David Bahn - Reflections

If I am to go in peace I must ask myself a question or two. Is my life aligned with God’s will insofar as it is possible with me? Am I expecting God to align himself with my ideals rather than living in humble faith in his goodness? Do I realize how great a debt Jesus took on and paid for my sins? Do I believe Jesus who said, “In this world you will have troubles. But rejoice! I have overcome the world”? Do I believe his promise, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)? Jesus’ resurrection greeting, “Peace be with you,” is a blessing we all need and which Jesus freely gives to those who trust in him.

I want to be under someone’s authority when I serve. Whether it is of the church’s voters, their board or in the case of when I was senior pastor at St. John, the Mission and Ministry Council. I didn’t have authority just because I was ordained. I was acting under their authority. And they, as duly elected servants, were acting under the authority of God.

So when I pronounce absolution, I am ultimately doing so under Jesus’ authority, the One who has been given all authority (Matthew 28:18). Whenever we share the gospel we are doing so under the authority of Jesus. Whenever we forgive one another we are doing so under Jesus' authority.

The solid rock upon which we must build our lives is one of repentance and faith. From such a heart will flow good fruit of love and good works. The good treasure in the heart of such a one is the gospel: the message of God's love, grace, forgiveness, and salvation. This treasure is centered in Jesus, sent from the Father, and made sure by the Holy Spirit's constant work in our hearts. Without the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts our ruin would be great. Come, Holy Spirit, dwell in our hearts so that we build on the strong foundation of Jesus’ love and truth.

Let the church be a no-judgment zone. Leave the judging to God. He's much better at it. His judgment fell on Jesus so that we can approach the throne of God's grace in faith and receive the blessings Jesus earned by his life of perfect obedience to these and all of God's laws.

Matthew! What a hero of conversion and hospitality. Perhaps we can all follow his example in one manner or another!

Click here for The Chosen episode on YouTube

https://youtu.be/87JIUxqTMLk?si=SMouObPpjvJF1ok2

When the people opened a hole in the roof to get the paralyzed man down to Jesus, there is no mention of the homeowner's annoyance. The Pharisees, though, were upset. The paralyzed man was let down through the roof. The Pharisees went through the roof in anger. For them it wasn't about the hole in the roof or the interruption to Jesus' teachings. It was about Jesus' absolution of this man's sins. Only God can do that. True. And Jesus is God in the flesh.

The message of the Kingdom of God is good news. It is centered in Jesus. He amazes, astonishes, alarms, and ushers in God's good and gracious reign and rule in all who believe. He was astonishingly dedicated to doing that. He was amazingly focused on the purpose for which he was sent. He was alarmingly intrusive into the plans of the devil. He alone alleviates our deepest pains and saves us from an eternity of despair and hopelessness.

The devil's ploys are not often recognizable for what they truly are. We see the fruit, not the poisonous barb. We see the mirage of benefit rather than the dry desert of desolation. Resist him! Look to the Lord who loves truth, gives grace, and authors life for all who rejoice in his unfailing love. 

This is our Jesus. He is mighty to save!

Thank God that when we face that final appearing we will be saved by the merciful kindness of God who for the sake of Jesus' suffering and death saved us, forgave us, redeemed us. God's judgment for all those who believe in Jesus is "Not Guilty." That is a cause for eternal joy and glory and praise to the LORD, Jesus Christ.

Next time you see a majestic night sky, a glorious sunrise, a magnificent mountain range, or a beautiful landscape, remember the One who created it all. It is his display of righteousness for all to see seen most fully in the cross of Jesus who is our rightness, hope, and salvation. He is truly the One who preserves the lives of his saints and delivers us from the hand of the wicked. May his name be praised by us today!

Click here to see my first attempt at astrophotography.