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David Bahn - Reflections

David Bahn - Reflections

By David Bahn

Light from the Word and through the lens
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David Bahn - ReflectionsOct 04, 2021

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03:34
Holy Week: Thursday

Holy Week: Thursday

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. 

Mar 28, 202407:49
Holy Week: Wednesday

Holy Week: Wednesday

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.

Mar 27, 202404:20
Holy Week: Tuesday

Holy Week: Tuesday

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.

Mar 26, 202406:34
Holy Week: Monday

Holy Week: Monday

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.

Mar 25, 202405:07
The Missionary Way

The Missionary Way

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.

Mar 22, 202405:40
Not so fast!

Not so fast!

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.

Mar 21, 202405:30
Wondering About Another

Wondering About Another

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!

Mar 20, 202405:11
Rejoicing

Rejoicing

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.

Mar 19, 202405:40
Ripples

Ripples

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

Mar 18, 202404:41
A Most Urgent Question

A Most Urgent Question

Whether or not the Jailer was asking for a worldly salvation, Paul was offering him an eternal one. And in the end the jailer believed and was baptized. Rather than believing in Caesar’s power, his superior’s control, or any of the many false gods of his day, Paul told him to put his faith in Jesus.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” is still a good message for us. We can look to false gods, fear, money, sex, power, or a myriad of other demigods. None of those will give life, much less eternal salvation. The question is whether or not we fully understand the depth of our need for Jesus, or the full meaning of being saved. When we put our faith in Jesus we will be saved. And there’s no question about that.

Mar 15, 202405:20
Safe Keeping

Safe Keeping

Diane and I have gone on several foreign mission trips. Most of them have been to teach pastors and their spouses about effective ways to expand their work in the Mission of God. Many of these pastors and church leaders are completely committed to sharing the message of Jesus Christ. They put into practice what they learn about multiplying disciples, leading change in their churches, and doing this with character and integrity. 

But we spend much more time and energy pursuing God's mission right where we are. Thankfully, we've  been kept safe here and in our mission travels. It is important for us to remember that safety isn't just so we can live easy lives. But thanking God for "quiet and peaceful lives" we delight to be part of God's work in his mission field wherever we may be. 

Mar 14, 202405:32
Oops! Ugh. Aha! Whee! Yeah...

Oops! Ugh. Aha! Whee! Yeah...

What's going on here? Is God orchestrating all this just so that Luke has something interesting to report? Is this just the makings of a Christian cinema offering? No. And no. Luke will write about it; we're reading his book even now. And this would make a great movie. But this isn't about books or movies - plotline or not. This is about the grace of God and his desire for all people to be saved. It's about helping us understand that through faith in Jesus we are saved. That's true whether we've lived a life totally apart from God from our birth, or claim a lifelong commitment to Jesus and a front pew in the Church on the Corner of Grace and Truth Streets.

Mar 13, 202405:28
Sing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Sing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

When we were facing some grave medical concerns over our youngest child, I would often go into the sanctuary of the church I served. I'd get there early and pray and sing hymns. I came to love the hymn, Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart. Now, when I wake up in the middle of the night I'll sing the Agnus Dei or Kyrie (in my heart-not outloud!). I'll silently pray the Lord's Prayer, and recite psalms in those quiet hours. These calm my heart and God grants peace in those moments.

You may or may not have a great singing voice. But I'm confident that God loves to hear the songs we sing from our hearts and to his glory - no matter how well we may sing them.

Mar 12, 202405:28
Servants of the Most High God

Servants of the Most High God

There are times for the show of great power. And there are times for the witness of faith in the face of suffering. Servants of the Most High God will have occasion to express both. But work of the Most High God is done in the frailty of his Son. Jesus on the cross draws us all to himself. And he is the true servant of the Most High God.

Mar 11, 202405:36
How does this happen?

How does this happen?

The Holy Spirit brings people to faith, unites us into one body, and keeps them in the faith. We see all three of these things in this passage. Paul and Silas travel to far away places sharing the Gospel and planting churches. Timothy sees what they are doing and joins them in their travels. He eventually becomes a pastor. Lydia is brought to faith and supports these servants in their calling.

The Holy Spirit works from beginning to end in the life of a believer. He calls us to faith, strengthens us in the faith, gathers us with other believers, and sends people into the Lord's harvest to seek and save others. Where is the Holy Spirit working in your life these days?

Mar 08, 202405:38
Lydia

Lydia

Lydia was a person of peace - as Jesus described to his disciples in Luke 10:5-6. She welcomed these disciples. She offered them food and shelter. She received their message. Paul, Timothy, and Silas will visit her following their escape from prison. 

I want to be like Lydia. I want to be a person of peace. I consider hospitality a privilege to offer. I want to pay attention to what God's servants say. I am thankful to have been baptized. Where do you see Lydia's example as one you might follow?

