David Bahn – Reflections

Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 10; Jeremiah 9; 1 Chronicles 12; 14. I’ll be away for the next few weeks. I will, however, attempt to post a link to the readings for the 49 Week Bible Challenge so you can follow the plan easily. During this time there will be no audio versions of these blog posts.

2 Corinthians 10:17-18

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” ¹⁸ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Some people like to boast of their ancestry. Others boast about their alma mater. Some will boast about their children’s achievements. Still others about their football team.

Let’s let this simple word guide us today and every day: Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord!

Years ago Pastor Stephen DeMik preached on Thanksgiving Eve at St. John about being thankful. His point was right on – and is properly related to boasting in the Lord. For we should be thankful not only for the things we have, but to the One who is the source of all good things. Thanks be to God this Thanksgiving Day – and every day.

Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 9; Psalm 112; Nehemiah 5. I’ll be away for the next few weeks. I will, however, attempt to post a link to the readings for the 49 Week Bible Challenge so you can follow the plan easily. During this time there will be no audio versions of these blog posts.

2 Corinthians 9:8

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. And then the follow-up: You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11). Imagine this: Our wealth is given us so that we may be generous which will result in thanksgiving to God. That would mean that we are either causes for thanks, or thankful. May it be so – not only this Thanksgiving season, but every day of the year.

Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 8; Exodus 16; Ezra 2. I’ll be away for the next few weeks. I will, however, attempt to post a link to the readings for the 49 Week Bible Challenge so you can follow the plan easily. During this time there will be no audio versions of these blog posts.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, ² for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. ³ For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, ⁴ begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— ⁵ and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

Do you consider it a privilege to give an offering to the Lord? The people of the churches of Macedonia did. They “begged to be able to participate in the offering for the relief of the saints.

Next time you have the opportunity to give for the Lord’s work, consider it a privilege. That’s what it is!

Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 7; 2 Chronicles 33; Ecclesiastes 4. I’ll be away for the next few weeks. I will, however, attempt to post a link to the readings for the 49 Week Bible Challenge so you can follow the plan easily. During this time there will be no audio versions of these blog posts.

2 Corinthians 7:10

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

There is a difference between being sorry you got caught and having to suffer the consequences for it, and being sorry that you did something wrong and hurtful to others, yourself or offensive to God.

On the other hand, while fear should not be the primary motivator for obeying God, it is a secondary one. Sometimes fear is the only thing that keeps us in line with God’s will and God’s ways.

Godly sorrow leads us to true repentance and faith. That is the latter kind and it is produced only by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Such sorrow that leads to repentance and faith also leads us to life in all its fullness. This is a gift from God and a blessing for which we can be truly thankful.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

I’m using the 49 Week Bible Challenge for these blog posts. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Chronicles 32; Ecclesiastes 1; Isaiah 27.

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.

This little Greek word – συνέχει – caught me off guard today. I didn’t recall it when I encountered verse 14 of today’s reading. But I did recall a different translation of it. The NIV has compels, while the ESV has controls. I wasn’t ready for controls. I don’t like to think of Christ’s love controlling me. I’d rather think of it as compelling me – moving me forward, causing me to act or respond. But the ESV and others has controls for good reason. You could say that Christ’s love grips us so strongly that it leaves us no other course.

In Paul’s case he is speaking of his compulsion to spread the word about Christ. He is committed to persuading people of the validity of Christ’s ministry. He is dedicated to calling people to faith in Jesus. He is resolute to convincing people of Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of eternal salvation through faith.

I had to think of what controls or compels me. Sometimes I must admit I function out of fear, greed, appetite, or anger. I yearn for applause, admiration, and a satisfied appetite. I suspect that many who read this will have to admit to faltering in these areas as well.

But that’s where the controlling nature of Christ’s love becomes a gift. We are not only sinners; we are saints. The old nature still wages war within us, yet we have been baptized into Christ’s death and raised with him to new life. That’s Christ’s love at work.

His love sought us, saved us, and now takes up residence in us — pressing in, gripping the heart, and moving us toward the life he has already given. It does not coerce; it claims. As his love presses in, it presses out what does not belong to him.

