In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations.
David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com.
He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany.
He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991.
Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania.
David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”24 And they glorified God because of me.
Fall Colors | NE USA | October 2024
No one would ever concoct a religion like the Christian religion. Consider these fundamental Christian truths:
God became a baby. Seriously?!? We’re all used to the stories of babies growing up to be a king, a celebrity, a star athlete. But it doesn’t go the other way. Who would design a religion like that?
God’s Son dying even for those who crucified him. We may know of stories of heroism, but heroes who die have monuments – some of which are dusty and forgotten. Who would design a religion like that?
The leader of our religion teaching that we become great by becoming small. We are used to people telling us we’re overcomers, we’re destined for greatness. Who would design a religion like that?
That a man three-days dead is alive again, and the first witnesses of that were women. Today we have no issue with women serving in any number of different ways. But in Jesus’ day women were not considered reliable witnesses. Who would design a religion like that?
God is eternally three persons in one essence. That simply does not make sense. But that’s how the Bible reveals God’s essential identity. Who would design a religion like that?
Of course God did not consult us when he “designed” his religion. In fact God didn’t design his religion at all. In fact some would say ours is not a religion. A religion is that which man does to manipulate God and get him to do what we want him to do. Ours is a faith in the God who created the world and everything in it. He has revealed himself to be gracious, loving, merciful, just, and holy. He invites our faith and our worship and promises that whoever believes in him will live forever.
That’s no design. That’s no religion. That is the faith which Paul believed and proclaimed. That’s not man’s gospel. That is the God’s honest truth.
Please pray these Psalms with me today, on this Lord’s Day
Psalm 17:6-9, 15
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, 9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
Psalm 47
Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! 2 For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. 3 He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. 4 He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
5 God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!
8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. 9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!
Psalm 77:11-15
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. 15 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
Psalm 107:1-3, 43
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble 3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psalm 137:1-5
By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 On the willows there we hung up our lyres. 3 For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4 How shall we sing the LORD‘s song in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the brothers who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Fall Colors | NE USA | October 2024
Jesus says, “See that no one leads you astray.Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray” (Mark 13:5-6). Paul says, “there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ” (v. 7).
Why would anyone want to do that? Some possible reasons:
Mislead Misleaders: Some people are misled themselves and gather people around and lead them astray as they themselves fall away from truth. Jesus calls such people blind guides.
Egotistical Attention-Getters: Some people just want attention. They want to feel important. They need the spotlight. They need all eyes focused on themselves.
Narcissists: Those who are excessive self-centered, have an inflated sense of their own importance, and a strong need for admiration. We sometimes use the term casually (I put those people in the category above). But narcissistic personality disorder is a clinical diagnosis that requires evaluation by mental health professionals.
Angry and Alienated Displaced Powermongers: Some people have lost power. They miss the opportunity to influence others and will cast aspersions on true followers of Jesus in order to regain their former place of honor.
Any of these kinds of people can distort the Good News of Jesus. But the true gospel message is precious, and beautifully expressed in these truths:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. – John 3:16
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,not a result of works, so that no one may boast.– Ephesians 2:8-9
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:23-24
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. – 1 Timothy 3:16
This is the message Paul was defending; the truth that people were abandoning. They were being led astray by people who wanted all the attention, who did not believe it themselves, and who were themselves terribly deceived.
This gospel, however, is a precious truth, never to be abandoned or distorted. This is why I keep studying and proclaiming this Good News.
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the brothers who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Fall Colors | Concord, MS | October 2024
Paul makes a strong statement about his motives and priorities at the end of this opening section of his letter to the Galatians. He writes, “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man?” He is committed to seeking the approval of God — as opposed to gaining the kudos and congratulations of men at the expense of honoring God’s laws, values, and the gospel message.
On the one hand this is a nonsense statement. He has the approval of God through faith in Jesus. Jesus is his righteousness. For Jesus’ sake, Paul has been declared righteous. This has nothing to do with anything he has done or refused to do (to the good). In other words, God’s approval of Paul was not related to his zeal for God’s mission. Nor was it related to his refusal to give in to the circumcision party. It wasn’t withdrawn because he had persecuted Christians. Nor was it taken from him because he approved the stoning of Stephen.
