David Bahn – Reflections

And Jesus gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. – Ephesians 4:8-16

I’ve had my share of teacher encounters over the years. In first grade my teacher  had a Bible on her desk. It was open to a picture of Jesus on the cross. I remember being very touched by that picture. “That’s terrible,” I said. “Yes,” she said, “He suffered for your sins. Are you a Christian?” She knew that in the terms our church used, I had not yet become a Christian. That was a matter of declaring one’s faith publicly and being baptized.

Actually I was a Christian. I believed in Jesus. I would soon be baptized. I still remember Mrs. Young.  She was a member of the church my family attended. What a wonderful teacher with a delightfully-blessed heart for Jesus and for people.

I also had what would have to be called a very discouraging teacher. One day, I brought a book to school that I had read. It was a book club offering that also included a check-list to be done after reading it. One of the items on the checklist was, “I will tell my teacher about this book.”

“I read this book,” I told her one day. “What am I supposed to do about that?” she asked. Talk about taking the wind out of a young boy’s sails, and stunt a love for reading and of books that would last many years! I still remember that moment some 60 years later.

Paul says that Jesus gave some to be…teachers. What a gift are those teachers who open up Scripture to us, and who bring us closer to Jesus! What a blessing they are who build up the church. These do not merely impart knowledge. They not only provide theological insight. They see to it that that true and deeply-insightful theology deepen our relationship with Jesus and leverage us to grow up into him who is the head: Jesus Christ our Lord.

One more example: One assignment during my seminary instruction was to read a book by the revered first president of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod C.F.W. Walther. Titled, The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel, I read the book and was very discouraged by it. I was convicted on every page. I am not worthy to serve Christ as a pastor, I thought.

When we reviewed the book in class, Dr. Aho (the professor who had assigned the book to us) said, “Brothers! When I read Walther, I conclude he really knew the sinful hearts of men.” That’s all the specifics I remember of what he said. But I also remember thinking, If Dr. Aho feels that way, and he’s truly a great servant of Christ, perhaps I can serve Jesus as a pastor. I’m certain he also said that our righteousness is in Christ, and that only through Jesus’ mercy can anyone do this great work. But I remember his honest transparency about his own need for God’s mercy and Christ’s forgiveness.

I thank God for Dr. Aho. He was a great and faithful, humble and dedicated teacher and preacher. Through him the body of Christ was built up. He spoke the truth in love to his students and to all to whom he preached. Dr. Aho died several years ago. But I still remember him fondly and consider him a truly great teacher.

And Jesus gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. – Ephesians 4:8-16

We have a system in our house. When Diane cooks, I try to do the dishes. Sometimes I have to leave for a meeting, and sometimes I cook. But it seems to fall to her to cook and me to clean up. Whether it’s our personal emotional wiring, or years of marital imprinting, is not as important as the tasks that need to get done seem to get done. It works for us.

In the church the division of duties are a bit less fluid, although in my experience there can be some ebb and flow of gifts given and people using them. Sometimes a leader must exhibit particular pastoral (shepherding) skills and qualities. He must be a good listener. She must offer comfort and kind guidance. These can sometimes be somewhat fluid. 

Paul’s thoughts here, however, suggest a more direct and particular gifting. Some are apostles. Paul was one without a doubt. He would even defend his status and calling when needed. For the apostles were not only the “sent ones” – which is the root meaning of the word apostle – they also served to norm the church’s teaching and practice. They lended credibility to the new converts and churches in the gentile world. 

God also gave prophets. These men and women speak God’s word to people in compelling ways. Sometimes they call people to repentance, pointing out their waywardness. Other times they proclaim that which God is doing, pointing people to Jesus, and God’s salvation. Anna, for example, is called a prophetess in Luke 2:36, where she tells all people about the birth of the Savior. John was the last of the Old Testament prophets. Prophets don’t so much predict the future as they call people to repentance and faith. 

God also gives evangelists: people who bring the good news to people wherever they go. In the church in Kenya, for example, before a man can serve as a pastor, he must first serve as an evangelist. These young men range far and wide doing many of the roles of the pastor, but under a supervising pastor. They bless many for they do not have the shepherd’s yoke of care. They typically do not get as deeply involved in people’s lives. They are often on the move.

Shepherds, on the other hand, tend toward a deeper involvement in people’s lives. I have been called an apostolic shepherd, or a pastoral apostle. I am often sent (formally or informally) to teach and train pastors and church leaders through PLI. I often see the need to move forward, and more often hold the big picture in mind. But, I care deeply about people. 

That’s the difficult part. To care for people sometimes weighs my soul. I can lose sleep because I care about how people are or are not living out their faith. It would be much easier to push on, not caring. This was often the attitude of St. Paul. He even said in one of his letters, that he cared little about what others thought of him…” (1 Corinthians 4:3). That’s an apostle’s heart. Barnabas (whose name means son of encouragement) did care. He cared deeply for people, and sought to bring people along in the faith. 

