David Bahn – Reflections

Show me your glory, I pray. – Exodus 33:18

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?” – John 14:8–9

We were in the middle of nowhere on a cold winter night when we gazed up at the expanse of the heavens and saw the glory of God (cf. Psalm 19:1). The sunrise on the beach was so beautiful; it was as if God’s glory was shining for all to see. The Grand Canyon actually has a sign posted, quoting Psalm 66:4, “All the earth worships Thee; they sing praises to Thee; sing praises to Thy name.”

Moses wanted to see God’s glory. God obliged by allowing him to see his backside (Exodus 33:17-23). Philip wanted to see the Father, and Jesus obliged him by revealing that He was the fullest expression of the Father’s glory, grace, truth, and love.

What if God would write across the heavens the words, “I EXIST”? Would there be a mass conversion, a gathering in the churches for the weeks following? Or would it be like 9/11 when the churches were full the next Sunday, only have the masses dwindle away in the ensuing weeks.

What if seeing Jesus – by faith, through his word – is enough? The glory of God displayed in the creation simply points us toward the God who has fully revealed himself in the Babe of Bethlehem. The majesty of the Grand Canyon stands as a monument to God’s creative power. But Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and teachings stand for all who will look to him as a testimony to the goodness of God. Jesus is enough. Seeing and knowing him is enough for us all.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. –Proverbs 31:8

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. – Hebrews 13:3

Diane and I had the great blessing of traveling during a 3 month sabbatical in 2013. It was a much-needed and greatly-appreciated time of refreshment and enrichment. Part of that time was spent in a retreat B&B that catered to pastors and missionaries. For a three week period of time when we were not able to gather with others in public worship. A week later we were in St. Paul Cathedral in London. 

At noon each day there, the priest offers a simple two minute prayer. They ask that everyone respect that time of prayer – regardless of their personal religious persuasion or lack thereof. On the day we were there the priest introduced the prayer time, indicating that we would be praying for widows and orphans and those in prison. He then led us in praying the Lord’s Prayer. It was the most meaningful experience of praying the Lord’s prayer that I can recall; so refreshing to be part of a public worship experience.

Praying for widows, orphans and those in prison made an impression on me as well. It’s not often that I would remember any specific prayer that was not directly in response to a national disaster or dramatically obvious need. Surely, however, widows, orphans, and those in prison have needs obvious to themselves and their life situation. These vulnerable folks so obviously need God’s protection and provision. 

The passage from Proverbs is often used (rightly) to speak in behalf in the unborn. Certainly they have no voice; they cannot speak for themselves. Certainly we need to speak up for them. Sadly, however, many women have been forced into such decisions, and have also had no voice in the matter due to intimidation or the deception of the world. 

Jesus came for those who could never speak in their own defense before God. He saved the helpless, and turned away the powerful. Christmas is traditionally a time when people become generous with those in need. Who needs your support, defense, or advocacy today? Such is our calling in Jesus.

And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” – Joshua 5:14

But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” – Luke 11:28

My first message at a church I previously served was titled, “God’s Mistakes.” There are two mistakes God has made, so I said. The first is that God did not give the responsibility of sharing the Gospel, preaching the Word, leading the church, and building his kingdom to angels.

Angels would have been such a better choice. They do not need a salary, or ever to stop to rest. They don’t have worldly families or pursuits of any kind to distract them. They do the will of God perfectly and unfailingly. They are many in number and mighty in power. Nothing would ever have been done wrongly if angels had been chosen to serve as pastors.

Having made that mistake – calling fallible men and women to serve as pastors and teachers, leaders and servants, ambassadors and witnesses for the cause of his rule and reign – God went ahead and made a second mistake. He didn’t fill the church with angels. Angels would never complain about the length of a sermon, never fail to show up for their assigned or volunteer duty, never conspire to undercut a pastor’s authority, or thwart the leaders’ ideas just because they are expensive. Angels would never miss Sunday worship, or fail to attend Bible Class or Sunday School. 

But alas; God has sent sinners to serve the church and filled the church with fallible people as well. Having said all that, however, it is good to realize that we are called to obey God; to hear his word and obey it. It is proper that we do God’s bidding whenever we can and however we are able. It is good that we recognize God’s authority in all of life and seek to be as angelic as possible.

That does not have to do with sporting haloes, always having sweet-faced smiles on our faces, or prancing around in a “Goody-Two-Shoes” sort of way. It has to do with listening for God’s word, following God’s commands, obeying his call, and honoring him with all of our hearts.

Part of what it means to believe God’s word is that we see Jesus perfectly fulfilling all this as a man. Sinless to be sure, but a man. And he is our righteousness, and our perfection. When we live our out identity as brothers and sisters in Christ we are truly most blessed. That’s what it means, in the end, to hear the word of God and keep it.

