David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”
  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 43: Jesus’ Threefold Office

    49 Week Challenge – Day 43: Jesus’ Threefold Office

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Mark 4; Jeremiah 16; Psalm 147; Ezekiel 31.

    Mark 4:30-41

    And Jesus said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

    33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

    35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

    Horse Show Colors-11 | Jacksonville, FL | May 2025

    Jesus is identified in classic Lutheran theology as prophet, priest, and king. As such he speaks God’s word faithfully, intercedes for the people of the earth, and reigns and rules above all things at the right hand of God. This is the three-fold office of Christ.

    I see all three in this passage. I love how Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God and declares so faithfully and fully the realities of God’s reign and rule. The kingdom of God, Jesus says, “is like a grain of mustard seed.” This is the prophetic role of Jesus. He teaches the truth of God. In this case, declaring that God will do something remarkably great through something that seems so small. 

    And so it is: this small rag-tag group of men will go on to change the world. The 12 will grow to 72, then to 120, then to 3000, 5000, and in the end “a multitude that one can count” (cf. Revelation 7). And just as in the Old Testament times the prophets spoke with an edge in their message, so does Jesus. For his expression that the birds of the air will come to the tree that will grow from the small seed indicates peoples from far and wide will come and find rest and relief in God’s kingdom. This small thing will become much greater and far-reaching than any of them could ever have imagined.

    And then as a subtle expression of his priestly role, Jesus is taken in the boat, just as he was, and becoming so tired that he falls asleep. Jesus has taken on human flesh so fully that he is subject to the physical limitations we all experience. This will lead him ultimately to the cross where he will offer his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.

    But he is also king over all, King of the Universe. King of wind and wave. So when the storm rages, Jesus, – awakened from his slumber – stands and rebukes the wind and the waves. They are stilled. The disciples wonder, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” 

    This is the Son of God. He is our prophet – telling us the truth of God, our priest – praying for us and offering the once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of the world, and King of kings and Lord of lords, in whose hand are the deep places of the earth, to whom we must give an account, and to whom we may pray in our time of need. He is able to act in our behalf, and he is willing to act for our good.

  • Today’s Psalms for June 15, 2025 – Trinity Sunday

    Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

    Today Christians around the world celebrate the mystery that God is three distinct persons in one divine essence. Praise to our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

    Psalm 15

    O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
        Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

    2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
        and speaks truth in his heart;
    3 who does not slander with his tongue
        and does no evil to his neighbor,
        nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
    4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
        but who honors those who fear the Lord;
    who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
    5 who does not put out his money at interest
        and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
    He who does these things shall never be moved.

    Psalm 45

    My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
        I address my verses to the king;
        my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

    2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
        grace is poured upon your lips;
        therefore God has blessed you forever.
    3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
        in your splendor and majesty!

    4 In your majesty ride out victoriously
        for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
        let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
    5 Your arrows are sharp
        in the heart of the king’s enemies;
        the peoples fall under you.

    6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
        The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
    7     you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
    Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
        with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
    8     your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
    From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
    9     daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
        at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

    10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
        forget your people and your father’s house,
    11     and the king will desire your beauty.
    Since he is your lord, bow to him.
    12     The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
        the richest of the people.

    13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
    14     In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
        with her virgin companions following behind her.
    15 With joy and gladness they are led along
        as they enter the palace of the king.

    16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons;
        you will make them princes in all the earth.
    17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
        therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

    Psalm 75

    We give thanks to you, O God;

        we give thanks, for your name is near.
    We recount your wondrous deeds.

    2 “At the set time that I appoint
        I will judge with equity.
    3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
        it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
    4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
        and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
    5 do not lift up your horn on high,
        or speak with haughty neck.’”

    6 For not from the east or from the west
        and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
    7 but it is God who executes judgment,
        putting down one and lifting up another.
    8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
        with foaming wine, well mixed,
    and he pours out from it,
        and all the wicked of the earth
        shall drain it down to the dregs.

