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.”

  • Holy Week: Thursday

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    John 13:1-17; 15:12; 16:33

    Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

    12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

    …

    15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

    …

    16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

    Mark 14:22-25

    And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

    Luke 22:39-53

    And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

    47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

    Judas Departed | Tulum, Mexico | February 2024

    Many major events occur on Maundy Thursday the Day of Unleavened Bread, the day on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet and gives them a “new command.” He institutes the Lord’s Supper. He prays in the garden. He is arrested, taken away, and tortured.

    These things happened on the night he was betrayed. I love the tender teaching moment when Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. I love the new command Jesus gives, “Love one another.” I love the care and grace he extends – even to Judas.

    I am deeply struck by the words of Jesus to those who arrest him, “But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luke 22:53) 

    Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper this night is an act of glorious grace. “Do this,” he says, “in remembrance of me.” I am reminded of a refrain in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, “…given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” That phrase is found four times in his brief explanation of the Sacrament of the Altar. His body and blood, given and shed. For you. For the forgiveness of sins.

    St. John will have a post-Easter sermon series on envy, anger, and peace. Their publicity for the series spoke about how powerful these three emotions, spiritual attitudes, and mindsets are in our lives. The end of the brief paragraph said, “Admit it. You need this.”

    We need a Savior who will endure the suffering, cross, and shame for us. Admit it. But remember also, and rejoice that he did that: for you. For you.

    I must make one more observation in regard to the Lord’s Supper. There is a movement of which I am not a part within our church body that wishes to limit access to this sacred meal. I don’t get it. I would rather be part of those who are urging people to come to receive this gift from God – to their blessing and joy. I know it’s not that simple, but I cannot help but wish for a more engaging and inviting approach to the celebration of Jesus’ supper.

  • Holy Week: Wednesday

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    John 12:36b-42

    When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

    “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
        and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

    39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

    40 “He has blinded their eyes
        and hardened their heart,
    lest they see with their eyes,
        and understand with their heart, and turn,
        and I would heal them.”

    41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

    Plumeria | Tulum, Mexico | February 2024

    It is not clear just what Jesus did on the Wednesday of Holy Week. Perhaps he was staying in the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. It would be nearby Jerusalem, and they would be gracious hosts. But the Bible does not tie any particular action or words of Jesus to Wednesday. So I am meditating on these thoughts from John’s gospel. They are a sad refrain of unbelief and rejection.

    John says it well in 1:11, “He came to his own but his own did not receive him.” Isaiah had said it long before in the passages quoted here. These are hard words. Isaiah has some beautiful and comforting words such as, “Comfort, comfort my people, says the Lord.” And, “Fear not, I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine.” But these words reveal a truth about fallen mankind we would rather ignore. People do not naturally believe in Jesus.

    There is, furthermore, the sad reality and troubling idea that God hardens hearts so that people will not believe in Jesus. This is especially applicable to people inside the church (or nation of Israel in Isaiah’s case). This is a verdict toward those who should know better. I’m thinking this might explain Paul’s caveat about receiving forgiveness because he acted ignorantly and in unbelief (cf. 1 Timothy 1:13). God wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Those inside the church have no excuse. Those who know and reject will or have had their hearts hardened. Sad. So very, very sad.

    That’s one quibble I have with the idea that people today don’t believe in God because of God’s people. I’ve heard it said if people only knew Jesus they would believe in him. Perhaps that is true for the poor and needy, the weak and hurting. But it certainly wasn’t true of the most religious people in Jesus’ day. They knew Jesus first hand and rejected him out of hand. Their willfulness and pride stood in the way of repentance and faith.

    Martin Luther speaks about Holy Week in these terms: Here there is no violence, no armor, no power, no anger, no wrath… Here there are only kindness, justice, salvation, mercy, and every good thing. Would that all would see that and under the wooing of God’s love repent and believe this Good News. Such faith will bring glory to God and great blessings to those who believe.

  • Holy Week: Tuesday

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    Mark 11:20-33

    As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

    27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”


    Matthew 21:42-46; 26:14-16

    Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

    “‘The stone that the builders rejected
        has become the cornerstone;
    this was the Lord’s doing,
        and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

    43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

    45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46 And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.

    26:14 …one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

    Oleander | Tulum, Mexico | February 2024

    Most people think of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as the days of the major events of Holy Week. Indeed those two days are pivotal and greatly important. But there are lots of things happening on Tuesday. Jesus visits the temple, explains the cursing of the fig tree, takes on the Pharisees, and teaches on the Mount of Olives, and Judas makes the deal to betray Jesus.

