David Bahn – Reflections

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⁴⁶ And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹ for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
⁵⁰ And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
⁵² he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵ as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” – Luke 1:46-55

Walt cracked wise. “It’s the virgin Dave,” he said. He was a seminary classmate. Quite intelligent. A good guy. With a quick wit. I had been chosen to sing the Magnificat for the Seminary Choir’s Advent Concert. I’m not certain how I got the part. We had some excellent altos in the choir. And the range was high for me. But I sang it. We did some beautiful music in that choir. The Magnificat is among the most beautiful. 

For these four weeks, I will be reflecting on the four songs of Advent: Mary’s Song, Zechariah’s Song, the Angels’ Song, and Simeon’s Song. Luke has them all. All of them have music attached to them – added much later. And, more important, all teach us about God. 

We begin with Mary. The first promise of a Savior was given to a woman: Eve. The first announcement of its imminent fulfillment is given to a woman: Mary.  In these days of urgent awareness of women’s rights and standing, this fact lays to rest the idea that God is anti-woman. Luke, more than any other Gospel writer captures that truth. We will see women attend to Jesus’ needs, be counted among his disciples, and recognized in their own right all through Luke’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry. 

Here we have Mary’s witness to God’s greatness, and her commitment to honor him, magnifying him: making him great in the eyes of the world. Mary does not make God great. She recognizes his greatness. Mary does not proclaim herself blessed, she believes God’s message through the angel that she is blessed. Mary does not offer herself as an intermediary between us and God. She offers her praises to God, and claims a place of humility and modesty before God. She calls him her Savior.

Mary gives witness to God’s grace and greatness. As such she serves as an example to us as a faithful witness to the world. Her assertion, “from now on all generations will call me blessed,” has little to do with her character and everything to do with God’s mighty things done for her. Her song isn’t really that much about her humility as it is about God’s greatness. 

I may have sung the Magnificat at the seminary. But I am no Mary in any other way. I am, however, blessed by God, a witness to the reach of his grace, and testimony to his goodness, faithfulness, and love. And I will sing his praise with joy as long as I have breath. That’s one of the reasons I love this season. The majesty and grace of God are so beautifully expressed in the songs of the season. I hope you will join me in singing them…to the glory of God and as a witness to the world.

For your personal edification and reflection on this Lord’s Day…

Psalm 28:6-9

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This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.
All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.
May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. – Galatians 1:1-3 [NLT]

Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. – Galatians  6:18 [NLT]

“Leaders lead. Leaders frame the question. Leaders speak first.” Lyle Schaller was teaching a workshop on leadership for a group of pastors. It has proven to be one of the most memorable continuing education experiences I have attended. He spoke from his notes on 3X5 index cards, and gave us one pearl of wisdom after another. Since that time, I’ve strived to have the first word. But I will usually say, “I want the first word, but not the last word.” I want others to contribute to decisions we make; I don’t want to be a dictator. I want to be a leader.

Paul has the first and last word in this letter to the Galatian church. More important that who gets that first or last word is the first and last word itself. Grace is the fist wish and the last blessing of this letter. And grace is a powerful word. Grace touches hearts. Grace changes lives. Grace makes it possible for us to know and relate to God. 

You’ve been disrespected by a family member again and again. Yet you refuse to pay back their unkindness, but return kindness and gentleness. That’s grace. You have an opportunity to help someone who has gotten himself into trouble. It’s his fault. You choose to help. That’s grace. You catch someone in a lie. They are embarrassed. You choose to offer the truth quietly, not pointing out the lie. That’s grace. You’ve been offended, hurt, damaged, and sinned against. The relationship is broken. You choose to go to your sister and ask for a reset. That’s grace.

Grace looks for opportunities to do good for others. Grace offers kindness even to those who have offended you. Grace is generous. Grace makes us vulnerable. But grace also changes hearts. The person who has offended you purposefully may take advantage of your grace. But if you really want to have a better relationship you will take the risk. 

