David Bahn – Reflections

Today’s readings: Acts 25-27, Psalm 119:33-40

Acts 26:1, 12-18

So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

¹² “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. ¹³ At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. ¹⁴ And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ ¹⁵ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. ¹⁶ But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, ¹⁷ delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you ¹⁸ to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”

I like to say that if something is in the Bible, it is true. If it is in the Bible twice, it is certainly true. And if it’s in the Bible three times, it is most certainly true (with apologies to Martin Luther and his explanations to the Apostles’ Creed).

For example, marriage is described in terms of a man leaving his father and mother, being united to his wife, and the two becoming one flesh. We find that in Genesis, Matthew, and Ephesians. Most certainly true! Jesus’ words instituting the Lord’s Supper are found four times. Most surely certainly true?

There are other examples as well. The death and resurrection of Jesus come immediately to mind.

For whatever reason, Luke sees fit to include three accounts of Paul’s conversion in the book of Acts. But I don’t think it’s because he wants us to know that it is most certainly true. I believe it’s because Paul’s story is so valuable and completely worth telling—three times.

First, Luke tells the story as he must have learned it from Saul (who was also known by his Roman name, Paul). Then Luke recounts Paul’s defense when he faces a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. And now we hear Paul tell his story again before King Agrippa.

The first account shows how Saul’s life was changed when he had a head-on collision with the resurrected Jesus. The second emphasizes Paul’s Jewish credentials and his divine commission to preach the Gospel. Now, before Agrippa, Paul emphasizes his calling to proclaim the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

I notice something else in all this. Paul will not pass up an opportunity to tell the story of God’s grace and Jesus’ essential place in our relationship with God. He tells his story not simply because something extraordinary happened to him, but because of what Jesus had done for him—and what Jesus desires to do for others.

The final words of this section offer a wonderful reminder of that purpose. Jesus sent Paul to open people’s eyes so that they might turn “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” (Acts 26:18)

Very few of us have such a powerful conversion story to tell. But perhaps we do have a story of God’s grace making an impact in our lives. And when we have the opportunity to tell that story we should tell it once, twice, three or many more times. For the story of God’s grace is always worth retelling.

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.

Today’s readings: Romans 13-15, Psalm 148

Romans 13:1-7

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, ⁴ for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ⁶ For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. ⁷ Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

The day after Jimmy Carter was elected president of the United States, I had an interesting encounter with a seminary classmate. He was an older student with a young daughter. He told me, “My daughter asked me this morning, ‘What are we gonna do, Daddy, now that that bad Jimmy Carter was elected president?’ I told her, ‘It’s Mr. President now. He is our president.’”

His daughter had obviously picked up his political leanings against Jimmy Carter. But that was a teaching moment that illustrates so well the opening verses of Romans 13. We are commanded to be subject to the governing authorities. Who knew this passage would be so appropriate in the wake of the “Blue Tsunami” election here in the United States!

I very seldom speak publicly about politics, whether on social media or even within my own family. I realize we may hold different political perspectives, and that some of those convictions are deeply held. But there is a higher authority to whom we all answer. We may not always keep that at the top of our priority list, but it belongs there: We are under the authority of our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Our allegiance to him is more important than our party affiliation or candidate of choice.

These verses seem especially appropriate because I suspect many who read this are distressed about the recent election results. And I know that most who read this already understand where their ultimate allegiance belongs. But it’s still a good reminder.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was reminded by a neighbor of an important truth. I had shared my distress over the situation we were facing, and he simply said, “But we know who’s on the throne.”

That may be a good reminder for us today—no matter how we feel about the recent election results.

And here’s perhaps an even better word for us, also from today’s readings:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” — Romans 15:13

Our hope is in Jesus. He remains on the throne of grace, the very throne from which he pours out his mercy and love. That’s true no matter who is in office. And it’s true no matter what tomorrow brings.

That’s more than a reassuring thought. The One who reigns is the One who gave himself for us on the cross, rose victorious from the grave, and promises never to leave or forsake us. His reign is not merely one of power, but of grace and mercy. And his promises are not subject to election results.

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.

Today’s readings: Romans 10-12, Psalm 147

Romans 10:14-17

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? ¹⁵ And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” ¹⁶ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” ¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

“God doesn’t hang speakers from the clouds to communicate with us.”

