David Bahn – Reflections

Luke 23:34

Jesus said,“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Luke 23:42-43

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³ And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

John 19:26-27

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple,“Behold, your mother!”

Mark 15:34

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

John 19:28-29

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture),“I thirst.” ²⁹ A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 

John 19:30

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Luke 23:46

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.

There is nothing new or unusual about a man dying. But Jesus dies like no other. He forgives his executioners, sees after the welfare of his mother, assures a fellow-convict of his eternal destiny, cries out to God in desperate faith, admits his thirst, declares his victory, and commends himself to the Father.

In doing so he satisfied the wrath of God, validated faith in God as the means of our justification, expressed his love for people, showed his human frailty, and completed the work he had come to do.

Jesus’ death is like no other. For this I am deeply thankful.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁵ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

The events of Maundy Thursday are well-known: Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, his institution of the Lord’s Supper, his time of intense prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his betrayal by Judas and arrest by the Roman soldiers. This, in many ways is the day on which all the powers and players coalesce toward Jesus’ death, setting things in motion for the greatest victory and turn-around of all time when Jesus rises from the dead on Sunday. The sudden unfolding of events is at a fever pitch now, and world-changing results are on the horizon.

But now, for a moment, the swirling events come to rest in this Last Supper moment. It is as if time stands still. And that is so true for us even today as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper in our churches – or at least it ought to be.

If you want some help in embracing that world-standing-still-moment, here are two thoughts:

We do this in remembrance of Jesus. We receive Jesus’ body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. With that comes the forgiveness of sins – as is clearly spoken by Jesus, “…given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” And while we may gloss over it, this is a meal of remembrance. The idea of remembrance is that of going back to that moment, putting yourself at that table with Jesus and his disciples. Can you see the discarded bowl of water with which Jesus washed his disciples’ feet? Do you smell the roast lamb and the bitter herb? Will you put yourself at that table and realize how precious these words are, “This is my body…this is my blood of the new covenant…,” Jesus says. Remember; put yourself in that stand-still-moment.

Recognize that we are proclaiming the Lord’s death until he comes as we celebrate this meal. Jesus instituted this meal on the night he was betrayed; the night he would be arrested, mocked, tortured, and the next day executed as a common criminal. When we receive this Supper for the Soul, we proclaim Jesus’ death until he comes. That means we must embrace our need for a Savior from sin. That means that we must say, “I come to this meal because I am a sinner – not because I deserve to be here, or because I am worthy.”  We receive this meal in a worthy manner (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28) when we confess our unworthiness. But Jesus’ death is for the sins of the world. This is no martyr’s death, but the death that brings forgiveness, life, and salvation.

I look forward to this world-standing-still-moment today as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper in the Passover Seder today. I want to remember what Jesus did and proclaim his death for the sins of the world which includes my own.

Holy Week Readings for Maundy Thursday

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is one thing to learn something from a text book or newspaper article. It is quite another to learn from many people of good character – which is the point of this encouragement. The prophets, apostles, martyrs, servants, Sunday school teachers, pastors, friends, godly women and men are the ones who have consistently witnessed to the goodness, favor, ways and calling of God. They surround us, urging us on in the life of faithfulness.

Their call is not to look at themselves, nor even to use their example as an end in itself. Their call is to look to Jesus as the founder and perfecter of our faith. Jesus’ whole life was one of absolute trust and faith in God. He gave himself totally to doing the Father’s will because he believed that his Father in heaven was good and just. He entrusted himself perfectly to God against all odds.

This, for me, is the ultimate work of Christ for our redemption: He suffered death and abandonment by the Father without abandoning faith. His final cries were not of forlorn disillusionment. Jesus yearned for God’s presence in the face of his abandonment. He declared that he had finished the work that he had been sent to do. He yielded his spirit to the Father’s care.

Having suffered faithfully, Jesus is now exalted. He is where he belongs at the right hand of God and in the hearts of believers, of whom I am one. I want to fix my eyes on him and embrace his ways as fully as I am able.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

And because of [God] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

As I become more mature I want more and more to be thought of as wise. Part of that would certainly be self-serving and egotistical. But the better part of me hopes that some of the lessons I have learned along the way would be helpful to others who could learn from my mistakes. A follower of Jesus will also seek to grow in godly living and an ever-increasing sense of his or her unique identity as a daughter or son of God. Jesus’ work of redeeming us becomes increasingly more important to the sinner saved by grace.

