David Bahn – Reflections – Page 306 – Light from the Word and through the lens

The Power of Godly Gentleness

November 24, 2015

Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)

One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Recent terrorist attacks – whether in Paris or Yola, Nigeria, or Bamako, Mali – raise fears, and foment angry calls for retribution. We live in tumultuous times. Know this well, however, terrorism will not win the day. These cowardly fear mongers may win certain people to their way of thinking by acts of violence and anger. But will not win the day.

Anger does not sustain or advance the cause of the rule and reign of Jesus. In fact the opposite is true: anger undercuts the work of God (cf. James 1:19-20). Peacemakers, however, not only express the rule and reign of God, they advance the kingdom’s true impact.

Solomon expressed this reality in this proverb. Jesus took that truth to a more profound conclusion. Being better than a strong man or one who captures a city is quite a compliment. Being called a son of God has to do with carrying on the family name, and in Jesus’ day was seen as the ultimate expression of identity.

Carrying the name Christian is lived out in love for neighbor and even enemy. It is expressed in faithful trust in the Father’s provision. It is seen in those who pray and do good. None of those things are responses of anger; they are expressions flowing from a heart at peace with God, deeply content with God’s goodness, and delighted in God’s salvation through the ultimate peacemaker: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Redeemed, we follow our Redeemer

November 23, 2015

Exodus 15:13 (NKJV)

You in your mercy have led forth the people whom you have redeemed.

Philippians 3:20

Our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we saw the movie Act of Valor, one scene stuck out in my mind…after the fact. When the goup of Navy Seals fought their wany into the prison where a CIA operative was held, they asked her some specific questions like, “What street did you grow up on? Who was your best friend in junior high? What color was your first car?” These were asked of her to determine whether or not she was who she claimed to be. We learned later that our son had to provide similar questions and answers when he went into Iraq as a Navy airman. That was a chilling and surprising discovery!

What we did not find surprising, however, was that when they explained who they were and why they were there, she followed the Navy Seals out of the prison, onto the helecopter, and to freedom. Redemption yields followership. Someone rescues you, you’re more inclined to follow them.

God has redeemed us. He rescued us from death and the devil. We follow him because he has redeemed us. At least we do as we remember what he has done. Redeemed we follow our redeemer.

There is yet, however, another aspect to God’s redemption and leading of us his people: We not only follow him, we look for him to come and bring us all the way home. The question we need to embrace today is whether we will follow God as he leads us daily. More than that, will we look for him in order that we may be led by him to our ultimate rescue and redemption?
Worthy of our Loud Amen!

November 19, 2015

Ezekiel 37:26

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them.

2 Corinthians 1:20

In Jesus Christ every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God.

God’s covenant of peace defines us as his people. Just as we have no choice in being born, in choosing our parents, or establishing our identity, so too with God: he chooses us. He promises to bless us. He calls us his children. He has made a covenant – an agreement by which he establishes our identity and his promises.

If we are God’s people – people of God’s covenant of peace – then our demeanor is one of peace and confidence. For we do not depend on our own efforts to establish our identity. That’s God’s gift and doing. But we do express our identity by our obedience and faithfulness.

What makes this truly amazing and most worthy of note is that to believe this, to express our identity as God’s covenant people, brings him glory. Our expression of our identity as God’s people honors God and brings him glory.

I thank God for his faithfulness, promises, and gift of Jesus Christ, and say Amen to the glory of God. That’s not only amazing, it is a cause of great joy, and worthy of our loud Amen!
Jesus is our only hope

November 18, 2015

Deuteronomy 11:26–28

Moses said, “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God.”

John 14:6

Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

There are currently two people in our lives’ orbit whom we are trying to help. They are unrelated. One is a man. The other is a woman. Both, however, are having a difficult time putting the pieces of life together effectively and navigating good decisions consistently. The result is a continuing pattern of financial failure, relational dysfunction, and a string of misfortune: an object lesson and dim image of the curse of disobedience of which Moses speaks in Deuteronomy.

The danger of not following God’s commands, however, is far worse than a string of bad luck and financial failures. When he speaks of the curse of not following God’s laws Moses was speaking of direct divine judgments that Israel would experience because of their rebellion. They would experience defeat in battle, destruction of their cities (even the temple itself), and exile to a foreign land because of their disobedience, and failure to acknowledge God’s proper place in their lives. It would lead ultimately to Jesus harsh condemnation: “Behold your house is left to you desolate” (Matthew 23:38).

Jesus’ words stand not only of his claim to be the only source of God’s salvation, but as a Good News message against the backdrop of our failure to keep God’s laws and commands as we should. What Israel and all of humanity failed to do Jesus did perfectly. His grace, love, forgiveness, and victory over sin is the way to true life. He alone can make that offer.

Some have difficulty saying that eternal life and salvation comes only through Jesus. It is not politically correct. Never mind that Jesus never worried about political correctness. But think of this: if there is another way by which we may be saved, why did Jesus have to die? Why did he pray in the garden of Gethsemane, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)?

