Mark 4:35-38

“But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’” vs. 38

The disciples weren’t sleeping during the windstorm on the Sea of Galilee. The boat was bouncing on the waves, and they feared for their lives. But when Jesus was somehow able to sleep, they woke him up, somehow assuming that he didn’t care that they were about to perish. At first their conclusion seems bizarre–until we realize that we regularly make that assumption about his presence in our lives. Even when we believe that Jesus is present in our lives, for some reason when our lives go south and we find ourselves on a sinking ship, our first conclusion is that we’ve been deserted, and that our Lord doesn’t care. Our prayers in those instances often contain the question, “Are you sleeping, Jesus?” And we wonder why something isn’t being done about the pickle we’ve found ourselves in. In Mark’s story Jesus responds to the disciples’ question with one of his own, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” That’s a good question for us to ponder too. Just how often is our anxiety in difficult situations triggered by a lack of faith? Admittedly it’s hard to trust when times are tough–our minds seem programmed to catastrophize and to consider worst case scenarios. But what a difference it makes when faith is present and trust is second nature!

Thought for the Day: When is faith difficult for me?

2 Corinthians 6:7-13

“We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also.” vss. 11-13

Just because Paul had lived in Corinth and had faithfully proclaimed the gospel to the congregation doesn’t mean there were no difficulties between him and the people. We don’t know precisely what the issue was, but we do know that some of the folks in Corinth were not in his camp–and he gets a bit testy about it. While he doesn’t claim to have been of star quality, he does believe that his record was sound. Not only had he endured persecution for the sake of the gospel, he has always acted with integrity and kindness. He had opened his heart to them and now he wants to be treated in the same way. The issue brought up by Paul comes up again and again in our congregations. Pastors often feel that they have given their best in ministry, but sometimes the people can be unappreciative. They may feel the pastor talks down to them and has a superiority complex. There are many reasons why congregants have problems with leaders. The ideal is a kind of mutuality, a situation in which the pastor has obvious affection for the people in the pews, and they are also willing to open wide their hearts to their pastor. 

Thought for the Day: Can you open your heart wide to your pastor?

2 Corinthians 6:1-5

“As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.” vs. 1

Paul loved the Corinthians. He had lived among them for many months and he knew many of them personally, and now as he writes to them, we can see his passion in his words. He believes that they are his brothers and sisters in Christ, and that in Christ they are a new creation. But he worried about them too. He’s afraid that the gospel he has preached among them is in danger of becoming mere words, and that it may not be touching their hearts. That continues to be a troublesome reality in our communities of faith. We have become quite adept at using the word “grace” in a variety of circumstances. We affirm the grace of God regularly and even call grace the foundation of our life together–and we particularly love singing about it! But sometimes it can seem as though this amazing grace is purely a doctrinal matter, one we affirm with our minds, but fail to receive in our hearts. If that’s so, all our talk about grace is in vain, and we haven’t come close to allowing its power to be unleashed in our innermost being. The Holy Spirit is certainly capable of inspiring transformation in us even without our consent or cooperation. But we do have some agency, and some have become adept at neutralizing the power of grace. And it really is a shame when grace is no longer irresistible!

Thought for the Day: What happens when grace is resisted?

Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” vss. 28-29

The seas have always held a fascination for those who lived along their shores. Thousands of years ago we discovered that the oceans held a great storehouse of food, fish of every kind, and we built boats and used nets to harvest their riches. Bit by bit we developed trade routes and learned to navigate to distant lands by using the stars as a guide. But sailors quickly learned that waves combined with winds could be treacherous, and those who went to sea in ships were well aware of the danger. This psalmist certainly knew how dangerous the sailing life  could be and even wrote a prayer that vividly described the fear of those caught in a storm far from shore. Their plea is simple, “Oh that the Lord would make the winds to be still!” While not many of us can know what it’s like to be in a sinking ship, at least not literally, nearly all can identify with it metaphorically. We know what it’s like to be buffeted by unseen forces and about to lose control. It happens so fast in daily life. One moment we’re enjoying smooth sailing and in the next we’re struggling to stay afloat. Those are scary times, and often, purely by instinct, we cry out to God for our salvation! And when stillness comes, our hearts are filled with thanks!

Thought for the Day: What’s it like on a “sinking ship”?

June 19, 2024 Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” vss. 28-29

The seas have always held a fascination for those who lived along their shores. Thousands of years ago we discovered that the oceans held a great storehouse of food, fish of every kind, and we built boats and used nets to harvest their riches. Bit by bit we developed trade routes and learned to navigate to distant lands by using the stars as a guide. But sailors quickly learned that waves combined with winds could be treacherous, and those who went to sea in ships were well aware of the danger. This psalmist certainly knew how dangerous the sailing life  could be and even wrote a prayer that vividly described the fear of those caught in a storm far from shore. Their plea is simple, “Oh that the Lord would make the winds to be still!” While not many of us can know what it’s like to be in a sinking ship, at least not literally, nearly all can identify with it metaphorically. We know what it’s like to be buffeted by unseen forces and about to lose control. It happens so fast in daily life. One moment we’re enjoying smooth sailing and in the next we’re struggling to stay afloat. Those are scary times, and often, purely by instinct, we cry out to God for our salvation! And when stillness comes, our hearts are filled with thanks!

