David Bahn – Reflections

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

² As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
     who will prepare your way,
³ the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
     ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
         make his paths straight,’”

⁴ John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. ⁶ Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 1:1-8

I first encountered the art(?) of memorizing movie lines when Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid first came out. A friend had seen it (more than once???) and was parroting the line from the movie, “Who are those guys? Nobody can track over solid rock. Who are those guys?!?” Those guys were extraordinarily-talented trackers, hot on the trail of Butch and Sundance.

Mark makes it very clear that he is chronicling Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Let’s be clear about this. Jesus is not merely a great teacher. He is more than a prophet. He is more than a martyr. He is not just a religious figure. Jesus is the Son of God.

The history of the Early Church is rife with controversies about the person of Jesus Christ. From questions about the resurrection to Jesus’ place in the Godhead, to Jesus’ role in the sending of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ identity and nature has been an issue of singular significance.

Rather than enter into those controversies, we can deduct important things about Jesus. He is the Christ – the anointed one of God. He is the Son of God. His presence is Good News. Perhaps we could spend time and energy memorizing some of Jesus’ sayings. Key among those will be our focus next week. For now, it is enough to know who he is and that his presence is blessed Good News.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

² As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
     who will prepare your way,
³ the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
     ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
         make his paths straight,’”

⁴ John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. ⁶ Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 1:1-8

Our sons loved having grandparents visit us. They would revel in good grandfatherly and grandmotherly attention and love. One time, however, when Diane’s folks showed up, it wasn’t quite the greeting they expected. Tim answered the door. He hadn’t been told they were coming. We thought it would be a good surprise for them. It was, but his reaction was perhaps not the best. He opened the door, saw them and asked, “What are you doing here?”

“We thought we’d come for a visit if that’s OK with you,” his grandma replied. Tim quickly regained his composure: “Sure! Yes!” And the visit went from awkward to great in a moment. It was a good visit. 

John is announcing the coming of Jesus. This will be no surprise visit. People would not just suddenly learn that Jesus Christ, the Son of God was there – at least not those who paid any attention to this voice in the wilderness, John the Baptizer. Not only is Jesus being announced – his way prepared – his presence is good news. 

Not everyone would agree that having Jesus up close and personally present would be good news. Some might be afraid that they would say or do something to offend him, or disqualify themselves from his love and grace. Some may be so self-conscious because they feel as though they need to clean up their act before Jesus could be in their lives. Some people may not want to cede control to Jesus – Messiah and Son of God or not. 

But some would welcome him gladly. The poor in spirit. The sinners in need of God’s grace. The downtrodden. The Diseased. The fearful. The oppressed.

The sooner we are able to level the paths for Jesus’ presence in our lives the better. We do that by giving up control. We do that by giving up appearances. We do that by confessing our sins. We do that by letting Jesus see the real us – whoever we may be. 

Don’t be surprised if Jesus shows up at your door. He’s promised to be with us forever. Don’t ask, “What are you doing here?” Know, he comes to usher in the reign and rule of God – a rule and reign of life, health, hope, salvation, grace, and love. That’s what he’s doing in your heart and life. 

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

² As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
     who will prepare your way,
³ the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
     ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
         make his paths straight,’”

⁴ John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. ⁶ Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 1:1-8

[NOTE: I’m not certain when I last worked through the gospel of Mark. But even if it’s been relatively recent, I intend to do it again – for my own edification, and hopefully for yours, dear reader.]

I’m ready for some good news. How about you? The discovery of a COVID-19 vaccine. The sudden and decisive down-turn in the infection rate of the virus. The discovery of a treatment that renders the virus nearly impotent. Any of those would suit me just fine. How about a totally shared mutual understanding between black lives matter, blue lives matter, police, politicians, and media types? That would be truly good news, yes? A return to normalcy within the next 30 days and still an awareness of life’s values that are not sustained by mere busy-ness would be nice as well. You can add your own list of good news candidates. 

