David Bahn – Reflections – Page 336 – Light from the Word and through the lens

Rumors of my death are not highly exaggerated…just not true.

November 27, 2013

Acts 14:19-28

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

No need to worry – if any of you thought the title was autobiographical. It is not. It is actually a purposeful misquote of the famous Mark Twain quote, “James Ross Clemens, a cousin of mine, was seriously ill two or three weeks ago in London, but is well now. The report of my illness grew out of his illness; the report of my death was an exaggeration.” The title above would be appropriately applied to Paul who was stoned and thought to be dead. But, better than the Energizer Bunny, Paul gets back up, goes back into the city, and after recovering went on about his mission in the next town. Having experienced success, challenge, persecution, again and again, Paul is not to be daunted. He will return to some of the same cities they had earlier visited before heading back to Antioch.

Not only is Paul not dead; he is not daunted in his task of preaching the word, living out the grace of God, and declaring all that God had done with them. His report was about how God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. Remaining in Antioch for a time, Paul and Barnabas will go out again. But first there will be the matter of dealing with the new Gentile believers – and the first Church Council. Much hangs in the balance, and the fact that Paul doesn’t seem to make a big deal of his poor treatment, points us toward how significant his report is that God had opened a door of faith to the non-Jewish people.

This account reminds me of the events recorded in the book of Exodus, when twelve spies were sent to scout out the land that had been promised to the Jewish nation. Ten of the twelve brought back a report of huge obstacles, daunting challenges, and insurmountable opposition they would face if they tried to enter the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb, however, brought back a report of how good the land was, and how the Lord would surely grant them the land he had promised. (cf. Joshua 14:5-9)

The truth was that Paul and Barnabas had experienced grave opposition on the part of many people. But the greater and more important truth is that God’s kingdom is advancing and Paul recognized that as not only true, but the truest and most important truth. He saw his part of the story of God’s salvation as not only his own story, but as a story that God was writing for the whole world. He was thought to have been dead, but he was more alive in those times and moments than at any other time.

Paul is a truly unique individual. He did more to shape the expansion of the Christian Church than any other man than Jesus himself. We might be tempted to discard his example for that reason. Let’s not be too quick, however, to do so. It might be that we endure hardship because we believe and are called to share our faith in hostile situations. It might be that we go far and wide to share the message of Christ. But it must surely be that we recognize the greater and truer truth that God’s kingdom is at hand, and that we are most fully alive when we are purposefully living under Christ in his kingdom and serving him and our neighbor for the Kingdom’s cause: salvation and life through Jesus Christ. Now that’s something for which we can all be thankful!
Opportunity or Pity?

November 26, 2013

Acts 14:8-18

Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

The man staring at us was a pitiful sight – although quite intimidating and defiant. I wish I had asked him his name. The family at the Walmart parking lot exit saddened my heart. I wondered whether the father had any idea how he was misusing his own family to beg for money. The beggar who scooted along sliding the lower half of his body behind made me look away in disbelief. I wish I could simply take care of him. All of these examples are pitiful reminders of human need. A few dollars to them – even hundreds of dollars would not really solve their problems. They needed their world changed.

When Paul saw the man at Lystra who could not use his feet, he saw beyond the crippled feet and the pitiful situation. He saw a divine appointment. He saw someone God had brought to his attention who needed the new life and redemption that God could provide. So Paul acted, commanding him to get up on his feet. Paul saw an opportunity for God to act in this man’s life. Paul mediated that gift to the man, and his life was changed.

Sadly, however, the people in that area saw only a pitiful sight. And after the healing there was no care or attention given to the man, only the falsely-directed praise to “the gods.” They missed the man and misidentified the healer. Paul and Barnabas become Hermes and Zeus. The former cripple is forgotten.

God wants neither of these things. He doesn’t want to be famous – even if he is correctly identified. He want s to be followed and recognized as the One who gives daily bread and everything we have. He desires that people turn from their futile ways to himself. He delights in our worship. But God also delights when people treat one another with honor and respect. He is pleased when beggars are not seen just sources of pity, but as opportunities for grace and blessing. He is pleased when the heroes of life (and even the heroes of faith) are recognized as agents of God and of the same fabric as we are.