That was part of a lesson on the Bible and faith in a study I led years ago. And it’s a good reminder. Our faith is engendered by means. It doesn’t just happen. God speaks to us through his Word. And in our case, that Word comes to us through the Scriptures—the written Word of God recorded in the Old and New Testaments.

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a leader of a church where I was helping guide their ministry. He was struggling with the concept of the inerrancy of Scripture. He claimed that the Bible is full of errors or contradictions. And try as I might, I could not help him see past what he believed were irreconcilable differences in the accounts of Judas’ death. Did he hang himself, or did he fall headlong…?

I find such conversations frustrating because the purpose of Scripture is too easily set aside in favor of arguing over such issues. (By the way, I don’t believe there is a contradiction in this case, but I couldn’t help the man see that.)

I’m comfortable with the word inerrant, but I actually favor another word: infallible. Scripture will not fail in what God intends it to accomplish. It faithfully conveys God’s truth and points us to the salvation he has provided in Jesus Christ.

And that’s the real point of infallibility: truth. Jesus prayed to his Father in John 17, “Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth.” He claimed, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” He is the One full of grace and truth. And Jesus is the Word made flesh.

Scripture points us to Jesus. That is its central purpose. That is its beauty. That is its glory. And while words like inspired, inerrant, and infallible appropriately describe the Bible, a focus on defending those words can cause us to lose sight of why God has given us his Word in the first place.

That’s the point Paul makes here.

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

I don’t believe in trying to deconstruct the Bible into this man’s ideas or that person’s opinions or interpretations. Nor do I want to become so caught up in arguments about what Scripture is that I neglect what it says. I believe in declaring with great confidence what God says in his Word and how that Word points us to Jesus. For in Jesus we find the truth that saves us.

That’s what Scripture does, and that’s why we’re Following the Word so intentionally this year at St. John. We want to hear God’s Word, receive his promises, and grow in the faith that clings to Jesus—the faith through which God saves, guides, enlightens, gives hope, confronts, challenges, comforts, and sustains us.

God doesn’t need speakers hanging from the clouds. He has given us his Word. Through that Word, he speaks to us of Jesus, creates faith in our hearts, and sustains us in his promises.

And one day, the One we have heard about, trusted, and followed by faith will stand before us. Faith will give way to sight.

And what a glorious sight that will be!

Until then, there is the matter of spreading this word of grace and truth that is Jesus. It’s part and parcel of Paul’s letter to the Romans and the definition of his life’s calling. Thankfully others have taken up that calling, for you and I who believe in Jesus owe a debt of thanks to those who have brought that word to us. Perhaps we will find an opportunity to share that word with someone else in our days on earth. Then may they hear the word and be brought to faith in Jesus.

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.

Today’s readings: Romans 7-9, Psalm 146

Romans 7:14-25

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. ¹⁶ Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. ¹⁷ So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. ¹⁸ For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. ²⁰ Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

²¹ So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. ²² For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, ²³ but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. ²⁴ Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Romans 7 is a challenging chapter—especially the first part. Paul explains how God’s law works, how it is good, and yet how sin uses that very law to stir up evil impulses and actions within us. The logic is difficult for me to follow because he is so careful to tie together the thoughts of Romans 6, including the beautiful truth that we are no longer under the law, with the confession he will make later in this chapter.

And that’s where we can all gain a foothold of understanding.

Paul confesses that, in spite of himself, he cannot keep from sinning. He wants to do good things but ends up not doing them. (Think good intentions never acted upon, or promises not kept.) He doesn’t want to do evil things but ends up doing them. (Think giving in to temptation or failing to restrain sinful impulses.)

Most of us can identify with those realities. We face temptation and cave in. We intend to keep a promise but let it go. The gossip is too juicy not to share, and we sully someone’s reputation, speaking poorly of her rather than putting the best construction on her actions. The pain he has caused is too severe to ignore, so we sabotage his presentation or withhold vital information that would help him. We lose our temper in traffic, cut someone off, and maybe offer a few choice words we’d be embarrassed for our children—or grandchildren—to hear.

Or worse.

Why do we do this? Why do we give in to temptation? Why don’t we do the good we want to do?

Paul says it is sin dwelling within us that leads us to places we know we should not go. And if you haven’t given in to some of these more obvious outward manifestations of sin, remember Jesus’ words about adultery and murder. Sin isn’t merely a matter of outward actions. It reaches into the desires and intentions of our hearts.

