Ephesians 2:11-13

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” vs. 13

Paul wanted the Gentiles to know that the old game was over. The sacrificial love of Jesus had transcended all the game playing that religious people love to engage in. There would no longer be circumcised and uncircumcised or insiders and outsiders.  All would be one–all would be winners! It’s still hard for people to put aside those old notions of winners and losers when it comes to faith. Even though we should have known better, theologians and church leaders have wasted enormous time and energy choosing up sides and making up new rules for believers. We shut down communion tables, refused to pray with each other, and condemned losers to hell, all because we thought life was a game, and only winners got to go to heaven. How good it is when we finally begin to realize that we are all on the same team, and that we have an infinite purpose in this world. We don’t have to score more runs, rack up more souls for Jesus, or even get more members for our churches. We are called to love the unlovable, welcome outsiders, bring healing to the broken, share our bread with the hungry, and bring joy to the hearts of all we encounter. Our planet is facing enormous challenges, but if we can learn to play together well, we will make a difference.

Thought for the Day: What happens when we stop playing games?

Psalm 123

“Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.” vss. 3-4

When we are children we discover that we live in a hierarchical system, and it isn’t long before we figure out our place in that hierarchy. It probably starts in the family and then gets solidified in school experiences, but by the time we’re adults we generally have a good idea of where we stand. We’re always hoping that we can advance in the pecking order of our group, but sometimes we don’t find our place until we’ve been knocked down a peg or two. It’s hard to live in that sort of system, especially if we believe, rightly or wrongly, that we’re among the bottom dwellers. Our psalmist was definitely praying from that perspective–and he was tired of the scorn and the contempt he felt at the hands of the wealthy and proud. While we might identify with the psalmist’s feeling and prayer, this should never be the experience of those who are in a community of faith that is based on the teachings of Jesus. No one of us deserves more honor than any other, and blessed are those congregations where society’s misfits are lifted up and given their due respect and honor. 

Thought for the Day: Where am I in the social hierarchy of my community?

Jeremiah 23:3-6

“In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” vs. 6

It’s unlikely that Jeremiah was thinking of anyone other than a new king as he preached to the Israelites, but he did have a definite idea about what this king should be like. It would be someone from the house of David, a righteous ruler who would restore glory to the land. And he even gives this new shepherd a name: “The Lord is our righteousness.” And it’s in that name that we see Jeremiah’s great insight. Whether he knew it or not, that suggested name directs us beyond politics or royal families to the real source of hope for humanity. We get so caught up in looking to candidates or parties as the key to restoration and renewal that we forget that the real power in the universe is the Unseen Mystery who is the Lord of all Life and the Source of all Love. There’s no reason for any of our congregations or pastors to get all caught up in the political charades that dominate the daily news cycle and that vie for our attention. We have been called to be the hands and feet of God in our world, and that will be our calling no matter who wins the upcoming elections. We are the Body of Christ!

Thought for the Day: What difference do elections make?

Jeremiah 23:1-2

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord.” vs. 1

As far as Jeremiah was concerned those called to be shepherds over Israel had failed dismally in their responsibilities. Instead of caring for the sheep of the Lord’s pasture they had instead destroyed and scattered them, and by the time Jeremiah’s ministry was winding down, the largest portion of God’s people were living in exile. And it was the kings who were culpable! Their thirst for power and wealth had done them in–new leaders would have to be raised up for Israel, and Jeremiah assured the people that God would not let them down. New shepherds would come and this time they would be different. As we look back to what actually happened after the time of Jeremiah, we’d be hard-pressed to identify just who those good shepherds might have been, at least that’s the case if we’re talking about human leaders. So often that’s the way it is with those who aspire to be kings or dictators or presidents. There’s just something about political power that breeds corruption. Again and again leaders, however they rise to the top, prove inadequate at everything except self-aggrandizement and self-enrichment. They may start out with good intentions and make wonderful promises, but before long there’s an erosion of values, and the flock is destroyed and scattered. Blessed are those who have met the Good Shepherd and have heard him call their name.

Thought for the Day: Why do people need leaders anyway?

Mark 6:21-29

“Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.” vss. 25-26

According to Mark, Herod was fascinated by John and likely knew him to be a man of integrity, someone who spoke the truth no matter what the circumstances. Yet when crunch time came, Herod chose expediency over all else. He foolishly kept a silly oath to a dancer who pleased him, and killed a prophet of God! Of course Herod wasn’t the first politician to sacrifice integrity to curry favor with a beautiful woman and he certainly wasn’t the last. Power has enormous corrupting influence and even decent folks who enter the political fray can surprise us with their willing acceptance of lying as an accepted form of behavior. When confronted with their lies some simply shrug their shoulders and say, “That’s just how politics is.” And what’s even more disturbing is that so many adopt a pious veneer to obscure their underhandedness. So is it possible to ever trust those who become political leaders? Of course! Politicians are no different than we are! We’re all broken and in need of healing. And when political leaders repent and receive healing forgiveness, their deeds of power can turn into amazing acts of service!

Thought for the Day: Who are some political leaders with integrity?

