David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

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.”

  • Radical Transformation Measured Response

    Acts 9:17-31

    So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. 

    For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

    23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

    26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

    31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

    Green Heron-II | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    When I was first in ministry, my wife lovingly told me, “You don’t have to have a chip on your shoulder about being a Lutheran.” Perhaps she recognized an over-abundance of zealotry on my part. Some of that was bred into me by my seminary education. I had learned so much! And I love Lutheran theology! Some of it may have had to do with being identified by some as an up-and-coming political force in our church body. Whew! Were they wrong!

    Whatever the reason, apparently I was pretty zealous in my defense of sound theology centered in Jesus, grounded in his word, and confessed for centuries by faithful men and women. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just a thing.

    Saul was a zealous convert to this faith. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection had struck him blind. Now that he could see – both physically and spiritually – he was out to tell everyone he could this great and good news. Luke tell us, “For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’” He reasoned with the Jews, proving that Jesus was the Christ. I’m guessing theirs was a measured response.

    A recent Barna poll revealed “Teens’ Perspective of Jesus Christ.” 47% of all Teens and 61% of Christians believe that Jesus was crucified. 33% of all Teens and 50% of Christians believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. 21% of all Teens and 32% of Christians believe that Jesus is active in the world today.

    Ugh. It seems clear to me that somehow we must help our teens (and the rest of the generations) realize that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ, crucified, dead, buried, raised from the dead and coming again to receive his own into his eternal kingdom. I’m not sure how zealous we need to be, but I am sure we cannot sit back and let this trend continue. Measured response or not, let’s make it clear that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

  • The Pathway of a Transformed Life

    Acts 9:17-31

    So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. 

    For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

    23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

    26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

    31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

    Green Heron | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    Years ago I sought the help of a Christian counselor. His name is Bruce and he was a powerful influence in my life, and his ministry to me literally did change my life. I remember two different comments by others regarding this experience. One said, “You’re really brave going to see Bruce.” I learned that another had spoken about me saying “He’s really changed.”

    In regard to the first comment, I had no idea how brave I was being – even though it turned out to require far more courage to complete the process than I had initially realized. As far as really changing, I must simply allow the comment to have been true. I was not aware of a major personal transition.

    Saul would need great courage to complete the work that God had in store for him. In fact, Jesus had already told Ananias, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:16) And his life will have been dramatically transformed. It would not be either quick or easy. But it would come.

    The dramatic transformation would come through a lightning strike, a blindness, a healing, and time. And people were amazed. Can this be the same one who had made havoc with us? Is this for real? On top of that the Jews were out to kill him. Doubters on one side. Killers on the other. What kind of transformation is this? Isn’t life supposed to get better when God transforms us into something better?

    The pathway will not be an easy one. But Saul will be delivered. He will be encouraged. He will serve faithfully. God’s kingdom will grow. The church will multiply. Perhaps we will play a role in someone’s transformation. Maybe we’re being transformed. This is the good and gracious work of Jesus for our good and the blessing of many.

  • Promises in the Face of Suffering

    Acts 9:1-16

    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

    10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

    TRi-Colored Heron Takes Flight-2 | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    I used to think I had a high tolerance for pain. Maybe I did, but it showed. One Sunday, sometime before I had hip replacement surgery I was in pain. I was standing behind the altar in worship and in order to deal with the pain, I gripped a small piece of trim on the back of the altar. Diane was playing the piano at that service and was in easy eye contact with me. She later asked me, “What did I do wrong today?”

    What do you mean?

    You were glaring at me.

    No I wasn’t.

    Oh you were. What did I do wrong? 

    Nothing!

    Why were you glaring at me then…Oh, wait. Were you in pain?

    That’s when I decided it was time for surgery. The pain was clouding my expression of love and kindness.

    Jesus tells Ananias, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” And Saul, who becomes Paul when he begins his missionary work among the Gentiles learns about suffering. He writes:

    Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. – 2 Corinthians 11:24-28

    It takes a certain intrepidity to keep going in the face of such persecution. There’s no surgery to remove those kinds of pains. But Paul endured them all because he was convinced of something we all need to remember. He writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

    I’m not going to equate my hip pain with suffering for the sake of Jesus’ name. But I do believe that whatever inconvenience, pain, suffering or worse we must endure because we follow Jesus will pale in comparison to the joy and restoration in the life of the world to come. It could be as simple as losing an hour of sleep in order to attend worship. It could be giving a sacrificial gift for the sake of God’s mission. It could mean enduring ridicule because we actually believe in Jesus. For some it’s far worse.

