David Bahn – Reflections

Philippians 2:15-16a

“…so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe, as you hold out the word of life.”

Matthew 1:18

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

The lengths to which people will go to achieve a goal varies depending on the goal. To build a bridge, one simply needs to do the math and physics, apply all the variables and piece together girders, box beams, I-beams and the other necessary components; make the right measurements and put it into place.

But to build a beautiful bridge a more elegant and involved process is involved: design elements require more than simply math; there is an aesthetic beauty to be achieved, and this requires a whole different set of variables; color, form, dynamic tensions (in the case of a suspension or cable bridge as is pictured above), and shape all come into play.

When it came time for God to redeem man, He didn’t go half-way; He fully entered the human race. He took on human flesh. And in order to do that He determined to be born of a virgin, by the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a long reach, and required not only a time and place for the birth to take place (cf. Galatians 4:4); but also a willing virgin, a cooperative soon-to-be husband for the mother of God, and even angels, magi, shepherds and the inn itself.

Although it’s not Christmas just now, it is as good a time as any to reflect on the lengths to which God has gone to redeem us. He surely must want more from and for us than another soul in His kingdom. There must be an intent on God’s part that is reflected in the words, “that I may live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting innocence and blessed, just as He lives and reigns to all eternity” (Martin Luther); or – better yet – “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6).

The extraordinary lengths to which God has gone for us and for our salvation might also speak to the beauty and form, shape and color our lives ought to reflect as His children in this world. We ought not be satisfied with being only Harry-and-Sally-go-t0-church-on-Sunday people (though there is a blessedness in that!). We are to be bright and shining stars, holding out the word of life.