If I really want to embrace these gifts from God and model them in my own life, I will look ever more closely at Jesus. We might say that the Old Testament predicts Christ’s coming, the Gospels proclaim Christ’s presence, the book of Acts portrays Christ’s impact, and the letters of Paul and others explain Christ’s purpose. Here we have at least one purpose of Christ’s work for us: that we might boast in the Lord.

If someone observes that I have offered a wise insight, my response would be, I believe Jesus embodied that wisdom in his life. If I am able to embrace a lifestyle that is at the same time separate, unique, different from the world – all the while not embracing the world’s values – it is because Jesus shows me how to do that. If I am ever tempted to hold up my own acts of righteousness, I will remember Jesus’ words, “When you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” (Luke 17:10)

During this Holy Week it is time to lean into Jesus’ teaching and life with special attention. We will learn so much about wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification as we see the most intense work of our salvation unfold. Thank God that Jesus has become these things for us. We show that to be true as we make our boast in the Lord.

Holy Week Readings 2016
From the Revised Common Lectionary

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Isaiah 55:10–11

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. 

Mark 4:20 (NASB)

Christ said, “Those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit.” 

  
We had a children’s book years ago titled, Johnny and the White Lie. It told the story of little Johnny who told a little white lie but, in order to keep the lie alive, had to add more and more lies to the point that the lie (symbolized as a large white amorphous blob) grew larger than his room and even his house. Only when the lie became so absurd that he could not tell another to keep the original lie alive did he admit to the “little white lie” he had told in the first place. Worlds built with untrue words will always collapse under their own weight. 

God, on the other hand, speaks and there is light. Dry land, sea creatures, plants, trees, stars, sun and moon appear at his command. God speaks creation into being. So it is with God’s word in the Bible, or on the lips of Jesus. His are not idle words. His are not thoughtless ramblings. He says things like, “The soul that sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:20). He speaks truth about his redeeming love, “I will remember their sins no more” (cf. Isaiah 43:25). Jesus says, “And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29). So it will be.

But there is more to the power of the Word of God than even our eternal salvation. For God’s Word, to have its full effect will also take root in our hearts here and now. It will bear fruit in our lives. Sometimes that is a 100-fold productivity: St. Paul, Martin Luther, Mother Theresa, Billy Graham are but a few examples. Sometimes it is 30 or 6o fold: countless Sunday school teachers, faithful parents, friends and loved ones who embody the love of Christ to others around them. Sometimes it is the smallest kindness growing from a grateful heart that has the greatest impact: opening your world to a new friend, taking the time to listen to an elderly person for more than a few minutes. When the Word of God springs from a hearing heart there is a great return. 

Jesus has spoken grace and truth into our hearts. Surely that Word will bear fruit. There is no need to manufacture even the smallest white lie to make it so.

Deuteronomy 32:11 (NASB)

Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, the Lord spread his wings and caught his people, he carried them on his pinions.

Philippians 4:7

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

It’s one thing to find peace in peaceful places, but quite another to embrace tranquility in the midst of chaos and turmoil. When the mountain breezes are blowing, and the waves are gently washing ashore peace is often easily enjoyed. When the winds are blasting harsh rain or hail against the roof and mudslides careen down the hillsides it is difficult to keep our hearts at rest.

Corrie Ten Boom said it well:

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”

These words ring especially true for me and others during this season of political machinations. One candidate accuses another, another appeals to things that are abhorrent to your sensibilities, and still another offers solutions that foment class envy or anti-entitlement arrogance. (Take your pick here – I’m talking about all the presidential candidates with these statements; not in favor of any of them).

But our peace rests not in the next election or elected official, Supreme Court nominee, or president. We may have strong feelings and thoughts about who is best for our nation, and who will uphold values we embrace, the peace of God spans political parties and ideals. In fact, it is unreasonable to think that we will ever have a perfect life on this side of eternity – even if we could hand-pick all the office holders in our land.

Embracing God’s peace requires that we let go of certain idealistic thoughts in favor of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, and the promises of God in Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 3:29

Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you.

Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.

We recently moved to a new house and have had the opportunity to meet some very kind neighbors. Most of them have very busy lives – as do we – so we haven’t had a lot of opportunity to get well acquainted. But we have made some inroads. We’ve learned names, Charlie, Peggie, Curtis, Mary, S.P., Philip, Andrea, and Sandi to name a few. We have yet to learn their stories. That’s the next step for us, and we look forward to cultivating good relationships with these folks as time goes on.