I’m not certain I’ll ever have the opportunity or even the calling to heal a lame man. But if I do, I’ll rejoice in the opportunity to witness to God’s glory and his daily provision. I do anticipate many opportunities to look into the eyes of a homeless man, or a encounter a desperate family. When I do, I hope I can see the true opportunity God has put before my eyes and respond in a manner that gives him the glory and witnesses to his love. That is how peoples’ worlds are changed forever.
A mind is a terrible thing to poison

November 25, 2013

Acts 14:1-8

Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel.

When I first graduated from the seminary I carried a chip on my shoulder about being a Lutheran (or so I was told by someone very near and dear to me). I would prove my true Lutheran identity by means of a more-rapid-than-necessary reponse to any apparent aberation from the true Lutheran way. Sadly that often meant not really listening to others and understanding what they were saying, or simply approaching people as theological problems rather than loved-by-God individuals. It often meant that I did not apply the truth of James 1: 20, “The anger of man does not accomplish the righteous things that God desires.”

The fact is that my mind had been poisoned. Satan had taken all the good theology I had learned – a theology centered in the grace of God – and twisted it around my own insecurity and fear. That may also have been aided by some of my professors, but the real culprit was (and always is) Satan. Rather than loving people I was worried about being seen as a true theological purist. Rather than seeking to help people I was more concerned about being right and being seen as right.

We can look at the events recoreded by Luke in Acts 14 in this same way. Those who opposed the witness of Paul and Barnabas were poisoning the minds of the people of Iconium. Because of that the message of the gospel was limited. Because of that the messengers of the Good News of Jesus went elsewhere. God saw to it that the Word grew. He saw to it that the lost were found. But the people in Iconium removed themselves from this message at that time. For their minds were poisoned.

Minds are poisoned by Satan, working behind the scenes in our flesh. Minds are poisoned by others whose minds have been poisoned. The poison is the thought that God could never simply forgive people for the sake of Jesus. The poison is the idea that a man so brutally treated and dying such a horrible death could never rise from the dead. The toxic idea is that God could not use anyone who was not properly credentialed or certified for the sake of his name.

Poisoned minds poison other’s minds. The pure Good News of Jesus is the antidote for the gravest poison of all. Thank God that we have that Good News! Is there something getting in the way of that Good News in your life? Has someone poisoned you against God’s grace? Repent and believe the Good News! That message gives hope and brings the truest joy to you and those whom you encounter each day.
What makes you happy?

November 22, 2013

Acts 13:52

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

I remember seeing a cartoon posted in a car repair shop with the caption: “OK, if we refund your money, give you the correct part for free, fire the clerk who sold you the wrong part, dock the parts manager one month’s salary, would that make you happy?” It’s a silly exaggeration, but it speaks to our need for things to go our way in order for us to find happiness and joy in life. The truth is, joy is not really the product of circumstances, but of perspective. Else the disciples would most certainly not have been filled with joy as is reported in the verse above.

A reading of the fuller context of this verse (below) reveals that they had just been driven out of the city because of the collusion of three groups of people who had stirred up persecution for Paul and Barnabas. They had experienced some amount of success during these first days of their first missionary journey. But this was not a moment of celebration for the same reasons as that of the first Pentecost when 3000 were added to the church in one day.

This joy was a result of perspective: the Gentiles had believed. The ones God had chosen had repented and the word of the Lord was spreading. God was at work through them; and this was true no matter what might have just happened to Paul and Barnabas. Their comfort or perfect success was not the point, but the mission of God through them was.

It is easy to be joyful when we get a raise, or our child does well on the basketball team. It’s easy to celebrate the goodness of God when our prayers are answered just the way we want, and when the church is bursting with growth and success. It is also appropriate to be filled with joy at those times. But true joy comes not because things have gone our way, or because we can be proud of ourselves or our children. True joy comes from recognizing how God is writing his story of love, goodness, grace and redemption through us. It sees setbacks not as failures but as a call to trust God and continue on in lives of service to him.

This is all founded upon Jesus’ redemptive death and saving resurrection. It is sustained as we recall the hope we have in him. It is guarded by the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts, and the recognition that ours is a great privilege to be a part of God’s mission to seek and save the lost – which included us. That gives me joy. Where might you embrace such joy today?

Acts 13:44-52

The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
“Tell us a story of the olden days”

November 21, 2013

Acts 13:42-43

As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

The now-barely-visible house in which my grandmother lived; many great stories were told and retold here.

