David Bahn – Reflections

No Blog Podcast This Week

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. ¹⁴ If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.¹⁵ Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

¹⁷ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:13-17 [ESV]

Diane and I have seen Itzhak Perlman in person two times. The famous and incredibly gifted violinist performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra two decades ago and his virtuosity was stunning and obvious. I recall watching him walk onto the stage in a gate that made obvious the toll polio had taken on him in his youth. He walked with leg braces and payed sitting down. But oh my! Did he play. Just this year we saw him again. He had obviously aged. He made his way onto stage on a motorized scooter, and played from the seat of the scooter. But his musical abilities, beauty of his touch, tone, and interpretive genius made it clear, this was the real deal…the genuine Perlman. His performance was brilliant. We were delighted to have seen him again.

Paul makes a point of identifying himself in this letter by signing his name in large letters. He even points to this self-attestation saying this authenticating is his normal way of letting people know it was really he who was writing. Paul wanted the people who read this letter, and those who heard it to know that it had come from Paul and not some imitation pseudo-apostle.

Had someone else shown up on the night of the Perlman concert we would have been disappointed. He or she might have played the violin as well as Perlman. The notes might have been even crisper. But we had come to see and hear Perlman.

But the stakes are much higher in the case of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. Eternal truths hung in the balance. In fact he was making certain that other teachers were not distracting them from the truth that Paul had proclaimed. He was attesting to the veracity of this letter because he was an apostle. This call was from God. It carried with it a great weight of responsibility. He conveyed the truth of the Gospel to the people there. He corrected false teachings and misunderstandings. He pointed people again and again to God’s gift of grace and peace through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus alone is the real deal. And Paul will do whatever is necessary to point people to Jesus and the promise of eternal life and joy through faith in him.

No Blog Podcast This Week

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. ¹⁴ If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.¹⁵ Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

¹⁷ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:13-17 [ESV]

I may not begin my sermons with the traditional “Grace and peace…” but I am all in on grace and peace. Grace because it is such a rich and meaningful thing. Peace because the gift of Jesus’ peace is such a powerful and rich blessing. It flows from God’s grace.

I’ve described the thought of life without God’s grace as peering over the rim of the Grand Canyon, and imagining the fall to the bottom. The chasm is too deep. The fall too far. The terror too daunting. If there is no grace, I will surely die. A terrifying fall. A horrific death.

It’s not often about gross sin. I’m not imagining having to deal with having committed murder. I’ve not robbed a bank. It’s not even the conviction that I have sinned in thought word and deed. The evil I’ve done and the good that I’ve not done. More often it is the awareness of the reality of my brokenness and utter hopeless state apart from God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

But God’s grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness has come to me and to all people. Sadly some do not wish it. Some do not desire it. Some do not think they need it. But we all do need it. We must realize how precious it is. And it is ours for Jesus’ sake.

Knowing that God’s grace comes to us apart from anything we have done, failed to do, or even our awareness of our need for it is a source of great peace. For grace is the one thing that is God’s constant and unwavering gift. And that brings peace.

The word for peace, shalom, or ειρήνη (eirene), is a rich word, with deep meaning. Wholeness, rest, health, wellbeing, and tranquility are facets of the meaning. Knowing that God’s grace is constant, his kindness is unwavering, and his love is steadfast brings great peace. And while I may not use that wording to begin my sermons, it is my sincere hope that once I’m finished speaking, people will take with them a deep sense of both grace and peace. These are God’s gifts. Paul urged them on the people of Thessalonica. And I delight in them for myself, and urge them on you, dear reader.

No Blog Podcast This Week

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. ¹⁴ If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.¹⁵ Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

¹⁷ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:13-17 [ESV]

A friend of mine was described to me: “He never lands!” I had never heard that description before, but I immediately knew what he meant. My friend could talk and talk, and talk, and talk and make three clarifications, offer four exceptions, and two alternative possibilities. I knew what he was wanting to say. I just wished he would spit it out. Let it stand. Claim it for what it is.

I have another friend who has more words than necessary. If you’re reading this and thinking I’m referring to you…well probably not. This particular friend seems to be unaware of the excess of words offered in any given situation. Alright, already! I get it. Message received.

Then there’s Paul. The man of multi-phrase, many-word, run-on sentences. Check out Ephesians 1 for example. A literal translation can go on for line after line before the sentence is ended. The difference between Paul and my friends is that Paul writes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And he has something to say.