    But let me unpack the issue of the cursing of the fig tree. Mark’s account seems perhaps to be chronological while Matthew connects the cursing with the disciples’ questioning and Jesus’ answer. It is clear that the fig tree was cursed and withered. It is clear that the disciples questioned Jesus about it. It is also clear that the disciples don’t really bother themselves with questions of Jesus’ motives. They want to know only how Jesus did it. They really don’t seem to care why.

    I wonder about the why because Mark tells us that it was not the season for figs. So it seems quite unfair or arbitrary on Jesus’ part. It’s like me throwing my shoe across the room because I stub my toe on it. It’s not the shoe’s fault. Nor it is the fault of the fig tree that there is no fruit. It wasn’t the season for figs. But the gospel writers all agree: it was done. The disciples ask about it, and Jesus uses the occasion to talk to them about the power of prayer. I’ll have to let Scripture shape my curiosity’s quest.

    Prayer can change things if it is aligned with God’s will and fervently faithful. That’s Jesus’ teaching. In two days Jesus will pray fervently and faithfully, and under the will of God that, if possible the bitter cup of suffering he was about to drink (his death on the cross) would be taken from him. We can ask God for anything according to his will. There may be times when our prayers are so faith-filled that they are immediately answered. Sometimes we must wait for God’s answer to become apparent. In any case God’s promise to answer our prayers is not his offer to be our heavenly gofer. He gives good gifts. Some of them will come in the life of the world to come.

    So many of the events of this week must have tugged on Jesus’ emotions. He knew he was facing his last days. The conflict between him and the Pharisees is reaching a climax. He will instruct his disciples before he is betrayed. Then will come the betrayal, the scourging, beating, crucifixion, and death. These events loom before him and his disciples.

    One of them – for reasons known only to God – takes matters into his own hands and decides to betray Jesus. Judas will sell his soul for 30 pieces of silver. The Jewish leaders will agree to this bargain. They will question Jesus’ authority. But as great of an emotional and dramatic vortex this is, none of it is happening apart from God’s will. This is his plan – for our good and his glory.

  • Holy Week: Monday

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    Mark 11:12-14

    On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry.13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”And his disciples heard it.


    Matthew 21:12-17

    And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”

    14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,

    “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies
        you have prepared praise’?”

    17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

    Plumeria | Tulum, Mexico | February 2024

    While the exact order of events during Holy Week is not easily ascertained, I will be using the days of Holy Week as the basis for my blog posts this week.

    Palm Sunday is a grand celebration of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. The people shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Pastor Stephen DeMik preached a great message on that glorious event. I’ve embedded that message below this post.

    On Monday, Jesus does two very different things – showing a side of his nature of which we may not be accustomed. He curses the fig tree and cleanses the temple.

    Some understand Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree to be symbolic of God’s judgment on Israel. God came to them looking for fruit, but found Israel barren of all he desired. They will be left desolate. So sad. So very very sad.

    Then Jesus cleanses the temple. This is a clear lesson on two fronts. First of all, the obvious: the Jewish leaders had let the temple be turned into a corrupt bazaar. Money changers were gouging people of their fair money exchange. People who had come to worship were being charged unfair exchange rates to make their offerings. God’s house of prayer was turned into a den of thieves, Jesus says. Second, and more important, the people were being robbed of the opportunity to pray to God, have access to his grace, and know him for who he truly is: gracious, just, holy, merciful, and loving.

    But when Jesus clears out the money changers look what happens! The blind and lame come to him and are healed. The children cry out, “Hosanna! To the Son of David.” This was a clear confession of faith in Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise that the Son of David would sit on his throne forever (cf. 2 Samuel 7:26). This is a moment rich and full of glory, celebration, and joy. The joy of Palm Sunday continues to overflow – even in the face of the criticism of the Jewish leaders.

    Sadly there are always those who will deny Jesus his due. There are those who are threatened by him and his teaching. There are those who do not wish to humble themselves before God. There are those who criticize his followers. There are those who disbelieve. And he is right there before them all! He’s healing people and teaching profound truth.

    Maybe there are tables that need to be overturned in your life. I’m sure there are in mine. Perhaps you recognize there are fruitless and barren spaces in your heart. Thankfully, when Jesus overturns tables, he makes a way for people to come to God. And when fig trees are cursed, he uses it as an opportunity to teach us about the impact of our prayers before the throne of God.

