David Bahn – Reflections

Read John 13:1-11

There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me – From Cory Asbury’s Reckless Love

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. – John 13:1

Holy Week is the eight days beginning Palm Sunday (the day I am writing this post) through Easter Sunday. For these eight days I will focus on various aspects of Jesus’ love’s expression.

In this encounter between Jesus and his disciples I am especially drawn to John’s assertion that Jesus loved his disciples to the end. I think of the powerful witness of Cory Ashbury’s Reckless Love, and rejoice that God lights up dark corners of our life, and is not stopped by tall mountains, walls, or our own lies.

Sometimes the bright light of truth hurts our eyes. It’s easier to live in darkness and denial than to face the reality of our sins – if, that is, we have no hope of redemption and grace. But God’s reckless love is coming after us, chasing us down, exposing lies and kicking down the walls of our isolation. He does not come in anger, resentment, or judgment. He comes in grace, mercy, and love.

That’s good news for anyone who knows he is caught in darkness, or sinful self-deception. That’s good news for those who need a Savior to come into their loneliness, or who are far away from God.

It’s the good news of Holy Week, and I look forward to reflecting on that this week.

Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. ⁶ And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” ⁷ And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. ⁸ I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” ⁹ He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. ¹⁰ Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. ¹¹ And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. ¹² Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. ¹³ But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” – Daniel 12:5-13

Short and sweet today…Waiting, hoping and trusting are all intertwined in their meaning. If we wait, it’s because we hope for a good outcome. If we hope for a good outcome it’s because we trust God. If we trust God we will wait for his perfect timing.

However you understand these words in Daniel – some of which are incredibly difficult to comprehend (horns, beasts, statues, and all) – here is our call: to find great blessing from God as we wait for his perfect timing, because we trust in him, and we hope for all of his promises to come to fruition. He has proven himself worthy. That’s what next week is all about: Holy Week – when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem for his final days on earth, this side of glory. I look forward to sharing it with you, dear reader, next week. Wait with me, please. Amen.

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. ² And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. ³ And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. ⁴ But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” – Daniel 11:1-4

A godly woman died in her advanced age – after many years lying in a nursing home bed.  I would visit her regularly, praying for her, reading a devotion, praying former and attempting to talk with her. Toward the end of her life she was completely unresponsive. She had no family, and I did not visit her often. I wondered if my visits were doing her any good at all. Perhaps the nurses were somehow encouraged to continue to provide her care because someone would occasionally show up. Maybe she heard things I said or prayers that I read and prayed; I really have no indication whether or not that was the case.

When she died, however, I sensed this was a case of being delivered from evil. Her last hours were anything but peaceful. She was taken to the hospital – in all her aged frailty – and subjected to X-rays, and other medically-unnecessary procedures. I felt that she was being totally taken advantage of. I was disgusted and distressed at her treatment.

Her death, however, offered her an end to her human earthly suffering. I would never opt for or advocate euthanasia. That is not I had hoped for in her case. But I would certainly have hoped that she could depart in peace.

St. Paul says that the suffering of this present age is not worth comparing to the joy that will be ours in the life of the world to come. That offers me great hope in light of this dear woman’s suffering. So do the words here in Daniel:

But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. ² And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. – Daniel 11:1-2

There will come a time when those who belong to the Lord will rise to everlasting life. That will be a joy and blessing, and for some truly a deliverance from evil, for which we can truly thank God.

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. ² And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. ³ And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. ⁴ But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” – Daniel 11:1-4

We were traveling through northern New Mexico, heading toward Colorado. Our 16 year old son was driving and was getting tired. He pulled over to change drivers, and upon getting out of the car yelled, “Everyone out of the car!” We had no idea why he was saying it, and apparently didn’t act fast enough so he shouted again, “Everyone out of the car!”

We got out and he pointed to the starry sky. “Look at it! It’s amazing isn’t it!” It was amazing. The night sky – unsullied by light pollution, and on a cold, crisp night – was awash with the starry host. It was a spectacular view of the stars in the heavens.

Daniel is being told how it will be when the wise will shine light the brightness of the sky and those who turn others to righteousness like stars forever and ever. The message is crystal me: those who fear, love and trust in God will shine brightly in the life of the world to come. Those who point others to fear, love and trust in God will be like the stars in the heavens.

This is parallelism; there are two statements, both of which convey similar but not absolutely identical truth. I would not make a case for differing degrees of glory: bright sky of the saved and the stars of the sky being those who brought others to faith, signifying one glory and another higher glory.

