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.”
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.
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.
Candle Larkspur | Waterton National Park, Canada | August 2024
Somewhere in the last 10 years or so, I stumbled upon a deeper appreciation and understanding of Martin Luther’s explanation to the Second Article of the Apostle’s Creed:
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord,
who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death,
that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom [emphasis mine] and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness,
just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity.
This is most certainly true.
Learning that the Kingdom of God is best understood as the reign and rule of God rather than an equivalent to an earthly kingdom or nation further illuminated my grasp of this reality. It was then that I also gained a deeper appreciation for the classic Lutheran definition of the Kingdom of God: the gracious reign of Christ in the heart of the believer through faith. God’s kingdom is personal. It is established in the hearts of believers through faith, as the Holy Spirit works to bring people to trust in and follow Christ.
I recall, also that there are three ways of understanding God’s reign and rule: His kingdom of power, kingdom of grace, and kingdom of glory. All people live under God’s kingdom of power. He reigns and rules over all things. Not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father (cf. Matthew 10:29). God reigns in the hearts of believers by faith in the kingdom of grace. His rule is one of undeserved kindness and mercy. It has been made possible by Jesus’ redemptive work. One glorious day we who believe in Jesus will see the hope of Israel and the fullness of God’s reign and rule realized in heaven – his kingdom of glory. This is the future fulfillment of God’s reign when Christ returns, and God’s rule will be fully realized in the New Heaven and New Earth.
The kingdom of glory is the true hope of Israel, and the true hope of all believers. Sometimes we hope for that day urgently. Sometimes we forget it. Sometimes we despise that hope. For that reason we rejoice in God’s grace to us. We remember that we belong to Christ, and repent and believe, living under him in his kingdom. He rules over all things, and the glory of his kingdom to come is more glorious than we can ever imagine.
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.
Mountain Peaks | Waterton National Park, Canada | August 2024
“Elections are a reflection of society, not a shaper of society.” That was the opinion of John Stonestreet on a recent World and Everything In It podcast. I think he is correct. The issues that concern me have to do with extreme pro-abortion policies, LGBTQ++ mainstreaming, and a general anti-Christian bias that our present culture seems to celebrate. We’re a long way from the days of Father Knows Best, or Leave it to Beaver.
But those days were not perfect, either. For even in those days Christmas was about Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and angels getting their wings every time a bell rings. These are not as obviously evil and pervasively-immoral as today’s offerings (such as Amazon Prime’s animated 2024 depraved musical set in Hell). That said, notice anything missing from those good old days Christmas specials? Where is Jesus? Where is the Christ Child? Thank God for Charlie Brown’s Christmas special where Linus recites the Christmas story from Luke and tells Charlie, “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”
Today the Charlie Brown Christmas special is more of a nostalgic curiosity – not a mainstream Christmas staple. All this is to say whatever the results of the election, I don’t see much of the Christian agenda (read “Jesus’ gift of salvation and call to repentance and faith”) coming through. In either case.
I’m reminded of this in light of the comments of the Jewish leaders, “with regard to this sect [the message of Jesus] we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” This isn’t the first time that the Christian Church and Jesus’ followers have been held in low esteem. There is nothing new under the sun. And whether it’s gay rights, sexual promiscuity, unbridled greed, or discarding of traditional biblical values, we’ve been here before.
This does not stop Paul from sharing the Gospel. It did not stop the spread of Christianity. It has not thwarted the message of Jesus being shared around the world. In other words, God’s got this. Our post-Christian Church culture is much like the earliest days of the spread of the Christian faith and growth of the Christian Church. It didn’t stop Paul from witnessing to the hope of Israel fully realized in Jesus Christ.
While I do pray that our nation turns back to God’s ways and values, I pray even more that the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon the Christian Church today, and that true revival would spring forth and more and more people’s hearts would be turned back to God in repentant faith, and the Kingdom of God would come among us all. God needs no election win. He much more desires to win our hearts.