    Whatever the pain or loss, we have the promise of Jesus:  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. (Mark 8:35)

  • When do you pray?

    Acts 9:1-16

    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

    10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

    TRi-Colored Heron Takes Flight | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    I would get to the church early, before anyone was around, walk around the empty sanctuary singing hymns out loud and praying. It was 1984, but I wasn’t worried about Big Brother. It was our newborn little brother to his three older brothers for whom I was praying. Earnestly. Desperately. Seeking God’s mercy. Leaning on God’s faithfulness. Singing his praises. Asking for his help.

    These days it is not often so urgent. But I still do pray. Every night my phone lights up with texts from call committee members from three different churches. They are seeking a man to serve as their pastor, and I am joining them at 9 PM praying for them. I include prayers for three other churches who don’t have a 9 PM texting ritual of Amens but who have set aside a specific time each day to pray. Every afternoon at 3:33 my phone begins to blink Amens from members of our home Life Group. We chose that time because of God’s promise through the prophet in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

    We pray at meal times, and when we go to bed on a regular basis. But there are those times when it becomes vitally important to pray with urgency, clarity, anticipation, and out of a desperate need. Those prayers are different. Or perhaps I should say we express them from a different awareness of our urgent need.

    I wonder what Saul’s cohearts thought of this situation. I wonder where they were as Saul was blind and stymied there in Damascus.  I wonder if he dismissed his entourage, sending them back to Jerusalem while he waited it out on Straight Street. But I don’t wonder what he was doing. “Saul is praying,” God tells Ananias. Saul was in trouble. Blind and no longer large and in charge. No longer taking care of God’s business. Calling on God to help him in his time of need.

    God will answer Saul’s prayer. Out of great love for Saul and for all people, God will send Ananias to heal his physical blindness. He was still in the process of being healed of his spiritual blindness. But that too will come. In fact, I wonder whether Saul’s prayers were two-fold: Help me see how I was persecuting Jesus, and the implications of his intervention in my life. And let me see again. 

    Is there a prayer on your heart? God is listening. The answer might be more nuanced and complex than you imagine. But it will be a good answer. For God listens to those who call on him in Jesus – whenever that prayer arises.

  • Ananias

    Acts 9:1-16

    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

    10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

    TRi-Colored Heron | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    Where are you off to now?

    I’m heading over to Straight Street.

    Whatever for? 

    There’s someone I need to see.

    Who would that be?

    It’s a man in need.

    What man?

    His name is Saul.

    Saul who?

    Saul of Tarsus…now I know what you’re going to say. But just wait.

    What do you mean, just wait! I know about this man. He’s a real trouble-maker. He has the authority to haul us both off to prison. All because we follow Jesus of Nazareth. 

    Yes, but God told me to go and heal him of his blindness.

    What! So you’re a healer now??!!!

    Such might have been a conversation between Ananias and his wife. It could also be reframed as a conversation between Ananias and God. Are you sure you want me to go and heal Saul?!? I’ve heard about him…

    Saul’s reputation may have preceded him. But it was about to change. Dramatically. And Ananias was to play a major role in bringing about that change. Scales would fall from Saul’s eyes. New understandings about the depth of God’s grace and mercy were soon to be revealed. God’s goodness was being played out in the life of one Saul of Tarsus at the hands of Ananias of Damascus.

    Maybe you’ll never lay hands on someone and give them sight. But you may open someone’s eyes to God’s grace and truth by your words, acts of kindness, listening ear, or prayers. The challenge may not be as daunting, or maybe even more so. But think of the joy you’ll experience when you unlock someone’s heart to God’s salvation!

  • The Body of Christ

    Acts 9:1-16

    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

    10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

    Green Heron | South Padre Island Bird Center | September 2023

    Peter describes the people of God as living stones being built into a temple of praise to God (1 Peter 2:4-5). Is it any wonder? Jesus called Peter the Rock upon which he would build his church (Matthew 16:18). Paul, on the other hand speaks of the church as the body of Christ. Certainly his preference for that term relates to this very passage. Saul is on the way to persecute Christians, men and women alike. Jesus calls out to him saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” [emphasis added]

    Saul did not realize that Jesus was so fully connected to his people that when he was persecuting Jesus’ followers, he was persecuting Jesus himself.

    The question itself is profound. “Why are you persecuting me?” What was Saul’s motive? Why was he so driven? What was at work in him that would cause him to act so zealously? What did he think he needed to do? Who was he protecting? Why?