    Today is a good day to pray. God has made a way for us to do so. His name is Jesus. And when we pray in his name, we will be heard.

  • Today’s Psalms for March 24, 2024

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

    Psalm 24:1-5

    The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
        the world and those who dwell therein,
    2 for he has founded it upon the seas
        and established it upon the rivers.

    3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
        And who shall stand in his holy place?
    4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
        who does not lift up his soul to what is false
        and does not swear deceitfully.
    5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
        and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

    Psalm 54:1-7

    O God, save me by your name,
        and vindicate me by your might.
    2 O God, hear my prayer;
        give ear to the words of my mouth.

    3 For strangers have risen against me;
        ruthless men seek my life;
        they do not set God before themselves. Selah

    4 Behold, God is my helper;
        the Lord is the upholder of my life.
    5 He will return the evil to my enemies;
        in your faithfulness put an end to them.

    6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
        I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.
    7 For he has delivered me from every trouble,
        and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

    Psalm 84:1-5, 10-12

    How lovely is your dwelling place,
        O Lord of hosts!
    2 My soul longs, yes, faints
        for the courts of the Lord;
    my heart and flesh sing for joy
        to the living God.

    3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
        and the swallow a nest for herself,
        where she may lay her young,
    at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
        my King and my God.
    4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
        ever singing your praise! Selah

    5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
        in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
    10     For a day in your courts is better
        than a thousand elsewhere.
    I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
        than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
    11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
        the Lord bestows favor and honor.
    No good thing does he withhold
        from those who walk uprightly.
    12 O Lord of hosts,
        blessed is the one who trusts in you!

    Psalm 114:7-8

    Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
        at the presence of the God of Jacob,
    8 who turns the rock into a pool of water,
        the flint into a spring of water.

    Psalm 144:9-11

    I will sing a new song to you, O God;
        upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,
    10 who gives victory to kings,
        who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.
    11 Rescue me and deliver me
        from the hand of foreigners,
    whose mouths speak lies
        and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

    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.

  • The Missionary Way

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    Acts 16:27-40

    When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

    35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

    Russian brothers and sisters in Christ hosted us for lunch after worship. | Somewhere East of Moscow | February 1993

    I’ve been on several mission trips. The first was to Moscow, Russia where we not only shared the gospel with doctors and nurses there, we also visited a women’s prison, a Russian Orthodox monastery, and a small church after a cold ninety-minute train ride east of Moscow. It was an enchanting experience. The people there were very open to hearing about Jesus, and very willing to receive us graciously. Other trips included providing a one-week vision clinic in Kenya, and visiting small towns and large cities in China. One element of each of those mission trips was a time of fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters there, as well usually an excursion of interest – some down time while there.

    I don’t want to compare our brief mission trips to Paul’s missionary activity except to say that not every moment is filled with front line gospel presentation activities. There is down time, times of worship and mutual encouragement, even a bit of R&R. Except for the R&R part, we are seeing these here in Paul and Silas’ time in Philippi. They definitely had times of clear gospel preaching. They got in trouble because of their confrontation of the demon-influenced servant girl who lost her money-making benefit to her masters. But even in prison they had their moments of worship. And after their release from jail, they reconnected with the new converts in the area as well as Lydia who had provided hospitality for them following her conversion.

    Some people may have the idea that there can never be any down time if we are truly faithful disciples of Jesus. Every moment must be filled with Jesus talk and gospel sharing. It is true that Jesus is part of all of our lives as believers. Even Jesus was not always on the front lines of ministry. He sometimes withdrew for times of solitude and prayer. He was befriended by Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

    Sometimes I’ve felt a bit self-conscious about those little diversions from the main work of the mission trip. But as I consider Paul’s example, I realize that those times not on the front lines are also important – if for no other reason than to strengthen the new believers and gain encouragement from them in the process.

    Those times are at least in part what Jesus means when he speaks of abiding in him. Resting, staying, remaining, settling – so that we may produce the kind of fruit that honors God, blesses our neighbor, and renews our spirts.

    Years ago, when a coworker found out that I was going to the seminary, he asked Diane, “What do you do for fun?” I suppose he thought every moment of a pastor’s life was filled with sermonizing, Bible reading, praying, and religious stuff. We do spend all our time with Jesus – at our best – and need him most at our worst. But he’s with us on the front lines of the mission as well as in the moments of rest and relaxation life sometimes affords. And on more than one occasion, we’ve been able to share the gospel even in those down times. You never know when the opportunity may arise.

