David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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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.”

  • Beyond Likeness

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    Acts 14:1-15

    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. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 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. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

    8 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.

    Tools in the Shed | Tomball, TX | December 2023

    “We’re just going to come up here and take over,” I said. I intended it as a joke – a comment designed to lighten the mood. It did anything but that. My seminary classmate and I had been sent as good will ambassadors because the seminary was moving to Fort Wayne from Springfield. We would be sharing the campus of the senior college for their final year. The seminary would actually take over the campus the following year. There were not many warm feelings toward us seminary students. In fact, there were some hot feelings of resentment for our takeover of this school’s campus.

    So when I made my joke it was a joke only in my own mind. In fact it was a poke in the eyes of the college students we were meeting with. I backtracked as quickly as I could – somewhat unsuccessfully I might add. Only because of the words, demeanor, and influence of a gracious class leader from the college was the meeting saved.

    But what I said was actually true. We did come and after our first year of a shared campus, we took over the place.

    When the people saw Paul and Barnabas performing miracles they said something that they did not understand. It was true in a way they did not realize. They said, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Paul and Barnabas were not gods. They were quick to dispel that notion. Luke tells us that “they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, ‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you.’” They knew the power to do miracles, change lives, and save people was not their own. God was at work through them.

    I wonder if Paul remembered this encounter when he wrote to the church in Philippi. He wrote that Jesus Christ was born in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7). Jesus was God having come down to us. His presence among men was something to get excited about. Mostly, however, the people of Jesus’ day did not recognize him for who he was. Many in Jesus’ day were deeply touched by his life and ministry, and saw him as God’s gift to men and women. Many, however, rejected him and saw him as a threat to their way of life.

    Jesus is true God and true man. He has come down to redeem us. He calls us to turn from the vain idols “to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”

  • So what do you do?

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    Acts 14:1-15

    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. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 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. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

    8 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.

    Farm Tools | Tomball, TX | December 2023

    Treat your brothers like you treat your soccer opponents and treat your soccer opponents like you treat your brothers! That’s what I used to say to our sons. Any time they would compete (or fight) with their brothers they would not give up. I sometimes wondered if they were actually trying to hurt one another when they fought. On the other hand when it came to soccer, they would disengage all too soon. They would back away from their opponent rather than engage. Too quick to give up.

    Don’t strike out on the first pitch is the more common way of expressing this sentiment. Paul and Barnabas are far from such acquiescing in that manner. They will not be deterred in bringing the message of Jesus to anyone who will listen. They will not let those who want to silence them succeed in squelching their efforts. They will not get discouraged by those who have no desire to hear their message. They know that God has prepared some hearts to receive their message, and they are intent on getting the word out to them.

    When I was in college I hung out at the Lutheran Campus Center. The pastor there was faithful and gracious. He was a Barnabas – a son of encouragement. And he did not give up after I turned down his first invitation to study the teachings of the Lutheran Church. This was an adult instruction class for people who wanted to become Lutherans. (We want you to know what we teach and to know that you agree with our confession.) Nor did he give up after the second time I declined his invitation. Nor the third. Or the fourth. The fifth time he asked, I agreed.

    Once we delved into the Bible’s teaching about God, Jesus, faith, and grace, I began to engage more fully. I had been non-committal to begin with. All options were open. I had been raised in a Christian home, and much of what I learned was a reaffirmation of my Christian upbringing. And every time I asked a question – even the challenging ones – he pointed me to Scripture.

    Like Paul and Barnabas Pastor Lange continued to preach the gospel. Others heard and believed. My life was changed by this man of God – just as many lives were changed by Paul and Barnabas.

    Perhaps there is someone in your personal orbit on whom you must not give up. Until it becomes clear that they have no desire to hear from you about God, keep preaching the gospel. And when rebuffed, what do you do? Keep on sharing the good news of Jesus.

  • Not peace, but a sword

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    Acts 14:1-15

    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. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 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. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

    8 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.

    Hasp Latch | Tomball, TX | December 2023

    Define yourself and stay connected. This is the mantra I’ve used to describe the teaching of Edwin Friedman, the guru of systems theory. His book, Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix, has been remarkably insightful to me. Even the title is informative and insightful. We do live in the age of the quick fix. We want our solutions now. We blame the current administration for our troubles that really had their genesis in policies long gone by. And we want instant solutions to long-term systemic realities.

    Friedman says that in every case of disfunction in a congregation there is a “peace-monger” at the helm. A peace-monger is one who avoids conflict at all costs. He seeks or makes peace unrealistically or at the expense of honor. He insists that we all just get along, but doesn’t want to take a stand lest he upset someone. He tries to thread a path that avoids disappointing people.

