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.”
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
Psalm 34:1-3, 8
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 64:10
Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!
Psalm 94:12-15
Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, 13 to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; 15 for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Psalm 124
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— 2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; 4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; 5 then over us would have gone the raging waters.
6 Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! 7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Aspiring Blossom | Mercer Arboretum | May 2023
Diane and I will soon be teaching pastors and their spouses in Tanzania. The focus of this immersion in missional leadership is Together in Mission. One of the key ideas we’ll be sharing is that Jesus calls everyone to be a disciple, each day, everywhere we go. Following Jesus and inviting others to join us in the following is a way of life, not an optional extra work for those who believe in Jesus.
I remember the time I shared this idea with a friend. He was a dedicated Christian. He led a decent, godly, and morally upright life. He was even a leader in the church I was serving at the time. He balked, however, at the idea of being called a disciple. To him a disciple was a sort of super-Christian. A disciple was someone who lived in Bible times and hung out with Jesus on a regular basis. He had to rethink Jesus’ great commission: Make disciples of all nations. Make disciples, not just converts. Not merely people who believe in him. Disciples are followers of Jesus who make other disciples who make other disciples. We’re all called to this. That’s quite a challenging call!
We who have called on the name of the Lord have been saved. Now we carry his message of salvation to others. Thankfully we’re not called to do this on our own. God has sent his Holy Spirit – just as he promised to do through the prophet Joel.
Joel 2:28-29, 32
“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. … 32 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,
This is for us all: Young and old, women and men, new believer and life-long Christian. It’s a high calling and a great privilege. We don’t do this alone. Thank God for his Holy Spirit who works in and through us to bring this good news to others!
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
Crinum Lilies-In-Waiting | Mercer Arboretum | May 2023
The year was 2000. We were sitting in the square of Munich, Germany and I wanted to go buy some postage stamps so we could mail postcards back to the United States. Diane was with me, and I practiced, “Ich möchte zehn Briefmarken für die Vereinigten Staaten, bitte.” (I want 10 postage stamps for the United States, please.) I went to the post office and did my best possible, “Ich möchte zehn Briefmarken…” The postal clerk got the stamps and said in perfect English(!), “That’ll be ten bucks.” So much for my German language prowess.
Diane, on the other hand navigated a transaction in a German bakery completely in German later that day. She had studied in Germany years earlier and she said she got to the point that she would almost dream in German. I’ve never even gotten lose to dreaming in German, French, Greek or Hebrew – although I can wade through some of those given enough time and grace.
On Pentecost 33 AD, God opened hearts to the Good News of Jesus through the message spoken by the disciples in the various languages of the people who had gathered in Jerusalem for this major Old Testament festival. Those who heard it marveled that they were hearing of the mighty deeds of God in their own tongues. The message didn’t have to be translated. It went straight to their hearts.
Heart language is the language we think in, dream in, and in which we speak to our dearest lover. No translation is needed. For a deaf person it is ASL. For a Mexican immigrant it is likely Spanish. For a citizen of Munich it would be German. And while the sounds might be different, the meaning behind those sounds is the same.
I shared this thought with the children at church last Sunday. I had sheets of paper reading, “Jesus loves you,” in various languages:
Ο Ιησούς σε αγαπάει (Greek)
Jesus amat te (Latin)
ישו אוהב אותך (Hebrew)
Jesus liebt dich (German)
Iso sizni sevadi (Uzbek)
Ježiš ťa miluje (Slovak)
Jesús te ama (Spanish)
Yesu anakupenda (Swahili)
Jésus t’aime (French)
المسيح يحبك (Arabic)
耶穌愛你 (Chinese)
यीशु आपसे प्यार करते हैं (Hindi)
There are many more languages into which those words have been translated over the years. Groups like Lutheran Bible Translators and Wycliffe Bible Translators have translated the Bible into many different languages. The sounds vary by language. But the message is the same, “Jesus loves you.” That’s the good news that needs to get to our heart.
Sometimes, however, our hearts need to be broken before the sweetness of Jesus’ love finds its way there. God used Peter’s sermon that day to do just that and Luke reports that, “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’” Repent and be baptized Peter says. And you will be saved. That calling remains true today, and continues to strike the hearts of many.
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
Crinum Lily | Mercer Arboretum | May 2023
What’s going on here?!? I’ve said that more than a few times as our sons were growing up. They’d be fighting, making or causing a ruckus of one kind or another. And I wanted an answer. Actually I wanted more than an answer. I wanted the comotion to cease and things to return to peace and calm. Indeed, how un-good and unpleasant it is when brothers don’t dwell together in harmony (apologies to David, Psalm 133).