Man’s approval, on the other hand, is all about outward actions. You are approved by men when you do the things they want. You are approved by man when you hate the right persons, don’t cause waves, or when you tout the politically-correct ideas. That’s how man’s approval works. It’s all about works. There may be a smidgen of grace sprinkled in here and there. But if you don’t bring the goods, you don’t get the prize. Or the sale. Or the applause. Or the audience.
We walk such a fine line these days in the North American Church. On the one hand we must be sold out to God. Totally committed to following his word and keeping his commandments – and urging our people to do the same. On the other hand we don’t have to wear a chip on our shoulders because we’re Christians.
I’m listening to a fascinating podcast about the rise and fall of Mars Hill, and the ministry of Mark Driscoll. Mark had a way of combative in-your-face preaching and teaching that made him notorious. It became dictatorial, to the point that some considered him misogynistic and emotionally and spiritually abusive. He seemed to be proud that he had offended so many people.
But the same Paul who spoke of his refusal to seek the approval of man also said that a pastor should be well thought of by those outside the church (cf. 1 Timothy 3:7). We must remain faithful to the truth of God’s word without fear of what man might think of it. We must at the same time do all we can to give a winsome witness to the grace of God in Jesus.
This is no easy task. But the Savior we serve and whose message we share took on an even greater task to redeem us – fully pleasing God and securing our salvation.
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the brothers who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Fall Colors | NE United States | October 2024
Call night at the seminary in 1979 was a big deal. We fourth year seminarians lined up outside Kraemer Chapel waiting to march in during the processional. We sat together in the first several pews on the right side of the nave. Our families were seated behind us anxiously waiting with us to hear where our first assignment was to be. When my time came, I walked across the chancel and the announcement was made: “David Bahn, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Vernal Utah and Trinity Lutheran Church, Rangely, Colorado.” I thought, great! I wonder where that is.
In the weeks to follow we learned where Vernal, Utah and Rangely, Colorado were. Northeast Utah near Dinosaur National Monument, and 51 miles away in northwest Colorado near pretty much nothing. We also had people tell us, “You’re lucky. You get to go to a foreign mission field without leaving the country.” Utah is Mormon country, and as much as 75% of the people in the outlying areas are LDS. I went to the seminary bookstore and bought every book on Mormonism I could find.
Mormonism is founded on the experience of Joseph Smith who was visited by the angel Moroni and told that he was to join none of the churches of his day. According to Joseph’s account of Moroni’s message, “all their creeds were an abomination in [God’s] sight, [and their] professors were all corrupt.” An angel from heaven (Moroni) had delivered a different gospel – other than the one having been delivered by Paul.
Paul had a striking word for those who perverted the truth of the gospel: “let them be accursed.” The Greek word, “ἀνάθεμα” has sometimes been transliterated in English versions of the Bible. The word anathema means that one is completely separated from God’s favor and grace. That is a place of outer darkness where there is weeping and wailing and the gnashing of teeth. And he doesn’t settle for saying it once. He has to say it again. It weighed heavy on his heart.
I’m not sure we speak of hell as often and with as much warning as we ought. But I am sure I don’t want to be consigned there. I am certain that I do not want to preach a different gospel than what Paul delivered to the Galatians. That’s why I go back to the Bible again and again. That’s why I post these blog posts and record the podcasts. I do it to keep myself focused on the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
A colleague once began his sermon to a group of pastors saying, “They say we preach best what we need most. If that’s the case, then hang on, because you’re in for a doozy!” It was a doozy, and a reminder of the gospel of Jesus Christ our hope, life, and salvation. I needed it then. I need it now. No anathema here!
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the brothers who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Waterfall | Waterton National Park, Canada | August 2024
There is a really dumb commercial on TV. I think it’s an insurance commercial. A group of young adults are trying to escape from a crazed would-be killer. They discuss their options. Get in a car and drive away? No! Let’s hide in that shed where all the chainsaws are hanging. The would-be killer is shown shaking his head and rolling his eyes in dismissive disbelief at their stupidity.
Paul didn’t shake his head and roll his eyes at the poor choices of the Galatians. He does, however, write, “I am astonished…” This is a strong emotion with a negative connotation, conveying a deep sense of disappointment. He is distressed – as we will see later in this letter. He is disappointed because he had labored so diligently to bring the gospel to them. He is not happy because the stakes are so high – not for himself, but for the people there. Not only are the people who are abandoning the gospel in danger, but they endanger the rest of the congregation because of their potential negative influence.