    Such behavior always puzzles me. I once asked a fellow pastor why he felt the need to act so unkindly toward fellow pastors who he believed to be wrong. “You don’t have to do that,” I said. “Oh, yes I do. They must be stopped!” he replied. Somehow he felt the need to defend the truth (as he saw it); as though God had no other means by which to see that truth prevails.

    God’s means in this case was to knock Saul to the ground and strike him blind. This was not merely to protect the truth (it will stand in the end). His dramatic intervention was to protect his people, and to bring more people into the body of Christ. God didn’t want merely to stop Saul from persecuting him and his people. He wanted to set Saul on a new course and expand the blessings of his grace to more people who were desperately in need. Saul will be his tool to do just that. From Body of Christ persecutor to Body of Christ builder!

    Paul would later write to the church in Corinth about their relationship to Jesus and to each other. He would tell them that they are the body of Christ and each one valuable to Jesus and to each other. He had to learn his lesson the hard way. But he learned it. And he became God’s messenger of grace, mercy, and peace for millions through his missionary efforts and his letters.

  • Who may serve the cause of the Gospel?

    Acts 9:1-16

    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

    10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

    Drying His Wings | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    Years ago I heard Chuck   describe a fictional assessment of Jesus’ chosen 12 disciples. His fictional Galilean Consultants Group offered this assessment to Jesus thinking that they had some insights that Jesus lacked. They identified Peter as too impetuous, Philip as too slow, Thomas as too untrusting, James and John as too hot-headed, and so forth. The only one they deemed to be a good candidate for his enterprise was Judas!

    I think of that as I think of the reaction of Ananias – and no doubt many others – at the idea that Saul of Tarsus would serve the cause of the Gospel of Jesus. Not only was he, in his own words, “a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. He was well-educated and well-connected with the Jewish elite. This guy was a giant enemy of the earliest followers of Jesus.

    His own profession:

    If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. – Philippians 3:4-6

    Saul was on a mission. But that mission was about to change dramatically. We’re talking 180 degree turnaround. Enemy of Christ to the most dedicated of missionaries for Christ. Persecutor of the body of Christ to builder of the body of Christ.

    You may count someone out. You may believe he or she could never serve the cause of Christ, or even come to believe in him. You may assume there is no hope. This event should embolden us all to hold on to hope. God’s reach is farther than our imagination. He does things beyond all that our human minds can imagine. His grace reaches farther than we can see. His love is stronger than the worst hate. His purposes are higher than our most holy dreams.

    That does not only apply to that other person whom you think too far gone, too antagonistic, too embittered. That also applies to you and me. Who knows how we might serve Christ’s cause in the days and years to come. Hopefully it won’t take being struck with blindness and having to grope along the way in order for God to break through to us.

    CORRECTION: In last Friday’s post, Chosen, I incorrectly identified Philip who evangelized the Ethiopian Eunuch as the apostle who asked Jesus to, “show us the Father…”. The Acts 8 Philip is Philip the evangelist. All the apostles remained in Jerusalem. The Philip in Acts 8 is one of the deacons, and is named in Acts 6:5. That paragraph now reads:

    And what of Philip? He was chosen initially to be a deacon to help with the daily distribution of food. His initial task was not to evangelize.  But he is chosen to bring the message of Jesus to this man, and does so with clarity and confidence.

  • Today’s Psalms for October 15, 2023

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

    Psalm 15

    O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?
        Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

    2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
        and speaks truth in his heart;
    3 who does not slander with his tongue
        and does no evil to his neighbor,
        nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
    4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
        but who honors those who fear the Lord;
    who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
    5 who does not put out his money at interest
        and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
    He who does these things shall never be moved.

    Psalm 45:6

    Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
        The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.

    Psalm 75:1-5

    We give thanks to you, O God;
        we give thanks, for your name is near.
    We recount your wondrous deeds.

    2 “At the set time that I appoint
        I will judge with equity.
    3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
        it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
    4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
        and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
    5 do not lift up your horn on high,
        or speak with haughty neck.’”

    Psalm 105:1-11, 43-45

    Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
        make known his deeds among the peoples!
    2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
        tell of all his wondrous works!
    3 Glory in his holy name;
        let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
    4 Seek the LORD and his strength;
        seek his presence continually!
    5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
        his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
    6 O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
        children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

    7 He is the LORD our God;
        his judgments are in all the earth.
    8 He remembers his covenant forever,
        the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
    9 the covenant that he made with Abraham,
        his sworn promise to Isaac,
    10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
        to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
    11 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
        as your portion for an inheritance.