Mar 07, 202405:14
More than a travelog

More than a travelog

Next time you take a trip, and you get stuck in traffic, experience a flight delay, or have car trouble, let those moments remind you of how God brought the message of Jesus to people throughout the ages. Thank God for his faithful love, and for those who have endured challenges of many kinds over the years so that the word of God would be spread also to us.

This is a record of a vitally important mission trip - not just a travelog. 

Mar 06, 202406:03
When to bend and when to hold fast...and why?

When to bend and when to hold fast...and why?

What if we made more of an effort to make our choices each day based on how it might impact or impede our Christian witness. I'm thinking of the way we drive, the public political stances we take, the entertainment we seek, our choices on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. There are times to hold fast and times to bend, and the decision to do either should be made based on how it adorns our confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Mar 05, 202405:45
Closed Doors and Open Hearts

Closed Doors and Open Hearts

Perhaps you’re facing closed doors in your life. Desires that cannot be fulfilled. Careers that have hit a dead end. Hopes that will not be fulfilled. Take heart! God does have a path forward for you. It may be challenging. It may require a major reset. But God leads us toward a better tomorrow. When we follow the new paths of his choosing we may be confident that he is also preparing open hearts to await us along the way.

Mar 04, 202405:58
Honor to whom honor is due
Mar 01, 202406:11
Patience

Patience

We overestimate what we can do in the short term and way underestimate what God can do in the long term. Ahh...that's where patience comes in. The Christian faith is not a microwave religion. The growth of the church - while occasionally experiencing miraculous multiplication (think Pentecost) - is a long process. And the long view here requires that such questions about the future place of the gentile believers are well handled - with great patience.

Feb 23, 202405:49
What Cannot Be Done

What Cannot Be Done

We'll never obey God's Law perfectly, but we have been saved by the grace of Jesus Christ - along with all others who believe in him. A life of mercy and justice rather than mere ritualistic external obedience is testimony to the Holy Spirit's work in us. There are many things we cannot do, but God can do great things through those who believe in him.

Feb 22, 202405:39
What's the good news? Who's it for?

What's the good news? Who's it for?

When we hear of the amazing growth of the church in Ethiopia, Uganda, South America, or down the street the example of the early church is one we should follow. This is good news. Let it bring great joy to your heart. And pray that more people will hear and believe this Good News. It’s not only for those who need to be converted. It’s for you and me.

Feb 21, 202405:17
Is it really all the same?

Is it really all the same?

God cleanses hearts. He saves us not by works of righteousness, but by the grace of the Lord Jesus. We're all the same here. Our standing is one of grace and faith. It's based on God's mercy and love. It's secured in Jesus' death, and guaranteed by Jesus' resurrection. We'll experience this fully only on the Great Last Day when Jesus returns and we are brought into his heavenly kingdom. By grace. Through faith. In Jesus. It's really all the same.

Feb 20, 202405:16
Let's settle this!

Let's settle this!

Sadly, I have seen and been brought into church fights. I've seen church leaders resign in disgust. I've heard people say things I can hardly believe I've heard from the mouths of those claiming the name of Christ. Perhaps these behaviors were not of that character. But there was no doubt some real energy behind the conversations. 

The solution, however, was not arrived at by fisticuffs, or resignations. The solution was to seek the wisdom and help of those who were charged with guiding the church, and centering the mission in faith in Jesus Christ. The Let's Settle This solution was to be founded on the message of salvation that is for all people. We'll see that in this chapter. And we're living it today. We call ourselves Christians and take our place in the kingdom of God by grace through faith. And that settles it.

Feb 19, 202404:57
Stunned by God's Grace

Stunned by God's Grace

I'm all about grace. I know and believe that truth is essential to understanding grace fully. I believe wholeheartedly in truth. Thankfully truth is embodied in Jesus who is full of both grace and truth. But in the end, I default to grace. I love how Paul speaks of this in Romans 5, "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Romans 5:20).

Feb 16, 202405:04
Through many tribulations

Through many tribulations

Through pain God calls us away from self-reliance to faith and trust in him.

God has shown that such faith and trust is well placed by two things. First of all, he came to our rescue in Jesus of Nazareth who taught and did good, ushering in the kingdom of God, and ultimately sacrificing himself for us lost sinners. That shows God’s good will toward us. But he also rose from the dead. God’s intent toward us is not merely an impotent good will. He is mighty to save.

We may have to go through much trouble and tribulation to enter the kingdom of God. But our entry is assured, and his salvation is gloriously good.

