David Bahn – Reflections

I occasionally figure out what my dear wife wants by virtue of the hints she drops. To be fair, when she’s dropping hints, it’s often the case that my actions should be obvious and it’s pretty easy to figure out what she is expressing. This is about me, not her. Sometimes the directions are clear: Can you take out the garbage please? I try to oblige without complaint.

In the case of the directions given to the apostles on this occasion, there are two conflicting directives. They are both clear. And they are both in contradiction to each other. God tells them to, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” They immediately comply. At daybreak they went to the temple and begin to teach about Jesus.

But then comes the rub. The chief priests find out that the apostles are teaching about Jesus and remind them that they had forbidden them to teach in Jesus’ name.

There is a direct conflict between the two. To whom would they listen? What directive would they obey? Which one would they ignore. In this case the choice was clear. We must obey God rather than man.

Thankfully, I’ve never had to make that choice. I can’t claim that I’ve never sidestepped or (sadly!) ignored one of God’s directives. But I’ve not had to decide whether I do what a government official demands or what God has clearly commanded. That day may come-the way things are going with our government and society’s abandonment of God’s moral moorings. It’s as though we’re tilting toward forced speech, rather than freedom of speech.

When that time comes – if it does in my lifetime – I hope that I have the courage of Peter and the apostles. I hope that God will give me the courage and discernment to obey God rather than man. When it’s that clear, I will certainly need that courage. When it’s not as clear, I will need the Holy Spirit’s discernment. In any case, I am thankful to God for his grace in giving me the opportunity to witness to his truth and the calling to honor him in my obedience.

We were enjoying steam engine train ride on a recent trip. The countryside was gloriously beautiful. The vistas were remarkable. The weather was wonderful. Then a particularly annoying person interfered with our view. She decided to stand on the side of the railroad car and take a video for 20 minutes of the most beautiful portion of the trip. She obscured the view of those on the far side of the railroad car, and gave the people in the seat facing her a not-so-lovely view of the south side of her north-facing body. Her demeanor and generally obnoxious presence was particularly annoying.

I took it as a lesson in the love and grace of God. He loves us all – obnoxious or gracious. He embraces the lovely and the rude. Sometimes it’s the obnoxious person who spoils our view. Sometimes it is the person in the mirror who is more obnoxious than we realize.

Today, however, when I read this portion of Acts, I realize there is an even greater lesson for me. For obnoxious people may be annoying. But there is a whole next level of annoying obnoxiousness. It is displayed by the high priest and his cohort against the apostles. He is not just obnoxious. He is obstreperous. He is not just obstreperous, he is adamantly opposed to the message of Jesus, and will do whatever is necessary to shut down the growth of the early church.

Satan won’t succeed. For the Apostles are freed from prison by divine intervention. And not only this, God sends the apostles right back into the temple to preach the message of Jesus! All this, knowing that the opposition to this message will not relent and there will be more trouble for the apostles. When challenged again, Peter offers this remarkable witness: We must obey God rather than man.

I wonder whether my most annoying person is a gift from God to remind me that there are greater obstacles to preaching the gospel. I’m taking this as a lesson to do whatever I can to prevent Satan from distracting me from God’s call to love him first, and to love my neighbor (even obstreperous neighbors) as myself. This calls me beyond annoyances and petty frustrations to reflect the love and grace of Christ to all.

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

Psalm 6:1-4

O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.
My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O LORD—how long?
Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;
save me for the sake of your steadfast love.

Psalm 36:5-9

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O LORD.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.

Psalm 66:1-5

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name.” Selah
Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.

Psalm 96

Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Psalm 126:1

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

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.

We were meeting, talking about church rules and regulations. Specifically about missions. We were all united in our concern over excess control being exercised over our efforts – especially in foreign mission work. None of us wanted to ignore the larger church, nor keep secret our mission activities. But we didn’t want to have to check our every move and decision with higher-ups. That’s when I said, “When it comes to mission work, give me chaos rather than gridlock any day.” That was greeted with several amens.