    43 So he brought his people out with joy,
        his chosen ones with singing.
    44 And he gave them the lands of the nations,
        and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil,
    45 that they might keep his statutes
        and observe his laws.
    Praise the LORD!

    Psalm 135:1-7, 13-14

    Praise the LORD!
    Praise the name of the LORD,
        give praise, O servants of the LORD,
    2 who stand in the house of the LORD,
        in the courts of the house of our God!
    3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
        sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
    4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
        Israel as his own possession.

    5 For I know that the LORD is great,
        and that our LORD is above all gods.
    6 Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,
        in heaven and on earth,
        in the seas and all deeps.
    7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
        who makes lightnings for the rain
        and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.

    13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
        your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
    14 For the Lord will vindicate his people
        and have compassion on his servants.

    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.

  • Chosen

    Acts 8:26-40

    Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

    “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
        and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
        so he opens not his mouth.
    33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
        Who can describe his generation?
    For his life is taken away from the earth.”

    34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

    Willet | South Padre Island Bird Center | September 2023

    I’ve been binge watching The Chosen, a wonderful TV production of the lives of Jesus and his chosen disciples. It is so heartwarming to see how desperate people are so deeply blessed by Jesus’ ministry of miraculous healing, exorcism, or teaching. Peter lands a boatload of fish just when he needs it, and follows Jesus. Mary is restored from demon possession by Jesus’ touch. Matthew begins to wonder about his chosen profession as a tax collector. The Chosen is about Jesus’ ministry, but even more about those whom he chose to be his followers.

    Here we see three chosen ones. Philip is chosen to bring the gospel message to the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Ethiopian is chosen to be brought to faith and baptized. This is how far will God to to show his love for all people and the breadth of the Gospel promise.

    According to Deuteronomy 23:1, eunuchs were not allowed to enter the assembly of the Lord. But here he is, learning of Jesus, being baptized. Rejoicing along his way. A new day has come. And this Ethiopian is chosen to make it clear that all are welcome in the kingdom of God. What a blessed choice!

    And what of Philip? He was chosen initially to be a deacon to help with the daily distribution of food. His initial task was not to evangelize.  But he is chosen to bring the message of Jesus to this man, and does so with clarity and confidence.

    But there is another chosen one. He was chosen before the foundation of time to redeem God’s people. The Suffering Servant of Isaiah had been chosen by God to make all this possible. Announced by Isaiah 750 years prior to Jesus’ birth, God was sending his Servant to redeem us.

    You have been chosen by God as well. By his grace he chose us to be holy and precious in his sight. All this by God’s gracious choice.

  • Divine Appointments

    Acts 8:26-40

    Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

    “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
        and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
        so he opens not his mouth.
    33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
        Who can describe his generation?
    For his life is taken away from the earth.”

    34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

    Great Kiskadee | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    Jerry opened the door to what proved to be a darkroom. Diane was invited to a party by someone who was not going to be there. I met a fourth year seminarian on my first day on campus. C. Peter Wagner wanted to pray for me during a break. Richard reached out to me to have a weekly time of Bible study and prayer. Gary asked if we could be friends.

    One of those was not pleasant. Another still begs explanation. The others ushered in remarkable new opportunities for God’s blessings and good things to unfold in my life. The fourth year seminarian was just rude. C. Peter Wagner’s prayer and God’s answer in that moment remain a mystery. But these were not mere happenstance. There are no coincidences with God. These were all divine appointments.

    Paul speaks of God’s involvement in the life and affairs of men and women over history.

    And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for, “‘In him we live and move and have our being.’” – Acts 17:26-27

    The difficult encounter with the fourth-year seminarian thought me to be more gracious and patient with others. The puzzling encounter with C. Peter Wagner and his prayer taught me not to predetermine what God can or will do. Jerry ushered me to photography, the Lutheran Church, and the pastoral ministry. The party to which Diane was invited was where we met. Less than 2 years later we were married.

    I’ve experienced other divine appointments as well. A bedside conversion of a man near death. A challenging encounter with a man more worried about getting over his cough than his eternal wellbeing. Both were times and places not of my choosing, and design. God was setting it up.

    I confronted the man more worried about his cough than eternity and he began to cry. I shared with him the mercy of God, forgiveness through faith in Jesus, and the hope of eternal life. The other man was pretty satisfied with himself, until I asked (relative to his standing before God based on his good works), “Do you think that’s enough?” He started to cry as well. I shared the gospel with him and he confessed his faith.

    Divine appointments are not always so profound. But God does bring us into contact with people all the time who may be ready to hear of Jesus and his salvation. Lord, open our eyes to the divine appointments you set up for us each day!