I doubt that any of those will be happening in the near future. And that’s why the Good News of Jesus Christ, Son of God is such good news. This Good News transcends every human trouble and worldly challenge. It spans all of time. It covers all of creation. It moves over all the nations of the world. It offers peace, hope, life, and eternal blessings to all people. Black. Blue. Red. Every color of the – dare I say it? – rainbow. For This Good News of for all people. 

And it starts with a messenger who calls for people to get ready for God to come. “Make his paths straight,” he says – quoting from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. It was – and is – a call to repent. This is something we all need to do.

We start by repenting of a haughty spirit and an arrogant attitude. For humble repentance is the foundation of all true relationships – especially our relationship with God. We have no claim on God’s favor. We cannot require God to do anything as though we could call him to task. But in humble repentance we can approach God with confidence in his goodness, mercy, grace, and love. He receives us, welcomes us, blesses us. He will save us.

Whatever difficulties and challenges we face will be overcome in the rule and reign of Jesus Christ, Son of God. 

It begins with a man. A crazy man. A prophet. The voice of one in the wilderness. He’s calling to us. God is coming to us. This is the beginning of the Good News (the “gospel”). There is much more to come. Be sure of this: there is much more Good News to come.

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 – Philippians 4:18-23

A recent Facebook meme caught my eye, or rather my mind and heart. I fear he might have been prescient in light of today’s cultural milieu. The meme featured the words of Marcus Tullius Cicero, a first century Roman statesman:

“The evil was not in bread and circuses, per se, but in the willingness of the people to sell their rights as free men for full bellies and the excitement of games which would serve to distract them from the other human hungers which bread and circuses can never appease.”

Bread and circuses is a term referring to a diet of entertainment or political policies on which the masses are fed to keep them happy and docile (Google). Thanks to Cicero I am reminded of the far-reaching importance of Paul’s words: “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

I need more than bread and circuses. So do you. Paul reminds me that God will supply all my needs. Not government. Not my hard work, careful investing, and frugal living. Not even the latest and most responsible social program. God uses all these things to care for us. But apart from him they are all empty, powerless, trite, and ineffectual. They become distractions. 

Sad thing is, we so often look for distractions. Who really wants to be updated constantly about the latest Corona-19 virus statistics? Who can tolerate the constant stream of political hot-potato over police violence, racial tensions, election campaigns, and financial turmoil?

We need an escape. So we turn on the TV and watch a rerun of the 2018 Super Bowl, or an escapist movie, or zany sitcom. We comfort ourselves with the foods that trigger short-term endorphins and add long term weight. We amuse ourselves to death.

How will we be saved? We already have. Now we must live into that reality. God has delivered us from self-destruction. Jesus has atoned for our sins of selfish thankfulness, feast that knows no fast, selfish thanks and praise, words that speak at variance with deeds, for walking pleasant ways unmindful of a broken brother’s needs (Forgive us, Lord, for Selfish Thankfulness – Hope Publishing).

God has, is, and will satisfy all our needs. We’ve been given all we need to live and breathe to this very day by the Father’s goodness and mercy. We are being provided for today by Jesus’ ever-new grace and love. We will be ultimately satisfied at the feast of God’s glorious grace in the life of the world to come.

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 – Philippians 4:18-23

Fragrant offering. Acceptable sacrifice. Riches in Glory. These are major concepts and expressions of big faith. But Paul does not use words like prevenient grace, omnipotence, or omniscience in these verses. All those words are important and loaded with theological gravitas. They’re good words. These words are important. He is capable of using big words, and on other occasions he does (like the whole book of Romans, and parts of his letters to the Corinthian church).

I mention this because of an insight Diane shared with me recently. She’s reading a book by Tony Evans, Oneness Embraced. He points out that the black church in early America did not use freighted theological terms. They were not allowed to be educated. They were excluded from formal seminary education. So they didn’t lean on these theological nuances.