  • Not so fast!

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    Acts 16:27-40

    When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

    35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

    Phoenix Bougainvillea-4 | Phoenix, AZ | February 2024

    A good friend of mine was elected to an important ministry position. He was among some 40 or more others so elected. At the first meeting each of these men chose their seats, claiming their place at the table. The next day he came in and one of his colleagues had taken his spot. When he asked the man to move, he refused. So my friend took matters into his own hands. He took the chair the man was sitting in and moved it aside to another spot, and took the chair from that spot and moved it to his then-vacant spot. I got a chuckle out of that. But it was a very real power play that didn’t work out like the seat usurper had intended. There were dynamics at play that made it necessary for my friend to assert himself. Harmless, really. But necessary.

    The stakes are much higher with Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail. When the magistrates send the police telling Paul and Silas to go, Paul will have nothing of it. He is going to make a point of this. He is no wimp. He will not be discarded casually. The people responsible for this injustice will come and apologize. Paul and Silas are Roman citizens by birth. They had rights that were violated. They would not go quietly into the night – or morning for that matter. They demand an apology. And they get it.

    Why draw this line? Why make a big deal out of it? Why do they require an apology? I suspect the reason is far beyond Paul and Silas’ bruised egos. I believe it had to do with the way forward for the mission of God. They hadn’t finished their mission. There was more they were going to do. There were more cities to visit – all of which would be in the Roman Empire. Their citizenship would protect them and allow their missionary work to continue. They would not be easily put aside.

    All this is made clear by the manner in which they leave the city. They don’t walk out of the jail and immediately on to Corinth or back to Antioch. They go back to Lydia’s house and the other believers there. Once they had encouraged them – and only after doing so – they leave. We’ll see in the next chapter that they go through Amphipolis (now called Amfipoli) and Apollonia (the location of which is not certain, although possible locations have been identified) and on to Thessalonica (now called Thessaloniki). We’ve visited Philippi as well as other cities of Paul’s missionary journey. These are real places.

    God’s providence shines through all of Paul’s missionary work. It is for the sake of Paul’s wellbeing and even more for the sake of the gospel message. Followers of Jesus need never be bullied. Standing up for the sake of the gospel is sometimes necessary. Sometimes it may bring trouble. But sometimes even governmental regulations can aid and protect God’s servants. I thank God for those brave men and women who will not be sidelined in their witness to Jesus.

  • Wondering About Another

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    Acts 16:27-40

    When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

    35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

    Phoenix Bougainvillea-3 | Phoenix, AZ | February 2024

    I didn’t feel all that brave. But if only I’d known. Laurine told me, “You’re really brave going to see Bruce.” She had seen him, a Christian counselor. He had a huge impact in her life and the life of her husband. Others testified to his gifts and impact in their lives. “I’ve seen some powerful things happen in that room,” Linda told me. Indeed. So did I. I experienced them. And somehow those things impacted me.

    I thought I was OK, a good guy, faithful pastor, loving husband, caring father. And maybe that’s all true. But sometime later I heard someone say, “He’s really changed. I can see it in him.” They were talking about me. The change had come in ways subtle to me, but noticeable to close friends and those two sisters in Christ. Maybe Diane as well. I don’t think I turned from a bad person into a good person. I suppose I was just more self aware. And self awareness enables a person to be more self-giving – if the Holy Spirit is at work in that self-aware person.

    I wonder whether the people in Mr. Jailer’s household rejoiced that he had believed in God because that belief shaped his heart differently toward them. I wonder whether there was someone in their household who had been praying that God – the true God – would come into this man’s life. It’s not that God lives in a vacuum afterall. There were people in King Herod’s household who believed.

    Perhaps there was a Mr. Jailer’s mother-in-law, or father who was praying that God would touch this man’s heart. And now their prayers were being answered – perhaps even beyond their imaginations. To become a God Fearer meant that a non-Jew would be sympathetic to the Jewish faith. They might observe certain of the Jewish customs, rites, and traditions. But they would not be fully Jewish. They would, however, respect and appreciate the Jewish faith, and morality. There is no evidence of any such person in Mr. Jailer’s household. But it is interesting to me that the whole household rejoiced that they had believed in God.

