David Bahn – Reflections

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. ¹⁹ And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.²⁰ For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. ²¹ But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” – John 3:16-21

This very familiar passage from John’s Gospel describes God’s love: it’s extent, place, and purpose; it’s source, intent, and result, and it’s appeal, benefit, and recipients. Consider the extent of God’s love, “For God so loved the world…” Love is not an accessory of God’s character and being. It’s not as if God’s love is offered as an afterthought, or seen only occasionally. God loved the world so much that he gave his only son.

Consider, too, the place from which this love comes. Love comes from the heart of God, it is not only part of his being, he is the source of love. For that reason God’s intent in giving his Son to the world, was not to condemn, judge, mock us or set us up. His intent was to save us. The result, therefore of God’s love was and is that whoever believes in God’s gift of love, his Son, will not perish but have eternal life.

The result of God’s gift is salvation. But the appeal of God’s love is not to those who do evil. Those who live in darkness of sin, whose deeds are evil, who hate the light of God’s truth, cannot see God’s love as being good. They see it only as an intrusion. They dismiss it as meddlesome and confining, not freeing.

We who know God’s love to be good, and who prize God’s gift as most valuable also recognize that all this is God’s work – from loving us, to sending his Son, to moving our hearts away from self-absorbed evil to deeply grateful worship. From darkness and death to light and life.

God has called us, converted us, and not invites us to walk as a child of the light.

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. ²⁴ But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people ²⁵ and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25

“I don’t trust you anymore,” says the young woman to her once-steady boyfriend. “I don’t trust you,” says the three-times-betrayed former best friend to his betrayer. “I don’t trust you,” says the would-be investor to the slick-talking get-rich-quick schemer. “I don’t trust you,” are saying many people today to both candidates for President of the United States. What about you? Whom do you trust?

Jesus didn’t entrust himself to anyone says John. Jesus changes water to wine, his first miracle, and his disciples believed in him. He cleared the temple of the money-changers and sacrifice hawkers, and made vague reference to his resurrection, which later would be remembered by his disciples; and they would believe in him.

People believe in Jesus, but Jesus would not entrust himself to people. Some would say that’s no way to live; we must entrust ourselves to others. But Jesus will not be hooked by the praise of men. He will not be taken by others’ adulation or applause. This is not a commentary on how to relate to others, nor about whether people will disappoint you or not. This is a witness to the steady character and clear identity of Jesus, the Word become flesh, the One through whom the whole of creation came into being.

A few years ago, I got invited to hang out with some major players in my church body. These guys were pastors of very large and influential churches, leaders and movers and shakers. Frankly, I was hooked by the idea. I didn’t need to distrust them, but I really did need to guard my own heart from believing that their approval, or being allowed into their group would somehow validate my being. But only God can do that. Thankfully I didn’t take the bait – though there was nothing nefarious about their agenda. When I entrust myself – my being, my soul, my identity – to God, I am in a very safe and good place. Jesus knew that and lived it his whole life. I want to live like that.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:1-5, 14

As I read John 1 this morning, it strikes me that God is not content to hold a thought, or merely conceptualize the truths about his being, but wishes to intersect with his creation and express his intention for us through his Son, Jesus Christ. God does not wish to be considered a mere theological construct, an invention of man, or even a needed reality for meaningful life. He wants to connect with us.

So God took on flesh. This God who created the universe, who is the light of men, who shines in the darkness, piercing even the darkest reaches of evil became a baby. This is a remarkable mystery. Why would God do this? How is it possible that God became a baby? More important, consider what he revealed about himself: for he is full of grace and truth.

God’s intentions toward us are good, rich in kindness and love, for all people, and centered in Jesus. And while he expresses his grace he does not abandon the truth about us or about himself. He will maintain his true identity, even as he takes on human flesh. He will not deny our true need nor the extent of his love. He will expose our sin even while forgiving us.

God makes all this real in Jesus, a real Savior for real people in real time. We are his creatures and he wants us to know him for real.

NOTE: We are encouraging people to take part in a 21 Day Challenge at St. John, in which people are to live as though they really believe the Good News of Jesus and want to express that faith, hope, and love in real ways. Each day we are to read a chapter of John’s gospel, by which we will have read the entire book in three weeks. Each day there are activities to begin and end the day, with the hope that people will engage with God’s word in a pointed manner. We have also been given the challenge to meditate this week on the seven “I am” statements of Jesus recorded in John’s gospel. 

They shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness. Zechariah 8:8

He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. Colossians 1:18

Sometimes I get very discouraged as a follower of Jesus Christ. The whole world is going after a politically correct version of the good life which is determined by man’s assessment of what is good or evil. Good becomes a moving target, based on the whim of whoever can control the media, pop culture, and money. And the target has moved far from the ways of God.