    9 But I will declare it forever;
        I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
    10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
        but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

    Psalm 105:1-7

    Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
        make known his deeds among the peoples!
    2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
        tell of all his wondrous works!
    3 Glory in his holy name;
        let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
    4 Seek the Lord and his strength;
        seek his presence continually!
    5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
        his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
    6 O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
        children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

    7 He is the Lord our God;
        his judgments are in all the earth.

    Psalm 135

    Praise the Lord!
    Praise the name of the Lord,
        give praise, O servants of the Lord,
    2 who stand in the house of the Lord,
        in the courts of the house of our God!
    3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
        sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
    4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself,
        Israel as his own possession.

    5 For I know that the Lord is great,
        and that our Lord [Master] is above all gods.
    6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does,
        in heaven and on earth,
        in the seas and all deeps.
    7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
        who makes lightnings for the rain
        and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.

    8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
        both of man and of beast;
    9 who in your midst, O Egypt,
        sent signs and wonders
        against Pharaoh and all his servants;
    10 who struck down many nations
        and killed mighty kings,
    11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
        and Og, king of Bashan,
        and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
    12 and gave their land as a heritage,
        a heritage to his people Israel.

    13 Your name, O Lord, endures forever,
        your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages.
    14 For the Lord will vindicate his people
        and have compassion on his servants.

    15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
        the work of human hands.
    16 They have mouths, but do not speak;
        they have eyes, but do not see;
    17 they have ears, but do not hear,
        nor is there any breath in their mouths.
    18 Those who make them become like them,
        so do all who trust in them.

    19 O house of Israel, bless the Lord!
        O house of Aaron, bless the Lord!
    20 O house of Levi, bless the Lord!
        You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!
    21 Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
        he who dwells in Jerusalem!
    Praise the Lord!

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

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 39: Faith and Redemption

    49 Week Challenge – Day 39: Faith and Redemption

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 13; Psalm 78; Isaiah 37; Jeremiah 5.

    Matthew 13:1-17

    That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”

    10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
    14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

    “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,
        and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
    15 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
        and with their ears they can barely hear,
        and their eyes they have closed,
    lest they should see with their eyes
        and hear with their ears
    and understand with their heart
        and turn, and I would heal them.’

    16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

    Horse Show Colors-10 | Jacksonville, FL | May 2025

    My Masters of Divinity Thesis was an examination of Matthew 13, with the title, “Why Do You Speak to them in Parables?” A Look at Jesus’ Use of Parables in Matthew 13. Well…that is at least close to the title. I studied specifically the question of the disciples, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” I also studied Jesus’ answer: “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled,” quoting the passage about dull hearts, closed ears, and unseeing eyes. 

    Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill prophecy. This is what God had ordained by speaking these words through his prophet Isaiah. It would surely come true. As soon as it was spoken it was bound to happen. Sadly, moreover, the prophecy was about the faithlessness of God’s very own people!

    Psalm 78 is an overview of Israel’s history – sad as it was in so many ways. You would think they would learn. Time after time they receive God’s blessings, grow complacent, lapse into faithlessness and apostasy. Time after time they repent and God restores them, only to have the cycle repeated again and again.

    Ours may not be blatant gross outbursts of sin. We may not rob banks, abuse children, or live licentiously. God may not have to call us back from such faithlessness. But we’ve already learned from Jesus (Matthew 5) that to call a brother a fool is tantamount to murder. And to look upon a woman lustfully is the same as committing adultery. We have spoken words we ought not to have spoken in fits of rage, and done things in a season of weakness that are far from God’s laws.

    Perhaps our lives are a mirror of Israel’s. We hear but do not hear. We see but do not see. We have dull hearts.

    Thankfully, however, that’s not the whole story. For God determined to redeem a wayward and erring Israel. While we were still sinners Christ died for the unjust. We have been saved.

    So just as the disciples had to do, draw near to Jesus and learn what these parables mean. Take heart that he is sowing good seed. Rejoice that he will be the final judge. Know in your heart that he knows who is his.

    And who are his? Those who yearn for his redemption, who seek to live under his reign and rule, who trust in his promises, and have seen and heard – through the witness of Jesus’ disciples – Jesus’ words of grace and truth.