Some think we are sinners because we sin. The truth is that we sin because we are sinners. And though we are also saints—not because of our goodness, but because we belong to Christ through faith—we will struggle with this reality until the day we are taken from this vale of tears into the glorious presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So we join Paul in his cry: “Who will deliver me from this body of death?”

And in his answer: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Our struggle with sin continues, but Jesus has won the victory for us, and one day he will come again. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.

Today’s readings: Romans 4-6, Psalm 145

Romans 5:18-6:4

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. ¹⁹ For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. ²⁰ Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, ²¹ so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

6 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? ² By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? ³ Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

The end of Romans 5 and the beginning of chapter 6 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible—if it’s safe to single out any one passage. It’s the same kind of favorite as the question in Acts 1:11. That’s a favorite and an easy question to answer. Look it up and see why I say that.

This passage is a favorite because there are two very significant truths that play off one another.

First of all, Paul says that where sin increases, grace increases all the more. I love to illustrate this by using my arms and hands to show an imaginary mountain of sin, then an even larger covering of grace. Then I make the mountain of sin bigger, and the covering of grace bigger still. Take it as far as you want, and there will always be more grace than sin.

This is remarkable in and of itself. God’s grace is inexhaustible. And that’s saying a lot. We cannot exhaust his mercy through our need for it, nor can we diminish its abundance by receiving it. Ephesians 2:7 speaks of “the immeasurable riches of his grace.” And Paul says here that grace always wins—even over sin.

But grace is not an end in itself—even though I believe it is the key to the meaning of the universe. That’s a phrase I like to use, pointing to Ephesians 1:6. And I believe it far better than I can explain it.

Even though grace is such a rich gift, and in the end our endless song will be in praise of God’s glorious grace, that grace also does something in the here and now.

Paul makes this clear when he asks the question: “Should we sin more so that grace may increase?”

His answer is an emphatic, “No! Never!”

But the reason isn’t that grace might run out. It is because God’s grace changes our lives.

By God’s grace we have a new heart, a new identity, a new hope, and a new way of seeing things. That’s the here and now of God’s grace. God’s grace is at the center of all that is truly good in our lives. From it flow goodness, beauty, kindness, and love.

But there’s something even more profound here. Paul reminds us that we have been baptized into Christ’s death and raised with him to walk in newness of life. Jesus has not only forgiven our sins. He has claimed us as his own and given us a whole new life.

To sin more will never prove God’s grace. That has already been demonstrated beyond measure when God sent his Son to redeem us. Jesus is the embodiment of grace and truth. He is the source of life.

Sin may build its mountains as high as it can. God’s grace will always be greater. And in Jesus Christ, that grace not only covers our sins. It raises us to new life.

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.

Today’s readings: Romans 1-3, Psalm 144

Romans 1:13-17

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. ¹⁴ I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. ¹⁵ So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

I can recall very few times when I’ve been ashamed to be known as a Christian. Very few. Perhaps during my college years I got carried away by some of the bad influences that were all too readily available. But I also sometimes rushed in where angels fear to tread—at the other extreme.

Our philosophy professor once invited us to bring something to class that gave us comfort. I decided to bring my Bible and read from Matthew 6, where Jesus speaks of God’s care for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.

I was quite surprised—perhaps stunned is a better word—when several of my classmates took issue with me … and with Jesus! I was caught completely off guard. I didn’t know what to say. I simply hadn’t expected anyone in that class to challenge the teachings of Jesus.

But I was even more deflated when I shared the incident with a girl I was interested in dating. She was standing outside the Music Building waiting for class—and talking with a guy she was apparently more interested in than me. I showed her my Bible and told her how I had been treated.

Her response? “Don’t be such a fanatic, Dave.”

That took the wind right out of my sails.

Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. I suspect his lack of shame had less to do with how he might have been treated by the philosophers on Mars Hill (Acts 17), and even less with how any fellow believer might judge him.

Paul had been saved. His life had been turned around. He had been rescued from the brink of eternal doom when Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus. He had come to understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He had learned that Jesus died for the sins of the world—including his own. He had learned that Jesus ruled and reigned at the right hand of God. He had discovered the power of God’s grace, mercy, and love.

Now he would write about it to the Christians in Rome. His letter is considered one of the most profound books of the Bible. And he is delighted in the gospel—isn’t that the opposite of shame?

The Good News of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and promised return—for our sake and for our salvation—is so beautifully and clearly laid out in this letter.

