of goodness. The two are incompatible. And ultimately as people proudly wearing the banner of Christ continue to work for justice and practice kindness in all their encounters, evil will be vanquished. Of course there is resistance. The unclean spirits of our world put up a mighty fight, and continue to tempt people to look to their own needs and practice accumulation in daily living. The evil one is always at hand, and works to undermine our good intentions. Some even say that “no good deed goes unpunished,” and point to perfect examples of that truth in their own lives. Sometimes it appears as though virtue has no chance in our broken world. But the Christ has power in every age, and one day all demons will be destroyed, even the ones who plague us daily.

Thought for the Day: Where do I see signs that goodness is winning?

Mark 1:21-22

“They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” vs. 22

According to Mark, Jesus began his ministry in the vibrant little city of Capernaum, at the north end of the Sea of Galilee. Today there are only ruins on the site, but one of the excavated buildings is an old synagogue dating from the first century. Standing inside its confines, visitors can get a sense of the scene on that day when Jesus showed up to teach. Presumably he sat in the seat of Moses and addressed a congregation of men, with women looking on from a balcony. They’d had teachers before, but this day had been different. Jesus didn’t focus on a recapitulation of the old laws like the scribes, he presented something different, a vision of a new world in which people related on the basis of love, and not tradition. There were elements of the old–Jesus wasn’t just making stuff up–but he presented the old in a radically new shape, and they were astounded at his teaching. That’s what Jesus does when we listen closely. Our old presumptions and ways of thinking are challenged, and we’re inspired to walk in a new way. His teachings are particularly helpful in these times of polarization and division. He tells us that the truth is not one of two dualistic options, but a new direction that uses kindness, gentleness, mercy, and love as a singular focus for life. We’d do well to pay attention.

Thought for the Day: A time when I changed my mind about something important.

1 Corinthians 8:7-13

“But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” vs. 9

Jesus came proclaiming liberty to the oppressed and for generations believers have embraced that good news with enthusiasm. It fits our notion of the American dream where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the highest aspirations. Some carry this to an extreme and say that there is nothing that can be forbidden to them–they’re inclined to do pretty much whatever they please. We’ve gotten a strong dose of this in recent months as large numbers of the population have refused to comply with mask and social distancing recommendations intended to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Paul would have gone ballistic in response to their declaration of liberty. In his estimation everything revolved around the health of the community. That’s why he told the Corinthians that if his meat-eating was offensive to any, he’d stop doing it! This is a place where Paul deserves our attention. We know the weaknesses of those around us, and just because we can eat and drink all things, doesn’t mean we’ll flaunt our liberty in the face of those who can’t. It is indeed a good thing to be free in Christ and be able to enjoy all the varieties of joy that can come our way in the world. But our freedom ends in the moment we become a stumbling block to others. Our number one goal in every instance is to lift others up, and not tear them down. 

Thought for the Day: What have I given up for the sake of others?

1 Corinthians 8:1-6

“Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” vs. 1

The Corinthians were divided between those who thought eating food sacrificed to idols was just fine and those who thought it should be forbidden. Paul’s inclination was to support those eating such food–after all he knew that idols were imaginary, and besides, the steaks at the pagan temples were the best in town. But Paul distrusted knowledge–he knew how insufferable know-it-alls could be. What counted wasn’t the extent of a person’s knowledge but the depth of their love. Paul was wrong about a number of things, but he’s right on target here, and his observation continues to ring true. We see it all the time! There are some who use every opportunity to let others know how smart they are. Obnoxious to the core, they can’t help offering advice and telling others what to think and do. They have answers for everything, but they don’t have a clue about loving. Lovers, on the other hand, lead with their hearts and not their heads. They can spot when we need a hug and lift us up when we are in their presence. Such persons are the strength of our communities. And what a gift they are! If our country is to heal in the next few years, these are the people who will make it happen. They will literally bind us together with love!

Thought for the Day: Know-it-alls that I have known!