Recently I was in conversation with a colleague who is significantly involved in regional mission work efforts. He has coordinated the start of several churches in the greater Houston area, and continues to work on building partnerships among churches and pastors, church planters and missional communities. He was a bit frustrated with the confusion he experienced in trying to develop new partnerships. Some were already forming. Others wondered why he was just then getting to them.

Chaos! It’s better than gridlock. But it is still a challenge.

I think of how many of St. Paul’s letters were written because of some degree of chaos. People problems. Theological missteps. Practical considerations. Financial urgencies. All forms of chaos.

This unfolding situation in the Early Church is no exception. Dramatic events surrounding Ananias and Sapphira give way to great fear. Great fear is countered by miraculous healings, signs, and wonders. The church is growing. Men and women are being brought into the fellowship. People are being saved in the midst of fear, confusion, deceit, and truth.

Maybe you’re like me. Chaos in theory is OK. But sometimes I want a quiet space. That may not be gridlock, but neither is it the only sign of God’s activity. Right now, I’m in a place of peace. But chaos awaits me for the sake of God’s mission. These moments will prepare me for those times of challenge that are a part of God’s work in the world, life in a fallen world, and the making of even greater opportunity for God’s kingdom to be revealed. God is in it all!

I have a love-hate relationship with going to the gym. On the one hand, I hate the idea of getting up early every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, getting on my workout clothes, and heading off to our 7 AM workout class. (Don’t judge me, I know there are those who go at 6 AM and some even at 5! But at least I go.) And sometimes I hate the seemingly-contrived exercises the trainers put us through. But I love the feeling of achievement and success once the workout is ended. And the physical wellbeing is quite rewarding. I love connecting with the trainers and the others in our class as well.

Luke describes a kind of love-hate engagement of the people in Jerusalem with the Apostles and these new Jesus followers. He speaks of the fear that people had toward this fellowship after Ananias and Sapphira dropped dead having been caught in their grave deceit. They were afraid to join this group of believers. They did not consider them to be safe.

But Luke tells us that the believers were held in high esteem, and that new believers were added to their number daily. Peter and the Apostles were surrounded by great excitement and enthusiasm. People were being healed. Men and women were coming to faith. People from surrounding towns were bringing others who were sick and they were all healed.

Maybe I have this sort of dynamic tension in my own relationship with God. On the one hand I love God, deeply desire to honor and serve him. On the other hand, sometimes I am afraid to do what he says. Whether it is to hope boldly, pray courageously and expectantly, or engage fully, I hold back more often than I should.

In the end, however, I go to the gym and gain the worldly benefits of working out. And I believe in God, fearing and loving him above all things. The dynamic tension in my relationship with God is one of daily repentance and faith. I confess my sins to him, and believe his promises of grace, life, forgiveness, and salvation.

We recently had a train adventure. While traveling in France from Paris to Avignon we made it safely to Lyon, where we were to switch trains. So far, so good. Except when leaving from Lyon, we got on the wrong train! When I spoke to the conductor, she explained we would need to get off at the next stop and take the train back to Lyon, get another train to Avignon. Four hours later we arrived safely in Avignon.

These bullet trains raced down the tracks at amazing speeds. When we met a passing train there was a 3 second blur, and we were along our way. We also took the subway in Paris several times. (Don’t worry, these two disparate experiences will come together below.) I noticed something about the rails of the subway trains. They were worn on the outside of the rails. The flanges of the wheels are apparently on the outside of the rails – rather than on the inside. But whether on the inside or the outside, the flanges of the railroad wheels kept the cars on the rails. That’s a good thing at subway or bullet train speeds!

There are also rails which may keep us on track in our Christian walk. Some of those rails are love-based. We love God so we stay close to him and his ways. We want to be with him, so we go where he leads. Those are the good rails. But there are also good rails of a different kind. Those are the rails of fear. For fear of displeasing God, or experiencing God’s judgment we resist temptation. Because we don’t want to experience the same retribution or even the natural consequences that we see in others’ lives, we refrain from certain things. We can learn from our own mistakes. But we can also learn from others’ mistakes.

