David Bahn – Reflections

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

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. ¹⁴ To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 [ESV]

Paul speaks here of obtaining the glory of Jesus Christ. This is a remarkable thought. How could it possibly be that we would obtain Christ’s glory? For, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We certainly don’t deserve the praise, honor, or glory that Jesus does. He is eternally God. He is the author of our salvation. He is the One whose name is above every name. At his name every knee will bow in heaven and on earth. And every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father. I’m too embarrassed even to think of receiving Jesus’ glory.

Jesus told his disciples (Matthew 19:28) that they would sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel! How is this possible? On the one hand it’s clear that Jesus was encouraging his closest disciples in response to their legitimate query, “We’ve left everything to follow you. What will there be for us?” We might think of this as a promise applicable only to super-Christians – those who give up everything to be a disciple of Jesus. But even they had their serious flaws and failures. Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus. Paul said he was the chief of sinners. All have sinned; even super-Christians.

Years ago I attended a leadership conference with members of the church I served at the time, including our oldest son. As part of that event, the leader had the attendees stand up and pray for their pastor. It was a humbling experience to hear Matt pray, “Dear God, bless my dad…” I don’t recall any more than that, but that I do recall. It was not only humbling, it was an incredible blessing to me. Then, the leader had those in attendance applaud the pastors there. Stunning! For several minutes there was thunderous applause…for us pastors! That was humbling.

Max Lucado has written a book, The Applause of Heaven, and it ends with this beautiful thought:

You’ll be home soon, too. You may not have noticed it, but you are closer to home than ever before. Each moment is a step taken. Each breath is a page turned. Each day is a mile marked, a mountain climbed. You are closer to home than you’ve ever been. Before you know it, your appointed arrival time will come; you’ll descend the ramp and enter the City. You’ll see faces that are waiting for you. You’ll hear your name spoken by those who love you. And, maybe, just maybe—in the back, behind the crowds—the One who would rather die than live without you will remove his pierced hands from his heavenly robe and . . . applaud.

The only way we can obtain the glory of Jesus is by his grace which we receive through faith in Christ alone. And here’s the stunning thing about that: He desires to give it to us all. We don’t have to be super Christians, only faithful Christians. He has called us to this through the gospel message so that we may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s an unimaginable gift. There’s no way we could ever earn it. We simply must receive it by faith.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. ¹⁴ To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 [ESV]

Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.” This statement is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, but he never really said it. The idea is that our good works, actions of kindness and love may communicate the gospel as well (or better than?) words. That’s simply not true. Yes, the Word became flesh. Jesus was a visible demonstration of God’s mercy and love. And when he was on the earth his very presence as God in the flesh communicated the Good News of great joy for all people. The Son had been born. He was walking among us, full of grace and truth. His very presence was the Good News of God.

But ours is not. For we are broken and flawed people. We never fully communicate the love of God; his grace and truth is never fully expressed in our best moments. We must speak the Word. We must speak of Jesus. He alone is the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father apart from him. And while he lives in each of us, we sully and mar his perfect representation to others in more ways than we can count. Even though Paul urges people to follow his example as he follows Christ, he communicates that imperative in words. And in those words names Jesus Christ as the One he is following.

The Gospel message is valid no matter who proclaims it. The validity of the sacrament is not dependent on the character of the celebrant. This is important to us all. For there is no one righteous, not even one. That includes pastors. That includes me. If you’re basing the certainty of your salvation on my character, beware! I will let you down. I’ve done it a thousand times to the ones closest to me, and I’m sure I’ve failed many people in the churches I’ve served. Never on purpose. But failed nonetheless. We all live in grace. God’s word alone has the power to save. We do not.

This is not to say, however, that our actions and our character don’t matter. Even though the validity of the Gospel is not dependent on the one who proclaims it, a lifestyle at odds with the message of Jesus will definitely undercut people’s willingness to listen or to hear. And the most competent leader of any kind devoid of character can cause great harm. Jesus commands us to love God and to love our neighbor. These are the two great commandments of God. Not suggestions. Not mere ideals. This is a command to reflect God’s nature, character, and love for others.

But let not God’s name or fame be forgotten. Because we have been saved, forgiven, brought into the fellowship of the redeemed, we are God’s royal priesthood, his holy nation, a people of God who are to declare the glory of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.

That’s why Paul here prays for the Thessalonians and us to be established in every good work and word.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. ¹⁴ To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 [ESV]

Yesterday I wrote about Tevye’s song in Fiddler on the Roof, Tradition! Today I want to write about five traditions I especially appreciate. These five (an arbitrary number), are particularly meaningful to me. And for a bonus, I’ll explain the one tradition that I believe to be edifying, but have not embraced. So in reverse order of importance, here are the five:

Number 5: Standing during the Gospel reading in the worship service
This tradition dates back to as early as the 200’s. The Didascalia (a Christian legal treatise) states, “at the conclusion of all the Scriptures, the Gospels shall be read as being the seal of all Scriptures; and let the people listen to it standing upon their feet, because it is good tidings of the redemption of all men.” I also like the idea that we stand for the Gospel reading in a posture meant to represent the resurrection; we have risen with Christ and seek things from above. The posture of standing also signifies that we are ready to respond to God right away, always, and with joy. What a great tradition!