Psalm 111

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.” vs. 10

Over the last decades there has been a steady movement away from religion in our country. Denominations report large membership losses, and while independent churches have picked up many of those folks, reputable polling groups report that in general the number of unaffiliated people is increasing. Many of us can see those trends in our own families as children and grandchildren show little inclination to be involved in congregations of any kind. Of course there’s nothing innately good about just “going to church”–often regular worshippers are the last to practice what they hear preached. But still we wonder. As people move away from church, are they also moving away from God? When children are no longer given spiritual instruction, what will replace traditional religious values in their lives? Will they even have a moral compass for daily living? The psalmist believed that the fear of the Lord was the beginning of wisdom. What happens to wisdom when the fear of the Lord is non-existent? Those are important questions–and to ignore them seems dangerous. Fortunately, it doesn’t all depend on us! Even if our religions disappear, God will continue to be present, and the spark of God that rests in every person will seek to maintain the connection. Future generations will continue to praise God–forms will be different and creeds rewritten. Denominations will come and go, but the fear of the Lord will last forever!

Thought for the Day: What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command.” vs. 18

When the Galileans encountered Jesus and heard his authoritative words some of them believed that he was the prophet spoken of in Deuteronomy, a man like Moses who would speak to them all that God commanded. They were wrong! Jesus did speak to them a Word from God, but he wasn’t a bit like Moses. As the gospel writer John put it, “The law indeed was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Jesus did not give a new set of rules by which we could regulate our own behaviors and those of others. Instead he endowed his followers with a new Spirit, a Spirit of compassion and forgiveness, and invited them to simply love one another as they had been loved. It’s a freeing message, not one that binds or restricts anyone. Under the reign of Jesus we are liberated to live into the image of God, to be the very precious people that God has created us to be. Of course, it’s not easy to live freely, and sometimes like released prisoners we have a tough time finding our way–there’s a certain comfort in regulation. But once we experience the joy and peace that come through the Spirit, there’s no going back again. The free life in Christ is as good as life can be.

Thought for the Day: What is life like under the Law?

Mark 1:19-20

“Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.” vs. 20

We can’t help but smile a bit as we imagine the scene on the beach outside of Capernaum that day. Zebedee stands with a couple of hired men in the boat, and his boys, the core of the family business, wander off down the beach in pursuit of an itinerant preacher. It’s not a pretty picture! And that’s how it is sometimes when we make the big changes on life’s journey. We don’t always have our family’s permission when we head in a new direction. The text implies that this was a snap decision for James and John, and some of us know what that’s like too. We might deliberate mightily over small matters, but when it comes to the really big things we act on impulse. That’s not always a good choice, but when the gospel calls, getting out of the boat is exactly what we need to do. We might not need to change our jobs or occupations–sometimes it’s a life-style or an attitude adjustment that is called for. Our families won’t always understand (the scripture tells us that the mother of James and John completely missed the point), but what really counts is the new relationship that we have with our Lord. And when that’s what’s at stake, what’s the point of waiting? There’s a new life out there–let’s get on with it!

Thought for the Day: My best impulsive decision!

Mark 1:16-18

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’” vs. 17

Jesus was on the prowl and looking for disciples as he began his ministry along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. He had no list of qualifications; no advanced degree or seminary education was necessary. The first people that he chose made their living fishing, and he saw a link to his ministry. They’d been catching fish, now they would fish for people. In one sense Jesus didn’t need them–he could have continued as a one-man act and been quite successful. People liked what he said, and they particularly appreciated the healing touch that he brought to their lives. He could have had personal acclaim and lived a full rich life. But that’s not what Jesus was up to. His vision was expansive and universal, and for the good news to spread he needed evangelists. We might question his first choices, but really, that’s what’s encouraging about his ministry. He could use anyone, and that’s what he did. His ragtag first draft choices have changed the world, and the story continues to be written. Any one of us can be a messenger and pass on the good news of God’s love and generous forgiveness, and the worse our credentials, the more effective we’ll be. When we open our ears it might just be that we’ll hear the gentle voice of the Christ inviting us to get on board and continue to change the world by telling the story.

Thought for the Day: With whom can I share the good news today?