John 9:1-12

“The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’” vss.8-9

In John’s story the people had gotten used to the blind man sitting and begging in the street. They saw him every day, and they were comfortable with his presence. But when Jesus put mud on the beggar’s eyes and told him to go and wash their little predictable world was threatened. And when the man came back suddenly able to see, he almost became a threat. Some refused to believe it was the same guy. They got so upset they called in the religious authorities!

It can be disconcerting when God gets into our comfort zones and changes things around. If someone who has been a jerk and threat suddenly begins to act in loving and caring ways we are suspicious and our internal radar senses a scam of some sort. But if we hang around Jesus we are exposing ourselves to the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit, and if scripture is a guide, most anything can happen. 

So maybe it’s true that we “need to be careful about what we pray for.” The resulting changes might mean that further changes are going to be needed, and our whole worlds could soon be turned upside down. And the knowledge that “it’s all good,” does nothing to ease our discomfort.

Thought for the Day:Why is change uncomfortable?

Ephesians 5:12-14

“For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light.” vs. 12-14a

In recent months, as the files and papers related to the crimes of a wealthy and influential financier who made his fortune providing tax and estate services to billionaires, have been released to the public, dozens of his friends and acquaintances have resigned their positions. It seems that they knew what he was doing, but as long as his activities were covered by darkness, people continued to cultivate his friendship. We still don’t know how many more folks will be exposed.

It’s always a bit of a surprise to find out what people will do secretly and we wonder how respectable people could be involved. But once such deeds are exposed by the light everything changes. Their misdeeds can no longer stand public scrutiny, and many are forced into embarrassing repudiations of their former friend and even acknowledgment of their own involvement.

But as painful as such exposure might be, the truth is that there can be no healing or restoration until light has shone brightly. Only as the depths of sin are revealed is there any chance for forgiveness or reconciliation. That’s one of the reasons investigations continue in our world. Humanity can neither be cleansed or satisfied until all the brokenness has been confessed and made known.

Thought for the Day: How potent is guilt by association?

Ephesians 5:8-10

“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” vss. 8-10

As the called disciples of Jesus we have heard since the day of our baptisms that we are the light of the world, and that we are to let that light shine before others. As is written plainly in this letter to the Ephesians, we are to “live as children of light–for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.” So there really is no question about how we are to conduct our lives. But still a question lingers! Just what will a light-filled life look like? Because it’s not that self-evident!

Evidently Paul knew this too! So he tells the Ephesians to “try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” He’s right! Even when our intentions are good it’s not always easy to know what to do. Sometimes we only get that figured out after an extended period of trial and error. So life actually ends up being filled with periods of experimentation. Even when we think we’re doing what is right, it might not be the best way to let our light shine. 

So life in Christ isn’t necessarily a slam-dunk! As the years go by there’s a lot about living in the light that we just need to figure out!

Thought for the Day: What in my life is pleasing to the Lord?

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

While some folks love being a leader, there is probably even greater delight in having a leader! The psalmist made no bones about it. The Lord was his shepherd and he didn’t have a care in the world. His leader took care of all his material and spiritual needs, from food and water to the restoration of his soul. That’s how it is for people of faith. Like sight-seers on a tour of a foreign country, we ride on our bus in confidence as our guide shows the way. We have few decisions to make. All we have to do is get up  in the morning, get on the bus, and go!

Admittedly, following the Lord is a bit more complicated, but if the level of our trust is high, it can be a wonderful, stressfree journey. And the best part of the trip is that we are led on the paths of righteousness. As followers of the Good Shepherd we are led to strive for peace and justice in our communities, and practice love and compassion among those who join us on the way. We will reach out to the “least of these” and offer consolation to those who mourn.

While it can be an aggravation to be a leader, the blessings of following Jesus are life-fulfilling!

Thought for the Day: What is the best thing about being a follower? 

1 Samuel 16:1-13

“Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’  And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.’” vs. 11

Even though David was a handsome enough fellow, with his ruddy skin and beautiful eyes, he had one additional attribute that had caught Samuel’s ear. He was a shepherd boy! Based on what we read in the Hebrew scriptures, being a shepherd was the primary requirement for being  a leader. It started with Moses in the wilderness with his father-in-law’s sheep and trying to mind his own business. Little did he know that sheep herding would give him all the skills he needed to keep the Israelites in line through the wilderness.

And Ezekiel the prophet used the image of a shepherd to describe the kings of Israel, and he likely thought that David was the greatest shepherd king of all. And of course Jesus, following the pattern, describes himself as the Good Shepherd, and said, “I know my own and my own know me.” From his parables we know him as the shepherd who never abandons a lost sheep, and who searches diligently until the lost has been found.

In our congregation it’s no accident that the word “pastor” derives from the Latin word for shepherd. Of all the things that a pastor does there is none more important than tenderly shepherding and caring for the people of a congregation. 

Thought for the Day: What distracts pastors from their primary role?

John 4:31-42

“They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Saviour of the world.’” vs. 42

The woman had been an effective evangelist. When she went back into her home city and excitedly told the people about Jesus, many believed in him because of her testimony. But then when they actually met Jesus and had a chance to hang around him, even more became believers. Their personal experience sealed the deal.

That same process has occurred wherever the gospel has been preached. Some have an initial positive response to the person proclaiming the good news, whether it be a pastor, teacher, or parent. For one reason or another their testimony was compelling. But then they encounter the message again and hear it in a new way from yet another evangelist. And this time they are convinced, and know for certain that Jesus truly is the Saviour of the world.

For many this second touch is a life-changer. As they get the chance to spend more time with Jesus, their faith is changed from a one day a week routine worship experience into an everyday walk with the Lord. Now they know for themselves that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life,  and the difference is like night and day. 

Thought for the Day: Why isn’t a first touch from Jesus enough for some?

John 4:16-26

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.’” vss. 21-22

Jesus was a Jew, and he was proud of it. He loved the history, the rituals and practices, and the traditions. His faith had given him a cherished identity, and while he had issues with the religious leaders, he worshiped as a Jew until the end of his life. It was what he knew, and it gave him great joy to proclaim the good news of God’s coming kingdom.

But Jesus also knew that God was bigger than either the Jews or the Samaritans had ever imagined, and that one day all people would be united in their worship of the one God. This is a great truth that the followers of Jesus are still trying to figure out. We have such a time with a God who is bigger than the narrow descriptions of the religious tradition we have grown up in. It’s okay to study the scriptures within the confines of our congregation or denomination. It’s a great way to learn the teachings of Jesus and the gospel message of forgiveness and hope. 

But sooner or later we will discover the God we have come to know is too small, and we will begin to reimagine God in new and exciting ways. That’s where the Spirit takes over, and sooner or later we will be changed.

Thought for the Day: How has my image of God changed?

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?