“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:14

Diane and I hosted a party for the Northwest Houston Photo Club last night. It was great fun, with lots of good food, friends, and festivities. Each year I write a Christmas prayer for the party. It’s not very long on theology, but I do manage to point people to Jesus. I share it for what it’s worth…a door opener to other conversations and witnessing opportunities, I hope. In any case, it was much fun.

To the tune, Joy to the World!

Joy to the world! The time has come!
For Christmas fun and cheer!
Let every one from far and near
Join us this festive night;
Join us this festive night;
Join us! Join us…this festive night.

We’re glad to have you in our home!
To celebrate and cheer!
The winner of Photographer of the year
And all who serve our club;
And all who serve our club;
And all, and all who serve our club.

Some of us may be Nikonians
But there are others who
Shoot Canon, Sony and even Pentax;
We’re all a part of the club;
We’re all a part of the club;
We’re all, we’re all a part of the Northwest Houston Photo Club!

Tonight we’re glad to welcome you
Into our hearts and home.
At Christmas time, we celebrate a birth,
Of One who was born for us all;
Of One who was born for us all;
Of One, of One who was born for us all!

So if I may, Offer here my prayer
And call on Jesus’ name
To bless our food, and festivities
We’ll get on with the meal;
We’ll get on with the meal;
We’ll get, we’ll get on with the meal!

So shall we say thanks be to God!
For friends, and food, and fare.
And though it be a bit silly
We say our amen now;
We say our amen now;
We say, we say our amen now!

And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. – 1 Kings 18:21
No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. – Mark 2:21

It’s one thing to falter in our walk with Jesus; we all fall off the path from time to time. Sometimes it is severe; we despair of God’s grace, lose sight of his call, or forget his word and promise. We may even get distracted or deceived and stray. When we are brought to our senses, however, we return to the path. In some manner or another we must repent and believe daily.

It’s quite another thing, however, to waver between two different opinions. Put it another way: It’s one thing to stumble off the sidewalk onto the street for a moment. It’s quite another to wander down the middle of the road trying to decide where to go. A momentary stumble is bad enough, but a continuous slouch of lukewarm wandering is dangerous to say the least. 

Jesus calls us to a totally new way of life, not just a matter of patching over the scrapes, tears, or gouges of life. His ways are dramatically new and different. He provides purpose. He gives reason. He challenges us to get right on the path when we stumble. He offers us a clear way to God. He has led the way for us, having followed God’s ways perfectly, and forgiving us when we stray. 

The ultimate path is the path of faith in Jesus. He makes everything new. 

Be glad, O children of Zion,
    and rejoice in the Lord your God. – Joel 2:23

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David. – Luke 1:68-69

Prior to November 2016, I was unaware that there was a Cubs song. But when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, I learned that there is indeed such a song, and it was sung loud and proud by the happy fans when the Cubs won.

There are times when we simply must sing. Whether it’s the Christmas carols during this season, the hymns of victory and life at Easter, or the celebration of a birthday: sometimes you just have to sing.

God delights in our songs of praise. He calls us to rejoice as we recognize his hand of blessing and heart of favor toward us. When he does act people respond with songs of praise. These songs, furthermore, express truths about God’s nature, character, and work in our lives.

God calls his people to be glad and rejoice in him – even in the face of judgment and trouble that was coming to the people of Joel’s day. When John the Baptizer was born, Zechariah expressed his praise to God because he saw that God was acting to redeem and save his people. When God acts, his people praise him. Whether that is pleasant or not, knowing God’s true nature and character allows us to honor him with songs of praise.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. – Psalm 3:5

Peace to all of you who are in Christ. – 1 Peter 5:14

There have been times in my life when I could not sleep. I would wake up at 3 in the morning with ideas, worries, concerns, and self-chastisement running through my mind. When that happens I pray the Lord’s Prayer over and over. I find, during those times, that I will stop or lose my train of thought at a certain point in the prayer. Then I reflect on that thought: Is there a sin I need to confess? Is there a failure to recognize God’s daily provision? Am I giving into temptation – or even inviting it? 

Restful sleep is a gift of a clear conscience. It may also be the reward for a full day’s work. It may also be the gift of God we enjoy by his grace. In any case, the gift of peace from God, through faith in Jesus Christ is a precious blessing. 

That peace also colors the way we relate to others in our day to day interactions. If we are at peace with God we can be more kind to our cranky neighbor, more understanding with our boorish boss, and (dare I say it?) more patient in the snarl of rush hour traffic. Peace inside manifests itself in a peaceful outward demeanor. The fullness of that peace brings health to the body and rest to the soul. We may not fully experience that until we rest in peace. But any foretaste of that is a gift from God for which we give him thanks and praise.