That’s exactly what God did for us. He became so vulnerable, taking on human flesh, that he was killed by the very people he was trying to save. But that grace has made it possible for us to live with God. We are saved by grace. We live in grace. Grace is God’s first word to us and his lasting wish for us. Paul reflects that in this letter as well as so many of his letters. That would be a good thing for us to imitate in our lives every day. 

⁴ Some wandered in desert wastes,
    finding no way to a city to dwell in;
⁵ hungry and thirsty,
    their soul fainted within them.
⁶ Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
⁷ He led them by a straight way
    till they reached a city to dwell in.
⁸ Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!  – Psalm 107:1-8

As I celebrate Thanksgiving today, there are many things that come to mind for which I am thankful. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be with family during this holiday. I’m thankful for the abundant spread of foods that we will enjoy. I’m thankful for the fun we’ll have around the table at the meal, and afterwards as we play Catan with our grandchildren, or other games of their choosing. I’m thankful for family we’ll zoom or Skype with today. I’m thankful for the faith we hold in common, and pray that every family member will one day embrace the faith we hold so dear. I am thankful most of all for the substance and object of our faith: the grace of God in Jesus Christ, and the gifts of the Father, the giver of every good and perfect gift. 

This psalm is a helpful reminder, however, not only to be thankful for the blessings of God, but to the One who gives these gifts. Our God is a good and gracious God, who has revealed himself in his Son, Jesus Christ, and gave us his Holy Spirit to bring us to faith, keep us in that faith, and propel us to love and good works. 

An attitude of gratitude is a good thing. It has been shown to be a positive influence on peoples’ emotional wellbeing. There are plenty of people who will this day express an attitude of gratitude. They will also advocate for others to embrace gratitude as attitude especially on this day. That’s a good start. But the fullness of gratitude expresses that thankfulness to God, and calls him by name. 

Thank you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; one God, now and forever! Amen.

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. – Galatians 6:11-18

My experience in a congregation I served early in my ministry was a collection of difficult, anxious, hurting, angry, and distrustful people. One particularly difficult family was divided brother from sister in harsh criticism of and division from each other. The brother accused the sister of terrible if not immoral behavior. The sister said the brother was viciously unkind. I had my conclusions, though I tried as best I could to remain neutral. 

Then one day I encountered the bitter and viscous tongue of the brother. He was so harsh to me that I went reeling from an aborted visit to his mother in the hospital. Half way out of the hospital, I decided to turn around and apologize. When I did, the brother attacked me again! His tongue was rapier-sharp. It hurt deeply and I just left in stunned silence. 

Later, when I visited with his sister, I immediately had credibility with her and her daughter because I had experienced her brother’s vicious verbal attack. When her daughter expressed doubt about whether they could trust me, she said, “He knows Tom’s (not his real name) nature. He’s seen it.” I had an in with them both from that time on. 

Sometimes the bitter pain we bear can bring a credibility to a relationship. We who have faced the battles and suffered the scars of the fight can speak truth to their comrades in arms. The enemy of my enemy makes for a close fellowship.

Paul has suffered greatly for the sake of the gospel. He has suffered as a servant of Jesus for their sake. So when he brings his concerns about the circumcision party to their attention, he can demand that they give his concerns due consideration. He’s been in the battle. He’s fought for them. They need to listen to him, and give him his due. 

Have you gone to the mat for anyone? Have you fought the fight for their good? Have you suffered so that someone can know the truth. Have you been betrayed? Have you paid a financial price? If so, you have “cred.” Cred is short for credibility. It’s a gravitas and believability that comes from life’s hard knocks and shared battles. If you have cred, use it. Leverage it for the sake of the truth of God’s love and the grace of God in Jesus. 

Jesus has more cred than anyone else ever in the history of eternity. No one has suffered more. No one more sacrificial love. He’s gone to the cross for you. Listen to him. Let his grace and truth hold sway over all you do. 