Number 4: Kneeling at the altar rail to receive Holy Communion
When I serve Holy Communion, I receive it from one of the other pastors or from an elder of the church. I don’t typically kneel at that time; it’s a matter of logistics. I am no more or less blessed either way. The worthiness for communion is simple faith in the words of Jesus, that his body and blood were given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Taking communion is not a tradition. It is a command of Jesus: “Do this…” he commands. As to how we receive it, there is no direct command. Nor is there a command that we recline at a table, or use a certain kind of wine. Kneeling is a tradition. It is a posture of humility, subjugation, and respect. It’s not disrespectful to stand or sit while taking the Lord’s Supper. In fact the first disciples were reclining at table with Jesus when he first instituted the meal. I simply find the tradition of kneeling at the altar rail to receive the Lord’s Supper to be edifying.

Number 3: Attending worship on Christmas Day
“Christmas Day worship is my favorite service of the year.” I have said this for years in my service as pastor. It’s the end of a long run of services. With midweek Advent worship services, and over the years five services on Christmas Eve (yes 5!), Christmas day worship marked the beginning of a down time for our family. It’s also a one-and-done service. We come to church. Sing praise to God for the gift of Jesus, hear the Gospel message of “Good News of great joy for all people,” offer our prayers and offerings to God and go home afterwards to Christmas Day dinner and an afternoon of joyful reflection (or travel on many Christmas days in the past).

Number 2: The “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” greeting on Easter Sunday morning
Don’t judge me about this being #2 as opposed to # 1. I did rank it higher than Christmas Day worship. Over the years Easter Sunday began with a SONrise service at which time the altar is dressed (after being stripped for Good Friday worship), banners proclaiming “Aalleluia!” are unfurled, and the refrain is spoken, “Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!” There just can’t be too many exclamation marks in this traditional greeting. This is supremely good news. Jesus lives! The victory is won! Christ has triumphed! He is risen! From the GotQuestions website: The words “He is risen!” remind us of the joyous news we celebrate at Easter, that Jesus’ death was not in vain, and that He has the power to overcome death. Saying “He is risen!” allows us to share this incredible truth with each other. The resurrection of Christ gives us hope for salvation and for our own resurrection and eternal life. Amen. Alleluia!

Number 1: Speaking (or singing) the Aaronic benediction at the end of the worship service
I delight in being able to speak these words to God’s gathered people at the end of the worship service. It is a privilege I have as a pastor to speak these words. I hold my hands high in the manner that God told Aaron to do in Numbers 6:23-27

“Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

²⁴ The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

²⁷ “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”

To mediate that blessing of God’s favor on people is one of my greatest joys. Some pastors utilize other benedictions (the word means good word or good speaking). And there is no direct New Testament command to use only this one. But this one is special to me for reasons I cannot explain… except that I do bless people and put God’s name on them: You are his!

Bonus: The Tradition I do not observe
Many Lutheran pastors begin their sermons with the apostolic greeting, “Grace, mercy, and peace be yours, from God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” I never want to deny that to anyone, but I never really embraced that traditional start to a sermon. It is a salutary greeting to be sure. And while I want to offer God’s grace, mercy, and peace, I want to do that more specifically in the context of the message I am about to deliver.

What’s your favorite tradition? Does it honor Christ? Does it edify the believer? Does it serve the cause of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus? Does it express the reality of Christ’s reign and rule in your heart? I think those are good ways to uphold edifying traditions.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. ¹⁴ To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 [ESV]

I love Tevye’s song in Fiddler on the Roof, Tradition! He’s convinced that tradition is what keeps the village going. Wikipedia summarizes the song this way:

“Tradition” is the opening number for the 1964 Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. In the song, the main character, Tevye, explains the roles of each social class (fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters) in the village of Anatevka, and how the traditional roles of people like the matchmaker, the beggar, and the rabbi contribute to the village. The song also mentions the constable, the priest, and the other non-Jews with whom they rarely interact… Overall, the song sets up the major theme of the villagers trying to continue their traditions and keep their society running as the world around them changes.

Years ago, however, I heard an excellent explanation of the difference between tradition and traditionalism. Tradition is a good thing. It holds society together. Traditionalism gets in the way of true and free life. Tradition is what Jesus observed. Traditionalism is the religion of the Pharisees which he condemned. So the saying goes:

Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. Tradition is the living faith of the dead.

Generalizations easily become overstatements. And that’s true of this one. But since Paul appeals to tradition here in this letter, it seems proper to look carefully at this word and concept. In Colossians 2:8, Paul says, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Jesus condemns the traditions of men, saying, “You [the Pharisees] have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother’; and, Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do” (Mark 7:9-13).

Martin Luther railed against the traditions of the church in his day that got in the way of the truth of God’s word and obscured the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He believed that traditions can be helpful. But he also knew that they can also easily become more important than the very things they are supposed to uphold. The sale of indulgences, unquestionable Papal authority, relegating the laity of the church to inferior status are just a few examples of harmful traditions in Luther’s day.

Some good traditions remain today. Kneeling or standing for prayer, coming to the altar rail for communion, standing when the gospel is read in church are all excellent traditions. But if the standing or kneeling become more important than the act of prayer, the gifts of Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper, or the gospel message itself we have a grave problem.

We are in a sermon series at St. John with a clever motto: Keeping it Real: It’s about the heart. Not about playing a part. This is Paul’s message here. The traditions he is pointing to are all about the heart. They are those truths, teachings, and practices that center our hearts in Jesus Christ. His love, mercy, grace, goodness, and truth are the focus of every good tradition.

True traditions are not just about making the village work. True traditions anchor us to Jesus. They fill our hearts and souls with life and joy.