We can learn something from Ananias and Sapphira! Don’t lie to the Holy Spirit. That is a fatal sin. I think that means pretending to have faith when in fact we do not believe. That means believing that we can hide something from God. That means not acknowledging our true need for God’s grace, and his absolute knowledge of all things.

These are the rails by which we remain true to the path of faith. We should fear and love God, says Martin Luther in his explanation to the 10 commandments. When we resist temptation out of fear of God – or out of love for him – we do well. When neither our fear nor love for God prevent us from sin, we must repent and rejoice in God’s mercy and grace, and remember again his great love for us, and commit to fear and love him above all things.

I love to teach on Christian stewardship. For it is not about raising money, but raising people who recognize that all they have comes from God and that all of life is a matter of stewarding the gifts, resources, and opportunities God gives us. We are as much a steward when we go to the grocery store or enjoy a bottle of wine, or buy a new electronic gadget. This text is very much about money and the attempted dangerous deceit of the Holy Spirit, and, therefore also a profound lesson about Christian stewardship.

Peter’s asks Ananias, “While [the land] remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?” This is a telling question. We are stewards who give freely, not under compulsion. We are entrusted with the privilege and responsibility to manage/steward all that we have for  God’s purposes. We are not owners. But we are not indentured servants. What we have is ours to manage and use, for our own good and the good of others. We honor God not only when we tithe, giving the first fruits to God, when we help our neighbor, and when we care for our family and provide for our needs. We even honor God when we enjoy times of refreshment – whether through vacations, a night out, or a day in the park (when the weather allows it!).

But we do not honor God when we put on a show of our generosity, or try to pull the wool over God’s or others’ eyes seeking to impress people rather than bless them.

I love the insights offered by the Five Capitals teachings. I’ll share more about that tomorrow. And while financial capital is the least impactful and least important of the five capitals (Spiritual, Relational, Physical, Intellectual, and Financial), it is of vital importance. God cares about how we use our financial resources. Freely using all we have for his glory – sharing our wealth and giving to the church for the sake of his Kingdom’s goals – honors him and blesses others. Ananias wanted to honor himself and deceive others. That is truly the work of the devil and a dangerous path of life.

Derek Paulson (not his real name) was a bully by every definition of the term. Once I tried to stand up to him – very unsuccessfully – and got a bloodied nose. Another time he tripped me at recess and begged me not to tell the teacher. I didn’t. But I did have to have stitches in my knee after I got home that day. I wish there were not Derek Paulsons in the world.

There are, however, worse. Putin, Stalin, and Hitler come too easily to mind. Men who bullied, intimidated, and bulldozed anyone in their way to get their way. They harmed many. I wish they had experienced the same comeuppance as did Ananias and Sapphira 2000 years ago. Swift, decisive retribution and justice met out on the spot.

This is the other side of the coin of miraculous healings on one occasion and not on another. Sometimes God strikes blows so obvious and decisive that we must take notice. I think of Herod:

On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. ²² And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” ²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. – Acts 12:21-23

I wish there were not people like that: people who hurt others. People who refuse to give God the glory. People who lie to the Holy Spirit. People who try to impress others rather than God. People of unvarnished evil.

But there are. And why aren’t more of them severely, immediately, and summarily punished? For the same reason we are not severely, immediately, and summarily punished the moment we sin.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9

Sometimes there is a lesson for us, as in this case. Sometimes – though the sin is great – God has other plans for this or that one. Think Peter denying Christ, or Paul approving of Stephen’s stoning.

I wish there were not people like Ananias, Herod, Hitler, or Pol Pot. But I am thankful that there is a God who is gracious toward us sinners, and who forgives our sins, and uses us as a testimony of his grace and love.