In the eyes of the onlookers on the occasion of Pentecost Sunday 33AD, these goings on were quite an eruption of impropriety and chaos. This was the end of the Old Testament Feast of Weeks celebration. As a result there would be five or six times the normal population of Jerusalem present in the city. That was certainly enough chaos to begin with. Now you have this rushing wind and a rowdy gang of religious outsiders is speaking in languages previously unknown to them! What’s going on here? Where did this gale-force wind come from?!?
I’m sure the Jewish leaders were thinking, this is our feast. This isn’t how we celebrate the Feast of Weeks and the fulfillment of Pentecost. [see note below for a fuller explanation of the Old Testament Feast of Pentecost celebration.] We Christians can easily understand this today as well. What if some Sunday morning such an event would take place? I’d certainly want to know what is happening! I’d be skeptical. I’d be anxious and feel insecure. After all, I am (or was!) in charge. I’m supposed to lead these people! I need to get this back on track.
Something a bit similar did happen in a church I was serving years ago. The children of our church’s Child’s Day Out program sang at our Thanksgiving Eve service. When their song was over utter chaos broke out in the service. I mean, utter chaos. People applauded (nothing different about that). But then parents stood up and were calling out loud for their child. A full-blown ruckus broke out. I remember standing in the front of the congregation and wondering, How am I ever going to get things back under control! It was not the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. But I believe it was from God. He was awakening us to the importance and value parents place on their children. We had a sacred trust in caring for them.
Keeping our hearts and habits open to the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit is a must if we are to follow Jesus. It may mean some very different things happen around and in us. But I’ll quote the Jesus character in the incredibly impactful series The Chosen. When one of the disciples says, “This is different.” The Jesus character says, “Get used to different.” Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten the hearts of your people, and guide our paths to follow Jesus!
The Feast of Pentecost did not exist in isolation on Israel’s calendar of special days. It was closely linked to, and dated from, celebrations connected with the Passover. The Passover feast was celebrated at twilight in the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month (Lev 23:5). It was followed on the fifteenth day by the beginning of the closely related seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev 23:6). On the next day, the sixteenth, the first fruits of the (barley) harvest had to be brought to the Lord (Lev 23:11, cf. vv. 6-7). Seven weeks and one day later, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) was celebrated, during which, among other things, offerings from the grain (wheat) harvest and two loaves of bread had to be brought to God (Exod 34:22; Lev 23:15- 17).
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Crinum Lily | Mercer Arboretum | May 2023
Several years ago we were providentially prevented from being in public worship for three weeks in a row. Whether through travel, location, or schedule, we were unable to make it to church on three Sundays in a row. It was more painful and difficult than I had imagined it would be. I recall two respites – breaths of fresh air during that time – during those three weeks. One was when we visited Notre Dame Cathedral, and there was a worship service in Russian at the time. A small group of people had gathered and were praying. God’s Spirit was there – even though we could not understand the words that were being spoken.
The second breath happened in London at St. Paul’s Cathedral. We were enjoying the beautiful architecture of the church. High and beautifully-decorated ceilings, archways, altars, and stained glass conspired to make the church very inspiring. But the moment of breath came when we were asked to remain respectfully quiet during their noon-day practice of prayer. Diane and I sat down as the priest announced that we would be praying for widows, orphans, single mothers, and the ill. Then he prayed the Lord’s Prayer. I could barely speak as we joined in during that brief moment. We were not alone in our faith. We were with others who called on God. It refreshed our souls.
We are stronger together. On that Pentecost Sunday, the disciples were all together in one place. There was a physical location, the opportunity to see face to face, and to hear one another express their faith, hope, fears, and dreams. This was the occasion on which the Holy Spirit’s gale force wind would blow through them and ignite a fire of grace, mercy, generosity, and salvation for whoever would “call on the name of the Lord.”
And there it is: Calling on the name of the Lord, is a weighted phrase. I like this simple summary on the Got Questions website.
The first mention in Scripture of people calling on the name of the Lord is Genesis 4:26: “Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord.” Here, to call on the name of the Lord means that people began to gather for corporate worship and seeking the help of the Creator.
I don’t understand the use of this phrase in Joel (which Peter is quoting in Acts 2) to mean explicitly that those who gather for corporate worship and seek the help of God. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). There are believers who are completely unable to gather for worship. Think aged, homebound, imprisoned, critically ill. The thief on the cross was not in a public worship service in the normal sense of the term, yet Jesus promised that he would be with him in Paradise.