Perhaps, however, there is a message for those who seek to share the grace and truth of God with others. Whether you are like the brightness of the sky or the stars that shine forever, being light is a good thing. Jesus put it this way:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

Followers of Jesus are to be lights in the dark world. We are to let our light shine on God, bringing him glory, and not calling attention to ourselves. Just as the beauty of the starry night sky pointed us beyond the stars themselves to the one who named the stars (Isaiah 40:26) and sets their course in the heavens (Job 38:12), so should we shine: to the glory of God and the enlightenment of many to the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ.

“And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.

² “And now I will show you the truth. Behold, three more kings shall arise in Persia, and a fourth shall be far richer than all of them. And when he has become strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece. ³ Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion and do as he wills.⁴ And as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his posterity, nor according to the authority with which he ruled, for his kingdom shall be plucked up and go to others besides these.

⁵ “Then the king of the south shall be strong, but one of his princes shall be stronger than he and shall rule, and his authority shall be a great authority.

²⁰ “Then shall arise in his place one who shall send an exactor of tribute for the glory of the kingdom.

⁴⁵ And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. – From Daniel 11

“We will bury you!” I was an impressionable 5 years old when Nikita Khrushchev spoke those powerful and angry words, banging his shoe on the table. I remember thinking that it would be a good thing if someone else were president of Russia. My dad wisely said, “You never know; someone else might be worse.” Indeed: what if another Stalin – the so-called Butcher of the Ukraine were to become leader of Russia.

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin may be better or worse than Khrushchev. But one thing for sure. Khrushchev has given way to Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko, Gorbachev, and so the list goes.

There is nothing new under the sun. Daniel is given a revelation of one ruler after another who comes and goes. And all who rule apart from God’s purposes will come to the same end as the last ruler in the list of leaders in this chapter: “Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him.”

I’m not hoping to face persecution or experience the rule of an evil tyrant. But even when we are under the worst rulers their rule and reign will not stand. Kingdoms come and kingdoms go. But the rule and reign of our Lord Jesus Christ is eternal. There will be no end to his rule. And he is good; his mercy endures forever.

Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me.¹⁹ And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” ²⁰ Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. ²¹ But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince. – Daniel 10:18-21

Three touches of God’s grace are given in these verses to Daniel. The angel touches Daniel and gives him strength. He tells Daniel that he is a man “greatly loved.” Although “there is none who contends…except Michael,” there are those who contend for God’s purposes. These three touches of God’s grace – along with the revelation that God had heard Daniel’s prayer on the first day of his prayer, even though it had taken 21 days to bring God’s answer to him.

Perhaps you have had a message of affection our encouragement from one who is no friend. Maybe someone whose support you do not want has offered to support you. There are those who pursue goals with which we are not aligned, and whose alliance with us we do not desire. Thanks but no thanks we may say. There are, no doubt, those who think of God’s affirmation in such a manner. But not Daniel.

There is some question among Bible scholars as to who is the messenger speaking to Daniel here. Some say it is the pre-incarnate Christ. Others say this cannot possibly be Christ for he admits to needing Michael to contend against the prince of Persia. In either case, this is God’s messenger. Entirely trustworthy. Absolutely reliable. And his message is a good one.

The ultimate expression of God’s favor is founded in Jesus Christ. His message is unequivocal: we are greatly loved (John 3:16); God’s angels contend for even little children (Matthew 18:10); Jesus renews us and gives us strength (Matthew 11:28-30).

Diane and I served as Team Leaders at last week’s PLI Leadership Essentials Immersion in Aurora (Chicago area), Illinois. We shared some teachings along with Jock & Gail Ficken (co-leaders of PLI), Pastor Steve & Ursula Sohns (Resurrection Lutheran Church in Spring, TX), as well as facilitating discussions and coaching sessions with the pastors and their wives present for the event. We also introduced and installed Phil & Kyrie Klopke as co-leaders of PLI’s 1000 Young Leaders Initiative.

A very engaging presentation was given by Pastor Nick Price, who showed us how one can share the gospel story in a simple way that may be…

• summed up in a single sentence,
• explained in a few minutes, and
• invites a conversation that could last for hours.

Here is a video of his presentation:

PLI is dedicated to multiplying missional leaders who want to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We have a high priority of sharing the Gospel message and this presentation offered us a simple way to do that.

When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. ¹⁶ And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. ¹⁷ How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”

¹⁸ Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me.¹⁹ And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” ²⁰ Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. ²¹ But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince. – Daniel 10:15-21

Easter Sunday is always a great time for the church. Lilies, brass choirs, fanfares, proclamations of Jesus’ victory, and many people in the pews singing their praises to God. Everyone goes to church on Easter.  I was utterly shocked, however, a few years ago when I learned that my sister and my mom went to Cracker Barrel for Easter. Not after church, not before church. For Easter they went to Cracker Barrel. I have nothing against Cracker Barrel; in fact I eat at a local Cracker Barrel restaurant/store regularly. But for Easter?!?