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. – Galatians 6:11-18

I’ve had a conversation lately with a thoughtful friend about pride. His contention is that pride is behind every sin. Whenever we choose to depart from God’s ways, it is because we think we know better than God. That, he says, is pride. I haven’t fully accepted his idea, but we’ve had some edifying conversations. And he has a point…to a point. But there is also the matter of fear, selfishness, greed, and or any of the other deadly sins. Sloth, for example, seems different from pride. But pride is one of the fundamental or foundational sins. And there are few situations in which pride is anything but sinful. 

Enter Paul. He makes the point of boasting only in the cross of Jesus. And on a human level he could boast of many things; even godly or spiritual things. When he wrote to the church in Philippi, dealing with the same issue there, he wrote:

If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law,  blameless. – Philippians 3:4-6

Paul makes the point here not to boast or even to tell the people he could boast if he wanted to. He simply says he will boast only in the cross of Jesus. This is no boast in the ordinary sense of the word. For the cross of Jesus is an emblem of shame and defeat. For someone to embrace the message of Jesus’ death is to admit to needing a Suffering Servant Savior, bloodied, abused, shamed, and forsaken, in order to be redeemed. This is hardly bragging territory. 

So boasting in Jesus’ cross is no boast in human terms. But it is boasting from the perspective of God. And insofar as we do this we are also honoring God, and our bloodied, abused, shamed, and forsaken Suffering Servant Savior. But there is a major twist here. For Jesus is not only bloodied, abused, shamed, and forsaken. He is also risen, exalted, and reigning at the right hand of God. Jesus is worthy of our boasting because he not only died for us, but has been raised to life and given the name above every name. 

Still Pau’s boast is not in Jesus’ resurrection, but in his cross. His suffering and death brought us salvation, and Paul realizes that anything else is worthless in comparison. Paul is actually boasting in his humility. But not about his humility. He is boasting about his Savior. And that’s a worthy boast for us all.

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See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. – Galatians 6:11-18

We had a rule in our home when I was young. When we would come in the front door, we had to say, “Me!” We had to announce ourselves because otherwise someone would have to jump up from their seat and attend to the customer who had come in. I grew up in a mom-and-pop motel, and the front desk was right next to our living quarters. Customers meant potential income, and when someone other than a family member would come in, our livelihood depended on attending to them. When it was one of the family members, we didn’t need to jump to attention. Sometimes it is important to know who is who.

For an entirely different reason Paul is letting people know it’s really him writing to the people in Galatia. He’s taking off the table the idea that someone is putting forth ideas claiming to be his. No, these are not someone else’s ideas. Paul himself is putting forward these teachings. And this is important because Paul is not just a church leader, but a missionary who has given his life for the sake of the gospel and the eternal salvation of the people of Galatia. 

In the early days of the Christian church, questions about what is true about God, salvation, and the Christian life were not easily satisfied. There was no Bible (other than the Old Testament) to which people could appeal. And the Old Testament had been fulfilled, and the Old Testament Law was no longer the final authority. The teachings of Jesus were. The Apostles were the final source of authority about life, faith, and salvation. And Paul – though not one of the 12 – was highly esteemed. He would become a source of inspiration and direction for the early church. 

As he is all in for Jesus and the people of Galatia. They knew that. So now as Paul speaks to them about the challenges of the circumcision party, he wants them to know it’s really him. They can listen to him. They can believe him. 

None of us today have the gravitas of Paul. But surely there are some for whom we hold sway. It may be a son who knows you love him. It might be a coworker who knows you’ve always had her back. It might be a neighbor that you’ve helped many times. But unless we’re willing to claim it’s “me” with the hopes that people will appreciate our good intent for them and our commitment to God’s truth, we’ll not have the impact we otherwise might. When you send an email or text, hopefully those who receive it will recognize your commitment to truth and love for them. 

For your personal edification and reflection on this Lord’s Day…

Psalm 21:13
Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength!
We will sing and praise your power.

Psalm 51:1-13
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.