But they did lean on the profound truths of God. They didn’t necessarily speak of God’s sovereignty, but they knew and believed that, “You can’t get over Him. You can’t get under him. You can’t get around Him. There was no place too high for God to inhabit, nor any place so low he could not occupy.”  When it came to God’s God’s omnipotence, they simply said, “There is nothing my God cannot do!”

Have we traded simple, deep, visceral, and life-changing faith for theological constructs and theological platitudes? I hope not. I tend away from them myself. Yet I think there is something to learn from our formerly-oppressed brothers and sisters in Christ. They lived their faith in ways that are real and life-anchoring.

I don’t want to idolize these people. They had their faults and failures same as we all do. But I wonder if we might be better off speaking more from our hearts about life these days. Maybe we could say, “God will take care of you whether you’re in the hospital or at the graveside. God is with you whether you wake in the dark of night worried about your retirement or rise up early only to sit on a Zoom call for hours and hours on end. God’s got this,” we can say.

Paul says it this way, “My God will supply all your needs.” Good simple words. Profound life-anchoring faith.

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 – Philippians 4:18-23

“Leaders speak first,” he said. “Leaders frame the question. Leaders lead.” Lyle Schaller summarized the role of a leader with those words. It made a great impression on me. Obviously there is more to leadership than these three things. But I’ve sought to make a point of having the first word as a leader, rather than the last word. If I have only the last word, I’m put in the role of a mere veto-maker or a cheerleader.

Sometimes, however, it is necessary to veto an idea. Sometimes it is important to cheer others on. Sometimes it is important to speak a final word of blessing, affirmation, or direction. There is a time for our last will and testament to be known.

This is what Paul is doing here as he closes his letter to the Philippian church. His last word is very much in harmony with his first words to these people. He begins, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:2). He ends with the same sentiment and blessing: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit: Bookends.

The first and last word of God is a word of blessing and grace. That is God’s will for his people from beginning to end. His grace moves him toward us in the first place. It is his initial move and action that makes it even possible for us to be saved. We’re incapable of moving toward him by our strength, so he comes to us. He loves us so much!

And his word to us – throughout our lives – is a word of grace. One after another. Grace upon grace. When we face the judgement seat, if we are in Christ, we will be called into his eternal kingdom of glory by his grace. And we will praise him for his glorious grace for all eternity. 

I’m wondering how my words can be more seasoned with grace: my first and my last words. I believe God changes hearts by his grace through gracious words spoken from beginning to end. 

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 – Philippians 4:18-23

Several years ago the president of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod began including a Bible reference under his signature. His was Jude 24-25. It reads, “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” That’s a great signature verse!

I use two different verses, depending on my email account. For my personal emails I use Genesis 1:3-4, “And God said, ‘Let there be light.’ And there was light. And God saw that it was good.” That verse is a cinch for photographers to appreciate. In photography, it’s all about the light. 

For church emails, I use Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This is my personal reminder, a deeply held belief, and aspirational conviction. If I were to identify one area where I struggle inwardly it is believing that God will take care of me. 

This is sad. For I have almost 7 decades experience of God providing for my needs and more. I’ve never missed a meal. I’ve never had to skip a car payment. I’ve never lacked for meaningful work (once I finished seminary). I’ve never wondered whether I’d be able to find a place to sleep at night. I am so very well cared for. God has supplied all my needs…and more!

So why do I worry? Why does anyone worry? What is it that works in our souls to bring us to worrisome anxiety about how we’ll make it through the day, or the next week? Why, if we have the promise of God today, and the salvation of God for all eternity, do we ever worry? Why do we wonder about being taken care of?

Most likely it has to do with the belief that we have to take care of ourselves. And then who gets the credit? We do. Who gets the glory? We do. And who is not able to pray, from our heart, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” So we repent. We abandon the false belief that the weight of our world is on our shoulders. We rely on God, and we hold to his promises. And we sign our emails with some sort of witness to our dependance on him and our desire for his glory. That’s a worthy signature sentiment!