Easter is a time for us to celebrate surrounded by fellow believers who bolster our spirits. We’re not alone in our confession that Jesus is risen; he is Lord! Many people swell the attendance rolls, but also encourage us to hold to the faith that Jesus has conquered death, sin, and Satan.

Daniel is told here that not only is he not alone, but that the battle that must take place is not his to fight. The angel tells Daniel that he is taking on the King of Persia, and that the prince of Greece would come to the battle as well. Sadly, however, this angel is accompanied only by Michael. Michael is an archangel (cf. Jude 9). As such he is a mighty warrior of God’s angel army. Only Michael will join the battle against these enemies.

We do not know the inner workings of the spiritual realm. We know only two things:

• There is a battle that has been won, and yet is not fully consummated, but will be in the end; and
• God’s angels are mighty and serve for his will and for our good.

We cannot always know the ways of God, but we do know that our ultimate victory lies with him and his angel host. We may not have as many allies in our battle against Satan and his horde. But we have those who fight for us and for our good.

I believe I encountered an angel once, and that he served to clarify my stewardship of God’s grace and gifts. I am thankful for all God’s angels – the mighty warriors who battle Satan, and the kind messengers of God’s grace such as we see here interacting with Daniel.

And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.¹¹ And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. ¹² Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. ¹³ The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, ¹⁴ and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” – Daniel 10:10-14

I first encountered this passage in 2003 when I was reading a book by John Eldridge, Waking the Dead. This was a particularly powerful and insightful book for me because I took the time to work through a companion workbook as I read it. It was my morning routine. It was, for me, a book more insightful even than Eldridge’s Wild at Heart.

The point that he made regarding this passage has to do with the spiritual battles that are raging all around us, and of which we are often unaware. God moves to answer our prayers the moment we voice them. But the answers do not always come as quickly to us as the answer is sent by God.

Here we have a look into the spiritual realm in which realities, powers, kingdoms, and dominions battle – often hidden from our view. All we see are the delays, complications, disappointments, and upheavals of daily life. Seldom do we imagine that angels are contending with one another – good versus evil angels; demons versus God’s host; principalities of evil versus God’s powers in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

Somehow the words of Daniel 10:12-13 opened my eyes to the outplaying of God’s answers to prayer. The angel was sent on the first day Daniel began to intercede for Israel and its people. But there are other forces in the world that must be contended with. Kings and kingdoms are set up and put down at God’s bidding. In the case of Israel’s captivity as well as their future deliverance, those would be accomplished by real kings in real time.

God seldom snaps his fingers and makes it so. More often the outworking of God’s will takes place over time. We have even a glimpse of why that is often so: God is patient and delays (in our minds and from our point of view) so that we and others may repent and come to faith in Jesus (2 Peter 3:9).

Next time you pray, and the answer does not appear immediately, consider how God may be working in someone else’s heart to get them to a better place before you are able to experience the fullness of his answer. And know this: When we pray, God acts.

God has things well in hand, and is working even now toward a consummation of his ultimate plan for all time and eternity – more often than not, behind the scenes – and he will prevail. He has shown that in Jesus’ resurrection and promised it in his word.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.

² In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. ³ I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. ⁴ On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) ⁵ I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. ⁶ His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. ⁷ And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. ⁸ So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. ⁹ Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.

I recall sharing this story with a group of 8th graders. Describing the appearance of this man of Daniel’s vision, I told them that his appearance would put him at 11 on a 10 point weirdometer. They seemed to like the description. It does seem to evoke a certain image. Indeed this servant of God is at least a bit weird. His message is way beyond weird.

His appearance is not all that is unique; even the sound of his voice is overwhelming. Daniel’s response is appropriate: he falls on his face in deep sleep. Literally. He does a faceplant and seems not to move. When was the last time that you’ve been so overwhelmed by the appearance and voice of a messenger of God that you fell on your face before him?

God doesn’t always show up like this – all guns blazing. More often he shows up in the still small voice (cf. 1 Kings 19:11-13). Most powerfully God has spoken to us by the babe of Bethlehem, the innocent, gentle, humble Jesus of Nazareth. Too seldom we are overwhelmed by the voice of Jesus.

What will bring Daniel to life is a message of grace, hope and insight from the messenger. It is the same with Jesus: when his words hit home he brings grace, hope, and life. When that happens it reveals the truth of the statement: “I’ve never been surprised by God’s judgment—but I’m still stunned by his grace!” (Max Lucado, Stunned by His Grace).

Would that we were more often so stunned.