They are exchanging the true good news of the gospel for a sham and an empty promise that is no gospel at all. This is not good news. This is empty hype. This is not enriching life-change. This is a seductive death drip. This is a bucket of steam. More vacuous than a fairy tale. More destructive than bad advice.
The gospel is a simple truth that Jesus died for the sins of the world so that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Add anything to that – no matter how wise or religious it may sound – and it is no gospel; no good news. We cannot add anything to what Jesus has done for us. We must not add anything to what Jesus has done to save us. We need not add anything to what Jesus has done for us. Just believe. Just trust. Just rejoice. Just live. That may be astonishing in a good sort of way. But it’s true.
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the brothers who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Waterfall | Waterton National Park, Canada | August 2024
Maybe you’ve experienced a bumbled delivery. Soggy Chinese food. Cold pizza. Wrong item. Mangled box. But when the item arrives as ordered and in tact, how great it is. I won’t say there’s nothing better than an item ordered and successfully delivered. But it’s not a bad feeling to get that much-needed tool or long-expected replacement.
Paul uses the word, “deliver” to speak not of an item delivered, but of us being delivered from this present age. We have been delivered. Rescued. Redeemed. One commentator observed: The idea behind the word deliver is not deliverance from the presence of something, but deliverance from the power of something. We will not be delivered from the presence of this present evil age until we go to be with Jesus. But we can experience deliverance from the power of this present evil age right now.
This reminder was important for the people of Paul’s day. But it is of vital importance for us today as well. We don’t have to be controlled by the whims and says of the world around us. We don’t have to buy into the hype. We don’t need to get pulled into the vortex of a godless worldview that denies God’s proper place and has no true moral compass.
We’ve been delivered, and as such we need to remember that we are not to add to the world’s turmoil, troubles, and tumult. I recently quoted our Texas District President, Michael Newman, I will repeat that quote. “As Christians, we are not on this earth to join the divisive and anxious narrative of the world. We are here to set the tone of the Gospel: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
We have been delivered from the power and influence of the world. Sadly that does not mean the world stops attacking us, or our flesh does not battle against the spirit from within (cf. Galatians 5:17). The battle is relentless. But we have the Holy Spirit. We have been delivered from the ultimate doom of the world’s influences. We have also been delivered from thinking we’re doomed to fail and never able to repent and find our way back.
We’ve been delivered by God’s grace, and look forward to the final deliverance into the kingdom of glory, life, and light. As we wait, we heed God’s call in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world.” (NLT)
PS: Today is Veterans Day. Join me in thanking God for our veterans. All four of our sons have served in the Armed Forces. One is currently serving as a US Navy Officer. Both Diane’s and my fathers served in the Army in WWII. Those who serve to secure our freedoms have blessed us more than we know.
Please pray these Psalms with me today, on this Lord’s Day
Psalm 10:16-18
The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. 17 O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Psalm 40:1-5
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! 5 You have multiplied, O LORDmy God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
Psalm 70:1-4
Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me! 2 Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! 3 Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!”
4 May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! 2 O LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the LORD more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORDthere is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation.20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 27 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Largeleaf Pflox | Waterton National Park, Canada | August 2024
I heard a prayer this morning on The World and Everything In It podcast, and it’s worth sharing.
Father, You are kind to remind us that rain falls to the right and to the left, and that the sun shines on both sides of every aisle. I am hopeful Lord Jesus of how you are working in the world. Thank you that even though we would not have chosen you as our King, you have chosen us as your people. Thank you for ruling us wisely, kindly, and patiently. Please teach us to better reflect your character, starting with me, and starting today. In Jesus name. Amen.
I emphasized the words that were particularly impactful to me. As Paul proclaims the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus, he was exercising how God chooses us. He does this through the gospel. Paul writes, “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
Paul and his contemporaries had no control over Caesar and his policies. But his focus was not on Caesar’s unfairness or demagoguery, his persecution of Christians or self-serving exercise of power. His focus was on God’s kingdom – God’s reign and rule – and on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Much of Paul’s teaching would be on Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and God’s ultimate goal of gathering a people to himself who love him and love one another in perfect holiness goodness, faithfulness and righteousness.
