David Bahn - Reflections

Paul never claimed to be alone. He constantly mentions other people who were partners in the gospel. Whether it's Timothy, Epaphras, Silas, Acquilla, or Priscilla, Paul partnered with these people. And the kingdom of God grew. Do you have a partner who is dedicated with you for the sake of the Kingdom?

Paul's claim to be an apostle was not a matter of personal aggrandizement. It was for the sake of the gospel message. It was so that he could offer grace and peace through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is my claim as well. I stand little on being a pastor as a place of authoritarian power, but much more on the basis of sharing the grace and peace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This is Paul's claim and purpose. He is not alone. Nor is this happening only in Collassae. I look forward to reflecting on that this week.

At the end of Luke's account of Jesus' ministry he mentions two significant things. Jesus ascended in the view of the Apostles. And the Apostles return with joy and continually bless God in the Temple. Make no mistake, they're there because of what's in their hearts. But what's in their hearts is there because of God's work in the world and in their hearts.

The only reason there is anything good in our hearts is because of Jesus' presence there. Otherwise we would have only the sinful nature. Jesus' assessment of the sinful nature is unvarnished. He says, "If you, being evil, know how to give good things to your children..." (Matthew 7:11). We who are evil need a physician., and Jesus is that physician. He has redeemed us, and made us new. He reigns in grace, and because of all he has done, we delight to worship him. Not so that he will see the good in us, but because he has redeemed us and we are truly and deeply thankful to him!

We weren't there 2000 years ago when these things happened. But we have the witness of the Scriptures. We read Isaiah's prophecies (Isaiah 53). Moses records God's promise of a seed of the woman who would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). Jeremiah speaks of a New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Then Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record Jesus' teaching, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return. The remainder of the New Testament helps us understand what it means to live out the reality of our redemption.

So when we see that kind smile, act of kindness, answered prayer, the faithful witness from God's word, let that be a reminder to see again what is behind it all. God loves you. He sent his Son. He died for you. He rose in victory over sin, death, and the devil. That's something none of us need to unsee!

If God's got this, should we just sit back and let someone else proclaim the word? Should we just watch God work, rather than engaging in his mission? May it never be! How could we who have heard this message want to keep it to ourselves? The message will be preached. It should be. In would be (now and in previous years). We're living proof of that. Thanks be to God. Is there someone you know who needs to hear it?

If we pay attention, God may be showing up and calling us to repent and believe - just like the Apostles. If we sense that, there is no better place to go than to the Scriptures. The wisdom literature offers us insights and direction about managing life itself. The Psalms give voice to deep emotions and yearnings of the soul. The letters of the New Testament reveal how the faith is to be lived day to day. The gospels point us to Jesus the source of life and salvation.

When we are mindfully open to the God moments of life be sure to follow the trail to faith in Jesus. Be open to his word of grace and truth. For surely this is God’s ultimate desire for us all. And as we are mindfully open to his teaching we will certainly be blessed.

We give up too easily. We lose sight of God's promises. We acquiesce too quickly to the discouragement and distractions of the world. Better we lean into what God has promised. Read it, mark, learn, and meditate upon it. There we'll learn not only of God's promises - which are sure to come true - but of God's goodness, grace, justice, faithfulness, and patience.  He hasn't given up on us. Let's recommit ourselves to clinging to his promises and keep our hopes alive in him.

Jesus asks, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?" He doesn't do that because he is ignorant of their thoughts or struggles. He does that to call them to a new place of hope and peace. So the question today is for you and me: “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?" Jesus is risen. The tomb is empty. He reigns at God's right hand. His greeting is, "Peace!"

Jesus came to his discouraged and disappointed disciples and offered a greeting of peace. Then he gave proof of the reality of that moment…by eating fish. He comes to us as well, with a greeting of peace and grace. And he offers us proof of that when we have those moments of clarity and focus and peace that only he can give.

I’m really lousy at manufacturing my own peace. But Jesus’ peace is a grace beyond expectation and human understanding. Peace! What a marvelously delightful gift! Soon will come the focus and direction. That too is a gift. Next week…

Jesus came to his discouraged and disappointed disciples and offered a greeting of peace. Then he gave proof of the reality of that moment...by eating fish. He comes to us as well, with a greeting of peace and grace. And he offers us proof of that when we have those moments of clarity and focus and peace that only he can give. I'm really lousy at manufacturing my own peace. But Jesus' peace is a grace beyond expectation and human understanding.

Peace! What a marvelously delightful gift! Soon will come the focus and direction. That too is a gift. Next week...