Feb 15, 202405:44
The Action of Mission and Protection

The Action of Mission and Protection

The issue is not whether sinners are welcome in the church. We know they are. We’re all sinners. We all need grace. It is a matter of whether we lean toward protecting the church or seeing the church as a place of encouragement, refreshment, and sending. I’m all for good stewardship, care for people - especially the vulnerable. And I’m also all for being in mission. Sometimes that can be dangerous. Sometimes it may require extraordinary effort, long trips, and facing extreme existence. Most often, however, it requires a heart that is open to sharing grace and truth (as needed) with those whom God brings our way. 

Feb 14, 202405:36
Never Give Up

Never Give Up

Jesus taught his disciples that they should be persevere in prayer and not lose heart (Luke 18:1-8). The basis of that persistence is the character and nature of God. He is good and gives good gifts to his children. But the implied urgency is that Satan is evil and dedicated to our destruction. 

So just as Satan never gives up, neither should we. Ours will be the victory in the end. Ours will be the joy at the last. We will celebrate with angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven. We must not let down our guard and allow Satan to prevail. 

Feb 13, 202404:59
Not without witness

Not without witness

God sends "rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” It's not just that God exists. It's not merely that he is the Creator. There is evidence of his goodness, grace, love, provision, and protection all around us. Will we ignore it? Or will we recognize him as the giver - given the evidence he has left for us?

Martin Luther wrote in his catechism 500 years ago that God does all these things only out of fatherly divine goodness without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this, he says, it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey him. 

God is not without witness and we are not without proper response. We are to thank, praise, serve, and obey God for all his good gifts.

Feb 12, 202405:22
Who's on first?

Who's on first?

"Who's on First" (Link)

The world needs more Barnabases: people who don't care who gets the credit as long as the kingdom of God is manifest and the mission of God is advanced. Is there someone you can encourage this week so that happens as well? I'm guessing there may be. I hope you find a way to do so - no matter who gets first billing, or who's on first!

Feb 09, 202405:59
It's not me

It's not me

Paul and Barnabas are saying, "It isn't us. We're not the ones doing these miracles. God is doing them through us. We are not worthy of your worship. We are servants of the living God." That takes a lot of pressure off of us. But it's not a cop out. It's just a salutary acknowledgement that we are not in charge. We have only borrowed power. God gets the glory and praise. We get the privilege of serving him.

Feb 08, 202405:12
Beyond Likeness

Beyond Likeness

Jesus is true God and true man. He has come down to redeem us. He calls us to turn from the vain idols "to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them."

Feb 07, 202405:16
So what do you do?

So what do you do?

Perhaps there is someone in your personal orbit on whom you must not give up. Until it becomes clear that they have no desire to hear from you about God, keep preaching the gospel. And when rebuffed, what do you do? Keep on sharing the good news of Jesus.


Feb 06, 202405:06
Not peace, but a sword

Not peace, but a sword

If we believe that faith in Jesus will bring peace we are correct - in the ultimate end of all things. But until that time we live in a fallen world. Not everyone loves Jesus. Not everyone believes in him. I wish it was not so. But I'm thankful for Jesus' willingness to hold to both grace and truth, and for those who maintain that powerful balance - even at the cost of their personal comfort and safety. 

Feb 05, 202404:58
Be the Moon!

Be the Moon!

We are the light for those who live in darkness. We have the privilege and honor of bearing Jesus' light to others. It's not ours. It is borrowed. We are like the moon which shines with borrowed light. Let the light of Christ reflect from us to others! Be the moon!

Feb 02, 202404:52
As the Gospel Turns

As the Gospel Turns

God wants all people to be saved: Jew, gentile, slave, free, male and female. No one is beyond his loving grace. We may push him away. We may even push others away from him. In either case this is a grave sin. Thanks be to God that he is always reaching, searching, inviting, and saving people of every race, tribe, people, and tongue. We’re one of those after all!

Feb 01, 202404:28
Getting Rid of Jealousy

Getting Rid of Jealousy

I've had the chance to lead a large church with a tremendous staff. I've enjoyed some degree of success. I'm glad to say not the degree of success as megachurch pastors have enjoyed. That's because I'm all in for giving God the glory. His is the kingdom, power, and glory. His is the church, honor, and majesty. His is the salvation, praise, and splendor. Let us never be envious of the attention he receives. Rather let's see how much attention we can point toward him.

Jan 31, 202404:32
When's the last time you've begged?

When's the last time you've begged?

When is the last time you've begged to hear more about Jesus? I realize we have heard it all before. We're more in danger of dismissing this familiar old story. And that's my point. Peter speaks of how angels long to look into the things of God (1 Peter 1:10-12). Seems to me that by now the angels in heaven might be up to speed about God's gracious work for our salvation. But they're intrigued by the many facets of God's grace, and his works among man. 

If we're not yearning to learn more about God, perhaps we need to look closer at his word and discover the depth of the riches of his glorious grace. There is definitely much yet for us to learn. We don't have to beg to learn more about Jesus. But we certainly can yearn to for a deeper understanding and knowledge of his word.