Some say that they can worship by themselves on the golf course, at the beach, in the woods, or the mountains. Indeed you can. But surely we who believe will want to gather regularly for corporate worship. As the writer of Hebrews says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). You cannot encourage me and others if you are absent from worship. And that is part of the blessing of corporate worship: the mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters in Christ. Gathering together is a command of God, a privilege and a blessing. We should do it to honor God and to bless our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Crinum Lily | Mercer Arboretum | May 2023
We had a wonderful experience worshiping at Westminster Cathedral in London on the Sunday after Easter. The pastor delivered a powerful message about the resurrection of Jesus. He talked about how the disciples of Jesus thought the story was over, and then Jesus appeared to them behind closed doors. The story that they thought was over was alive again. He made the point that when Jesus said, “Peace be with you,” it wasn’t a wish. It was a present reality. A gift. Then Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
“On Pentecost Sunday Jesus’ breath of the Spirit becomes a gale-force wind of the Holy Spirit,” the Westminster Pastor said. Indeed. The sound was like that of a rushing wind. Tongues of fire appear on the Apostles. Then they begin to speak in languages they had not previously known. The people there – Parthians, Medes, people from Mesopotamia and many others hear the message of Jesus in their own language.
God was speaking to them in the languages they thought in. They dreamed in those languages. They spoke to their dearest ones in those languages. God was speaking to them in their heart language. He wanted them to know deeply and certainly that his love and salvation was for them. And us. God has seen to it that this message has been declared to all people throughout the ages. No matter our ethnicity, cultural status, age, sex, or size: God’s love in Jesus is for you.
We cannot believe in Jesus or come to him by our own reason or strength. But the Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel and enlightened us with his gifts. And that same Holy Spirit has inspired believers down through the ages to share the Gospel message. And we are the recipients of his work. The gale-force wind of the Spirit is still blowing. And even today, as God promised through the prophet Joel, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Join me in praying these psalms on this Lord’s Day
Psalm 28
To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.
3 Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts. 4 Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord or the work of his hands, he will tear them down and build them up no more.
6 Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
8 The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. 9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Psalm 58:10-11 [NLT]
The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”
Psalm 88 [NLT]
Note: Read this as if it were Jesus’ prayer when he had been arrested and put into the pit in Pilate’s house.
O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night. 2 Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry. 3 For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near. 4 I am as good as dead, like a strong man with no strength left. 5 They have left me among the dead, and I lie like a corpse in a grave. I am forgotten, cut off from your care. 6 You have thrown me into the lowest pit, into the darkest depths. 7 Your anger weighs me down; with wave after wave you have engulfed me. Interlude
8 You have driven my friends away by making me repulsive to them. I am in a trap with no way of escape. 9 My eyes are blinded by my tears. Each day I beg for your help, O Lord; I lift my hands to you for mercy. 10 Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Interlude
11 Can those in the grave declare your unfailing love? Can they proclaim your faithfulness in the place of destruction? 12 Can the darkness speak of your wonderful deeds? Can anyone in the land of forgetfulness talk about your righteousness? 13 O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day. 14 O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me?
15 I have been sick and close to death since my youth. I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors. 16 Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me. Your terrors have paralyzed me. 17 They swirl around me like floodwaters all day long. They have engulfed me completely. 18 You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend.
Psalm 118:1-4, 24 [ESV]
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 148 [ESV]
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. 6 And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, 8 fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!
9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! 10 Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! 12 Young men and maidens together, old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord!
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Still Waters Respite | Mercer Arboretum | May 2023
Our time at seminary was challenging in many ways. We were two rather willful and self-defined (selfish???) individuals learning to live together, each dealing with our own issues as well as trying to navigate interfacing with the other. Diane’s degree (a B.S. in Biology) yielded a job as a cook in a local cafeteria. She would often say, “I pulled all-nighters for this?!?” She really did earn her PHT (Putting Hubby Through) degree! Then there was the challenging of getting up to speed on Greek, Hebrew, Old Testament History, Lutheran theology, preaching skills, and relational dynamics with others in my class. On top of that we were poor. Really poor. We survived, but it was lean pickings many months.
During those days, I bought Diane a little decorative wheel barrel that had a potted plant. It sat on our kitchen window shelf with “Bloom Where You’re Planted” on the side. It was a challenge to do so. In fact, we were always looking forward to things in the future: our first call, first child, first home and all things future. In the face of some of those challenges someone reminded us, “God knows your address.” In other words, your place in the world is not unknown to God. In fact we have a place in God’s heart.
When the Apostles were praying about the replacement for Judas, they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen…” This same thought has come to the fore in my work of helping congregations through the Call process for a new pastor. The first bullet point on the checklist that I share with any Call Committee in this process is “Bathe the entire process in prayer.” This has been an actual fact and practice, not just an item on the checklist. And the thought that God already knows who will be the next pastor of a congregation engaged in this process is comforting to those who trust God and seek his will.
