Psalm 36:5-8

“Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.” vs. 6

It’s not unusual for one of our pets or animal companions to die. In fact for many children this is their first experience with the pain, tears, and sorrow that death can bring. Sometimes in their grief they’ll ask if their beloved cat or dog has gone to heaven…and parents have to come up with an answer. What a blessing it is in those moments to have an expansive sense of God’s intimate connection to all of creation. All creatures throughout the universe live and breathe and have their being in the transcendent and immanent Lord of all. Nothing is born or dies apart from God…so of course our pets go to heaven. As the years pass and children grow in understanding and wisdom we can talk to them about heaven and its location outside the realm of time and space…but those who grieve aren’t much interested in deep answers. All they are looking for is a “yes” to help them dry their tears as they begin their lifelong dance with matters of living and dying. The psalmist understood that God is more mighty and elegant than we can possibly understand and was content to know that in God all things have their salvation. We don’t have to have fancy philosophical answers to the big questions of life. It is enough to know that in God all is well. And that’s good news for people of every age!

Thought for the Day: Why does the death of a pet hurt so much?

 Isaiah 62:1-5

“You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” vs. 3

The prophet is ecstatic about the possibilities ahead for the people of Israel. He was preaching to a people living in exile, a defeated nation, and he plants in their imagination a vision of a royal future. This was more than a politician’s campaign slogan, this was a pronouncement of divine love. The people’s hearts were lifted and the prophet’s words were remembered. Sustained by assurances of God’s love the people continued their journey of faith in confidence. We who are in Christ have our own journey and at times we can become discouraged. Days don’t go as we wish and we’re blindsided by tragedy and defeat. Because of our own sin our hearts are weighed down and our self-image suffers. Too many of us come to be believe that we are of no-account…some find it hard to imagine that God cares…they feel the deep pain of isolation and loneliness. And to us, in those moment, the prophet thunders, “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord…a royal diadem.” Words like that lift us from our doldrums and force smiles to our faces. “Really?” we reply. “Me? With all my faults and imperfections? I will be a crown of beauty?” And the answer is a resounding “Yes!” That’s how it is on the journey of faith. We step out on the Way with the full support of God and a glorious future awaits!

Thought for the Day: Why do some find these words hard to believe?

Luke 3:21-22

“And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” vs. 22b

It didn’t take long for early Christians to search out the presumed baptismal place of Jesus and erect churches as close to the Jordan as they could. Early pilgrims could come to this site and remember their own baptisms with prayers and a dip in the water. Presumably it would also be a time for rededication and renewal. As a result of recent archeological discoveries there has been a renewed interest in reclaiming the original Jordanian location as a pilgrim destination. Several Christian denominations have built beautiful sanctuaries not far from the river just north of the Dead Sea and a little east of Jericho. Pilgrims and tourists are coming in ever-increasing numbers. Hopefully they will be reminded in their visit that Jesus’ call came with a powerful word of affirmation. “You are my Son, the Beloved.” Think of it! The Jesus Journey begins with a word of love! And so it is with everyone who walks with him. No matter when we were baptized, or how, or even if we’ve never been baptized before, the journey of faith begins with an “I love you,” from God. And as our lives continue in all their glory, splendor, suffering, sadness, and delight that steadfast love will be present until we draw our final breath. It’s the one thing that we can count on in our crazy, unpredictable, increasingly complex world. The love of God never ends!

Thought for the Day: Where do I experience the love of God?

Luke 3:15-17

“As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah…” vs. 15

The people who encountered John in the wilderness had strong expectations and were wondering who he was. They shared a conviction that one day God would answer their prayers and send the Messiah. Many thought that John just might be the one. But it’s hard to know about messianic leaders…seldom do they meet all the qualifications and external factors can be misleading. Discernment is difficult. We know that from our presidential campaigns. Currently we use a primary system and invite candidates to make their pitch…and then one by one through a series of elections we sort them out. The theory is that the survivor will be the messiah, though there is considerable debate whether that has actually ever happened. At best it’s a flawed system! But leaders are important…and we continue to have expectations for those who would guide our futures. Luke reports that John made it easy for the folks who were considering his candidacy. He stepped aside and deferred to Jesus. And for many of the wondering folks that was enough. They called Jesus the messiah and devoted their lives to him…and millions more have followed in their steps. Jesus has met our expectations and we love life in him. What a blessing it is to cast our vote for him and not have to depend on politicians for fulfillment and meaning!

Thought for the Day: How would Jesus fare in the New Hampshire primary?

Acts 8:14-17

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit…” vss. 14-15

These were exciting, heady days for the community of believers in Jerusalem. There was opposition and opportunity and the movement lacked a play book and written instructions. Before long they were involved in mission they’d thought was impossible, a preaching expedition among the Samaritans, their long-time rivals and enemies. At one time the disciples had wanted to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritan villages; now they prayed that the fire of the Holy Spirit would fill the hearts of those who had been baptized into Christ Jesus. They recognized that becoming a follower of Jesus was more than the splashing of water on heads or even full-body immersion. We mimic the actions of the apostles in our baptismal rituals with the pouring of the water and the laying on of hands. There are earnest prayers that the Holy Spirit of God would fill the life of the newly baptized. And then we  give up control and yield to the mysterious power of the Spirit. We simply can’t predict what will happen! We can’t force people to be Spirit-filled and our rituals, no matter how faithfully performed, do not guarantee faith or obedience. The Spirit blows where it wills! All we can do is pray for the appearance of fruit…and then rejoice when we finally see the love and faithfulness blossom and flourish.