I suppose that is the reason I never really comment on politics, or even call for us to pray that our country should return to its biblical foundations as “One Nation Under God.” Truth is all nations are under God. And efforts to build communities, cities, or nations which express that outwardly always fail. Think Geneva, Switzerland under Calvin’s influence (see below for a commentary on the problems there).
But I regularly point people to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of all the hopes of Israel and the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. The salvation of God has been sent. It is sent by God through people like Paul, Luther, me and you. As one Lutheran author has said it, we are Loved and Sent. And as Texas District President Michael Newman so beautifully reminded us recently:
As Christians, we are not on this earth to join the divisive and anxious narrative of the world. We are here to set the tone of the Gospel: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Salvation has been sent. Let your light shine for Jesus!
A Commentary on John Calvin’s Geneva
In John Calvin’s Geneva, Calvin aimed to establish a city governed by strict adherence to Christian principles and ecclesiastical discipline. His reforms included the creation of the *Consistory*, a council of pastors and elders responsible for overseeing the community’s moral and religious conduct. This body enforced rigid social norms, requiring citizens to attend church, maintain pious lifestyles, and adhere to Calvinist doctrine. Those who deviated faced penalties, which ranged from public admonishments to, in some cases, exile. Geneva under Calvin functioned as a theocratic state where church and civic authorities collaborated to enforce a unified moral and religious vision, but it also led to a stifling environment that restricted personal freedoms and dissenting beliefs. We have been set free by Christ from the condemnation of the Law, and from coercive manipulations toward outward obedience.
This control over both private and public life has been criticized as overly authoritarian. Calvin’s governance shaped Geneva into a disciplined, industrious city, yet some historians argue that the rigidity and strict punishments, including for minor infractions, limited citizens’ autonomy and created a tense, surveilled atmosphere. His theocratic approach also imposed a sense of collective accountability, as all citizens were expected to uphold Calvin’s moral and spiritual laws, resulting in a controversial legacy.
After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation.20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 27 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Purple Coneflower | Waterton National Park, Canada | August 2024
I don’t like hard words – except when they result in a change for the better. Think a doctor telling you, “If you don’t…you’ll die.” Or, “Unless you take a different route, you’ll be stuck in traffic for 2 hours.” And what about Jesus’ words to the Jews of his day, “Unless you, too, repent, you will likewise perish” (Luke 13:3-5).
I can recall two times when I’ve delivered such hard words. On one occasion, a man was hospitalized, likely near death from lung cancer. I had visited him on several occasions, and he always seemed more concerned about getting over his cough than hearing anything about God. I finally told him, “You seem more worried about your cough than you do about your eternal wellbeing.” He immediately choked up. I discovered that he believed he had done things for which he could never be forgiven. What a joy to be able to share the gospel with him, and see the Holy Spirit work in his heart. I assured him that Jesus died for all our sins. It calmed his heart.
The second time was similar. When I was visiting a man who was near death, he was relying on his good deeds to save him. I asked him, “Are you sure that’s enough?” He started crying. I shared Bible passages about sin and grace, the uselessness of our works and the completeness of God’s grace – as many as I could remember. I officiated at his funeral a few days later, with the confidence of God’s mercy and the Holy Spirit’s work in his heart. He repented and confessed his faith before he died.
This situation, however, seems far worse when Paul quotes from Isaiah 6 with the hard edge of condemnation for their unbelief. Paul wasn’t the first to quote this passage from Isaiah. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples when they asked him why he spoke to the people in parables. He explained that the parables served to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy that people would hear but not hear, and would not repent and believe in him.
Stubborn unyielding willful people, refusing to acknowledge their failure to understand, and their need for God, will be eternally flummoxed. Worst than that, they will be eternally condemned.
I love to teach people the Lutheran answer to difficult questions: I don’t know. In other words, there are things we just do not know. There are things we cannot cram into our puny minds. That God took on human flesh. That Jesus died to save us from death and hell. That Jesus rose from the dead. How does that work??? How is that possible? I don’t know.
Paul has written about hope was that his people (the Jews) would come to faith (Romans 9-10). Apart from the first Jewish converts that was not the case. But God used this rejection to launch of the mission fully to the gentiles. I’m happy to admit that I don’t know everything. But I do know that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout the Old Testament, and I believe in him.
David Bahn - Reflections 