#stjcypress 

Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Proverbs 4:13

The aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

I have had up close and personal experience with only one hoarder in my life. She was an elderly woman who lived alone amidst stacks and stacks of newspaper, together with a number of cats. The experience was not pleasant on any level. The smell was nearly overpowering. Dust covered everything, including the chair in which I would sit when I visited her. She has lived out her days by now, and is free from needing to hoard anything. She was a member of the church which I served at the time,  and I would visit her and offer prayer and God’s word. She was a constant source of concern of us in the church, and we were able finally to go to her home and clean it all out.

I have had also encountered tossers: people who keep nothing. Walk into their homes and you wonder if anyone lives there. No signs of human existence are to be found. No magazines lying on the coffee table. Nothing out of place. It’s as though you are walking into a model home, except that people actually live there.

The latter of the two may be more pleasant to deal with, but neither seems to be a very healthy lifestyle. Keeping things that outlive their purposefulness makes for a trash heap. Throwing everything out may result in the loss of an unrecognized treasure.

The same is true of God’s word. Hoard it, keeping it to yourself only serves to thwart God’s intent for his people. We are to be lights shining in the darkness. Tossing God’s word aside leaves us without moral compass or foundation for faith.

The corrective for hoarders and tossers is to let God’s word instruct, shape, direct, empower, and call us forward in a life of love for the sake of Christ. We have been saved, forgiven of our sins, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. From that standing we hold to the word and promise of God so that we may love God and our neighbor truly, and from a free and pure heart.

The truth to which we cling is God’s faithfulness, love, grace, and goodness toward us in Jesus Christ. When we hold that in our hearts and let it show toward others, we are living out our true calling and purpose in faith in Jesus.

Then [God] said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” – Genesis 32:26

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2

Martin Luther is said to have prayed to God in behalf of his friend, colleague, and Reformation confidant Philip Melanchthon, approaching God by “rubbing [God’s] ears with all the promises from His own word.” He then exhorted and commanded Melanchthon to be of good cheer, because God did not desire the death of the sinner, but needed further services from him; told him that he himself would rather depart now; had food prepared for him when he was gradually becoming convalescent, and upon his refusal to eat, threatened: “You will have to eat, or I will put you in the ban.” That is stubborn faith.

Jacob wrestled with the angel of the Lord (thought by many to be the pre-incarnate Christ]  and refused to let go of him until he received a blessing from him. Following that wrestling match, the angel told Jacob that he had striven with God and with man.

Paul tells us to continue steadfastly in prayer; the image of which points to anything but a timid and wistful sighing of faint hopes. This is a call for robust, bold, and courageous prayer.

Not to be irreverent such stubborn faith is like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz finally pulling back the curtain of the Wizard to reveal the man running the machine. It is like finally getting the courage to ask the boss for the raise. Directly. Confidently. Pointedly.

All this, however, hinges upon the goodness of God, his promises about prayer, love, forgiveness, and salvation. We may need to bolster ourselves up, and fortify ourselves with the word of God. Indeed we ought to do just that. But unless there is a good God to whom we pray we are sadly whistling in the graveyard, and the monsters will get the better of us.

Our good and gracious God invites robust prayer and bold faith, and receives all who come to him,and making heroes of those who would dare to trust his promises no matter what.

As a pleasing aroma I will accept you, when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered. And I will manifest my holiness among you in the sight of the nations. ⁴² And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the country that I swore to give to your fathers. – Ezekiel 20:41-42

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. – Romans 11:29

A few years ago a couple came to me struggling in their marriage. I listened to their story – a common one – offered guidance from God’s word, and prayed for them. It also became clear that they needed some more in-depth counseling, and I referred them to a Christian counselor. During that time they gave permission for the counselor to share their progress with me. When she did, however, I was saddened to hear her say (somewhat matter-of-factly for that matter), “I don’t think they’ll make it.” I couldn’t imagine such an assessment on the part of the counselor. Sadly, however, she was right. They did not work things out; their marriage failed.

On another occasion, however, I experienced the opposite outcome. During a difficult time with a couple experiencing grave marriage troubles, I prayed for the restoration of their marriage. It was a singularly memorable moment of prayer: God’s Holy Spirit moved me to believe with no doubt that they would work things out. The next day, when I called to ask how things were going, the answer was, “You wouldn’t believe it.” Yes I would. They are still married these 25 years later – thanks be to God.

Our commitments may be fickle. People break marriage covenants, financial contracts, and personal commitments. It’s at all not surprising to us when that happens. But God’s calling and gifts are irrevocable. Nothing deters him from delivering on his promises.

We may wonder if God is at work, or if things will ever work out. We may struggle to see the goodness of God in difficult situations. But God has promised to redeem us. Even the worst injustice will be set right, the most severe deficit will be made up, and more. When it happens God is displaying his glory. We can count on that.