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 38: Wisdom that Guides Us to True Life

    49 Week Challenge – Day 38: Wisdom that Guides Us to True Life

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Luke 11; Deuteronomy 26; 2 Chronicles 24; Proverbs 8; Jonah 3.

    Proverbs 8:1-11, 32-36

    Does not wisdom call?
        Does not understanding raise her voice?
    2 On the heights beside the way,
        at the crossroads she takes her stand;
    3 beside the gates in front of the town,
        at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
    4 “To you, O men, I call,
        and my cry is to the children of man.
    5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
        O fools, learn sense.
    6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
        and from my lips will come what is right,
    7 for my mouth will utter truth;
        wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
    8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
        there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
    9 They are all straight to him who understands,
        and right to those who find knowledge.
    10 Take my instruction instead of silver,
        and knowledge rather than choice gold,
    11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
        and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

    32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
        blessed are those who keep my ways.
    33 Hear instruction and be wise,
        and do not neglect it.
    34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
        watching daily at my gates,
        waiting beside my doors.
    35 For whoever finds me finds life
        and obtains favor from the Lord,
    36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
        all who hate me love death.”

    Horse Show Colors-8 | Jacksonville, FL | May 2025

    Proverbs 8 is an interesting chapter. In it wisdom is personified as a woman who calls out to humanity, offering insight, justice, truth, and life. Most notably wisdom is described as being “possessed by the LORD at the beginning, present before creation, and rejoicing in the world and “delighting in the children of man.”

    Church Fathers like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Athanasius, and Augustine identified this personified Wisdom with the Logos (Word) in John 1:1, equating her with Christ in his pre-incarnate, divine role.

    Jesus shows up everywhere in the Bible! Or more accurately, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, or “the Word” (cf. John 1). Here we are urged to listen carefully and heed fully to her call. Wisdom is not hidden away in some secret place. She stands at the crossroads, beside the gates, at the entrances of daily life, lifting her voice to all who will hear. God’s wisdom is not reserved for the elite or the scholarly. It calls to everyone—to the simple, the searching, and even the foolish.

    Her message is clear: “Take my instruction instead of silver… for wisdom is better than jewels.” The treasures the world chases—money, status, success, romance—are nothing compared to the value of a heart shaped by God’s truth. Wisdom speaks what is right and true. There’s no deceit in her voice, only the straight, clear path of righteousness.

    But this call is not just a suggestion—it’s a lifeline. Later in the chapter, Wisdom says, “Whoever finds me finds life… but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” In other words, ignoring wisdom isn’t neutral. It’s dangerous. To reject God’s wisdom is to embrace a path that leads to emptiness and harm.

    Yet the promise is beautiful: “Blessed is the one who listens to me… watching daily at my gates.” God honors those who seek His wisdom with favor, life, and blessing. His truth is not just for knowing—it’s for living.

    Come Holy Spirit, enlighten our hearts and incline us toward the wisdom that saves and blesses; even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 37: Lessons from Solomon and Jesus on Forgiveness and Pride

    49 Week Challenge – Day 37: Lessons from Solomon and Jesus on Forgiveness and Pride

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 12:22-50; 2 Chronicles 9; 1 Kings 10; Jonah 1; 2.

    Matthew 11:22-32

    Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

    1 Kings 10:1-3

    Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.

    Horse Show Colors-7 | Jacksonville, FL | May 2025

    A stunning comment: “The man who has done this will never be forgiven – in this time or in eternity.” Spoken by the leader of the Mormon Church, it referred to a man who had abducted and killed a 3 year-old girl. A horrific crime to be sure. But it is even more horrific to decree that someone cannot be forgiven. For Jesus’ promise is that whoever repents and calls on him will be forgiven.

    That’s what he says here in Matthew 22. “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people,” he says. Every one except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. People worry about this sin. And well they should on the one hand, for without the forgiveness of God we are eternally lost and condemned. On the other hand, those who worry about it mark themselves as those who have not committed the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. For their concern over their right relationship with God is testimony to the Holy Spirit’s presence and influence in their lives.

