David Bahn – Reflections

Amos 5:14

Seek good and not evil, that you may live. 

1 Corinthians 16:14

Let all that you do be done in love. 

Sometimes the good we are to do is obvious: Forgive someone who has sinned against you. Help someone out of a jam. Provide a meal for a family who lost a loved-one. Help out after a local catastrophe. These may or may not be easily done, but they would certainly be considered good and loving things.

Then comes the challenge of motive and the nuances of determining what actually is good and loving. Is giving someone on the street a $20 bill a good thing? Is it loving? Or does it simply sustain a lifestyle that is harmful and wrong? Is covering for a fellow employee who habitually takes a long lunch break a loving thing, or is it really an act of convenience? Is my motive for speaking truth to power one of love, or do I get a charge out of taking on those who are supposedly powerful? The list can go on ad infinitum.

If love is to be the motive for what we do and how we treat others, then there will be those times when doing good is difficult. This says nothing of the temptation to ignore the friend who is in a jam, or to pass by on the other side when it is not convenient to do good. We simply need to get outside ourselves and do the good thing we know we should do.

Sometimes we will have mixed motives. Sometimes we will miss the opportunity. Sometimes we will yield to temptation. That is why the very good thing that Jesus did for us 2000 years ago is so vitally important. He not only gave the example by way of his life, and showed us what it means to love God and neighbor by his teaching, he died for us who don’t do it right and fail along the way. His loving sacrifice is the ultimate good, and inspires us to imitate him. It’s not easy. But it is good.

Psalm 50:1

The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Hebrews 1:1–2 (NIV)

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. 

Today is the 275th anniversary of Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, being preached, signaling the start of the Great Awakening. In that message Edwards speaks of the reality of hell, the culpability of man to God’s judgment, the need for repentance and faithfulness to God, and asserted that the only thing keeping men out of hell is the will of God. It was a wake-up call to the people of his day who made little of sin or of the need for Christ’s saving work.

There are many who would call for such hellfire and brimstone in today’s climate of godlessness and apathy. And while I might agree with the need to awaken people from the stupor of their sin, I much more believe that the message of God’s love in Christ for sinners is the power of God for salvation (cf. Romans 1:16-17). God’s last word is the word I wish to convey: Jesus Christ’s message of grace, life, forgiveness, and hope for sinners, and his scathing condemnation of all who suppose they are righteous apart from him.

God does summon the earth. He has called us to his Son, Jesus Christ. And admittedly Edwards’ famous sermon expresses the dire need for Christ. So hear his message: “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that you may have life in abundance (John 10:10). Whoever comes to me I will in no way cast out (John 6:37). The time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Good News (Mark 1:15).

There is a hell, a terrible place of judgment and horrific terror. But God wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), he does not want the wicked to perish, but to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23).

Jeremiah 1:7 (NIV)

Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

Acts 18:9–10

The Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you.” 

When a soldier goes to war, he do so for one or two reasons: either because he is commanded to do so and threatened with severe consequences for failing to follow orders, or he goes because he is motivated by patriotic ideals and wishes to protect the country and people he loves.

When a woman seeks a new job it is either because she has been laid off, or because she is seeking better options and has a new sense of calling and sees new opportunities – whether financial or personal – in the new career path she has chosen.

This is the carrot and stick of life: There are things we do because we are required to do so. They range from going to war, to paying taxes, to earning a living. Then there are things we do because of the reward and benefit we receive from doing so, ranging from pursuing a new career to joining a local gym and working out.

When it comes to following Jesus, we have the command that is sometimes more challenging than we anticipate. But we also have the promise of God’s presence and the foundation of God’s redemption as we go. John Baillie describes the path of obedience as “a road beaten hard by the footsteps of saints, apostles, prophets and martyrs.” It is a road mapped out by the Savior of the world who gave his life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. It is a journey we are commanded to take. It is also a journey upon which he will accompany us, and which he promises will bring the truest and fullest experience of life.

I will not likely face a life-and-death moment of my faith today. But I will have an opportunity to follow Jesus in times and places some of which may be challenging. I have neither the permission to make those optional, nor the necessity of traveling that path alone. Thankfully it is the love and grace of God that sustains me along the path I will travel today.