Why would God choose anyone out of such a mess to be his people? Why would God wish to identify with such a sorry lot as we? It certainly isn’t because we are righteous. It certainly isn’t because we are shaping the culture for good. We’ve sinned. We’re losing the culture war.

Yet God has chosen us. He has determined to be righteous, faithful, and true. He will not move away from his promises, or abandon his people. He will not let even death get in the way of all that he has determined to do.

Our God remains faithful. His righteousness, shown in Jesus Christ is a righteousness of perfect faith. And when all was lost – humanly-speaking – and Jesus was dying on the cross, he remained faithful. He entrusted himself to his Father, and was vindicated for such faith: raised from the dead.

Jesus is the firstborn from the dead of those who believe. So no matter how bad things get here on earth, our faith in him will be vindicated. God is faithful and righteous. Jesus has conquered death. We are his people – whether that is popular in our culture or not.

We’ve been talking lately about the term abundant life. It’s part of our mission statement at St. John, which is to make disciples who celebrate, live, and share the abundant life of Jesus. While we understand the term to refer to the more-than-enough life of faith in Jesus that spills over into and throughout eternity, we realize that others may have a different understanding. To many abundant life sounds like diamonds, riches, happiness, and the prosperity gospel. Never mind that Jesus himself used the term; people too easily take it and make it what they will.

We can, unfortunately, do the same with the term eternal life, focusing on only the sweet by and by. We make the Christian faith all about “when I die,” or “when Jesus comes again,” and are too content with little to no application of Jesus’ teaching about daily living. We make a million excuses for failing to love our neighbor, or seeking justice for the poor and oppressed. Yet we make a point of singing praises to God for the hope of heaven.

If we are heirs according to the hope of eternal life, however, we must fix our hope on eternity, even while embracing the day-to-day opportunities to express the love of God who never draws back from doing good to his people. To some degree the term abundant life expresses that idea well. Anchored in eternity, our hope is secure. Anchored in the goodness of God, our faith is sound.

One thing is for certain: abundant, eternal life flows from God who is committed to our eternal good, and centers is Jesus Christ. Our hope is anchored in him.

You may have gotten to a situation that was hopeless: bankruptcy, divorce, job loss, or disease brought you down for the count. Perhaps there was a time during which all seemed lost, and there was no possible good future before you. You might be in that place now. Certainly without God’s intervening mercy we would all find ourselves without hope in this world.

I wonder about the leper who came to Jesus in regard to hope. How many days had gone by with no hope in sight, no possible good future for him, no anticipation of a better tomorrow. I wonder whether he had tried every alternative treatment known to him, and even made up his own. I recall that during my pre-adolescent years I tried to “solve” a medical problem I was having in a way that not only did not work, but possibly even caused me more trouble in the end. I wonder whether this man had gone down that path.

What we don’t have to wonder about, however, is the path revealed to him when he learned of Jesus and came to him seeking healing. Remarkable faith is at work here: “If you will…” This is no demand. This is simply seeking to avail himself of Jesus’ good will and favor. The question at play here was not Jesus’ ability to perform a miracle, but Jesus’ will to do so for this man at this time.

Mercy moved Jesus to respond with a healing touch. I cannot imagine the physical experience, but I do recall a rush of relief when a medical test for one of our children came back negative (that is, “no disease”). I can still feel it today – 30 years later. Relief and thankfulness well up in praise to God.

Whatever our situation we are not without hope or help if we turn to God. When we experience that – today or on the Great Last Day – we will surely be filled with praise to God.

I, the Lord, am the vineyard’s keeper; every moment I water it. I guard it night and day so that no one can harm it. Isaiah 27: 3

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and prove to be my disciples. John 15: 8

There are those who say that the future of the church is bleak; we will see church after church close or severely curtail its ministry programs. Some even say this would be a good thing: we have too many offerings and too much busy-ness. Whether or not churches will curtail their offerings, or the future of individual congregations is bleak remains to be seen. It is certain, however, that God’s hand of protection is over his people and the visible gatherings of believers around the word and sacraments whatever form that may take.

I think of the church in China when Chairman Mao removed all foreign missionaries from that country. Rather than crippling the church, the result of God’s keeping and nurture, even more came to faith and the church grew dramatically. I think of churches like Mekane Yesus in Ethiopia with 7.9 million members and 10,000 congregations. I recently learned that there are 6 million Lutheran Christians in Indonesia.