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.
Begonia | Waterton National Park, Canada | August 2024
I’m pretty much ready for the election campaigns to be ended. Especially the ads. I get 50 texts a day from this candidate or that one. Today I even had a voicemail on my phone from one of the candidates. Claims. Counter claims. Accusations fly back and forth. By all counts it’s worse than it’s ever been. More money spent. More ads aired. More noise. I’ve had enough.
It’s quite another matter in Rome when Paul arrives there and meets with the Jewish leaders. He offers a brief overview of his saga with the Jews in Jerusalem and his appeal to Caesar. He makes no bones about the fact that the Jews in Jerusalem were not pleased with him. He is there and in chains because of the hope of Israel, he says. He will not back away from the message of Jesus. And he wants to share the gospel with these Jewish leaders in Rome.
Their response is reminiscent of the Jewish people in Berea. They, Luke tells us, “studied the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul was saying was true.” (Acts 17:11) They actually want to hear what Paul has to say before determining how to relate to him. They do say they want to hear from him because, “with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” He is not starting with a totally clean slate, but neither is he facing a preconceived conclusion of his disfavor.
It seems to me that fear is behind much of the political posturing, accusations, and vitriol. It’s not only a matter of fear mongering either. Fear is gripping people on every side of the political spectrum. People believe that if their candidate loses the future of America is at stake. That renders reasonable discourse impossible.
Of course it takes two. Not only do we need to be ready to listen. Those who speak must be willing to speak the truth. We’ve lost so much of that today. Thank God for those who do listen respectfully and those who speak truthfully. Best we all seek to get to the truth of the matter. And Jesus is the embodiment of truth.
Please pray these Psalms with me today, on this Lord’s Day
Psalm 3
O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. 4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah
Psalm 33:1-5
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 93:1-2
The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
Psalm 123
To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. 4 Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him.9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead.12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Prince of Wales Hotel | Waterton National Park, Canada | August 2024
We hiked to the top of this waterfall
We were hiking in the mountains around Canmore, Canada. The goal was to reach the top of the waterfall. Steep slopes, slick stones, and high altitude conspired to make it a challenging hike. I don’t think I ever wanted to abandon the hike, even though I was near the limits of my physical abilities. I wanted to reach the top. We did make it. The view was beautiful. And the rest was welcomed. We were even greeted by a cute ground squirrel at the top.
My goal was to get to the top of the waterfall. I think Diane was more focused on enjoying the hike and the views. We both achieved both goals. It was a challenging and enjoyable hike.
I think of this and other challenges I’ve undertaken as I consider what is really happening with Paul and Luke as they head for Rome. On the one hand, their goal was certainly to get safely to Rome. Paul expresses his desire and goal to get to Rome in Romans 1:9-12, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
So Paul’s goal in getting to Rome was far more than arriving safely there, more than being able to witness to the people there, but to impart spiritual gifts to the people there, to strengthen them, and be mutually encouraged by his and their faith. But that’s not the end of his desire. For he says in Romans 15:24, “I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.”
Paul didn’t want only to get to Rome, but to go on to Spain in order to preach the gospel there as well. Paul was singularly gifted and burdened with the mission mandate. He dedicated his life to bringing the Gospel to new lands and places, people and languages. He never lost sight of this mission. Even as he enjoyed the hospitality of Publius, or healed Publius’ father, waited three months before setting sail and arriving in Rome, his goal wasn’t just Rome. It was sharing the gospel. This he did all along the way. And you and I are beneficiaries of his dedication and God’s work through him.
On this day after Reformation Day, we can thank God for Luther, Luke, and Paul – all of whom proclaimed the reign and rule of Jesus Christ and who have shaped our faith through their witness. They didn’t lose sight of the goal. That goal was set by God whose goal it is that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. God loved the world so much that he gave his Only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. He continues to send people on mission to share that Good News. That is God’s ultimate goal, and it never changes no matter the path it takes.
David Bahn - Reflections 