    I thought of that as I read 1 Kings 10 today. Solomon was able to answer all of the questions that the Queen of Sheba posed to him. His wealth, wisdom, and works were unparalleled. He had it all. He could noodle out the most complex puzzles. I wonder, however, if his wit and wisdom led him to deny the Holy Spirit’s work. I wonder whether his pride got the better of him and he failed to rely fully on God, blaspheming in effect, the Holy Spirit. Only God knows for sure. And he will be the judge. But the evidence of Solomon’s ending does not offer much hope for a good end.

    But let’s end on a far more comforting note: “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people,” says Jesus. So my sins of commission – they are many – and my sins of omission – they are no fewer – my actual sins and my inherited sinful nature are not beyond the reach of Jesus’ grace. Blasphemous words. Sin of the most offensive kind. Failures of epic proportion. Jesus died for them all.

    Such is the hope of all who believe in Jesus, who acknowledge their sin. To them Jesus promises, “Whoever comes to me, I will in no way cast out” (John 6:37).

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 36: Taking the Yoke of Jesus

    49 Week Challenge – Day 36: Taking the Yoke of Jesus

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 11; 1 Chronicles 22; Isaiah 35; Jeremiah 6; Amos 1.

    Matthew 11:25-30

    At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

    Beijing Courtyard Cross | Beijing, China | February 2004

    It is truly propitious that today’s 49 Week Bible Challenge Gospel reading is from Matthew 11. Today, June 10, 2025 marks the 46th anniversary as a pastor in The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. And Matthew 10 contains the verses Pastor Robert Lange used when he preached for my ordination those many years ago. He chose that verse as an appropriate call to take on Jesus’ yoke. This yoke of Jesus is symbolized in the stole I wear with my vestments. It is a symbol of ordination and a reminder that I am a servant of Christ.

    Six years earlier those verses had been given to me at my confirmation. I was a student at SEMO University and had gone through the Adult Information Class with the pastor at the Lutheran Campus Center. Did he know that I would one day serve as a pastor?

    The idea of taking on Jesus’ yoke means taking the posture of submission, learning, and partnership with Jesus. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [emphasis added]” The yoke is not a burden of oppression, but an invitation to walk with Jesus, to be guided by his wisdom, and to live under his gracious reign and rule.

    To take on his yoke is to trust that his ways are better than ours, that his strength will carry us when we are weary, and that in following him, we find not only purpose but also peace. For a pastor—and for all believers—it is both a calling and a comfort: we are not pulling the load alone. Christ is yoked with us, leading, teaching, and empowering us in love.

    As an aside, I recall that Pastor Lange asked me perhaps 5 times if I wanted to take the Bible Study class to become a Lutheran. Five times! I finally said, “OK, but I don’t want to have to join just because I take the class. And If I do decide to join I don’t have to join right away.” He said, “sure,” to the first condition, and “well, within reason,” to the second! About ⅓ of the way through the Bible study, I said, “Where do I sign up?” Two things struck me during that study then. They are anchored in the grace and truth that Jesus embodies. Whenever I asked questions during that study, Pastor Lange’s answers were grounded in biblical truth, and every answer, teaching and truth pointed me back to God’s grace in Jesus.

    I am thankful to God to be yoked with Jesus as I serve as a Lutheran pastor, holding out the grace and truth of Jesus!

    ordination-icon | Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Edmonton

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 34: The Nearby or Long Distance Reach of God’s Hand

    49 Week Challenge – Day 34: The Nearby or Long Distance Reach of God’s Hand

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 8:1-11; Psalm 107; Jeremiah 30; Malachi 1.

    Matthew 8:1-11

    When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

    5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

    Horse Show Colors # 6 | Jacksonville, FL | May 2025

    When Jesus heals the centurion’s servant he does so from a distance. The centurion expresses great faith in Jesus saying that he knows how authority works. If you have authority, you can command and it will be done…or else. (More on that in a moment.) The action of Jesus reflects God’s word through the prophet Jeremiah.