    When Jesus spoke about not having come to bring peace but a sword, he wasn’t being belligerent or ugly. He was being factual. He was not a peace monger. Jesus was not about to turn away from truth. He was not going to sacrifice truth on the altar of popularity.

    We see that here. For Paul and Barnabas were emmasaries of Jesus. They were representing his interests. His interests were grace and truth. His interests were fulfilling all that God had promised; things that Moses and the Old Testament Law could never do. And that stirred up the people.

    The gentile people were happy. They were now counted among God’s people. The Jews were distressed. Their monopoly on God’s grace was taken away. And the Jewish leaders incited the gentile leaders to reject Paul and Barnabas and their message.

    If we believe that faith in Jesus will bring peace we are correct – in the ultimate end of all things. But until that time we live in a fallen world. Not everyone loves Jesus. Not everyone believes in him. I wish it was not so. But I’m thankful for Jesus’ willingness to hold to both grace and truth, and for those who maintain that powerful balance – even at the cost of their personal comfort and safety.

  • Today’s Psalms for February 4, 2024

    Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

    Psalm 4:1

    Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
        You have given me relief when I was in distress.
        Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

    Psalm 34:1-3

    I will bless the Lord at all times;
        his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
    2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
        let the humble hear and be glad.
    3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
        and let us exalt his name together!

    Psalm 64:10

    Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord
        and take refuge in him!
    Let all the upright in heart exult!

    Psalm 94:12-15

    12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord,
        and whom you teach out of your law,
    13 to give him rest from days of trouble,
        until a pit is dug for the wicked.
    14 For the Lordwill not forsake his people;
        he will not abandon his heritage;
    15 for justice will return to the righteous,
        and all the upright in heart will follow it.

    Psalm 124:8

    Our help is in the name of the Lord,
        who made heaven and earth.

  • Be the moon!

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    Acts 13:42-52

    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.

    44 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.

    Blue Moon | August 2023 | Cypress, TX

    I have a confession: I love flashlights. Ever since I was a Boy Scout, helping park cars for football games at our church, I have loved flashlights. One of the troop leaders had a flashlight with a long red extension. It was very helpful in guiding cars. It also threw a strong beam of light. Years later I got to know a police officer. I even rode with him one night on his rounds. He had one of the first Mag Light flashlights I had ever seen. Strong and durable. Aluminum. Bright beam of light. Not too long ago one of the men at our church’s men’s retreat had one of those tactical lights. Talk about a strong beam of light! I have got to get me one of those things!!!! I’m not sure I actually need forgiveness, but I came close to envying him for that flashlight!

    The image of a flashlight is one I use to describe the work of the Holy Spirit. A flashlight casts it beam to illuminate something. It focuses our attention in the direction of its shaft of light. The Holy Spirit focuses our attention on Jesus. Rather than calling attention to itself, the Holy Spirit calls attention to Jesus.

    There, however, the analogy breaks down. For Jesus himself is the light of the world. He shines brightly with the light of God’s love. He illuminates men’s and women’s hearts. He shows us the way. He is the dayspring from on high (cf. Job 38:12 ; Luke 1:78; Isaiah 60:1 Isaiah 60:2 ; Malachi 4:2; Revelation 22:16). He is the Sun of Righteousness.

    I’m curious, still however, about the somewhat ambiguous grammar of this passage. Paul says, “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.’”

    We know that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. But it seems here that we who follow Jesus are to be the light of the world as well. I’m reminded of the children’s song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…” That may be a good reminder to us of two things:

    1. We are to let our lights shine. We must keep that in mind, and repent when we fail to do so, or when we cloud others’ view of the True Light: Jesus.
    2. We are the light for those who live in darkness. We have the privilege and honor of bearing Jesus’ light to others. It’s not ours. It is borrowed. We are like the moon which shines with borrowed light.

    Let the light of Christ reflect from us to others! Be the moon!

  • As the Gospel Turns

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    Acts 13:42-52

    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.

    44 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.

    Old Barn Door Detail | Tomball, Texas | December 2023

    Did you ever watch the daytime soap operas? Called that because the various soap companies would sponsor them, targeting their ads toward the homemakers and housewives who would watch daily. For some time it was all about being able to watch these shows while ironing clothes, cleaning up after messy husbands, and taking care of the children. The one I remember was “As the World Turns.” They portrayed messed-up lives with every kind of trouble. Perhaps the viewers would think, at least I don’t have it that bad. Then it seemed to turn toward a more steamy narrative, and I wonder if some were thinking, I wish I was there with him.

    Maybe I’m off regarding that, but as far as the world turning, we have here a major turn in the mission of God here in these verses. Paul and Barnabas preach about Jesus. People are intrigued. Many want to hear more. The Jews get upset. And Paul takes this as a sign to turn his attention to the gentiles. And he makes the point that it was necessary that they preach to the Jews first, and being rejected then turn to the gentiles.