When I was a young boy, my sister and I loved going to our grandmother’s house. She lived alone in an old farmhouse, out in the country, with a creek, a work shed, a chicken coop (no chickens, though), and a spring house. It was 142 acres of fun, fear, excitement, and exploration. She also had a treasure trove of stories she would tell and the wherewithal to tell them well. We would regularly pester her to tell us a story about the “olden days.” We learned about heroic hunting prowess, the hard life of a Baptist preacher (my granddad), funny antics of our uncle, and in general how life worked. We loved to hear those stories and they formed part of our personalities and helped shape our values.

In the case of Paul and Barnabas on this their first missionary journey (see the fuller account at the bottom of this post), the response to their preaching seems to have been much the same. They were going from synagogue to synagogue, retelling the Old Testament stories of the people of God and linking them directly to the culminating story of God centered in Jesus Christ. They showed again and again how Jesus was the fulfillment of all the Old Testament had promised and that Jesus was their true hope. Words, prophecies, and calls to repentance had been replaced with God’s own Son and his gift of eternal salvation. Paul concludes:

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

41 “‘Look, you scoffers,
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” (Acts 13:39-41).

Rather then taking offense at Paul’s warning not to ignore Jesus, the people responded by asking Paul to come back and tell the stories again – replete with their meaning and the far-reaching implications of Jesus’ resurrection. While the hymn comes to mind, “I love to tell the story,” an even more substantive thought urges me deeper: Am I embracing the story of God deeply? Might I delight more in learning what God says and how it applies to me? Do I yearn, as deeply as I should, to be told the story of God’s salvation?

My two colleagues at St. John – Pastors DeMik and Schultz and I are on a prayer and sermon planning retreat. We have settled on a walk through the Gospel of Mark during Lent next year. Some great stories there, which I am are worthy of being heard again and again.

Acts 13:26-43

“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 Andthough they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,

“‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you.’

34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,

“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’

35 Therefore he says also in another psalm,

“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’

36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed[c] from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

41 “‘Look, you scoffers,
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”

42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
“I’d go to war with you!”

November 20, 2013

Acts 13:13-25

Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:

“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 And for about forty yearshe put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23 Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’”

The choir was performing a Christmas cantata several years ago to the accompaniment of an audio tape. For those of you who don’t know what a “tape” is, it is like a CD, except it is long and moves from spool to spool inside a plastic casing. At any rate, the physics and realities of using a taped accompaniment for a choral presentation is that once the tape gets out of sync with the choir it is extremely difficult to get back into sync. Such was the case that particular time: the person running the tape hit the wrong button. The tape went on to a place that was not where the choir was supposed to be.

There was silence…a rather long and awkward silence. The choir waited. The director waited. The congregation waited. Then the director mouthed the words to the choir, “Should I go to the piano to lead us?” The choir in near unison nodded YES! She did. The choir finished the piece and the sound tech by that time had found the correct place on the tape. So the director went back to the podium, cued the sound tech and the choir finished their performance accompanied by the correct taped accompaniment.

After the performance, one man came to the director and said, “I’d go to war with you!” He was a Navy airman and this was a high compliment. He meant that he saw that the director was ready to do what was necessary to fulfill the mission. These 18 years later Diane still remembers the words of that Navy airman: “I’d go to war with you.” She felt confused at first, but now realizes that this was a high compliment. I think he truly meant it.

In his recounting of the works of God through the Old Testament into the time of Jesus, Peter quotes John the Baptist, who speaking of Jesus says, I am not worthy to untie the sandals on his feet. In reality his comments are even more stark: he was not worthy of even the sandals of Jesus’ feet. This is not just that Jesus was far more worthy of following. This is a humility on the part of John that expresses the glory of Jesus.

I wonder if we need to recapture that awe and sense of the majesty of Jesus, Son of God. I wonder if we are rather too blithe about Jesus’ glory and our unworthiness. I wonder if we need to learn a new phrase of complement: “I’m not worthy to untie his shoes.” Or, “I am not worthy to carry her briefcase.” Or, “I am not worthy to wash his car.” What if we had that sense of our unworthiness, not in a defeatist manner, but in a manner of humility and a recognition that we have the incredible privilege not only to serve the King of kings, but also the privilege to go to him in prayer, to claim him as our Lord of God?

