Psalm 17:6-9

“Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me.” vss. 8-9

We live in a dangerous world and the psalmist knew it–likely he’d experienced the pain and suffering that can come our way. He craved the assurance of God’s protection in time of danger and so do we all! We know that we are precious to God, each of us are crafted in God’s image, and we bear the stamp of the divine. The light of Christ dwells within us! Surely then, it will be as the psalmist prayed, we will be guarded as the apple of God’s eye. Indeed that is our most fervent prayer–”deliver us from evil–save us from the time of trial.” Again and again we pray, and not only for ourselves, but for those we love so much–children, grandchildren, dear friends. “O Lord God,” we ask daily, “keep these dear ones safe. Guard them and keep them from any harm.” Mostly we don’t know what else to do. We only know that these dear children of God are precious, and we can’t by our own efforts, keep them safe. We are forced by our own inadequacy to offer them up to God’s care, knowing full well that sometimes our prayers are not enough and ugly things happen. But still we keep on praying–quite literally, there is nowhere else that we can go, nothing more that can be done! O Lord have mercy–and hear our prayer!

Thought for the Day: Why do we keep praying for those we love?

Psalm 17:1-5

“If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.” vs. 3

Some of us are quite accustomed to feeling guilty! We know that we sin against God and one another in countless ways, and are regularly reminded of our shortcomings when we worship. Over and over we’ve said the self-condemning words in the confession and our self-image is affected. Sometimes even when we hear the good news of forgiveness, the weight of guilt remains. So it comes as a bit of a surprise in this text  to encounter a psalmist who isn’t burdened by guilt. In fact, he welcomes nightly tests from God and is confident that God will find no wickedness in his actions or in his speech. The context tells us that he’s engaged in a bit of bargaining with God. Having experienced injustice he’s making a case for God’s intervention on his behalf. He reasons that since he is beyond reproach and his opponents are scoundrels, God is bound to hear his prayer. It’s a familiar argument, one that we may have used ourselves in our discussions with God about justice. Even when we have feelings of guilt it wouldn’t be unusual to believe that we deserve a good break or two from God. And even if we don’t get our way, in the long run, the way we speak and act does make a difference.

Thought for the Day: On a scale of 1 – 10, where do I rank on the goodness scale?

Job 19:23-27a

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God” vss. 25-26

Job’s story resonates with anyone seeking to understand the mystery of suffering. Job has done nothing wrong and has lost everything: possessions, wife, family, even his health and reputation–and to top it off his friends imply that surely he has done something to deserve his fate. Job resists and in this section abandons his desire for justice–he wants revenge! The word “Redeemer” here refers to the “avenger of blood,” the person charged with responsibility for avenging murder victims. Job is clinging to the hope that at the last the one who has inflicted his suffering will be made to pay for it–even if the perpetrator is God! At some level, those of us who have known deep suffering understand what Job is up to. The lust for revenge is always at hand! The good news of the gospel gives us another perspective–suffering is still at hand, but we now see Jesus as the Redeemer in another sense. He too was a victim of injustice, but at the end he looked at his enemies and offered them forgiveness. It’s never easy to understand why undeserved suffering afflicts so many in our world–and it’s particularly difficult when it comes close to us and those we love. In those moments it is good to know that our Redeemer does indeed live–and that forgiveness is even sweeter than revenge.

Thought for the Day: In what circumstances have I sought revenge?

Luke 6:27-31

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” vss. 27-28

Many congregations celebrate the Sunday nearest to November 1, All Saint’s Day, as All Saint’s Sunday, and use it to remember the Church Triumphant, those who have died in Christ who now rest from their labors. The gospel text for that day comes this year from Luke and does a great job of describing the holy life that Jesus prescribed for his followers during their time on earth. We find similar directives in Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount and sometimes wish that Jesus could have been more accommodating to our natural inclinations. His intentions are clear! If we really are saints, it should be obvious in the way that we behave. Indeed, through the years many saints have lived in exactly the way that Jesus has described. They’ve taken his words to heart and given the world a sample of Kingdom living. We aren’t bound to live in endless conflict, cursing our enemies and vilifying those we despise, as is the practice on current social media platforms. Jesus raised the bar for his followers and his expectations are not beyond our reach. Since we’re sinners as well as saints, it obviously isn’t easy. We’ll need countless second chances and frequent reformation–but we can love our enemies and pray for them. Maybe it can even become habitual!

Thought for the Day: Who am I being called to pray for today?

Luke 6:20-26

“Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” vs. 20

At first Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain” as remembered by Luke seems similar to Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, but it soon becomes apparent that the message is radically different. Not only does Jesus modify his description of those who are blessed, he adds a series of woes that make us squirm in our seats. In Luke Jesus calls out the listeners who are poor, hungry, weeping, and abused and promises that there will be a great reversal. One day they will be rich, full, laughing, and honored. Most of us are pretty okay with that promise–it’s good to know that the less fortunate will one day experience material blessings. We’re less comfortable when Jesus turns his attention to those currently experiencing prosperity, a group that would probably include most people in our congregations. “Alas for you,” he says to us, “the tide is about to turn!” And it’s not like this is an isolated passage in Luke’s gospel. Again and again we read Jesus’ harsh words for the rich and prosperous. It’s important for us to hear those words of woe and take time to consider what they might mean in our comfortable lives. Have we indeed sold out to the culture and put our relationship to Jesus in jeopardy? What is the relationship between spiritual poverty and material prosperity? Big questions, no easy answers!