Paul begins this final chapter of his letter with the word, “Finally.” He seems to wind up his thoughts in verse 5, but goes on for 12 verses after that. And to top it off, he ends the letter, then adds his own hand-written closing. But listen to what he has to say: “do not grow weary in doing good.” Then, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

Paul may have taken a while to land, but when he did, he does land, he sticks the landing. Wishing God’s peace, and the Lord’s presence for the people there is a fitting ending to this incredible letter.

I’m not noted for having too many words…most of the time. And I am most often able to land. But I’m delighted to emulate Paul in this: May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. That’s a landing worth waiting for!

Join me in praying these Psalms on this Lord’s Day

Psalm 13

13 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
² How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

³ Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
⁴ lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

⁵ But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
⁶ I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 43

43 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
    against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
    deliver me!
² For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
    why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
    because of the oppression of the enemy?

³ Send out your light and your truth;
    let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
    and to your dwelling!
⁴ Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
    O God, my God.

⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.

Psalm 73:25-26

²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength^[b]of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 103

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
² Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
³ who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
⁵ who satisfies you with good
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

⁶ The Lordworks righteousness
    and justice for all who are oppressed.
⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
    his acts to the people of Israel.
⁸ The Lordis merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
⁹ He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
¹⁰ He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
¹³ As a father shows compassion to his children,
    so the Lordshows compassion to those who fear him.
¹⁴ For he knows our frame;^[a]
    he remembers that we are dust.

¹⁵ As for man, his days are like grass;
    he flourishes like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
    and its place knows it no more.
¹⁷ But the steadfast love of the Lordis from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
    and his righteousness to children’s children,
¹⁸ to those who keep his covenant
    and remember to do his commandments.
¹⁹ The Lordhas established his throne in the heavens,
    and his kingdom rules over all.

²⁰ Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his word,
    obeying the voice of his word!
²¹ Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
    his ministers, who do his will!
²² Bless the Lord, all his works,
    in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 133

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!^[a]
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
    running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
    running down on the collar of his robes!
³ It is like the dew of Hermon,
    which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
    life forevermore.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
All rights reserved

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. ¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:1-12 [ESV]

What do St. Paul and Jesus have in common? They both provide powerful examples of what it is to be completely devoted to God. Jesus did so by nature. He was true God from eternity. And although he “learned obedience” according to Hebrews 5:8, he did not learn it by making mistakes or stumbling in his obedience along the way. Consider this explanation:

Jesus “learned obedience” not in the sense that He was prone to disobedience and had to bring rebelliousness under control, but in the sense that He fully entered the human experience. As a child, He obeyed His parents (Luke 2:51); as an adult, He obeyed the Law (Matthew 5:17) and fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). All His life, Jesus completely fulfilled the Father’s will (John 8:29; 15:10; Hebrews 10:9). He knew what obedience was prior to His incarnation, of course, but He “learned” obedience on earth by experiencing it. In every situation, no matter how difficult, the Son was obedient to the Father. – Got Questions Website

Jesus is a perfect example of obedience, faithfulness, love, and life. Paul is also an example. He holds himself out as one here. He held himself out as an example, “to give [us] … an example to imitate” (v. 9). He was not of the do as I say, not as I do, brand of teaching, leadership, or discipleship. His particular example here is to have worked diligently without leaning on any of these new believers for financial support. He was working for their benefit at his own expense. He was a tentmaker, and used the proceeds from that craft to support himself while sharing the Gospel message with the people there. He did not seek to get rich at the expense of those he was seeking to convert.

On the other hand, however, he did receive support from believers who wanted to invest in him and God’s missionary work through him. Especially noteworthy was the generous and faithful support of the people of Philippi. More than once they sent gifts in support of his work. And when he wrote to Timothy he makes it clear that the laborer is worthy of his wages. Jesus taught the same to the Apostles (cf. Luke 10:7,1 Timothy 5:18,Matthew 10:10,Leviticus 19:13,Deuteronomy 24:15). There is no biblical call for a life of poverty as a servant of Christ.

There is, however, a call to diligence, effort, faithfulness, and even fruitfulness as followers of Jesus (cf. Matthew 25:14-30). Paul is an example of such a life, completely devoted to the mission of God. He is now leaving them an example. It is not that everyone has to become an international missionary like Paul was. Jesus told his disciples to sell their possessions, take no provision for their journey and declare the presence of God’s kingdom wherever they went. He told them they were to accept food offered to them because the laborer is worthy of his wage (see above). He told the once demon-possessed man from the area of the Gadarenes (Luke 8), that he should not come with Jesus, but go back and tell his family what God had done for him.