Thought for the Day: What’s it like on a “sinking ship”?

Job 38:4-11

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?” vss. 4-5

The Lord takes Job and his companions to task for their presumptive knowledge, and tells them that they don’t know squat! In fact, almost everything is beyond their understanding. We live in a time when many assume that human knowledge knows no bounds, and it’s true, we have made some amazing discoveries about the expanding universe and microscopic wonders. Our telescopes give us pictures of our origins and we’ve unraveled the mysteries of DNA. And still the voice of the Lord reminds us, “You don’t know squat!” And we never will. The truth humans crave lies beyond our grasp and it’s only when we admit defeat and yield to the great Mystery, that we can truly be free to live. For some that’s a sad admission and they’ll resist making it for a lifetime, but for others yielding to the mystery is the beginning of wisdom. Somehow it’s freeing to acknowledge limitations and to know our best efforts will always fall short. Even though we’ve been taught that self-help books are the pathway to perfection, and that if we only work harder at self-improvement we’ll find happiness, real peace comes only when we surrender into the arms of our loving God. And amazingly, it’s in the mystery of that moment that contentment and joy can be restored.

Thought for the Day: What does surrender mean for me?

Job 38:1-3

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?’” vss. 1-2

According to the book bearing his name Job is a righteous man who loses his health, property, and family as the result of an inexplicable test prompted by Satan and approved by God. In spite of his blameless life he endures horrible suffering, and then to top it off, his friends suggest that he has brought all this misfortune on himself. They urge him to confess his failings, which he refuses to do. In the course of their conversations all manner of ideas about God and suffering are suggested by Job and his supposed friends. Finally God is fed up and speaks from the whirlwind, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” The scene describes an occasion that we continue to experience regularly. Invariably when people are struck with incurable illnesses, horrible suffering, or some other calamity, observers seem compelled to offer advice and direction, much of which is misguided and uninformed, especially that which has been gathered from internet sources! Often there are no reasons for suffering, diseases seem to attack randomly, and we just can’t get our “why” questions answered. The beginning of knowledge is to acknowledge ignorance and focus on compassion and love. Suffering people may not always get answers, but they can always use lots of hugs.

Thought for the Day: What have I needed in my suffering?

Mark 4:30-34

“With what can we compare the kingdom of God…It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs…” vss. 30-32

When Jesus came into Galilee he proclaimed that the kingdom of God was at hand, and he then devoted his teaching to describing the nature of that kingdom and how its power was being unleashed. The kingdom wasn’t a power that you could look at and say “there it is!” The reality of its presence was far more subtle than that. Jesus found that the best descriptions were conveyed through parables, short stories that used metaphor to make their point. Here he likely held up a mustard seed to the crowd and then compared it to the kingdom. It might seem like nothing, he tells them, but when it grows it becomes a mighty shrub, one that is a nesting place for the birds of the air. We’ve seen how those things which seem insignificant can have a huge and beneficial influence. And that’s how God’s rule works. It might be a glance, a touch, or a kind smile, but a tiny gesture can change a person’s day and maybe even their life. One passionate giver can release a tsunami of giving. One believer can infect a congregation and soon thousands join a movement. Some call this “the power of one!” It’s a kingdom principle, and Jesus showed it to be true!

Thought for the Day: How have little things changed my life?

Mark 4:26-29

“He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how.’” vss. 26-27

Jesus frequently talked about the kingdom of God in his teaching. He understood it as a present reality in our world and used parables to describe what it was like. Those parables frequently used metaphors about ordinary things that the people in the crowds could relate to. In this instance he talks about the basic mystery involved in sowing grain. The seed is scattered on the ground, and with no further effort from the sower, begins to sprout and grow. So it is with the kingdom of God Jesus says, and with that simple comparison he opens the way for us to understand how God works in our world. When we think nothing is happening in people’s lives, the Spirit is at work, and the seeds of love and mercy begin to sprout and grow, and to even bear fruit. It’s again a reminder that not everything is up to us, especially those things that have to do with spiritual growth and maturation. And it isn’t accidental–stuff doesn’t just happen! Always there is that indwelling nurturing presence of the Divine working night and day, and ultimately that’s how the kingdom comes, and lives are changed!

Thought for the Day: Why do we pray “Thy kingdom come?”

2 Corinthians 5:14-17

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” vs. 17

One of the reasons for Paul’s confidence was his belief that Jesus’ resurrection was also his resurrection. His future life in the Lord was his present reality. He already had received what would one day be his. In fact, he says that’s the way it is for all who are in Christ. We are a new creation–everything has become new. That conviction has huge implications for the way we regard our fellow pilgrims on the journey. Believe it or not, we are Christ to them and they are Christ to us, and Christ’s love binds us to one another for better or for worse. We don’t serve an invisible God abiding in the remote reaches of heavenly glory. Our God is as visible as our Christ-filled next door neighbor and as close to us as that friendly usher at church. In fact, everywhere we turn as we live in Christ, we encounter the Christ who lived in the flesh in Nazareth. And together we are God’s fresh start, a new creation that is poised to transform the world. And we are making a difference! In us the broken find healing and the lonely experience love. In us people are getting a taste of the new life that can never be taken away and that will persist for us all into eternity!

Thought for the Day: What does all this mean for daily living?