    Let’s be clear about this. Paul was a Jew. He has bonafides that would rival any of those who would oppose him (cf. Philippians 3:4-6). This is not an antisemitic comment: The Jewish leaders rejected the message of Jesus. They were threatened by it. They wanted to protect their turf and their privilege. But their rejection of the message of the gospel is at least in part the reason you and I call on Jesus today. We’re not Jews. We are gentiles. And from this point on Paul will turn his attention to reaching new peoples (and especially the gentiles) with the good news of Jesus.

    He will still first go to the Jewish synagogues, or places of worship. But he will also be very ready to bring the message of Jesus to any gentile who shows the slightest interest.

    God wants all people to be saved: Jew, gentile, slave, free, male and female. No one is beyond his loving grace. We may push him away. We may even push others away from him. In either case this is a grave sin. Thanks be to God that he is always reaching, searching, inviting, and saving people of every race, tribe, people, and tongue. We’re one of those after all!

  • Getting Rid of Jealousy

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    Acts 13:42-52

    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.

    44 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.

    Old Barn Door Detail | Tomball, Texas | December 2023

    We were at a conference at a large and influential church – we five pastors. It was part of our Pastoral Leadership Institute training. They had converted a large manufacturing facility into a church building. Offices, Sunday School rooms, youth center, worship space, and a wonderfully open gathering area which some would call a narthex. We would better call it a commons or gathering area. This wasn’t a traditional church building afterall.

    While we were there, the five pastors began to confess our sins of church envy. We visited large and successful churches around our nation. They had beautiful buildings, gifted staff members, and a rich array of programming. If only we had such resources in our churches!

    While I was there, I was led by the Holy Spirit to 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, “So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.”

    It was for me a profound realization. The church did not belong to Wayne, Steve, Mark, or John. The church belongs to God. Whether I’m up in front preaching and at the helm leading, it’s not my church. I need never be envious of another’s success. I don’t have to envy their staff, buildings, programs, or status. It all belongs to Christ. And I belong to him.

    Sadly the Jews didn’t see things that way. They were envious. In fact they were, “they were filled with jealousy.” That’s not a good thing to be filled with. That is a fuel that will burn us out. It will not propel a godly life of service and sacrifice. 

    Since those days long ago, I’ve had the chance to lead a large church with a tremendous staff. I’ve enjoyed some degree of success. I’m glad to say not the degree of success as megachurch pastors have enjoyed. That’s because I’m all in for giving God the glory. His is the kingdom, power, and glory. His is the church, honor, and majesty. His is the salvation, praise, and splendor. Let us never be envious of the attention he receives. Rather let’s see how much attention we can point toward him.

  • When’s the last time you’ve begged?

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    Acts 13:42-52

    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.

    44 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.

    Old Barn Door-2 | Tomball, Texas | December 2023

    It was a cold Tuesday night in Brooklyn when we visited the Brooklyn Tabernacle. By 5:30 people were lined up outside the converted theater waiting for the 7 PM service to begin. They were yearning to be there to pray, hear God’s word, and see God at work. That’s the same spirit of yearning expressed by the people at Pisidian Antioch. They had heard Paul talk about Jesus, God’s reversal of man’s evil plans, and the promise that through Jesus they could find a peace that the would never find through Moses. They wanted more. They begged Paul and his companions to return the next Sabbath to teach them more about the hope and salvation we have in Jesus.

    I’m reminded of my 1993 mission trip to Moscow, Russia. Our group visited a hospital, delivering drugs and medical supplies we had collected to be sent there. We went to the doctors lounge and opened our several large suitcases full of Tylenol, Aspirin, bandages, and other over-the-counter medications that we take for granted. Then our group split into two. Half of us took a tour of the hospital. The other half stayed in the lounge.

    The doctors and nurses asked those who stayed, “Why are you doing this?”

    “We want to share the love of Jesus with you,” they answered.

    “Who is this Jesus? Tell us about him.”

    “Here’s a Bible. It’s the story of Jesus.”

    They insisted, “We don’t just want to read about him. We want to hear about him – from you!”

    So they told the story of Jesus. About that time we who had toured the hospital returned. Doctors and nurses were wiping away tears. Something had obviously happened.

    Then came the request (a begging of the same nature as these people at Antioch in Pisidia), “Tell us again, please. We’re not sure we heard the whole story. We want to hear it again. We want to hear more.”

    So they went into a side room and shared the story again. They were begging to hear more!

    When is the last time you’ve begged to hear more about Jesus? I realize we have heard it all before. We’re more in danger of dismissing this familiar old story. And that’s my point. Peter speaks of how angels long to look into the things of God (1 Peter 1:10-12). Seems to me that by now the angels in heaven might be up to speed about God’s gracious work for our salvation. But they’re intrigued by the many facets of God’s grace, and his works among man.