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

Psalm 30:1-5

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
² O Lordmy God, I cried to you for help,
    and you have healed me.
³ O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

⁴ Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
⁵ For his anger is but for a moment,
    and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 60:11-12

¹¹ Oh, grant us help against the foe,
    for vain is the salvation of man!
¹² With God we shall do valiantly;
    it is he who will tread down our foes.

Psalm 90

90 Lord, you have been our dwelling place^[a]
    in all generations.
² Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

³ You return man to dust
    and say, “Return, O children of man!”^[b]
4 For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

⁵ You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
⁶ in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers.

⁷ For we are brought to an end by your anger;
    by your wrath we are dismayed.
⁸ You have set our iniquities before you,
    our secret sins in the light of your presence.

⁹ For all our days pass away under your wrath;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
¹⁰ The years of our life are seventy,
    or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span^[c] is but toil and trouble;
    they are soon gone, and we fly away.
¹¹ Who considers the power of your anger,
    and your wrath according to the fear of you?

¹² So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom.
¹³ Return, O Lord! How long?
    Have pity on your servants!
¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
¹⁵ Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    and for as many years as we have seen evil.
¹⁶ Let your work be shown to your servants,
    and your glorious power to their children.
¹⁷ Let the favor^[d] of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and establish the work of our hands upon us;
    yes, establish the work of our hands!

Psalm 120:1

In my distress I called to the Lord,
    and he answered me.

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!^[a]
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!

³ Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
⁴ Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
⁵ Praise him with sounding cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

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 name Jesus comes from the Hebrew name, Yeshua (Joshua in English). The name means, “The Lord saves.” So appropriate for our Lord, Jesus of Nazareth. Joseph is told to name Mary’s son Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus’ name is no accident. It is well-given. Jesus lived up to his name. He did save us from our sins.

You may love or hate your own name. It may seem beautiful to you, or you may wish your parents had named you something different from the name they gave you. But even if you love your name (without self-aggrandizement), what other name might you wish you had? Me: Barnabas.

Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” How I’d love to be known by that name. Don’t call me a son of discouragement. Don’t label me son of criticism. Don’t name me lazy or thoughtless. But if you want to call me a son of encouragement, I’m good with that.

I’m good with that because I am a son of encouragement: I am who I am because of the encouragement of others. I can name a few: Will Sohns was my vicarage supervisor and continues to be a great inspiration for my encore life (continuing to serve as long as I am able). Jerry Kieschnick saw leadership potential in me and nominated me to be part of the first class of the Pastoral Leadership Institute. Even before that time Kent Hunter suggested that I study for my Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Seminary, yielding me far more than the privilege to put a “Dr.” in front of my name. Linda Aves was Director of Discipleship at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas when I was called there. She had a huge impact for good in my personal life and ministry, as did Gary, her husband. Gary and I became good friends there, and was so encouraging to me during the time I served there. I’m in trouble now, because where do I stop in naming those who have encouraged me along the way? I’d have to include Jerry Snell, my good high school friend, photographer who knew as a junior in high school that he wanted to be a Lutheran pastor. Pastor Robert Lange was a great influence for me in so many ways. He was the campus pastor where I became a Lutheran and helped me chart a path to the seminary.

Now I have to be like Martin Luther, who ends his lists of blessings or promises of God with the phrase, “and the like.” Too many to mention. And I’ve not mentioned people still actively in my life (you know who you are, I hope), who serve still to day to encourage me in my walk of faith.

There is one more, worth a brief story. When I was in seminary, I really struggled with some of the classes that were required. One day I was sitting at my desk and pretty distressed about it all. I even spoke about giving up. Diane grabbed a brick from the brick factory I worked in prior to entering the sem. (That was the hardest work I’ve ever done in my life.) She said, “Here. Look at this. Feel it. Do you want to go back to this?” It was a different kind of encouragement. But it was encouragement nonetheless. She has continued to offer gracious encouragement to me all along the way.

Do you have a Barnabas in your life? Are you an encourager? I thank God for all who have encouraged me, and I hope to encourage at least a few people to follow Jesus and experience the fullness of life he gives.