David Bahn - Reflections

Scripture instructs us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, knowing the will of God and doing it (cf. Romans 12). Paul corrects the people on Mars Hill regarding their understanding of God's essence. He tells them that they "ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man." This was their way of thinking about God. But we are called to think of themselves with sober judgement, and to think about God as one to be feared, loved, and trusted. This is a far better way to think.

Not only was Jesus vindicated by his resurrection, but he will come to judge the living and the dead. Our need for his salvation is exceeded only by his grace and forgiveness to all who repent and believe. “All people everywhere should repent,” says Paul. Luther said that the entire life of a Christian should be one of repentance. We drown the old nature by daily repentance and faith. That’s a good message for all people everywhere.

Godly contentment is a good thing. It is essential to living in the fullness of God's peace. We are soon paralyzed with anxiety if we live in a state of discontent. Paul tells the Philippians years later that he learned the secret of contentment. That state of contentment surely helped him to write those reflective thoughts to the church there. But for now he has a holy discontent that people do not know the source of true life, love, grace, and peace. Perhaps we should feel a little bit of that godly discontent whenever we encounter the broken world around us.

I once attended a workshop for pastors and church leaders. John Maxwell was the presenter and gave this advice to pastors doing ministry or mission, "Take someone along," he said. We're better together - whether that is a band of brothers or the body of Christ, brothers and sisters in Christ who partner with one another for the sake of the Gospel.

This is a corrected version of today's podcast. The correct word (not corrected in the recording - sorry - is apocryphal, not apocolyptic. Here is a link to the passages I refer to in today's podcast: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A15%3B+Psalm+22%3B+Isaiah+53&version=ESV;NLT;NRSVA;SBLGNT Paul and Silas taught that it was necessary for Jesus to suffer and die, and be raised from the dead. The little Greek word, ἔδει (edei) means it was necessary. Gotta happen. Plan of God. Promised by God. Delivered by Jesus. Necessary because of our sin and God's abiding love. He did not flinch from this rescue. He has done it. We have been saved. The seeds of that salvation were sown in the Old Testament. They came to full bloom in the life and ministry of Jesus. They will be fully harvested on the Great Last Day. This is the witness of Scripture.

Here is a link to the passages I refer to in today's podcast: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A15%3B+Psalm+22%3B+Isaiah+53&version=ESV;NLT;NRSVA;SBLGNT Paul and Silas taught that it was necessary for Jesus to suffer and die, and be raised from the dead. The little Greek word, ἔδει (edei) means it was necessary. Gotta happen. Plan of God. Promised by God. Delivered by Jesus. Necessary because of our sin and God's abiding love. He did not flinch from this rescue. He has done it. We have been saved. The seeds of that salvation were sown in the Old Testament. They came to full bloom in the life and ministry of Jesus. They will be fully harvested on the Great Last Day. This is the witness of Scripture.

The story of God starts before the foundation of time and goes on through eternity in the life of the world to come. Paul and Silas are very important parts of that story, for they bear witness to Jesus Christ – the center of it all. And because of their witness, the message of Jesus has gone on to the ends of the earth.

The paradox of being of more noble character is that to be of noble character means that you are not easily swayed from convictions firmly founded. But it also means that you're constantly willing to reexamine your beliefs in light of Scripture. It's said that if you don't stand for anything, you'll fall for everything. On the other hand, if you refuse to change your stand, you may find you are standing for the wrong thing. The only way I know of to avoid that is to search the Scriptures in a constant effort to conform to what God has revealed there.

Easter Sunday was a multi-exclamation point day. Beautiful hymns. A powerful message. Joyful Lord’s Supper Celebration. Then delightful time with family. For 2000 years the message of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave has been the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It forms the foundation for God’s Good News of life and salvation through faith in Jesus of Nazareth. Without the resurrection we have no hope. With the resurrection we have people who for centuries have witnessed to this remarkable truth: Jesus Christ is risen!

We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead today. Let the name of the Lord be praised! Check out these great Easter Hymns: https://youtu.be/57C7uBkbO5E?si=OFalMuzBQ5H3UgcM https://youtu.be/rMwPEmUMP7U?si=lrOd7SeJ6N61oSPo

Here is a link to the readings for Saturday of Holy Week. Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, John 19:40

Each of the seven words of Jesus hold a special place in my heart.  "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34) "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43) "Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother" (John 19:26-27) "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34) "I thirst" (John 19:28) "It is finished" (John 19:30) "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46)

Many major events occur on Maundy Thursday the Day of Unleavened Bread, the day on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus washes the disciples' feet and gives them a "new command." He institutes the Lord's Supper. He prays in the garden. He is arrested, taken away, and tortured.  These things happened on the night he was betrayed. I love the tender teaching moment when Jesus washes the disciples' feet. I love the new command Jesus gives, "Love one another." I love the care and grace he extends - even to Judas. 

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

So many of the events of this week must have tugged on Jesus' emotions. He knew he was facing his last days. The conflict between him and the Pharisees is reaching a climax. He will instruct his disciples before he is betrayed. Then will come the betrayal, the scourging, beating, crucifixion, and death. These events loom before him and his disciples. One of them - for reasons known only to God - takes matters into his own hands and decides to betray Jesus. Judas will sell his soul for 30 pieces of silver. The Jewish leaders will agree to this bargain. They will question Jesus' authority. But as great of an emotional and dramatic vortex this is, none of it is happening apart from God's will. This is his plan - for our good and his glory.

Here's the link to Pastor DeMik's message on Palm Sunday. The message starts at 46:26 into the service. Maybe there are tables that need to be overturned in your life. I’m sure there are in mine. Perhaps you recognize there are fruitless and barren spaces in your heart. Thankfully, when Jesus overturns tables, he makes a way for people to come to God. And when fig trees are cursed, he uses it as an opportunity to teach us about the impact of our prayers before the throne of God. Today is a good day to pray. God has made a way for us to do so. His name is Jesus. And when we pray in his name, we will be heard.

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

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

Perhaps there was a Mr. Jailer's mother-in-law, or father who was praying that God would touch this man's heart. And now their prayers were being answered - perhaps even beyond their imaginations. To become a God Fearer meant that a non-Jew would be sympathetic to the Jewish faith. They might observe certain of the Jewish customs, rites, and traditions. But they would not be fully Jewish. They would, however, respect and appreciate the Jewish faith, and morality. There is no evidence of any such person in Mr. Jailer's household. But it is interesting to me that the whole household rejoiced that they had believed in God.  There may be a lost son, a wayward daughter, a stubborn husband, an estranged mother, or a good friend for whom you would rejoice were he or she to come to faith. Whether or not there was a person in Mr. Jailer's household who was praying for his conversion, you can be the person who is praying for that one. May God honor your prayers and bring him or her to himself. Hopefully it won't take an earthquake or a night in jail to make it happen!

The true, living, gracious God did not need to be manipulated or bought off. His favor came to people by his grace. And just as the jailer discovered, he wanted nothing more than their faith. And even that was not a matter of his need, but of our blessing. For to believe in his goodness, grace, love, and salvation aligns us with the gifts he offers. We're saved by faith because the gift is already there. Faith receives it. I'm certain I don't often enough give thanks to God for my faith, for his salvation, for coming to me, for showing me himself. This jailer and his family are good reminders and examples for us all.