    “Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD,
        nor be dismayed, O Israel;
    for behold, I will save you from far away,
        and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
    Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,
        and none shall make him afraid. -Jeremiah 30:11

    When Jesus heals the man with leprosy he does it as close as possible. He touches the man, and he is healed. This is an expression of God’s good will, and in response to the leper’s words, “If you will, you can make me clean.”

    In both cases great faith is on display. One expresses it in submission to the will of God. The other expresses it by confidence in Jesus’ ultimate authority as well as his good will.

    But there is another side to the near and far reach of God. For Jeremiah records the judgment of God for those far away from him.

    Behold the storm of the LORD!
        Wrath has gone forth,
    a whirling tempest;
        it will burst upon the head of the wicked.
    24 The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back
        until he has executed and accomplished
        the intentions of his mind.
    In the latter days you will understand this. – Jeremiah 30:23-24

    God’s hand is not so weak that he cannot act; he can do whatever pleases him. And though we are not only to fear God – we are to love and trust him as well – we must not ignore his judgment against evil. And if ever we feel far from God, we can call to him for he is able to save from nearby or far away.

    And just so we’re clear, we do not go to God under our own authority. We go under the authority of Jesus, knowing that he has died for our sins, and forgives us, and welcomes all who call upon him in faith.

  • Today’s Psalms for June 8, 2025 – Pentecost Sunday

    Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

    Today Christians around the world celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit “on all flesh,” moving people to ask, “What does this mean?” From that day on the mission of God began to play out in new and profound ways, so that the message of Jesus has reached around the world with the Good News that “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    Psalm 8

    O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
    You have set your glory above the heavens.
    2     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
    you have established strength because of your foes,
    to still the enemy and the avenger.

    3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
    4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

    5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
    6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
    7 all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
    8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

    9 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

    Psalm 38:1-8, 22

    O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger,
        nor discipline me in your wrath!
    2 For your arrows have sunk into me,
        and your hand has come down on me.

    3 There is no soundness in my flesh
        because of your indignation;
    there is no health in my bones
        because of my sin.
    4 For my iniquities have gone over my head;
        like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

    5 My wounds stink and fester
        because of my foolishness,
    6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate;
        all the day I go about mourning.
    7 For my sides are filled with burning,
        and there is no soundness in my flesh.
    8 I am feeble and crushed;
        I groan because of the tumult of my heart.

    22 Make haste to help me,
        O Lord, my salvation!

    Psalm 68:1-6

    God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;
        and those who hate him shall flee before him!
    2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;
        as wax melts before fire,
        so the wicked shall perish before God!
    3 But the righteous shall be glad;
        they shall exult before God;
        they shall be jubilant with joy!

    4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
        lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
    his name is the Lord;
        exult before him!
    5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
        is God in his holy habitation.
    6 God settles the solitary in a home;
        he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
        but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

    Psalm 98

    Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
        for he has done marvelous things!
    His right hand and his holy arm
        have worked salvation for him.
    2 The Lord has made known his salvation;
        he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
    3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
        to the house of Israel.
    All the ends of the earth have seen
        the salvation of our God.

    4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
        break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
    5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
        with the lyre and the sound of melody!
    6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
        make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!

    7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
        the world and those who dwell in it!
    8 Let the rivers clap their hands;
        let the hills sing for joy together
    9 before the Lord, for he comes
        to judge the earth.
    He will judge the world with righteousness,
        and the peoples with equity.

    Psalm 128

    Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
        who walks in his ways!
    2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
        you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

    3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
        within your house;
    your children will be like olive shoots
        around your table.
    4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
        who fears the Lord.

    5 The Lord bless you from Zion!
        May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
        all the days of your life!
    6 May you see your children’s children!
        Peace be upon Israel!

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

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 33: Let Us Pray!

    49 Week Challenge – Day 33: Let Us Pray!

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 7; 1 Chronicles 28; Ezekiel 22; 35.

    Matthew 7:1-14,

    [Jesus says,] “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

    6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

    7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

    12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

    13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

    …

    24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

    Horse Show Colors-5 | Jacksonville, FL | May 2025

    We prayed just the other day for wisdom. Three of us stood together, held hands, and asked God to give us wisdom in a decision impacting not only us, but others as well. Then we acted. Less than 30 minutes later the call came, “Do you want to hear a miracle?”