Jan 30, 202405:03
They...but God...

They...but God...

Even though we are sinners, Christ died for us. Even though we were dead in our trespasses and sins, God made us alive. Even though we had deserved death and damnation, God has condemned Jesus in our place and given us the glory he deserves.

You may be in a place of despair, distress, hopelessness, shame, disease, or death. But God has an abundance of grace, hope, life, healing, peace, and joy. He gives that to us by his grace. We may face grave and insurmountable challenges. But God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus, and gives them to us through faith.

Jan 29, 202405:32
Devered as Promised

Devered as Promised

God had made promises about his redemption and our salvation. It would be delivered first appearing as a newborn baby, delivered in a stable and laid in a manger. It would be further revealed in Jesus' ministry of teaching and miracles. It would be further seen when Jesus was delivered up to the cross to die. It will be finally shown when we are delivered into the throneroom of God's eternal, glorious, and gracious reign. We will be delivered as promised from this vale of tears into the blissful and joyful paradise of God.

Yes. Delivered as promised!

Jan 26, 202404:58
Beware Scoffer!

Beware Scoffer!

I'm wondering where I might be tempted to scoff at God's word and promises. Judging from my own personal spiritual inventory it has to do with the grace of God, his promise to hear my prayers, and his unwavering love for me. Sometimes it's just so hard to believe. That's why I'm so thankful that God has said, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). God is no scoffer.

Jan 25, 202405:59
It's gonna happen

It's gonna happen

Jesus' suffering, death, burial, and resurrection was gonna happen. It was done so we could be saved. And by that God is glorified.

Jan 24, 202405:36
Time In Erodes Awareness Of

Time In Erodes Awareness Of

"Time in erodes awareness of" is another way of saying that the longer you are in a particular situation - your home, your church, your car, your job - you grow less and less aware of the peculiarities of that situation. The scratch on the door. The funny noise of the brake pedal. The slightly torn window shade. The peculiar smell of the breakroom at work. You grow used to these things. They go unnoticed.

That's the danger of being a lifelong Christian. You might overlook something that is really more important than you think because you've heard it so often. It's like saying the Creed or the Lord's Prayer. It can be pretty easy to slip into autopilot as we speak words of profound spiritual depth and value. 

Jan 23, 202406:15
A Man After God's Heart

A Man After God's Heart

David shows that he is a man after God's heart because he repents. He will not hide behind an unbelieving heart with outward shows of piety. He won't harumph himself up before others in self-righteousness. He calls out to God,

O Lord, open my lips,
    and my mouth will declare your praise. - Psalm 51:15

And,

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin! - Psalm 51:1-2

A man or woman after God's heart will delight in God's glorious grace. Reflecting God's love. Shown in Jesus. Granting us salvation. Capturing our hearts.

Jan 19, 202406:29
Encouraging Words

Encouraging Words

Encouraging words are words from the Holy Spirit. They will point us to Jesus and bring eternal encouragement.

Jan 18, 202405:13
Yeah, yeah, yeah...

Yeah, yeah, yeah...

Jesus' ministry is more than a bubble on the timeline of history. He is part of the grand sweep of the divine drama of God's redemption and salvation. More accurately, Jesus is the centerpiece of God's story of our eternal salvation. 

The saddest thing of all is when people walk away from the faith and fail to pass down to their children. A dismissive yeah, yeah, yeah attitude is a dangerous step that leads in that direction. These Old Testament events are important of themselves and help us more fully appreciate and thank God for Jesus' redemptive grace and sacrificial love. Jesus' work is not a yeah, yeah, yeah matter. ... His salvation is properly a glorious, Yes! Yes! Yes!

Jan 17, 202404:45
What Works

What Works

God has always been at work. Whether through Abraham or Elijah, Gideon or Moses, God was working. But it wasn't merely to build a kingdom on earth. His is an eternal kingdom with people clothed in justice, mercy, witness, grace, and love. Through faith in Jesus all these are ours. That's what actually does work.

Jan 16, 202404:46
Make Way

Make Way

I don't think of myself as all that important. Most of us don't harbor delusions of grandeur. But we all can point to Jesus as the author and source of every good gift. We can all confess him as Lord. We can all claim his salvation through faith. We can all make a way for him in our hearts so that he can use us to gain access to others' hearts.


Jan 15, 202405:08
Close Encounters of the Spiritual Kind

Close Encounters of the Spiritual Kind

All kinds and sorts of people make up the church. We who are part of the church will have occasion to interact with all kinds of folks. We must be ready always to offer grace, mercy, hope, and love to those whom we encounter. We may never know how our lives may be woven into others' spiritual journey. But we must do all we can to honor Christ whenever we are part of such encounters. 

Jan 12, 202405:17