    There may be a lost son, a wayward daughter, a stubborn husband, an estranged mother, or a good friend for whom you would rejoice were he or she to come to faith. Whether or not there was a person in Mr. Jailer’s household who was praying for his conversion we can only speculate. But there need be no speculation as to whether you can be the person who is praying for that certain someone. May God honor your prayers and bring him or her to Himself. Hopefully it won’t take an earthquake or a night in jail to make it happen!

  • Rejoicing

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    Acts 16:27-40

    When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

    35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

    Phoenix Bougainvillea-2 | Phoenix, AZ | February 2024

    I remember vividly the feeling of relief that washed over me on that spring late morning. We had taken our youngest son for a test to determine whether he had Cystic Fibrosis disease (CF). He had been born with a condition that 99.999% of the time indicates CF. After several weeks, when the child is old enough to sweat, the sweat chloride test is given. The results of that test in our case were negative. And when medical tests come back with a negative result, it’s almost always good news. This was remarkably good news. And I was greatly relieved and deeply thankful. We said a prayer of thanks then and there. Heartfelt. Sincere. Joy-filled.

    Perhaps you can remember a time you were deeply thankful. A birth of a child. A family gathered around the table at Thanksgiving. Everyone together at Christmas. A much needed raise or promotion. A wedding or baptism. A home sold. Your prayers ascend to God in sincerity and truth.

    When was the last time you’ve been thankful for your faith and belief in Jesus? This is the response of the Philippian Jailer and his family. Luke tells us that “he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.”

    I recall the joy of a former Mormon who was brought to faith in Jesus. She couldn’t wait to be baptized. She knew she was saved by grace through faith in Jesus. She also knew that baptism seals the promises of Jesus for her. When she was baptized, she was also both relieved and thankful. It was so obviously important to her. And she was so obviously joyful and thankful.

    This is the attitude of the Jailer. It must have been so obvious that Luke noticed. But it’s more than the fact of joy and thankfulness. They were thankful that they had believed in God. I might qualify that a bit. They were thankful that they believed in the living God, the true God, the in-your-daily-life God, the present God, the real God. Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury were not just names of planets. They were gods to whom the Romans would look depending on their circumstances and needs. Furthermore they sought to ingratiate themselves to these gods by sacrifices or rituals designed to earn their favor.

    The true, living, gracious God did not need to be manipulated or bought off. His favor came to people by his grace. And just as the jailer discovered, he wanted nothing more than their faith. And even that was not a matter of his need, but of our blessing. For to believe in his goodness, grace, love, and salvation aligns us with the gifts he offers. We’re saved by faith because the gift is already there. Faith receives it.

    I’m certain I don’t often enough give thanks to God for my faith, for his salvation, for coming to me, for showing me himself. This jailer and his family are good reminders and examples for us all.

  • Ripples

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    Acts 16:27-40

    When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

    35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

    Paperflower Bougainvillea | Phoenix, AZ | February 2024

    Throw a stone into a calm pond. Throw a stone into a raging ocean. You’ll see the ripples on the pond’s surface. You’ll likely not notice even a single ripple 2 seconds after the stone hits the waters of the raging sea. The evidence of the impact is commensurate with the calmness of the waters. “For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength’” (Isaiah 20:15). 

    That’s all well and good – except on this occasion. I cannot imagine a more tumultuous situation than that in which Paul and Silas are imprisoned – together with all the reasons that led to them being thrown into the inner jail. Then comes an earthquake. Then comes jailer who is ready to kill himself, fearing the prisoners had escaped, and Paul’s reassuring “We’re all here!” Tumultuous times indeed.

    But this stone the builders rejected is the chief cornerstone. And his message is a bigger bolder than all this tumult. In the midst of all the turmoil swirling around him he asks what he must do to be saved. The answer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” overwhelms the bedlam, and the ripples of this simple answer reach into his family.

    The jailer believes and is baptized. So also is his family. And to be clear “all who were in his house” most certainly included not just his immediate family. Households in those days included multiple generations, slaves, servants and their families. We don’t know how many there were, but Luke makes it clear it wasn’t must Mr. & Mrs. Jailer. “All his family,” and “His entire household,” is a clear indication of the impact of the gospel message reaching farther and farther into the lives of more and more people.

    Maybe you can identify the place and time the Gospel message impacted you and your loved ones. Perhaps it wasn’t a whole family event. It might have been. Be sure of this, however, the stone the builders rejected has made quite an impact in many people’s lives down through the ages. And the ripples continue to spread.