Might that make our prayers even more urgent and our joy in his salvation more full? Might that give us a new boldness in his strength, and not our own? Might that also give our witness more grace and truth that could reach the hearts of hurting or even complacent people? Such was the impact of John. He knew his place in relation to Jesus and God used him mightily for the cause of His kingdom. What a privilege it would be to serve Christ in that manner!
Prayer and Fasting and Mission…

November 19, 2013

Acts 13:1-12

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

In times of duress we tend to draw nearer to God, praying more earnestly, seeking God’s direction, and looking for his help more intentionally. We might even fast for a time…during times of duress. More often than not, however, the ebb and flow of life requires a more casual prayer life. We may pray for certain needs. We may thank God for the blessings we have. We may ask for God’s guidance in our church’s ministry. But all these we offer with less fervor than during times of difficulty and trial.

I can think of times in my life when I was more prone to pray earnestly. I recall times of fasting – though they are few. And I recall how vitally important God was to me during those times. Out of those times have come experiences of joy (because of answered prayers), revival, and mission.

The church in Antioch was a church given to fasting, worshiping, and prayer. They had prophets and teachers there. The names and places from which they came also were multi-cultural. Whether this was a single local gathering, like a synagogue, or a collection of house churches – each with its leader – is not certain. What is certain, however, is that this church is becoming the sending church for international mission trips. When the Holy Spirit speaks to them about sending Saul and Barnabas on a mission trip, they respond. They pray, lay on hands, and send them out.

The result of the sending, and their following the Spirit’s lead, was the first of many encounters with new people, and conversions, and demonstrations of the power of the Lord. It is during this trip that Saul takes the name Paul – the Greek equivalent of Saul. Seeds were planted all throughout Cyprus. Even Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, is converted. Some have suggested that the Books of Luke and Acts were dedicated to him under the title, “Most Excellent Theophilus.” Perhaps this is true. But it is certainly true that this first foray into foreign mission work starts strong, launched from worship, fasting, and prayer.

Perhaps we need to fast and pray…earnestly. Not because of issues of personal comfort or need, but because of the urgent cause of the Mission of God.
Genesis 5 and the Rich and Famous

November 18, 2013

Acts 11:20-25

Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever. – 1 Peter 1:24-25

Genesis chapter five (5) is the “and he died” chapter. It is a listing of the descendants of Adam, with the number of years each lived, followed by the refrain. Nine times in that chapter comes the refrain, “and he died.” It is the proof of God’s declaration to Adam and Eve that if they ate of the forbidden fruit they would die. Sadly, it is also proof that their sin (the condition itself) was passed on to their descendants, and from one to the next.

In the face of fame and wealth, however, we tend to insulate ourselves from the reality of death. Sometimes the rich and famous become so enamored of themselves that they lose touch with reality. They become eccentric to the extreme, sometimes reclusive, and sometimes just plain weird. Howard Hughes and Michael Jackson come to mind in this regard. When a famous and well-loved person dies, there may be a great outpouring of love and grief. But the influence and wealth are in the hands of others.

In the case of King Herod, though he was powerful – even able to withhold or provide food for a whole region of people – he ultimately felt the severe impact of sin: death. In this case, it was not only because of the fallen condition common to us all. In this case it was because of a direct judgment of God against his prideful and boastful arrogance. Not everyone who made such claims received such swift judgment. But Herod did. And Luke uses this to teach an important lesson: God’s word, unlike the most powerful and famous person – stands forever.

On the one hand that had to do with the growth of the Church. Luke’s way of describing that is the phrase, “the Word of the Lord grew.” God’s kingdom will be advanced by God’s grace, in the face of opposition, by the faithful witness and preaching of his people. The important lesson for the Early Church was that earthly kings come and go. The rich and famous have limited influence. The powerful have arms that are only so long. But God’s hand is mighty to save. We will all one day die. But those in whom the Word lives will live forever.

Is there a particularly troubling person in your life who would shut down your witness, or limit God’s impact? He or she will one day die. But God’s grace stands forever. His steadfast love is from generation to generation – a blessing rich and rewarding. Genesis 5 gives way to Acts 11:24, and Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark are about to be a part of an adventure that none of them might ever have imagined. The church in Antioch will send out the first Christian missionaries. The word of the Lord is about to multiply exponentially. Stay tuned, and keep in mind who and what really and truly endures.
In praise of the extraordinary intervention of God along the ordinary path of life

November 14, 2013

Acts 12:5

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

I have known two different families whose lifestyle reflected a very large income from non-traditional sources. One of those families had inherited a large amount of money and were living off the income, having bought a very large house in an upscale neighborhood. Neither the husband nor wife worked, and the children had most all of the toys and gadgets you could want or imagine. The other family received a yearly check, having won a major lottery payoff. They would buy a new car every two years and enjoyed an easy lifestyle – not overly-extravagant, but financially easy. Few of us have wealthy relatives who provide a nice inheritance. Fewer still win the lottery. But neither approach would serve well for sound financial planning. Most people who are financially secure are also very frugal and take a long-term financially-conservative approach to life.