Zephaniah 3:15

The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
    you shall never again fear evil.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

The New Living Translation, as well as the updated NIV take the “man” out of the passage from 1 Corinthians. Although the word, ἀνδρίζεσθε, occurs only once in the New Testament, the term is a call to man-up; to a spirit of valor, strength, and physical power. The ESV has, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

So political correctness aside, what does this mean for the follower of Jesus Christ in today’s world? Can we men call ourselves to a stronger presence, a more powerful witness, and a more robust expression of faith? We have given religion over to women and children because we’ve convinced ourselves that to lean on God for any reason is an act of defeat and impotence. We’ve abdicated our proper place under Christ as the head of the family and wimped out rather than moved forward for the cause of Christ’s kingdom.

Some years ago it was very uncool to show emotions. Men would never embrace one another. A man hug was unheard of. Now we are encouraged to show our feminine side, and be more sensitive and caring; less bombastic, and testosterone-driven. Perhaps we need to get our man cards back out and be strong – in the Lord, to be sure – but strong nevertheless.

The strength of a godly man is one part faith, one part courage, one part obedience, all under the mission of God. It may be a lost art in the church today, but deserves the attention of godly men and women today.

Psalm 119:73

Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

1 Corinthians 1:4–5

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind. 

A physician with whom I was acquainted once told me about a procedure he was working on that targeted certain cancer-ridden blood cells and killed only them by a process he was perfecting. I don’t recall the details, nor did I fully understand the process, but even to be working on such a project reveals a remarkable gift of insight and knowledge from God.

Then there are those who design computer programs to edit photographs, build spreadsheets, control whole buildings, and fly airplanes. How are they able to do these things? What moves them to strive for better understanding and more useful applications?

While we might debate such questions, another question remains, and it is far more important than any: Do we realize that such knowledge and understanding comes from God? Do we give him the credit and glory for his gifts to us? Even better: Do we seek to use God’s gifts of knowledge and understanding in ways that express love for God and neighbor? Do we recognize not only the responsibility to do so – that God is our creator – but also our privilege because of his grace at work in us.

The touch of Christ’s love: his sacrificial death, resurrection, promised return, and gift of the Holy Spirit will move us to honor God in every way we apply and use the knowledge and wisdom that God has given us. That is our duty and joy.

Psalm 104:33

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

Ephesians 5:19

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts. 

We went to the ball game yesterday afternoon. Part of the ritual there is the singing of the National Anthem at the start of the game. Then comes the seventh-inning stretch, with God Bless America, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and Deep in the Heat of Texas. Some people just stood and watched the spectacle. But most join in singing.

Whoever came up with the idea of gathering a group of people, sitting in a building of any kind, singing songs? If you add some libations to the mix (think barroom songs here) and you can understand why people would do such a thing: liquor can make people do strange things. But perfectly sober people, sitting in rows of seats, accompanied by organ, brass, praise band, or simply led by a song leader, singing hymns and songs: what’s that about?

Singing is an act of love and worship. David sang songs to God because he loved God and was deeply thankful for God’s favor. When we sing to God we are expressing our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connection with God. What’s more, the words and even the melody of songs convey truths about God that are more deeply embedded in our hearts and minds.

Martin Luther said, “He who sings prays twice.” I like that idea. May our songs of praise ascend to God as incense, and our prayers arise before him in songs of praise!

1 Chronicles 29:14 (NKJV)

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.

2 Corinthians 8:14 (NIV)

Paul wrote: At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality. 

Our second year of seminary presented us with a fairly significant challenge, financially-speaking. Because of the generosity of some people, however, we made it through. After our vicarage (internship) year, we also experienced God’s provision in some remarkable ways.

The whole experience left us with a deep desire to give. We had received so much; I looked forward to giving back. So when I got my first paycheck, our first check was an offering to God – right back to the church from which I had been paid. We made it a practice to tithe, giving 10% of our income to the churches I served.

It might seem odd to give back to the church that was paying me, but that was our practice, and still is today. This is quite like giving an offering to God for anyone. God provides all that we have, and the means to gain even more. We have only what he allows us to receive, so when we give an offering, we are giving from what he has provided to us in the first place.