There are also teachers: gifts of God who open the word and insights of the faith to people. We’ll look more closely at these tomorrow. For now, however, we may thank God for the apostles, evangelists, prophets, shepherds, and teachers who are God’s gifts to build up the body of Christ and further the cause of Christ’s kingdom. 

Psalm 24

Psalm 84

Psalm 114

Psalm 144

These psalms are from Bible Gateway, using the English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:1-10

“Sometimes,” says Penn Jillette (the magician who is now my default go-to on Youtube), “the most innocuous things a magician does means nothing at all, but actually means everything.” That’s magic-speak and code that let a performer on their magic show know that they knew the trick behind the magic. But it’s also instructive in regard to two things in these verses.

We are urged to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [we] have been called. The question: What does that have to do with “He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.” How are these connected? 

The answer is found in these words: “In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?” The one who rules and reigns over all things is the one who set aside his glory, power, and divine prerogatives in order to redeem us.

Jesus’ redemption goes deeper than simply forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is essential. Without it we cannot be in the presence of God. But forgiveness – like faith – is never alone. For Jesus’ redemption reaches into our lives and relationships with one another and even with those outside the fellowship of believers. Jesus’ redemption lifts us to a life of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Those virtues are inspired only by Jesus Christ. That pattern of life is reflective of Jesus alone. 

When our sins are forgiven, and we embrace God’s grace to us by faith, we are compelled to live a life worthy of our calling as beloved, redeemed sons and daughters of God. Jesus fills all things, including the hearts of believers. By his power and the power of the Holy Spirit we will display humility, gentleness, patience, and love. To God’s glory, and our neighbor’s good.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:1-10

My wife sent out a request to our family. She wants to know what they want for Christmas. Whether they add things to their Amazon wish list, or an email or text, we hope to find out what our children and, most importantly, our grandchildren want for Christmas. Gift giving is fun – especially when the eyes of the little ones light up. What a joy to give when the gifts are well received and truly appreciated!

Would you ever consider that God delights in giving gifts we need and appreciate and receive well? “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” This is a triumphal procession. I believe it is what is referenced in the Apostle’s Creed with the words, “He descended into hell.” Some find this a troubling phrase. If, however, you understand it to mean that Jesus went there to proclaim his victory and take captives with him in triumphal procession, it takes a different sense.

Look, however, at what happens afterward. He gives gifts to his people. Jesus’ reign is one of abundant grace. He overflows with kindness and love. He showers us with gifts. He pours out the Holy Spirit – perhaps the most important gift we can receive, then other spiritual gifts (more on that next week), as well as answered prayers, kindnesses that he moves others to give to us, and every good gift.

Jesus reigns and rules over all things. One day that will be clear to us all. One day that will not be tainted by our sin, the world’s corruption, or the devil’s interference. One day that will be perfect and that perfection will only magnify how good and gracious he truly is. That perfection will remove blinders to God’s goodness, and love. The need for God’s love will be dramatically different, but ever so much sweeter.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:1-10

If you’ve ever been in a low period of life you know the feeling. Sadness. Sorrow. Fading hope. Gloomy outlook. Pessimism. Sighing. Wondering where is God. 

If you’ve not been in a low period of life, I have to wonder whether you’ve lost touch with reality. Not everything in life is good. Forget the mass shootings (As of November 17, which is the 321st day of the year, there have been 369 mass shootings in the U.S., according to one source!). Never mind the violence and unrest in Hong Kong. Just live life. Have friends and family who either don’t understand you or who want nothing to do with you. Just look at the troubles in your own heart.

Luther is good in this regard. In his 20 questions, he says that if you feel no need for God’s grace and comfort…

To such a person no better advice can be given than this: first, he should touch his body to see if he still has flesh and blood. Then he should believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and Romans 7. Second, he should look around to see whether he is still in the world, and remember that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as the Scriptures say in John 15–16 and in 1 John 2 and 5.

Third, he will certainly have the devil also around him, who with his lying and murdering day and night will let him have no peace, within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8 and 16; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; and 2 Timothy 2.

Consider the true remedy for low spirits and discouragement: Jesus. Speaking of Jesus, Paul says, “When he ascended on high…he gave gifts to men.” Jesus knows the lowest of the lows. But now he is exalted. Exalted but not out of touch with our needs, nor unaware of the gifts that will bolster our spirits. 

Faith believes these things and rejects any false despair. Faith endures the down times, looking to Jesus who has ascended on high and poured out his gifts to men. Faith: What a precious gift! What a sweet comfort!

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:1-10

What is your One Thing? Is it your husband? Is it your children? How about your church? Or your job? What is the one thing that shapes, directs, informs, and determines the decisions you make in life?

Most of us know the correct answer – at least what should be the correct answer: Jesus. Like the puzzled boy in the children’s message when the pastor was asking about a furry, small animal that gathers nuts and has a large bushy tail. “I know the answer is Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!” We know the right answer. Sometimes, however, the squirrels and other distractions of life get in the way.