We need look nowhere else: Jesus alone provides the way to the father. The abundance of God’s blessings flow to those who seek him and believe in his name. No one else is able to make that claim or deliver on that promise. We are thankful for Jesus’ promise as we strive to help these two people, for it reaches especially to them in the midst of their struggles. It also gives us a picture of God’s disappointment but continuing love in the face of our own failures, calling us back to the way of Jesus: love, truth, and life under God’s grace.
Entitled or Thankfully Faithful?

November 17, 2015

Jeremiah 32:19

Your eyes are open to all the ways of mortals.

Acts 17:28

In him we live and move and have our being.

We have gotten great joy of late just watching our grandchildren as they play. Whether in person, hearing two sisters talking and playing together, or through video. They bring joy to our hearts. Just the other day we were doing a video call with our California family and we watched their youngest daughter – not yet 1 year old – climb into her highchair. Naturally we alerted her parents who were closer at hand to protect her from a potentially dangerous fall.

I’m not certain that God is entertained by our naively innocent adventures. But I do know that God is watching us – both from a distance and up close and personal. It is quite likely that we are often unaware of his presence and protection. But it is certain that we are the better for it. It ought also not to be lost on us that God cares for us mortals.

The eyes of the Creator of the Universe are open to all the ways of mortals. There is nothing hidden from his sight. There is no place that gives us cover from his concern. He is gracious in his intent and care for us. But he is not naive; he is wise to all our ways.

We could rest in selfish and self-serving smugness in his care. We might even take that gracious watchfulness for granted, or treat it as an entitlement. In the unrepentant heart grace breeds entitlement. In the repentant heart grace fuels love, gratitude, and generosity. Better we should be thankful that God’s watchfulness is for our blessing and good, and thank, praise, serve and obey him in the confidence of his watchful eye.
Looking Forward to a Truly Great Day

November 16, 2015

Isaiah 66:18

I am coming to gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory.

Matthew 25:31–32

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him.

A friend of mine shared with me recently that he is becoming more and more distressed about the state of the world. I suspect that the recent terrorist attacks in Paris won’t lessen that distress. Controversies and protests, firings and political scandals, rampant immorality and indecency all trouble his heart. He admits, also that he is also becoming more intolerant; a difficult combination to be sure. More than 200 dead in Paris Terrorist Attacks. Black and Blue Lives Matter. Mizzou President Resigns. FBI Probes Clinton’s Emails. Allegations Dog Ben Carson. These headlines trail through his mind. It’s enough to make a guy yearn for the End of the World.

That, however, is not the best motivation for our yearning for the life of the world to come. We are not most fit for heaven when we are least happy on earth. We live in a fallen world to be sure. There will be wars and rumors of war, famine, distress and troubles of many kinds before the end. Jesus taught that clearly (cf. Matthew 24). He even promises that for the sake of the elect the terror of those days will be shortened. But let me show you a more excellent way.

According to Irenaeus, the Early Church Father, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” If that is the case, then the culmination of all of history will be a day full of life. God speaks through Isaiah of people from all nations and tongues seeing his glory. Jesus says that when he comes on the Great Last Day he will sit on his throne of glory.

I used to worry about Jesus coming when I was doing something wrong. I’ve heard radio preachers say, “When Jesus comes do you want to be in a bar?” The implication being that such a discovery would exempt one from gaining heaven. It’s as though God is saying, “Sorry, I caught you sinning. I don’t save sinners.” What!?! Isn’t that why Jesus came?!?

If God’s glory is man fully alive, and God’s praise will be for his glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6), then the glory of Jesus on that Great Last Day will be expressed by the fully alive redeemed sinners praising God for his mercy, love, forgiveness, redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. That will truly be a great day!
Remembering France & Thanking God for Sundays at St. John

November 15, 2015

Psalm 84:4

Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.

Hebrews 13:15

Through Jesus, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.

The windows of Saint Chapelle in Paris: Beautiful!

In 2013, Diane and I spent three weeks in France. We were hosted during part of that time by Michael and Valérie Smith at the Manoir du Poul in Brittany. We also spent time in Paris. Highlights of that time there were seeing the beaches of Normandy, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and a Vivaldi concert at Saint Chapelle (the windows of which are pictured above).

Toward the end of that time there, however, a heaviness began to descend on us. We had not been able to gather with other Christians for public worship for three Sundays straight. There are few active churches in France. Fewer still would have services in English – and our French, no thanks even to Rosetta Stone, was barely functional even for buying gas for the car.

I remember vividly how deeply refreshed we were when we were able to worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ once we were back in Texas! The first Sunday back I was nearly in tears when we spoke the words of the Apostle’s Creed.

It is no small thing to be free to gather to worship God. Nor should we need to absent ourselves from worship for three weeks to appreciate that fully. I look forward to worshiping with the people of God at St. John this morning. It is good to be in God’s house. It is “good, right, and salutary, that we should at all times and all places” give thanks to God. His praise is properly always to be on our lips. It is a privilege to confess the name of Jesus who died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead in victorious triumph.

