David Bahn - Reflections

God's Word has created light where there was darkness, hope where there was despair, and life where there was death. Now, through His living Word—Jesus Christ—He calls us to reflect His light into the world.

"For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6

God's promises are sure to be fulfilled. Our prayers in Jesus' name will be answered. Our sins have been forgiven. We have an eternal hope stored up for us. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus has also said, "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak" (Matthew 12:36). Words matter. Our words can wound or heal. God's words will never fail. His Word to us is the embodiment of grace and truth.

I preached at Messiah Lutheran Church in Houston on April 27. The text is John 21:19-31. Enjoy this special edition of my podcast.

Jesus meets us right where we are—troubled, doubting, hungry for reassurance. He doesn’t shame us for our questions; instead, He offers Himself. His scars. His peace. His life.

And just like the disciples in that upper room, we are invited not just to believe about Him but to know Him, trust Him, and rejoice in the living Lord who comes to us even now, saying:

"Peace be with you.”

Your story may not be as dramatic as that of the Emmaus disciples. But it is the same Lord Jesus who has touched your heart and given you new life. We've all got a story to tell. If we tell it rightly we won't be the hero. We'll point others to Jesus and he will be source of praise, worship, and joy.

God moments. Spiritual awakenings. Moments of inspiration. Wesley spoke of his heart being strangely warmed as he read Luther's introduction to Luther's commentary on Romans. Luther said, when he discovered the gospel message, "It was as though I was born again, and entered into paradise itself." It is the inner peace of Christ, the peace that passes understanding. The Emmaus disciples experienced this when they were in Jesus' very presence.

Grounded in Scripture. Centered in Jesus. Not the source of faith, but a beautiful touch of the Holy Spirit's presence and grace. Leading us to honor Jesus and trust him more fully.

Scripture witnesses to the truth of all Jesus said. In one of his parables, Abraham tells the Rich Man, “They have Moses and the Prophets...If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” Jesus' resurrection validates the message of Moses and the prophets. What more do you need to believe?

Sometimes we may need a bump in the road to gain a new perspective. The pathway there is made possible by Jesus' resurrection. And we can gain that new understanding whenever we remember that the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive!

Next time you have difficulty remembering someone's name, rejoice that Jesus knows your name, he has your name written in the book of life. And keep your eyes open for his presence among his people as he has promised - and especially in the breaking of the bread of the Lord's Supper. He is our loving and living Lord and Savior.

On that Friday long ago...

One man confessed: “Certainly this man was innocent!”

Some beat their breasts in agonizing shame.

A few watched, and waited, and then rested on the Sabbath.

And Jesus' body rested in a borrowed tomb.