Psalm 81:1-3
Sing aloud to God our strength;
shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
Raise a song; sound the tambourine,
the sweet lyre with the harp.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
at the full moon, on our feast day.

Psalm 111:1-3
Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.

Psalm 141:1-2
O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

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Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. ² Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. ³ If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

⁴ Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. ⁵ For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

⁶ Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

⁷ Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. ⁸ Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. ⁹ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. – Galatians 6:1-10

There are three situations in my life that I yearn for justice. Two are financial. One is in the area of human relations. I’ll not go on a march seeking it. They are not the “No Justice No Peace” kinds of things. But I would love to have the financial scales balanced. And I pray for the human relation to be set right. Most often we think of justice as a matter of balanced scales. Good weighing equally on both sides of the equation.

But here I see three ways beyond balanced scales that justice is reflected by God’s people. Justice from the perspective of God is far more than balanced scales. In fact the notion starts with righteousness, which is a matter of faith. Genesis 15:6 is not a one-off. We are counted righteous by faith. And here we have faith expressing itself in three dimensions. 

• Humility and willing to help others 
• Willingness to carry our own load
• Persevering in doing good 

All of this is sustained by those who teach about God’s justice. This also reminds me of Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Naturally, if everyone lived by these values and behaviors, all of life would be better. In fact the three areas of my life for which I wish justice would be resolved. But the results of this kind of justice are more far-reaching. These values touch far more than balancing the scales of right and wrong. 

I thank God for all those who through the years have taught me the word of God, pointing to me the essential foundation of God’s grace in Jesus, opening my eyes to the significance of God’s reign and rule in Jesus – a gracious reign and rule of faith – that shows itself in a life of humility, kindness, and true justice. We learn of this in the life of Jesus, and are recipients of his justice through faith. While we flinch and falter in our quest, he did not ever do so. And he is our justice, our righteousness, our salvation, and source of humility and lovingkindness…through faith. 

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Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. ² Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. ³ If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

⁴ Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. ⁵ For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

⁶ Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

⁷ Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. ⁸ Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. ⁹ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. – Galatians 6:1-10

Tom needed a job. But he couldn’t even get an interview. Meanwhile Mary managed to land not only an interview, but a lucrative offer with a solid company – the kind of company every college graduate yearns to work for. It wasn’t her looks. It wasn’t even her brains that got her the job. It was her connections…but her brains didn’t hurt her chances either. Tom, however, didn’t give up. Speaking to one of his friends about the situation he said, “I just don’t want to go hat-in-hand to Mary or anyone to ask for help with my job search. I want to earn this on my own.”

That’s when his friend offered a simple observation, “Isn’t that what friends are for? Wouldn’t you be willing to help Mary if your situation was changed?” The light went on and Tom called Mary. The next week he had three interviews scheduled. Friends came to his aid, and it was a good thing.

As Paul is writing to the Galatian Christians, I don’t think he had job searches in mind. But certainly the idea of “doing good to all people – especially those who are in the family of faith” would include such help. More likely it applied in Paul’s day to basic necessities of life: food, shelter, hospitality, and the warmth of human kindness. Sometimes it might have been a matter of life or death. It would also certainly include helping someone stay on the pathway of faith. 

It is very easy to opt out of helping people in need. Take your pick: too busy. Too tired. Too poor. Too inept. Not really sure what is needed. Maybe sometimes we just don’t care for that brother or sister in need. Maybe even within the family of faith there are those we’d just as soon ignore. 

But the walk of faith is fraught with distractions, temptations, challenges, and missteps. If we think we can go it alone, we’re dangerously mistaken. And if we think others don’t need our help to stay on the straight and narrow, we’re just plain wrong. 

Tom and Mary are fictitious persons. But they’s are real as the Aggie network here in Texas or the good old boys clubs in cities around the country, or the sororities and fraternities that rush the brightest and best. Those can all be good networks to have. They can also be exclusivist in nature. 

Our calling as Jesus followers is to do good to all people, and especially fellow believers. Never, however, does this call for us to close our hearts to anyone in need.