Thought for the Day: What are the duties of baptismal sponsors?

Psalm 29:5-9

“The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.” vss. 7-8

Those who have experienced powerful summer storms know exactly what the psalmist was referencing in his song of praise to the Lord. The jagged flashes of lightning from dark foreboding clouds accompanied by the rolling crashes of thunder fill us with awe and wonder and fearful trembling. It’s an awesome display, one that humbles the mighty and even causes golfers to flee for their lives. Of course we know that thunder and lightning are natural phenomena, (we know they’re not caused by Odin and Thor), but nevertheless they serve as wonderful reminders that we earthlings are a pretty puny bunch. Some even say that the increasing power and destruction caused by natural forces is directly related to our failure to be good stewards of the environment. Such persons believe that the ever intensifying storms are an indictment of our greed and unwillingness to curb our appetite for possessions and wealth. Whatever we believe about such things, there is no doubt that humans are inextricably linked to the complexities of the world around us. We need to pay attention to thunder and lightning and the whole network of interconnected life. We are the caretakers of creation and when we mess up the effects can be devastating. Environmentalism isn’t just for tree-huggers…it’s the responsibility of every child of God.

Thought for the Day: What can we do about climate change?

Psalm 29:1-4

“Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.” vs. 1

Humans have always wondered about God. In the beginning they saw God connections everywhere, particularly in the unexplained mysteries of the universe. In those times God was the standard cause for everything humans didn’t understand. As knowledge grew and scientific investigation revealed the natural forces at work in the world around us, some began to believe that there really was no place for God in the universe. Everything had a natural explanation. That notion has captured the minds of many in our modern culture…more and more people identify themselves as atheists. Others, unwilling to make such a bold assertion, still claim to believe that God exists, but then live as though there is no God. They seldom pray and only occasionally worship. The truth is that our language is largely ineffectual in describing God. How can one even find words to define that which is unknowable and unseen? The psalmist wasn’t burdened with our issues. For him there was no doubt. Not only did God exist but God was greater than we can even imagine. There’s great truth in the psalmist’s words. God does exist…and is more than we can possibly comprehend. Of course we have no vocabulary sufficient to describe or limit God…but it does not follow that there is no God! That’s why believers continue to humbly bow their hearts and minds in praise of the One in whom we live and love and have our being. To that One we offer glory and praise!

Thought for the Day: How do I describe God to unbelievers?

Isaiah 43:4-9

“Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life.” vs. 4

When we take time to study the history of the Jewish people we can’t help but be impressed by their dogged determination to hang on to their heritage and religious practices. They’ve endured almost endless persecution and prejudice through thousands of years and have emerged with a strong sense of pride and dignity. Some of that strength has come from the Hebrew scriptures and the encouraging words of the prophets. For generations they’ve read that they are precious in the sight of God, and honored, and that they are loved. They’re God’s chosen ones! Followers of Jesus are inheritors of those same promises and believe with all their hearts that those baptized into Christ Jesus are a holy nation, a people set aside for the good of the world. It’s that conviction that gives them strength in the face of adversity and hope when the future seems dim. How sad then that some Christians have been central through the years in promoting the vicious teachings of antisemitism! We’re not enemies! Both Jews and Christians have an intimate connection to the Lord of the Universe and a common calling to be the light of the world. Both are precious in the sight of God. How beautiful it is when rivalries are put aside and we can live together in peace and harmony!

Thought for the Day: What do Jews and Christians have in common?

Isaiah 43:1-3

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” vs. 1

The Israelites were feeling very alone. They’d been transported hundreds of miles from their homeland and were living as strangers in a foreign country. Many felt that their God had deserted them…and to them the prophet spoke powerful words of reassurance. Most importantly he told them not to be afraid…they were redeemed and had been called by name. Even in a strange land they remained the people of God. These words from 2500 years ago echo through the centuries and find a place in our hearts. For many they have become a reassuring reminder of baptism, the moment in time when we are welcomed as children of God and received as full members of the Body of Christ. The moment of our baptisms can often be obscured by the passage of time and forgotten. Life catches up with us and we’re consumed by the worries and challenges of everyday living. But our baptisms don’t go away…they’re the seal of the Holy Spirit and can never be erased, even by careless and thoughtless living. Even if we’ve wandered away from the church we always remain the precious redeemed children of God. We’ve been called by name…we belong! Again and again through our lives the whisper of God reaches our ears: “Do not be afraid. You are mine!” We can worry about a multitude of things…but we never need to wonder whose we are!

Thought for the Day: What name does God use for me?

Matthew 2:1-12

“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” vs. 11

Officially the season of Christmas ended yesterday. Presumably trees and decorations have been taken down or stored away and folks are ready to get on with the new year. The gift-giving is over and all that’s left of the holiday are the bills! But not in some parts of the world! In those places the day of Epiphany is celebrated with enthusiasm…in department stores and malls crowds of children gather to greet the Three Kings and receive their gifts. It’s a really big deal. For most of us however Epiphany gets more of a ho-hum…we’re just too worn out from Christmas to give it much notice, even when it comes on a Sunday. Frankly we don’t know what to do with it…we’re familiar with the Wise Men but, thanks to biblically incorrect nativity scenes we connect them more with Christmas. For Matthew their appearance in Bethlehem showed the universal significance of Jesus’ birth. The wise men came following a star in the sky but the real star of the story is the child they encountered on his mother’s lap. This boy was the Light of the World and in him all nations would see and experience the love of God. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it!

Thought for the Day: What would be a good way to celebrate Epiphany?