Mark 6:14-20

“For Herod had sent men who arrested John and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’” vss. 17-18

Herod had palaces in Jericho and at Masada, and probably regularly passed through the area where John was baptizing and preaching. Even though they didn’t run in the same social circles, Herod was aware of John’s fame, and was likely chagrined to hear that John had called his divorce and remarriage a grave sin. Because the divorce had sparked an international incident, (his ex-wife was the daughter of the king of Nabatea), and he feared John’s influential opposition, he chose to silence John by imprisoning him. It’s not unusual for prophets to get under the skin of kings and queens, it happened regularly in Israel. John knew that, and he realized speaking out against Herod was dangerous. But his loyalty was to God and not earthly rulers, and he spoke the truth to power, regardless of the consequences. It’s not easy for religious leaders to adopt such oppositional positions. Even when there is supposedly separation between church and state, politicians will do most anything to cultivate the favor of religious groups. And church leaders regularly jump on board to get the prestige of national prominence. True prophets will never get cozy with politicians! It’s almost impossible to speak truth to power from an inside position.

Thought for the Day: What happens when separation of church and state is compromised?

Ephesians 1:7-14

“In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance…so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.” vss. 11a, 12

Occasionally we will encounter believers who regularly use a phrase like “all glory to God,” in order to indicate that what they have done is not a credit to themselves but to the One whom they serve. Johan Sebastion Bach, the great classical composer, wrote “To God be the glory,” as the dedication on every piece of music he published. And he wasn’t the only one to feel this way! From the very beginning believers have been encouraged to give all the glory to God as a witness to their faith and devotion. It’s strange then that so many are reluctant to use these words as a part of their testimony. In fact some are even put off by athletes who begin their post-event interviews by saying, “All glory be to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Maybe they think such persons are practicing their piety before others, in order to be acclaimed by them, something Jesus warned his disciples against in the Sermon on the Mount. Who knows! But isn’t it more than a little sad that we can’t bring ourselves to show others that we are living for the sake of Christ’s glory by saying the words out loud. It’s sure better than the “God damns” or “Jesus Christs” that so regularly pass through our lips! Are we really that ashamed of our faith?

Thought for the Day: Why am I reluctant to say, “Glory be to God”?

Ephesians 1:3-10

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.” vss. 3-4

Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians by reminding them of their heritage. They are, he tells them, the adopted children of God, chosen in Christ from all eternity for holy and blameless living. Doubtless, he would say the same thing to us. Like the Ephesians our calling is not based on race or religion or ethnic background. It’s most certainly not related to our good looks or talent! Now we can, if we wish, debate about the mystery of our call, but there is no doubt about God’s purpose. There is nothing ambiguous about being a people set aside for a holy and blameless life that is centered on unconditional and sacrificial love. Now some might wonder how in the world we can be expected to live like this–it seems like an impossible calling. And given that we are a broken people that might appear to be a reasonable point. But there is one more thing! We are also the beneficiaries of a glorious grace that has been freely bestowed on us through Jesus. And by the riches of that grace lavished upon us we have the entire forgiveness of all of our sins. And that’s how we get to be holy and blameless people!!! It’s all grace!

Thought for the Day: How’s my holy and blameless life going?

Psalm 85:8-13

“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” vs. 10

The psalmist was full of optimism about the future. He knew that the essence of God was goodness, and he believed that ultimately, whatever the conditions of his day, there would be peace and plenty for God’s faithful people. Some folks in our day are having a hard time conjuring up a vision of that benevolent God. They almost seem to prefer a future vision with apocalyptic overtones, a world in which there is a cataclysmic collision of great powers, and wholesale destruction. Now it may be that there are some rough patches ahead as some of the real tensions in our world find resolution. But that can never be the last word for those who are followers of the Jesus revealed in the gospels. In him the words of the psalmist were fulfilled–steadfast love and faithfulness met–righteousness and peace kissed each other. And those same things are happening right now in his Body throughout the world. Of course those beautiful encounters aren’t often picked up by the scandal-seeking media, and we won’t see them on the six o’clock newshour. But they’re happening nonetheless, and when we see them in our congregations and neighborhoods we’ll feel the psalmist’s optimism creep into our bones. “Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.”

Thought for the Day: Why am I optimistic about the future? 

Amos 7:10-15

“Then Amos answered Amaziah, ‘I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”’” vss. 14-15

Amos wasn’t an insider. He didn’t even consider himself a prophet. Yet the Lord had chosen him, a shepherd and a farmer, to travel to the shrine at Bethel in the country of Israel, where there was already a boatload of priests, and call the people to repentance. Not surprisingly, he was not well received by the priestly hierarchy. But his words were not only memorable, they’ve traveled well! And wherever God’s people have gotten caught up in the excesses of luxurious and idolatrous living Amos continues to speak. We can’t read his hard-hitting commentary without feeling the bite of his harsh words. He may not have been properly credentialed or gone to the right seminaries but there’s no doubt that he is calling on us to change our ways and reverse the standards of our system. And that’s how God continues to work. Sometimes we see it in our congregations as ordinary people speak compelling words from the Lord. We might not like what they say, but when they’ve hit the bullseye, all we can do is listen.

Thought for the Day: From what unlikely folks have I heard a convicting word?