The example of Jesus and Paul is for us to seek God’s reign and rule, be fully devoted to Him, no matter what our vocation, and live productive and peaceful lives. We’ll never do it as perfectly as Jesus did. Not even many missionaries today are as sold-out as  was Paul. But we can all follow the example of obeying God, loving Him and our neighbor, and living a life of repentant faithfulness. In the words of Paul, “May the Lord direct [our] hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. ¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:1-12 [ESV]

A recent Bible class conversation about Jesus’ second coming revealed some interesting perspectives. Some people said they would have a heightened urgency if they knew Jesus was returning in 30 days. I pointed out that Martin Luther is quoted as once having said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”  I liked the comment left by Lifelong Lutheran on the website where I found the quote:

What Luther meant is that the future is uncertain and everything is in God’s Hands. Therefore, we should live out our vocations (father, mother, son, daughter, businessman, educator, farmer, etc) each day without worry for what will happen tomorrow (or anytime in the future). Ultimately, as believers in Christ and because of his work within each and every believer, Christians are secure in their faith and salvation, and they have nothing to fear in the future—not even death. For in Christ’s death and resurrection He has promised believers that He has overcome the world, death, and the devil and has given all believers eternal life.

Since there were significant questions, conclusions, and controversies in Thessalonica regarding Jesus’ return (some even saying that Jesus had already returned!), it seems likely to me that at least some of the people there were going the opposite direction from an attitude of urgency. Some had actually given up on work and expected to be taken care of. They were apparently not worried about such mundane things as food and shelter. Paul says that if they’re not willing to work they should not eat. Our son and his wife actually have that on the wall in their home: a warning to their children. I’ve even heard them warn their kids this way. In other words, “Do your chores or else…!”

Some say that dedicated Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. A group there had fallen prey to an attitude of complacency and idleness in response to Jesus’ imminent return. They became busybodies rather than being productive citizens. They had a don’t worry, be happy attitude on steroids.

Sometimes you just have to pay the rent. There are dishes to wash. Clothes to iron. Meals to cook. Lawns to mow. Floors to sweep. Work to be done. All these things are part of God’s way of providing for our needs. In his book, God at Work, Gene Veith says that “every kind of [godly] work [is] a sacred calling … an occasion … for exercising a holy service to God and to one’s neighbor.”

Add to this passage, Paul’s words to Timothy, “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:28). It is clear that the nitty gritty tasks of everyday life are important aspects of our faithful lives. God uses the nuts and bolts of daily living to make a thing of beauty when we take seriously not only our heavenly calling but our earthly responsibilities.

One of those responsibilities – which Paul mentions just a few verses prior to these – is to bring the Gospel message to the world. That’s by no means a mere nuts and bolts proposition, but however we are able to bring that about is also a part of our service to God and our neighbor.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. ¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:1-12 [ESV]

I just finished recording a program for Evangelical Life Ministries. It will air on November 27, Thanksgiving weekend. In that program I listed five things for which I am thankful. In reverse order of importance they are:

• Things I can taste, touch, smell, see, or hear
• The freedom I have as a citizen of the United States (so germaine this day after election day)
• The family of God, my brothers and sisters in Christ
• My family: wife, children, their spouses, our grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins
• The goodness and grace of God fully shown in Jesus Christ

In regard to the most important one, I quoted Psalm 107:1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” I so appreciate the word, steadfast. Unmoving. Absolutely reliable. Unwavering. Always there. Neither flighty nor fickle. So when Paul speaks of directing our hearts toward the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ, I especially take notice.

It might be that we are being urged to express the love of God to one another, and reflect Christ’s steadfast commitment to God in all we do. Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. And to be steadfast in faith is not an unfamiliar calling. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). This calling is connected with Jesus’ resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” I believe this is certainly true to Paul’s intent here.

But there is yet another way to think of this, and as such it becomes a very encouraging call to living a steadfastly-faithful life. Jesus was perfectly steadfast toward doing the will of the Father. He was steadfast in seeking and saving the lost. He was steadfast in speaking and embodying the truth in every situation. He was steadfast in uplifting the humble and bringing down the arrogant. He was steadfast in teaching his disciples and giving them the co-mission of making disciples. He never wavered. Having our hearts directed to Christ’s steadfastness is a call to far-reaching faith. If our hearts are directed to Jesus, certainly we will reflect his character to others around us.