So when Paul says that the love of Christ controls us, he is not placing a weight on our shoulders. He is naming a promise: that Christ’s self-giving love will have the final say in who we are, what we desire, and where our lives are headed.

This is the freedom of the gospel — a life held, guided, and renewed by the One who died and rose, and who will come again to bring love’s work in us to completion.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

I’m using the 49 Week Bible Challenge for these blog posts. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 4; Psalm 30; 37; 116.

2 Corinthians 4:1-10

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ 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.

I’m pretty much a hit the nail with the hammer kind of guy. I’m not often subtle. In fact I sometimes feel as though if I don’t say it straight out, I’m being duplicitous. Part of that is due to the fact that I’m not particularly wired to take a hint. I’m more inclined to understand a direct comment than an innuendo. Give it to me straight!

Even though I’m more inclined to direct communication, I am still able to read between the lines of certain communications. And I deplore underhanded communications, deceptive talk, or cloaked threats.

That was apparently what was going on in Corinth. Paul will not practice cunning or tamper with God’s word. He is committed to the open statement of the truth. His yes is yes. His no is no.

Years ago we lived in Utah, and we learned much about the LDS church and their tactics. They start conversations with unsuspecting people by talking about family and decency, values and home. But as you delve deeper into the Mormon beliefs you discover some major surprises. Mr. & Mrs. God with their own planet? Temple marriage of one man to many wives – and the women’s means of being saved dependent on their husband – not on Jesus’ death and resurrection.

That’s just one example. There are many places and ways people seek to deceive and corrupt God’s truth. That is not the true way of God. As Paul writes, “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.”

So let me say plainly: I am a clay jar with a precious treasure of God’s grace and love. That treasure is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ. I delight to point that out whenever I can. It’s God’s power that saves and none of us need to hide that truth from anyone.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

I’m using the 49 Week Bible Challenge for these blog posts. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 3; Exodus 31; 34; Proverbs 7.

2 Corinthians 3:4-18

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. ⁵ Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, ⁶ who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

⁷ Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, ⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? ⁹ For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. ¹⁰ Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. ¹¹ For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

¹² Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, ¹³ not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. ¹⁴ But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. ¹⁶ But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Many years ago – before I went to seminary – I was asked to help a congregation by leading lay services on Sunday mornings. My buddy, Jerry and I would drive to Kennett, MO and take turns. One of us would lead the worship. The other would read a sermon. The first time I thought I’d take the easier task and lead the worship rather than deliver the sermon. But when I began the service I was as nervous as can be. Which way do I face? Do we stand or sit? Am I going to mess up the prayers? I’ve eventually gotten at least somewhat adept at this. But my start was nerve-racking to say the least.

And it’s a really good thing I’m not an Old Testament priest. There are so many rules and regulations! I could never keep up with them. I’m all about the spirit of the law – even though I may miss one or two minute details. Those details! How many steps have I taken on the Sabbath? I’d surely lose count. And I’m sure I would just forget and bring in six sticks of firewood rather than the limit of five. And those are just two examples of Sabbath laws for all the Israelites.

If I were a priest I’m sure I would forget and wear my wool cloak when serving in the Temple. Ezekiel 44:17–18 forbids that. And I would not enjoy inspecting for skin diseases or household mildew as Leviticus 13–14 require. Paul speaks of the Old Testament ministry as a “ministry of death, carved in letters on stone.”

But that is not the calling of servants of Christ. We have a sufficiency from God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. And – Thanks be to God – Paul writes “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” So while I don’t want to dismiss any liturgical move that is edifying, I am also free to omit any that are not salutary. I’ve served a church where we sang every verse of every hymn we sang, did not omit any portion of the Divine Service from the hymnal, and relied on very formal rules of conduct. And I’ve served in a church that meets in a restaurant replete with beer taps and other accoutrements of a honkey tonk. Needless to say the latter did not observe very many liturgical nuances.