We think today about the recent events in Paris, and the terror of violence and bloodshed throughout the Middle East and cry, “Lord, have mercy!” Our prayers will be lifted before God in behalf of all who suffer. And we will rejoice in God’s eternal savlation, praising the Lamb who was slain and who now reigns for all eternity.
Praying for Paris: Lord Have Mercy!

November 14, 2015

PRAYER FOR FRANCE:

Father of all mercy, God of peace, look in compassion upon the people of France, and particularly those who have lost loved ones in the recent terrorist attacks. Grant to them the comfort that comes from Your Son’s victory over death. Heal the injured and bless those who provide them care. Give to the government officials Your wise counsel that they may protect their people. Grant that those who have perpetrated this slaughter may be brought to justice, and grant them the gift of repentance. We ask these things in the name of Him who knew in His own body the damage of those who thought they served You with violence and hatred, even Jesus Christ, whose death has atoned the sin of all and whose Resurrection is our constant and only hope. Amen.

Nos prières ce soir sont avec la peuple de Paris, traumatiser une deuxième fois cette année par des actes de terreur. Que la voix du Christ, le Prince de Paix, soit entendu dans les arrondissements du capitale français dans les jours qui suivent.

‪#‎Paris‬
This One’s for Me

November 12, 2015

Ezekiel 34:2 (NIV)

Woe to you shepherds who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?

Romans 12:7 (NIV)

If your gift is serving, then serve.

The month of October is observed in some places as Pastor Appreciation Month. I was delightfully surprised to receive a very special work of art from the children of the Early Childhood Center one Sunday in October. I am thankful, too, for a gift card from the church, as well as gifts from several members. Those reminders of God’s faithfulness and ability to use one such as me to serve his people and the cause of his kingdom are welcome and appreciated. I will confess, also to having a “KEEPERS” file in which I save notes, cards, and emails that speak words of appreciation and encouragement to me.

These words from God through Ezekiel and St. Paul speak to the other side of that coin. Jesus says, “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:49). Here God is speaking to me and all others given the responsibility of shepherding his people. This isn’t to be a cushy job, designed to allow you to hide behind your collar, remain aloof, pontificate, or manipulate people for your celebrity status, financial benefit, or personal satisfaction. This is not about you. This is about serving my people. This calling is both a privilege and a burden.

Admittedly, it is virtually impossible to serve Christ and his church and mission with totally pure motives. That is why I need the message of the cross as much as anyone. Martin Luther’s sacristy prayer says it well:

Lord God, You have appointed me as a Bishop and Pastor in Your Church, but you see how unsuited I am to meet so great and difficult a task. If I had lacked Your help, I would have ruined everything long ago. Therefore, I call upon You: I wish to devote my mouth and my heart to you; I shall teach the people. I myself will learn and ponder diligently upon You Word. Use me as Your instrument — but do not forsake me, for if ever I should be on my own, I would easily wreck it all.

The task of serving as a pastor in the church of 2015 is a decidedly complex and challenging one. There are financial, governance, social, cultural, and legal constraints and realities all of which surround the care of God’s people. It is impossible to serve in a medium to large size church and preach the gospel in a vacuum that does not touch on one or all of these realities. But there is no greater privilege in this world than to serve as a shepherd of God’s people. I think I will use Luther’s Sacristy prayer today in earnest.
God’s Help

November 12, 2015

Psalm 38:22

Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation.

2 Timothy 4:17

Paul wrote: But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength.

I am just now recovering from a stomach bug that had me in severe discomfort and pain. I am thankful to God for anti-diareahal and stomach-soothing medications! I am thankful for a loving wife who put up with my moaning and, more importantly, prayed for me. I am most immediately thankful for God’s healing mercy that lets me be up and out of bed and on the mend. So these words have particular significance to me today. “Make haste to help me, O Lord!” I am truly thankful that God stood by me and has given me strength.

Sometimes our need for God’s help is urgent and obvious. It may come in the form of illness, broken relationships, or financial crisis. It may come because of a grievous sin or deeply guilty conscience. It can be in response to grave temptation or a difficult path of faithfulness. In those times, our prayers become more earnest, and perhaps more simple. When the need is focused and intense our prayers can be simple and direct. We may not need to say more than, “Make haste to help me…”

In the meantime, however, we wait. The very call to, “make haste” indicates an urgent need that has not yet been realized. Paul’s witness implies a long-standing presence of God who provided strength through a time of testing and challenge. In those times of waiting and yearning faith holds on to the promises of God. In the thick of the fight we pray more earnestly and seek our help from the One we know can help.

When the help has come; when the healing has taken hold; when the crisis is past; when the brokenness has been healed; we do well to thank God and witness to his presence and help during the struggle. So I say with Paul, “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.” Thanks be to God!