The same can be said of God’s love. It is unwavering. Absolutely reliable. Completely certain. Positively present. Reliably available. As our hearts are directed toward God’s steadfast love, we will be secure enough to risk loving others. Paul, here, is speaking about our hearts which will determine our actions. If our hearts are directed toward God’s love and the steadfastness of Jesus, we will not merely give a nod of acknowledgment to these things. We will embrace and reflect them toward others.

You cannot reflect what you do not see. You cannot give God’s love if you’ve not received it. You cannot be steadfast if you’re not convinced of Jesus’ steadfastness. And even when we’ve received God’s love, and been convinced of Jesus’ steadfastness, we need constantly to turn our hearts toward Jesus for his never-ending supply of love and grace. Thankfully it is never-ending. Steadfast. Reliable. Perpetually present. May our hearts be drawn toward that and our faith embrace them and give us courage and the will to express them to others. We’ll be blessed by it, and bless others in the process.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. ¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:1-12 [ESV]

A young man recently asked that we pray that the Astors would win the ball game. Another time a girl asked that I pray for her puppy that was sick. I was a bit uncomfortable with the former request. I’m not sure God really cares who wins a particular ball game, or even the World Series. Though who can fathom the mind of God? But the little girl’s prayer request captured my heart. I’m reminded of a father’s urgent prayer for his daughter (Mark 5:21-43). I’m not sure we need to judge others’ prayer requests–apart from any that would obviously be against the will of God.

I am impressed by Paul’s prayer requests in his various letters. He prays that a door would be opened for the gospel (Colossians 4:2-4). He urges prayers for kings and all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-5). He does not pray, however, for an easy life. He doesn’t ask that God will make things easy for him. He does not ask that there be no challenges to his preaching. He realizes that there will be struggle. He knows that we are in a battle with Satan, and that until Jesus does return to judge the living and the dead, the battles will rage on. He urges all believers to put on the full armor of God in that battle (Ephesians 6:10-20). And he asks that they pray for him, “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.”

Paul was all about prayer. But he was not all about comfort or ease. He never bragged about how good he had it. Nor did he make a point of showing people how successful he was. In fact, he boasted in his struggles. His life was all about what Jesus told Ananias whom he sent to Saul to restore his sight after his encounter on the road to Damascus. “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name,” he told Ananias (Acts 9:16). But Paul never seems to ask for an easy life. The closest he gets to that is when he asked three times for the thorn in the flesh to be removed from him. God’s answer was clear; “My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Then Paul continues, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).

Paul realized that when we are completely dependent on God we are strongest in our faith. So now his prayer is for God’s word to be received and honored. His heart is for the people who do not know Jesus, whom God has chosen for him to convert. I wonder if his prayer life is instructive for you. I know it is for me.

Open a door for my witness, dear God. Speed your word along through me today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. ¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:1-12 [ESV]

One of the most impactful elements of our leadership training occurs at the end of the teaching immersion. Team leaders stand in front of the group and invite people to come forward to let us pray for them. One couple came forward and confessed that they urgently needed help in their marriage. Another couple came to us and asked for prayers of thanksgiving for the growth they had experienced, and for wisdom to put into practice what they had learned. Others have come simply asking for strength to carry on in their ministry. Diane and I have had the privilege of praying for pastors and their wives in many different contexts. We’ve also been blessed by others praying for us over the years.

When Paul asks for prayers I get it. I understand how much we need God if we are to remain faithful and be effective in advancing the gospel message. God uses people to further his kingdom. He brings the message of his grace to new people by his people’s efforts. It is all God’s work. But God works most often through people. On occasion he may break in directly. That was true in the initial encounter of Saul on the road to Damascus. But even then he utilized Ananias to bring Saul to faith.

I have a special place in my heart for the pastors of my church. They carry a burden that no one knows until you experience it yourself. They have challenges you may know of, and some you are not aware of. Sometimes they struggle with discouragement, need physical strength to carry on, or yearn for a sign that they are on the right track. Sometimes the reminder that they are not alone in their efforts for the sake of the kingdom of God can be all they need to keep on the path of faithfulness.

We often call on our pastors and church leaders to pray for us. That is good and proper. Today, I urge you to pray for your pastor. Maybe also send him a note, telling him that you thank God for him and have him in your heart and prayers today. He needs those prayers. You’ll bless him by doing that.

Join me in praying these Psalms on this Lord’s Day

Psalm 6:9

The LORD has heard my plea;
the LORD accepts my prayer.

Psalm 36:5-9

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O LORD.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.

Psalm 66:1-7

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name.” Selah
Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

Psalm 96

Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Psalm 126

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
All rights reserved