We need not wait to learn the stories or even the names of people whose paths we cross before we help those who are in need. If the wind blows their trash into the street we can pick it up. If their tree limbs fall and put them in danger we can offer help. If their lawn mower breaks down we can mow their grass.

This is what Jesus taught in the story of the Good Samaritan. It is what God wants his people to be known for through all time. While worship and Bible study prepare us for life, the proof of that preparation is in lives well lived with our neighbor. That was Jesus’ model – shown in the feeding of the 5000, the healing of the bent-over woman and a host of other hands-on ministry he performed.

I’ll never undercut the importance of worship, Bible study, prayer, and all manner of spiritual training. But unless such disciplines work themselves out in real ways we will short-circuit God’s intent for our daily lives and dim our witness to God’s gift of abundant life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 118:8

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In these days of political punditry it is good to be reminded that there is one throne beyond which there is no appeal, and from which grace and truth are perfectly balanced. It is not Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Socialist, or any other party. Nor does it owe its ascendency to any PAC or need to hide its shenanigans from any investigative authority.

From this throne comes grace and help in our time of need. From this throne comes truth so pure we can drink it to the full. From this throne comes confidence that emboldens us for just and good causes. From this throne will also come judgment, vindication, justification, and exaltation.

Whatever you might think of any candidate, a comment by one was right on the mark: We do not need a man to save us from whatever enemies we may have. We need a man who will enforce the rule of law and maintain justice and decency. The next president is not our savior – far from it. He is a servant of God for the sake of order and discipline.

As we muddle through these days of political overload, let’s remember: Jesus’ rule and reign is over all. When he rules our hearts by faith we are safe and secure – not just today, but for all eternity!

Isaiah 45:6–7

I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe; I the Lord do all these things. 

2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)

God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

  
I was sitting in the office of a very dear brother in Christ who just happened also to be a counselor. I had been seeing him for a period of time, dealing with some personal issues, twists, and struggles through which he was very helpful in guiding me. During one of those very special times (I call them “God moments”), he said, “God is not a whimp.” That, teamed with the rehearsal of some painful experiences in my past, a probing of what God was doing in those moments as he watched me struggle there, yeilded a new appreciation for how the goodness of God can often be seen only with the eyes of faith. 

It is one thing to believe, teach and confess that God created the light and darkness. It is quite another to believe that when God leads me through the darkness, or when I am facing particularly difficult situations God’s goodness is still in tact, and being expressed toward me. If God is good all the time, how does that goodness reign together with his power, might, majesty, and sovereignty? 

God always has an ultimate plan, and a Grand Dream for his people: He desires that we experience the fullness of his grace in the life of the world to come, and embrace his goodness, grace, rule and reign now by faith. 

God’s glory is displayed not only in majestic miracles, dramatic rescues, and extraordinary interventions. It is displayed in the face of Christ. God is not a whimp. His hand is not too short. His power is not governed. He is good…all the time. In the midst of challenging times and moments of joy he sustains us with his mighty power mediated through his gracious goodness. For that I am deeply thankful.

Genesis 39:9

Joseph said to his master’s wife, “How then could I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”  

Hebrews 3:6

Christ was faithful over God’s house as a son. 

  
The link between faithfulness and reward is sometimes long and by nature visible only with the eyes of faith. Temptation comes and opportunities arise for cutting corners, taking care of yourself rather than trusting God. We may know what is right, or best, but the quick fix is so appealing. Faith looks to God’s word, his character, promises, and commands.

Too often people look for justification for their actions, even using the Bible to prove their point.  Many don’t bother to ask the question about faithfulness, obedience, or sin. It seems there are far too few Josephs in the world today.

For Joseph there was no question about good and evil. There were no subtleties about nuances of morality, legality, God’s laws or state’s authority. His choice was clear: he could give into the seduction of Potiphar’s wife or not. He could do evil in the eyes of God, or refuse her enticements. He chose to be faithful to God, even though it meant being set up and put into prison. His reward came years later because he remained faithful.

Jesus was the greatest example of perfect faithfulness and ultimate reward. While for Joseph faithfulness took him through prison before he was vindicated, Jesus’ faithfulness took him all the way through death. Both, however, entrusted themselves to God and realized that he would deliver them because he is faithful, his word is true, and he can be trusted. God, after all, is the source of all true faithfulness. When we entrust ourselves to him we will not be put to shame; that’s faithfulness well lived.