    I made a stab: “Did…”

    “Do you want to hear a miracle?”

    “Of course!”

    Even more than a simple answer to our prayer, a far-reaching movement of God underscoring the conviction we had reached together, and resolving the issue we faced. (Sorry for the vagueness of all this, but I don’t want to betray a confidence.)

    Jesus promises, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

    God’s answer is often in the form of C.S. Lewis’ understanding of prayer. I do not pray to change God. I pray to change me (a paraphrase from Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, Letter 8). And that’s not a bad thought – that prayer would change us. But here we have it: Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you.” I don’t want to argue with Jesus when it comes to prayer!

    Too often, however, the “I’ll pray for you,” comment is only a comment with little action. Jesus says that “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” It seems to me that we should actually pray, not just talk about it.

    Let us pray…

    Dear Father in heaven, look with kindness, mercy and grace upon we who call on you in prayer today. Open your heart and hear our prayer…

    • for healing for our friends and loved ones, especially… and … and …
    • for peace of heart and courage for those in difficulty, especially… and … and …
    • for hope and wisdom for those facing challenging decisions, especially… and … and …
    • for grace and compassion for those dealing with difficult people, especially… and … and …
    • for strength and faithfulness for those who face temptation, especially… and … and …
    • for help and intervention for those who recognize you as their only hope, especially… and … and …
    • for your will to be done in and through me, and in and through the others I deal with today;

    through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 32: Let Us Pray!

    49 Week Challenge – Day 32: Let Us Pray!

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 6; 2 Kings 20; Job 38; Proverbs 23; Zechariah 7.

    Matthew 6:1-15

    [Jesus says,] “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

    2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

    5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

    7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

    “Our Father in heaven,
    hallowed be your name.
    10 Your kingdom come,
    your will be done,
        on earth as it is in heaven.
    11 Give us this day our daily bread,
    12 and forgive us our debts,
        as we also have forgiven our debtors.
    13 And lead us not into temptation,
        but deliver us from evil.

    14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

    Horse Show Colors-5 | Jacksonville, FL | May 2025

    My personal prayer life often returns to the Lord’s Prayer. I pray it over the members of my family as I go to sleep at night. I found it to be of immense comfort when in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, the daily brief pause for prayer included the Lord’s Prayer. We had been providentially kept from worshiping with others for three Sundays. And that prayer washed over my soul that day at noon.

    Profoundly important teachings of Jesus surround the Lord’s Prayer. It all starts with his directive about outward shows of righteousness. He speaks of giving alms for show. That’s a no-go. But he soon turns to prayer. Don’t pray to be seen by others. Do show off. Speak to God – just you and him. He will hear you, and that’s what counts.

    Then comes the Lord’s Prayer. It covers the waterfront of human needs as those made in the image of God and those redeemed by Christ. The assumption of Jesus’ prayer is that we are children of the Heavenly Father. The assumption is that we would wish his name to be kept holy. The assumption is the we would wish his will to be done and his kingdom to come – among us and through us. The assumption is that our daily needs be met by his fatherly kindness. The assumption is that we would seek his forgiveness. And his assumption is that we would forgive others – relationships would be healthy and mutually gracious. His assumption is that we would be led, but not into temptation. And we would certainly be delivered from evil.

    There may be more for which we might wish to pray. And certainly the door is wide open to present any and every request to God (cf. Philippians 4:6). There is also great faith-building benefits to making specific requests to God.

    Sometimes we may also need the Holy Spirit to intercede for us in groans and sighs too deep for words (cf. Romans 8:26).  But the Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful way to pray to God coving all our needs of soul and body. Today’s readings also record the danger of willful and selfish prayers (Hezekiah 2 Kings 20), and a strong warning against hubris (Job 38).

    Whenever we pray we must remember that we are praying to the King of the Universe, our Heavenly Father, who rules over all and loves all. May his name ever be praised through our prayers!