God has placed his Spirit within us — not to bind us with fear or performance, but to free us through the mercy of Christ. Wherever the Spirit is at work – whether in a sanctuary with every verse sung or in a restaurant with beer taps on the wall – the Holy Spirit brings the freedom of the gospel: freedom from fear, freedom from the weight of performance, freedom to serve with joy in the grace he has already given.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

I’m using the 49 Week Bible Challenge for these blog posts. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 2; Exodus 29; Job 6; Lamentations 1.

2 Corinthians 2:5-17

Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. ⁶ For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, ⁷ so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. ⁸ So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. ⁹ For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. ¹⁰ Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, ¹¹ so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

¹² When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, ¹³ my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.

¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. ¹⁵ For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, ¹⁶ to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? ¹⁷ For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

“Smells like sulphur and comes from the pit of hell.” That was a member of our Saturday morning Bible study at a church I served years ago. His comment was regarding a television evangelist who was making some outlandish claims that were just close enough to the truth of God that is would deceive many. This TV “evangelist” was doing that. I say, “‘evangelist’” because an evangelist is one who brings good news – not fake news, not deceptive news, not self-promoting news.

When I think of destructive forces at work in the church and the world, I think of distrust, envy, greed, selfishness, pride, and deceit. All these come from Satan and stink up the world and the church.

Paul speaks of a fragrance of the knowledge of Christ and the fragrance from life to life. Paul uses the word “aroma” also in v. 15. The passages from Exodus speak of the aroma of the sacrifices going up to God – pleasing to him. As I look at the context of all these pleasing aromas it strikes me that it is associated with faithfulness, mercy, forgiveness, truth, and sacrifice.

These are the building blocks of life and edifying fellowship. These are the facets of faithfulness and love. These emanate from Christ himself, for he is the embodiment of all these things.

That reminds me of Mary, who took a pound (about 12 ounces) of very costly perfume made from pure nard, broke the alabaster jar, and poured it over Jesus’ head (and, in John’s account, also on his feet) as he reclined at table. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. It was an extravagant, sweet-smelling act of devotion that honored Jesus as King and Messiah, prepared him for burial, and bore witness to the transforming grace at work in her life.

Thank God for the sweet smelling aroma of Christ’s faithfulness, love, mercy, grace, and truth at work in us and our fellow-redeemed. That smells like the most delicate and lovely perfume one could imagine.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

I’m using the 49 Week Bible Challenge for these blog posts. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are 2 Corinthians 1; Judges 4; 2 Chronicles 16; 17; Ezekiel 9.

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. ⁶ If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. ⁷ Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

⁸ For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. ¹¹ You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

When my younger sister died friends and family gathered at our home and brought us so much comfort by being there, offering words of love, food, and even moments of laughter. It was sorely needed. She had died at less than 8 years of age in a terrible accident in our home. Even my friends from college came over to be with me. The funeral service was comforting as well with the pastor likening her going to heaven with her going to our grandfather’s house – a wonderful analogy.

When my brother-in-law died it was quite the opposite. We went to be with my sister, and gathered at her house. But he had determined not to have any service and we resorted to printing out some Bible verses and laying them around the house. But there were no prayers. No message was shared. No comfort at all.

It doesn’t have to be at the time of someone’s death that we need comfort of share it with others. But death is that time when the need for comfort is so very obvious. There is a hole in one’s heart, an empty chair at the kitchen table, a void in the day when a loved one is gone. Our hearts ache. That is the price of love that death extracts from us.

That comfort will be different for each of us, for God comes to each of us according to our needs and his extraordinary grace and love. For one it may be a quiet conversation in a private place where you can let the tears flow. Another may wish to be surrounded by people coming and going, bringing food and cheer. Someone else may wish for a walk in the woods and an opportunity to express anger and frustration in prayer and conversation with God.

If people like Paul – the man who was extraordinarily successful and a hero of Christian mission – can need and express thankfulness for comfort he received, we can surely acknowledge our need for the comfort of brotherly love. And we must remember Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” You may be either the comforter or the comforted. If the latter you are being prepared for the former. If the former, remember the comfort you have received from God, and use that as your motivation and strength.