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 – Philippians 4:18-23

I’ve shared the story of three one-hundred dollar bills in a previous post. It was an anonymous gift that we received and were not able to express thanks to the giver(s). There have been others. An inheritance, an unexpectedly large wedding honorarium, a thoughtful gesture of kindness at a particularly difficult time in life. When these come, it is easy to say thank you. It’s also easy to forget to say thank you. 

How many times have you forgotten to write that thank you note? How many times have your thanks been more formally offered than felt deeply? Have you ever struggled with what to say?

Paul has no trouble on any of these accounts. Admittedly, he is guided by the Holy Spirit. In that way, perhaps, he has a leg up on us. He is also in a situation where any gift will no doubt elicit deep expressions of thanks. This letter is proof of that.

Note the elements of his thanksgiving to the Philippians. He is not just thankful, but acknowledges that it came from them through Epaphroditus – a fellow mission worker and servant of the gospel. He considers it a fragrant offering and a pleasing sacrifice. He realizes that such a gift meant that people did without something in order to send it.

But he also reminded the Philippians that God is the One who supplies our needs. And this is the key: thanksgiving belongs to God. He is the One who provides for others to bless us. He is the One who moves others’ hearts to respond to our needs. He is the One who gave first and most. He is the one who gets the glory. And his great joy is that we recognize it and receive his gifts with grateful hearts.

Philippians 4:1-9 [ESV]                           

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

² I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ³ Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:1-9 [NLT]

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

² Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. ³ And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

⁴ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! ⁵ Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ⁹ Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Diffusing Disharmony & Enjoying True Peace

1. The Foundation of Love

“Whom I love” (ἀγαπητοὶ) and “my beloved” (ἀγαπητοί) are spelled the same in the Greek text. The only difference is the accent mark. Both mean “one who is loved.”

Love is _________________________________________________________________.

Love is _________________________________________________________________.

Love is _________________________________________________________________.

Love is _________________________________________________________________.

Love is _________________________________________________________________.

“Brothers” is a general term Paul used for fellow Christians (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 6:23) and co-workers in Christ’s mission (Philippians 4:21), whether male or female. When we are brought into the family of God we become children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ. As such, we are all loved by our heavenly Father and must love one another. This is our high calling and the true measure of a follower of Jesus.

Read Psalm 133 (The Watermelon Psalm) What images of unity are particularly meaningful to you?

How did you get along with your brothers and sisters growing up? If you have children, how does that impact your understanding of the importance that brothers and sisters love each other?

2. Love in Action: Urging Euodia and Syntyche to think in harmony with the mind of Christ

Ways to deal with conflict:

Key elements to this conflict resolution:

• Agree in the Lord
• Use of a third party (true companion)
• Appeal to true identity
• Reminder of high calling

3. A Call (again) to Joy

• “Rejoice in the Lord” The present imperative is a call to continual habitual action.
• “Rejoice in the Lord” focuses on the source and center of true joy: The Lord.
• “Rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say…” elevates the importance of this command.

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.”

• Joy in the Lord
• Sadness toward the world
• No gnat-straining and camel swallowing (cf. Matthew 23:24)
• “The Main Thing is to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.”
• “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity.” – Marco Antonio de Dominis

4. The Answer to anxiety: Pray

• There’s nothing too big for God to handle
• There’s nothing too small for God to dismiss
• Pray about everything and anything with thanksgiving

How is that going for you these days? How often do you end up leaning on the promise of Romans 8:26?

5. A Mind is a terrible thing to pollute!

List some things that are:

• True
• Honorable
• Just
• Pure
• Lovely
• Commendable
• Anything of excellence
• Anything worthy of praise

How do you think about those things?

Who is your example? For whom are you an example in regard to these things?

Rev. Dr. David Bahn, Senior Pastor