God already knows not only who the next pastor of a congregation will be. He also knows all your needs, your challenges, fears, hopes, hurts, and desires. Sometimes he must look past your desires (too often tainted by sin), and in his grace give us better things than we want. Because God’s knowledge is inexorably connected with his love, grace, faithfulness, and power, we can be confident that all will be well when we entrust ourselves to his provision, direction, and plan. It is a plan for our eternal good. I need to keep that firmly in mind. I suspect you do too.
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
3 Goldenmane Tickseed, and More on the Way | Mercer Arboretum | May 2023
I’ve had some further thoughts about our little Greek word, “δεῖ.” That’s one of the advantages of taking a portion of Scripture at a time, meditating on it for a week, and writing reflections. The little Greek word, “δεῖ” is small but powerful. It’s the word behind the phrase, “Scripture must be fulfilled,” specifically the “must be,” in that phrase. Another way to translate the word is “it is necessary.” The word crops up in the gospels time and again. And this is what came to me since yesterday’s post.
Matthew reports that Jesus told his disciples, that “he must go [it is necessary] to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” This begins it all. Jesus’ destiny on earth was to be enthroned on a Roman cross, the culmination of a life of teaching, serving, calling people to repent and believe, healing and forgiving sin. All that was necessary for you and for me and our salvation. Jesus did what was necessary for us because he loved his Father and us.
Then we have the necessity of Judas’ replacement, spoken of here by Luke. God’s plans must move forward. The Apostles are an essential part of that plan. They would be the ones proclaiming the message of Jesus in the languages of the many people gathered in Jerusalem for this grand Pentecost Celebration, the Feast of Weeks. They would also be instrumental in opening the doors to the Gentiles at the Council of Jerusalem recorded in Acts 15. Having seen the work of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, they would surely be open to the idea that the Gospel message was open to all people.
Then comes the Prodigal Son parable when the father says, “‘We had to celebrate and rejoice because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’” (Luke 15:32). This echos the celebration of the angels of God when one sinner repents, says Jesus. (cf. Luke 15:7, 10) Joy is a necessity in the Kingdom of God. It is our source of truest strength. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and a beautiful adornment for all the faithful.
So here is the progression: Jesus’ suffering and death, secures our salvation. That mission continues through the Apostles and all believers who share the gospel message of salvation. Then comes the ultimate celebration of joy, and the praise of God’s glorious grace. Reminds me of a favorite song I’ve shared before, but worth sharing again…
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Goldenmane Tickseed-2 | Mercer Arboretum | May 2023
The little Greek word, “δεῖ” is small but powerful. It’s the word behind the phrase, “Scripture must be fulfilled,” specifically the “must be,” in that phrase. Another way to translate the word is “it is necessary.” The word crops up in the gospels time and again. Jesus uses it in the Prodigal Son parable, when the father says, “‘We had to celebrate and rejoice because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’” (Luke 15:32). Matthew 16:21 reads, “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go [it is necessary] to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” This little Greek word, dei (pronounced day-ē with a very subtle ē at the end), packs a powerful punch.
In the case of Scripture being fulfilled, as in this passage, Peter makes the point that Judas’ action was foretold in Scripture, and it was sure to happen. I don’t believe there is much benefit to determining whether or not God caused Judas to betray Jesus, or that it was Judas’ fate because God predestined it to happen. There is a difference between knowing something is going to happen, and causing it to happen. If a prophet of God prophesies it, he does not cause it to happen. But if God says it will happen, it will happen. And God has said that one of Jesus’ disciples would vacate his office and someone else would take his place.
This was all part of God’s plan. And God’s plan will not be thwarted. Not by a betrayal of one of the 12 of Jesus’ disciples. Not by the misguided actions of fearful disciples. Peter cutting off Malcus’ ear, or denying Jesus, or the other disciples fleeing him when Jesus was arrested will not thwart God’s plan. Self-righteous priests and conspiring Roman soldiers will not prevent God’s plan for the redemption of the world through Jesus Christ, his only Son, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the spreading of the word and the conversion of millions.
That’s good news for us who want to see God’s plan succeed. We can be sure that his will is done and his kingdom will come among us and through us to others. We can be certain that the ultimate glory of God’s grace will be realized. We may see people get in the way of God’s plan, they may plot and scheme to undercut the mission of God. But God will prevail – not just in the sense of sovereign power, but more importantly in the sense of abundant grace. For that I am thankful to God!
David Bahn - Reflections 