We know our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is singularly important: the highest priority for decision making. We may be offered a job that pays $500,000 per year, but if it involves underhanded, illegal, or immoral activities to gain that salary, we know better than take it.

More often, the issues are much more subtle. We have an opportunity for a promotion. The hours will be similar, but will more often impinge on family time and even church involvement. Do we pass up the promotion in favor of family and church life? We can choose to focus on the differences we have within our own body of believers, as well as with those of other Christian traditions, rather than seeking common ground in the confession: Jesus is Lord.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-6 [my emphasis]). That being the case our unity in Christ, our oneness as part of his body the church, our faith and identity as his children (this is the blessing of baptism), are the things that should shape our hearts, minds, plans, and decisions. 

Of course we will fail to keep these in mind as being of singular importance that they are. The one hope that belongs to our calling is in those “ones”. We turn back to him and find these precious gifts will sustain us now and forever. That is of singular importance.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:1-10

How would you finish the sentence, “I wish…” If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably beyond the “I wish I could get a date for the prom” stage of life. Likely you’re not wishing for a pony for Christmas, or for a new XBox game console. I’m guessing your wishes are more along the lines of wishing your children would call you more often. You might wish for a million dollars or even a dream vacation.

I wish I had the same attitude as Paul displays in these verses. He’s a prisoner for the Lord who wishes to encourage people to live lives of love and faithfulness. He wishes that the people of Ephesus would display the reality of their oneness in Christ. He wishes for these people to maintain what is already there. And all the while he’s in prison.

I wish I had the kind of attitude and faith that looks beyond the daily challenges of difficult circumstances and stressful situations.

I do wish for this kind of unity within the body of Christ in which I serve here in Cypress. I yearn for people to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I wish for God’s people to appreciate the various different gifts God bestows on the church by his grace. I wish for God’s people to appreciate the unity that we have in the one body, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all.

How I wish we could keep all that uppermost in our minds for in that unity is a witness to the rest of the world that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Think of that. If Jesus is the Savior of the world – and he is – isn’t that more important than any other petty wish we may have? Isn’t that worthy of shaping your wishes? Doesn’t that overshadow everything else we might wish for; even as we wish for certain gifts for Christmas, a visit from loved ones, or any other good wish we might hold?

Those are all good things. They help buoy our spirits. But when those wishes begin to fade and disappointment sets in, we can be thankful that the most important thing of all has been settled: we have the gift of God, and the gifts of God. I wish I could keep that attitude 24/7.

Psalm 17:6-7
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my words.
⁷ Wondrously show your steadfast love,
    O Savior of those who seek refuge
    from their adversaries at your right hand.

Psalm 47:1-2
Clap your hands, all peoples!
    Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
² For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared,
    a great king over all the earth.

Psalm 77:13-14
Your way, O God, is holy.
    What god is great like our God?
¹⁴ You are the God who works wonders;
    you have made known your might among the peoples.

Psalm 107:1-3
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble
³ and gathered in from the lands,
    from the east and from the west,
    from the north and from the south.

Psalm 137:1-4 [This Psalm of Lament is also one of the Imprecatory Psalms]
By the waters of Babylon,
    there we sat down and wept,
    when we remembered Zion.
² On the willows there
    we hung up our lyres.
³ For there our captors
    required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
    “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:14-21

Perhaps you’ve seen the movie Last Crusade. In it Indiana Jones has to make his way across a chasm wider than he can possibly jump. There is no way across. But he is told he must walk out onto the chasm by faith. As he walks a stone bridge magically appears. He passes his test of faith.

I’m not sure whether this is a good illustration of faith. But I am certain that I like the idea of faith finding the promises of God to be true rather than causing these promises to be. Faith does not cause God to do good. Faith does not cause God to make promises. Faith discovers and believes in the goodness of God. Faith receives the promises of God.

Most important is the object of faith. Faith in a false god – no matter how strong and sincere – will never save. Faith in a mediocre god or partially-true promise will yield only mediocre or partially true results.

The wide, deep, high, and long love of God is a pure and perfect object of our faith. That love is shown to be wide by breadth of people who have been touched by the love of God. People from every continent of the earth, and language and tribe, from every ethnicity, political persuasion, world view and sex call Jesus Lord. They have experienced the love of God. They’ve seen how far he will go to redeem us: from the heights of glory to the depths of the grave. They have experienced the deep touch of his love in their hearts.

All this is a matter of faith. Holding to the love of God requires faith, for it is not always evident. There are times when God seems far away. There are moments we may doubt and wonder about God’s goodness, or his willingness to be involved in our lives. Faith hangs sometimes by a thread on the love and promises of God. But faith’s strength is in its object.

Isaiah says, a bruised reed he will not break. A smoldering wick he will not quench. There is great comfort in God’s love in this case. For God honors even the weakest faith. That’s because he loves us. Deeply. With great breadth, and far-reaching width. We see this in Jesus’ suffering and death in our place, and his resurrection from the grave. Then he has sent his Holy Spirit to reach into my heart and brought me into the fellowship of his love. This I believe.