    If we’re not yearning to learn more about God, perhaps we need to look closer at his word and discover the depth of the riches of his glorious grace. There is definitely much yet for us to learn. We don’t have to beg to learn more about Jesus. But we certainly can yearn to for a deeper understanding and knowledge of his word.

  • They…, but God…

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    Acts 13:26-41

    “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 And though 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 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.’”

    Old Barn Door | Tomball, Texas | December 2023

    Years ago I learned the power of the little word, “but.” I love you but… I would give you a break, but… You would have received the pay raise, but… The word has the power to set aside everything that goes before it. Imagine how different the Bible verse would be if Romans 6:23 would say, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, but the wages of sin is death. Ugh. So much for the gift of God! And when God is in the picture – WOW!

    And in this passage Paul makes a very powerful – and good – point about God’s interjection. And while he uses the word “but,” the Greek construction is not “Αλλά” but “ὁ δε” which might be rendered, [on the one hand] “…on the other hand.” This is a comparison between what had happened initially to Jesus after his death. They laid him in a tomb, but God raised him from the dead. On the one hand Jesus was killed and buried. But on the other hand, God raised him from the dead.

    God has the last word. And his last word is life and grace, mercy and forgiveness, salvation and glory. There is so much to this. It has to do with the righteousness of Christ. He was purely and perfectly holy, righteous, and good. He was without sin. For that reason it was impossible for sin to hold him down. Justice would be served. And that meant Jesus had to live. He had been perfectly faithful.

    Jesus’ faith was in God’s truth, justice, and righteousness. His faith was perfect – unlike ours which wavers and wanes. But Jesus remained faithful even in the face of death. Even as he dies on the cross, being forsaken by God, he calls out, “My God, my God…” And he was vindicated – even though men had done all they could to undercut his faith and thwart God’s plan.

    This becomes personal when we put one more layer over all this. Even though we are sinners, Christ died for us. Even though we were dead in our trespasses and sins, God made us alive. Even though we had deserved death and damnation, God has condemned Jesus in our place and given us the glory he deserves.

    You may be in a place of despair, distress, hopelessness, shame, disease, or death. But God has an abundance of grace, hope, life, healing, peace, and joy. He gives that to us by his grace. We may face grave and insurmountable challenges. But God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus, and gives them to us through faith.

  • Today’s Psalms for January 28, 2024

    Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

    Psalm 28:1-2, 6-9

    To you, O Lord, I call;
        my rock, be not deaf to me,
    lest, if you be silent to me,
        I become like those who go down to the pit.
    2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
        when I cry to you for help,
    when I lift up my hands
        toward your most holy sanctuary.

    6 Blessed be the Lord!
        For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
    7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
        in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
    my heart exults,
        and with my song I give thanks to him.

    8 The Lord is the strength of his people;
        he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
    9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
        Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

    Psalm 58:1-7

    Note: This is an imprecatory Psalm – Quite different from psalms of praise, but a strong call for judgment against evil: sin, death, and the devil.

    Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods?
        Do you judge the children of man uprightly?
    2 No, in your hearts you devise wrongs;
        your hands deal out violence on earth.

    3 The wicked are estranged from the womb;
        they go astray from birth, speaking lies.
    4 They have venom like the venom of a serpent,
        like the deaf adder that stops its ear,
    5 so that it does not hear the voice of charmers
        or of the cunning enchanter.

    6 O God, break the teeth in their mouths;
        tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!
    7 Let them vanish like water that runs away;
        when he aims his arrows, let them be blunted.

    Psalm 88:1-2

    O Lord, God of my salvation,
        I cry out day and night before you.
    2 Let my prayer come before you;
        incline your ear to my cry!

    Psalm 118:1-2

    Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
        for his steadfast love endures forever!

    2 Let Israel say,
        “His steadfast love endures forever.”

    Psalm 148:1-13

    Praise the Lord!
    Praise the Lord from the heavens;
        praise him in the heights!
    2 Praise him, all his angels;
        praise him, all his hosts!

    3 Praise him, sun and moon,
        praise him, all you shining stars!
    4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
        and you waters above the heavens!

    5 Let them praise the name of the Lord!
        For he commanded and they were created.
    6 And he established them forever and ever;
        he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

    7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
        you great sea creatures and all deeps,
    8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
        stormy wind fulfilling his word!

    9 Mountains and all hills,
        fruit trees and all cedars!
    10 Beasts and all livestock,
        creeping things and flying birds!

    11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
        princes and all rulers of the earth!
    12 Young men and maidens together,
        old men and children!

    13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
        for his name alone is exalted;
        his majesty is above earth and heaven.

    English Standard Version (ESV)
    The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016.
    Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.