Our efforts to see the church grow, and the strong commitment to making disciples who gather together for worship and edification is not only pleasing to God, but something he guards, guides, blesses and sustains. For the Church does not exist for itself

Jesus made it clear, furthermore, that God is interested not just in large successful churches, but much more in dedicated followers of his Son, Jesus Christ. Because disciples, followers of Jesus Christ kept the church alive in China. Disciples of Jesus Christ continue to share the Good News in Ethiopia so that 500,000 new believers are brought into the church every year there. Followers of Jesus Christ build churches so that people may come to hear the Word, celebrate God’s mercy, be strengthened in their fellowship, refreshed by the sacraments, and leave from those churches to follow Jesus, and (in the words of my good friend, Greg Finke), Join Jesus on His Mission. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid?” Mark 4:39–40

Flash Flood in Big Thompson Canyon, 1977. Tsunami in Japan, 2011. Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, 2005. If anyone had stopped those water/weather/flood catastrophes people would have been more fearful than ever. It should be noted that is exactly the response of Jesus’ disciples in the boat after he stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee: fear-filled awe and wonderment.

I note two things about God’s presence and protection in the midst of disaster. He promises to be with us through it all. And he offers a promise of protection that is understood only by faith. I’m not certain which is more difficult to believe or understand: God’s presence in the midst of disaster, or God’s deliverance from disaster.

There is some resolution in my mind in that Jesus did directly and boldly prevent the waters from overwhelming the disciples. God did protect the three men in the fiery furnace during the time of Daniel. God had protected Noah and his family from the flood. But people died in the tsunami – at least some of whom certainly were Christians. The same is true in New Orleans, or Big Thompson Canyon. How are these to be saved?

In the end those who trust in Jesus Christ will be delivered from the ultimate destruction of death and hell. That promise is open to all people. Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Anyone can claim his redemption and salvation. I may not understand the hows and whys of God’s deliverance this side of eternity, but I believe God’s gift of eternal life will preserve me forever.

Proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people.” Jeremiah 31:7

Jesus said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” Mark 5:19

What good thing could you add to this list?

• The weather during the month of May in Texas was delightful.
• We experienced wonderful times and beautiful vistas of God’s creation while on vacation.
• Our children are doing well in school.
• My boss gave me a raise.
• I was able to pay off all my debts, and then discovered that I had made an extra payment that was returned to my account the next day.
• The report from the doctor showed no disease.
• We just celebrated my dad’s 90th birthday, and the whole family was there.
• I’ve been getting great sleep night after night.
• My daughter has a truly wonderful teacher.

So often when bad things happen to us, we call upon God, asking what he’s trying to teach us or why he’s allowing these things to happen to us? Implicit in those reactions are the notions that we deserve better, or that we can do something to deserve God’s favor. Worse yet, and far more dangerous is the inane notion that we can call God to account, and demand that he answer to us (cf. Job 38)

When good things happen, however, the praise to God too seldom is lacking or too often is fleeting. The truth is, God doesn’t interact with us on a transactional basis. He is not a quid pro quo deity, doling out good things to good people, and bad things to bad people. He causes his rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike (Matthew 5:45). Whatever good happens to us is a testimony and expression of God’s mercy and grace.

The above list of good things could be things as simple as house and home, fields and cattle, spouse and family, and the like. All these come to us because of God’s fatherly divine goodness and mercy without any merit or worthiness on our part. For all these things it is our duty to thank, praise, serve, and obey him. This is most certainly true. That’s from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, and a good counterpoint to the demand for answers from God when things don’t go well.

By his bruises we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24

This is the central reality of all of life: We have an eternally-terminal disease which is called sin. But God, because of his great love for us,has healed and saved us. All this is in spite of the fact that we rebelled against God, willfully rejected his grace and mercy, and deserve his judgment, wrath, and condemnation.

Ninety-nine percent of the time we live unconsciously unaware of these profound truths. To some extent that is necessary: how could we go about life if we were constantly consumed with thoughts of our sinfulness and depravity – even if we were convinced of God’s grace and salvation? Moreover, our day-to-day experience is not shrouded in a dark awareness of our sin. We are more inclined to see ourselves as at least a little above average when it comes to goodness and righteousness. We may be sinners, but we are not evil or really all that bad – or so we think.

That is the greatest ill from which we need healing. If we think we are without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (cf. 1 John 1:8). Jesus called one of his closest disciples, “Satan” (cf. Matthew 16:23). He said that we are evil (Matthew 7:11). We need desperately to embrace the reality of our sin, for only then are we in the posture to receive grace. Jesus didn’t die a horrible death – healing us by his bruises, and bearing our sins on the cross – for righteous people.

Jesus did in fact, however, die on the cross bearing sins, and healing sinners. The healing allows us to acknowledge the sin. The cross becomes the story of our glory. For God’s final word of us is not of our sinfulness and depravity, but of our redemption and our new identity as God’s beloved children. Jesus came to give us life (John 10:10). Through faith in him we become the children of God (John 1:12). For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). We have been healed and saved. Thanks be to God!