When it comes to our relationship with God, there are those times when he miraculously intervenes in our lives. A disease is healed. A loved-one is returned to the faith. Someone is spared from grave danger by obvious miraculous divine intervention. Those moments are gifts from God, and signs of his mighty power and gracious love for us. Those moments, however, should not be the primary foundation of our faith. They adorn our walk with God and testify of his greater work. They are blessings for which we certainly are deeply thankful.

The long-term practice of the Christian faith, however, is often much more ordinary. We go to work. We care for our family. We love our neighbor. We worship God. We pray. To rely on the miraculous interventions of God to validate a life of faith is a certain setup for feeble faith. Strong faith is forged in the day to day walk with God, living under Christ in his kingdom, serving him, and loving our neighbor. A life of thanksgiving, praise, obedience, and humility is the pathway of true faith and substantive spirituality.

Having said all that, however, sometimes the extraordinary interventions of God do come. Sometimes our prayers are answered in ways we would never even imagine. When the church was praying for Peter (see the full story from Acts 12 below), they may have been praying for his faithfulness, courage, and protection. It is obvious, however, that when the answer came, and Peter stands at the house where prayers were being lifted for him, no one expected God to have released him from prison in that miraculous fashion! But there he was: God had provided an angel to spring Peter from his chains and lead him out of the prison. This was so remarkable and unexpected that not only did Rhoda not open the door to him in her excitement, but the rest of the people denied that it was even him outside.

The walk of faith is a delightful dance of humble, day-by-day faithfulness, and the sometimes spectacular interventions of God. While not depending on miracles to validate our faith, we should watch for God’s kingdom to be manifest – sometimes in miraculous ways. And when God’s kingdom breaks through in miraculous power and deliverance, we should praise God and tell others. In the mean time, we pray, “Our Father in heaven…”

Acts 12:1-19

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.
Our call to encouragement

November 12, 2013

Acts 11:19-30

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Curse the darkness or light a candle? What is your approach to the ebb and flow of life, blessings, challenges, troubles and joys?

The account of the growth of the early church is one of great highs and challenging lows. Three thousand are added on Pentecost. Stephen is stoned. Saul breathes out threats and heads for Damascus only to be converted. Persecution scatters the disciples, who preach the Word wherever they go. Then there is the other layer over all of this: would this newly-forming church be a Jewish-only, or even Jewish-dominant church? Or would there be a legitimate place for gentile believers?

Two thousand years later, the answer is obvious, but in those early formative days, it wasn’t so clear. It may not have been that those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen intentionally spoke only to Jews. It might have been that they simply didn’t know how to relate to these people with significantly different cultural mores and practices. But God uses all sorts of people to advance his kingdom. And some of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene spoke to the Greek speaking people with great results.

What happened next was vitally important. For the church in Jerusalem learned of this and determined to send Barnabas to check it out. Barnabas was known to be an encourager. Known first as Joseph, the apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” Rather than send a fierce defender of the faith, they sent an encourager. And by this action wheels were set in motion that would shape the mission of the gospel and the newly-emerging church for centuries to come.

Anyone who would want to be an encourager might consider Barnabas’ actions. His name was originally noted at the time of his generous gift to the disciples and the church (cf. Acts 4:36-37). Now he – being sent by the Jerusalem church – goes and visits these new believers. He then rejoiced at the grace of God in their lives, and appealed to them to remain faithful to the Lord. Then he goes and finds Saul, bringing him to what will be a hotbed of missional activity: the church in Antioch; the place where followers of Jesus were first called Christians.

Visiting, rejoicing in others’ blessing, urging faithfulness, and bringing others along to see and participate in the mission of God: those are the elements of true encouragement. They seem worthy attitudes and actions for any follower of Jesus Christ. We may not all be sons or daughters of encouragement, but surely we can look for and rejoice in God’s grace in the lives of others and encourage them and those around them when we see that beautiful thing happening. When I think of the impact of Barnabas on the church in Antioch, and in Paul’s life, I am deeply thankful for his part in spreading the gospel to gentiles like me. I look forward to encouraging people along the Way today. How about you?