David Bahn – Reflections

Some people have a dangerously mistaken understanding of God, faith, life and salvation. For them, if you have the right pedigree, or the proper church membership you’re in. If not, well, good luck. Frankly that mentality comes quite often from those outside the faith. Their caricature of Christianity and Christians is shaped by worldly ignorance and anecdotal experiences too far removed from real life, faith, and those who are living it out daily.

Thank God for those who do live it out daily! Thank God for those heroes of the faith who lead us onward in the calling of Christ. Jim Linderman was one such hero. A man’s man, a pastor’s pastor, a chaplain, church leader, former president of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, he didn’t presume upon God’s grace; he relished it and shared it. A highlight of that for him was baptizing a neighbor in the farm tank on his ranch. He knew who was in: Sinners who trust Christ for forgiveness, life and salvation.

Jesus makes it clear: His desire is to bless those who are brought to him. He would remove the false veneer self-righteousness from those whose real god is money and who trust in their money and themselves rather than relying on God’s power, grace, and provision. He tells even discouraged disciples: Hang in there! A rich reward awaits the faithful. Glory beyond your wildest imagination is stored up in the new world of eternity.

Don’t be afraid to be last. Don’t worry about those who are now first. God will level the playing field in the End. And all who are in will give glory to the One who sits on the throne, and praise him who is our life, our light and our salvation. I’m in for that! How about you?

Matthew 19:13-30

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, ¹⁴but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” ¹⁵And he laid his hands on them and went away.

¹⁶ And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” ²¹Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

²³And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁵When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” ²⁶But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ²⁷Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” ²⁸Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. ³⁰But many who are first will be last, and the last first.