I’m looking forward to reading it again, savoring its rich truths and profound implications. This is a message worth sharing—even when our sharing isn’t met with respect or appreciation.

After all, the power of the gospel doesn’t depend on how well we defend it, how confidently we speak, or how warmly others receive it. Its power rests in Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us and whose grace is sufficient even when our courage fails.

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.

Today’s readings: 2 Corinthians 5-7, Psalm 141

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; ¹⁵ and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

¹⁶ From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ¹⁸ All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. ²¹ For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Before I came to St. John, the congregation engaged the services of an intentional interim pastor. He used an acronym to challenge the people of the church: HSAYATKOG? How Serious Are You About The Kingdom Of God? He challenged them to set aside their personal preferences in favor of a kingdom vision and a commitment to the good of the body of Christ and the mission of God.

Since I wasn’t at St. John at the time, I don’t know whether he used this passage from 2 Corinthians 5. But he certainly could have, along with several others, including Jesus’ own words: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43–44).

It always amazes me when I hear Christians express unbridled selfishness without a second thought. It might be someone insisting that worship must be conducted according to their personal preferences, refusing to support a ministry because it doesn’t directly benefit them, or being unwilling to serve unless things are done their way. Such attitudes stop me in my tracks because they are so out of character with Christ and his calling to selfless love, willing service, and concern for the good of others.

But the motivation for such a lifestyle isn’t simply a desire to be great, even as Jesus describes it. It is founded on Jesus’ death for our sins and the new life he has given us by his grace. Christ died for all, Paul writes, “that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”

The Gospel message isn’t only about pie in the sky in the sweet by and by!

We have been reconciled to God. He has provided a way for us to live in fellowship with himself and one another. The Gospel is also about the way the reign and rule of God show up here on earth as a foretaste of the life of the world to come.

Selfishness has no place in the Christian life. Neither do judgmentalism, immorality, dishonesty, or any other manner of sin. But grace, generosity, sacrifice, truthfulness, and genuine concern for our neighbors are beautiful adornments to a life redeemed by Christ.

Christ has reconciled us to God, not because we have lived that way, but so that we might live in the freedom of his grace. Having received such love, we are called to reflect it to one another and to the world around us, even as we look forward to the fullness of life in the world to come.

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.

Today’s readings: 2 Corinthians 2-4, Psalm 140

2 Corinthians 4:5-15

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹² So death is at work in us, but life in you.

¹³ Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, ¹⁴ knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. ¹⁵ For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

I recall the first time I saw myself on video leading a worship service. As part of our seminary training, we conducted demonstration worship services while someone recorded us. Then we reviewed the tape (yes, it was that long ago), and the professor offered his evaluation. I don’t remember what he said, but I do recall thinking I seemed a bit too nonchalant. A little more propriety was in order, a bit more formality. After all, I was leading God’s people in worshiping the King of the Universe!

Throughout my ministry, I’ve tried not to put on airs. I don’t want to perform as some liturgical celebrity, as though it’s all about the performance. On the other hand, as Diane once reminded me, “We dare not saunter nonchalantly into the presence of the almighty God.” Our God deserves the best of our efforts and demeanor.

But when Paul speaks of the treasure of the Gospel in jars of clay, he’s talking about something far more important than worship behavior, formality, or ritual. He’s reminding us that the power to save doesn’t reside in the person bringing the message. As a professor friend of mine used to say, “Gentlemen, the world needs a Savior, and you are not him.”

The power is not in the messenger. It’s in the Gospel itself, and in the Holy Spirit who works through that message. No amount of pizzazz, slick presentation, finesse, or eloquence can accomplish what God does through his Word.

We certainly want to be thoughtful in our Christian witness. We must never sully the Gospel message with careless words or thoughtless babble. But we don’t have to live perfect lives to witness to Christ. We don’t have to have all the answers. We don’t even have to get every word just right.

Paul knew his own limitations. He wasn’t interested in impressing the Corinthians with his rhetorical skills. He wanted them to see Jesus and recognize the surpassing power of God at work through the Gospel.

You may never lead a worship service, much less be recorded and critiqued for how you conducted it. But you do have opportunities to witness to Jesus. And you may sometimes feel inadequate to the task. That’s all right. You are a jar of clay, after all.

The treasure isn’t our ability to say everything just right. The treasure is Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, the Savior of the world. And God has entrusted that treasure to ordinary people like you and me.

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.