Whereas our experiences of financial provision vary widely, God’s provision of eternal favor and redemption is equal for all: Jesus has won salvation for us; anyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. In the meantime, whenever we have the opportunity to give any financial gift, it is because of his provision and favor. We who call Jesus Lord ought to lead the way in giving financially, for we know not only the daily provision for our needs, but also the gift of eternal salvation and life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isaiah 57:18

I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will lead them and repay them with comfort.

Mark 6:12–13

The Twelve went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Not too long ago, I took a detour that proved to be a bad choice. Traffic was bad; nearly at a standstill. No end was in sight. But there was an exit! And I took it. Bad choice. The consequences were not only a trip through an undesirable neighborhood, but a dead end and an eventual return to the gridlock of the freeway – now even farther behind.

Perhaps you’ve experienced the harsh consequences of a bad decision. Most of us have at one time or another; sometimes even worse decisions than an ill-fated exit from the freeway. When it comes to such choices along the path of God’s ways the results can be devastating: broken marriages. Ruined careers. Guilty consciences. Shame. Anxiety. Death.

God calls us back from our wayward paths. God heals. God repays our trespasses with the comfort of his mercy and forgiveness. Jesus’ whole ministry was testimony to that: he came to seek and to save the lost. He came to heal the sick. He came to forgive sinners.

Our call is to repent. In repentance we turn away from our wrong course and discover God’s prevenient grace: grace that precedes even the recognition of the error of our ways. Jesus harshest words were reserved for those who – however they expressed it – spent their energy condemning others and supposing themselves to be righteous and morally superior.

We’re all sick. We’re all demon-plagued. We all need a Savior. Thank God for the comfort of Jesus’ forgiving love, the Father’s tender mercy, and the Holy Spirit’s faith-giving presence in our lives!

Deuteronomy 8:10 (NIV)

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God.

Acts 14:17

God has not left himself without a witness in doing good—giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy. 

My view at this moment includes a newly blooming hibiscus plant, another newly blooming potted plant that I’ll have to ask Diane to name, Some other flowering plants and assorted shrubbery and growing plants. These are gifts of God.

I just finished a healthy breakfast, and I will enjoy the gift of lunch brought in by a group of women in our church seeking to cheer us who are working in temporary office spaces due to being displaced by the flooding of our office building. I will have interactions with colleagues and brothers and sisters in Christ today as well as other friends. These are gifts from God.

Thank you God, for these gifts! You are awesome in power, creative splendor, loving kindness, and tender mercy. You have gifted us in so many ways. Forgive us when we take these blessings for granted, and fail to thank you and give you the honor you deserve. These serve as testimony to your goodness and fatherly kindness. Help me to keep this strongly in mind today; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen

Isaiah 55:12

You shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 

Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision nullifying a Texas law that protected expectant mothers and their babies was (unbelievably and sadly) celebrated by many. A government agency recently reported that more than half of Americans cohabit rather than marry. We just finished a so-called “Pride Weekend” in Houston – touted by everyone from the newscasters to the Mayor, reflecting (stunningly!) a glory that ought to be our shame (Cf. Philippians 3:19 & Ephesians 5:12). Add to that suicide bombings in the Middle East, riots in Germany, and other global distress, and it is enough to trouble my heart. We have wandered so far from God’s ways. Lord, have mercy!

It is precisely in these times that we become acutely aware of how precious is God’s deliverance.  Jesus’ words, and Isaiah’s promises take on their fuller meaning. Many days and times we can lose sight of our need for God. When family and work relationships are going well, and health and happiness is all around, we are less likely to realize we need to be led back, and are not aware of a need for a different kind of peace. But in these times God’s promise and Jesus’ deliverance is precious news indeed.

Jesus spoke these words near the end of his earthly life – in the days just prior to his betrayal, arrest, suffering, and death. He knew these things were on the horizon. But he also knew the promise and faithfulness of God. He promised a gift that transcends every worldly tumult.

So it is today that I lean into these words of promise. There is a better day coming for those who look to Jesus Christ. He has secured our eternal salvation, and through him we have great peace.