Thought for the Day: What blessings could possibly come with being poor and hungry?

Ephesians 1:15-23

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ…may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you” vss.17-18

When Paul was called to faith by the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus he had no idea what God was up to. He didn’t receive a jolt of wisdom and revelation with the experience and it took years of study, prayer, and conversation before he received full knowledge. In this letter to the Ephesians we see that all would-be believers face this kind of journey. Put simply, it takes time to know Jesus! Year after year the Holy Spirit messes with us, giving as much wisdom and revelation as we can stand, and eventually the eyes of our hearts will be enlightened and we will begin to grasp the full ramifications of the new hope that life in Christ brings. That’s why it’s such an adventure to walk with Jesus. We don’t have a clue about the twists and turns of the road we’re on and only gradually do we begin to understand what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. As we grow in years, we can look back and chuckle at our initial naivete. Often people think they know it all when they begin the Jesus journey. They have all the answers and are quick to judge the weaknesses of others. What a blessing it is when we can put all that foolishness behind us and humbly embrace the enlightenment that comes with maturity!

Thought for the Day: What are my latest spiritual insights?

Ephesians 1:11-14

“In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;” vs. 13

In the ritual of Holy Baptism, after the baptism and the tracing of the cross on the forehead, these words are often said, “Child of God, you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the Cross of Christ forever.” They’re ancient words, ones used by the early apostles to celebrate the connection of the individual believer to the salvation that already belonged to them by the grace of God. It’s an important connection! Without it we could wander unattached for a lifetime, knowing about Jesus, but not knowing him personally. With the connection that comes in baptism we are reminded again and again that God knows our name and has destined us for greatness. It isn’t that the baptism has saved us–it’s simply a washing with water after all–but it points us in the direction of our salvation. Armed with the assurance of the water and the word, a promise sealed by the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, we are set free for a lifetime of loving and serving. As we daily walk with Jesus in the company of all the saints we grow in faith and holiness and actually become the living presence of the Christ in our hurting world, and in us the glory of God is revealed to all we encounter.

Thought for the Day: How does it feel to have salvation?

Psalm 149:6-9

“Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples…” vss. 6-7

Anyone with even a passing interest in history will know that warfare has been a constant part of our human experience. From the very beginning tribes and nations have risen against each other for a variety of reasons, occasionally as a defensive reaction but more often as an intentional effort to dominate and destroy. The people of Israel were no exception–and like other nations they called upon their god for support and success. The psalmist paints a picture of soldiers singing songs of praise to God before using their swords to execute vengeance and punishment on their enemies. Such scenes are still taking place in every place where armies prepare for battle. Troops stop for prayer and worship before engaging the other. Religious leaders bless bombs and weapons and offer the promise of eternal life to any who might die. Fighters are told they are on God’s side in the great struggle between the forces of good and evil and millions have sacrificed their lives. Millions more have died as so-called “collateral damage.” Followers of Jesus have come to believe that this incessant warring is not a part of God’s plan. We look forward to the day when swords are beaten into plowshares and there will be no need to study war any more. And while that day has not yet come we can at least resist the temptation to use religion as a fuel for fighting. 

Thought for the Day: Why are there chaplains in the military?

Psalm 149: 1-5

“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.” vs. 1

All of us have experienced new songs or hymns in the course of our worship, and some have found it to be an aggravation. They try to join in the singing but the tune is often unfamiliar and it doesn’t take long for them to start pouting. They want worship to be comfortable and singable hymns are essential for that experience. Wise pastors and music directors are aware of those feelings and will take care as they make song choices. They know familiar hymns can calm our anxious  hearts and troubled minds–they bring blessed assurance when faith is faltering and doubts are creeping in. And when everyone knows the tunes and some can sing parts, congregational singing provides an amazing boost. Some say it’s as important as a good sermon to the worship experience. But some occasions cry out for new songs and tunes and our lives would be barren indeed if we weren’t regularly challenged to learn them–and sometimes they become our new favorites. Occasionally the tunes follow us through the week as well–we hum or sing them in our work and play and the praise of God actually becomes a regular part of daily living. It could even be that those new songs will make it into our Pandora or Spotify playlist! Singing praises to God has been essential for believers since the time of the psalmists–and where the practice continues faith is bound to be vibrant and strong.

Thought for the Day: What hymns will be sung at my funeral?

Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18

“But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever—forever and ever.” vs. 18

The book of Daniel was likely one of the last writings to be included in what is commonly called the Old Testament. It’s a collection of stories featuring a young Jew named Daniel along with a series of apocalyptic visions. Like the book of Revelation in the New Testament it was put together at a time of intense persecution and was intended to give hope to those who read it. In this passage, Daniel has written down a scary dream about beasts rising out of the sea and seeks an interpretation that can wring truth from the vision. He is told that the beasts represent kings who will seek to dominate but that the holy ones of God need not fear–their kingdom will last forever. Most apocalyptic passages in the bible have this as a central message but our tendency is to focus on the scary visions. Again and again preachers go to these old passages to lift out the most frightening scenarios and then apply them to the present age. And people listen! It’s as though there is some Halloween gene locked into our DNA that causes us to embrace the macabre–a lot of us just adore haunted houses and chainsaw massacres–and we’re drawn to the beasts and dragons of Daniel and Revelation. But the truth of those old metaphors is always the story of victory–good triumphs over evil and God’s kingdom is ours forever.

Thought for the Day: Why do people love Halloween?