David Bahn - Reflections

Paul commends the Ephesian elders to God and to the word of his grace. This gift is not earned. It is a gift freely given. It builds us up and grants us an eternally rich and glorious inheritance. 

Paul's words are appropriate for me today for any number of reasons. I am deeply thankful for his grace,. I need it constantly. And God's supply is rich and deep. As Paul says in Romans 5: "Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more." That builds me up and keeps me going. As I un-retire again, serving Hope Lutheran Church in Friendswood, Texas, I need that up-building and strength, and the presence of God. I'll take what Paul says to the Ephesian elders as my own and rejoice in the goodness and grace of God. 

In the earliest days of the Christian church there were many dangers within and without. The message of the Gospel of Jesus was very different from the then-common religious beliefs - pagan or Jewish. There was every danger of reverting to old ways of thinking and believing. Paul's warnings were not over emphasized.

Reflection based on Acts 20:28-38

It's good for pastors to be reminded, as it is also for you, dear reader, to take good care of yourself so you can offer care, kindness, grace, and mercy to those in your life for whom you have care. Be it a husband, wife, child, grandchild, or friend. Take good care so you can give good care to those in your life who need your care.

We who serve God’s people do well to remember that they are precious to God, bought with the precious blood of Jesus, and worth whatever burden we must bear in order to serve them well. That’s true no matter where we go and whether that path takes us to green pastures and still waters, or through the valley of the shadow of death. Thankfully God is with us through the journey wherever we go. 

This gospel is the good news of God's redemption of a fallen and lost world through Jesus' suffering and death. It's the good news of this redemption's gifts of life and salvation for all people. It's the good news that God wants all people to be saved and will not wait idly by for people to come to him and seek his mercy. He sends people to tell the good news. He comes to them - not only in Jesus, which is essential and of primary importance - but also in Paul and others who bring this gospel of the grace of God to people where they are.

I believe in the One who became man to save us all, pointing us to repentance and faith in God. I trust him. I love him. I entrust my life to him. Such is the stuff of faith. But the most essential element of faith is simple trust. Like a child. Looking to Jesus in anticipation of his favor, blessing, and good will. 

Repentance, then, is a matter of turning away from any way in which I fail simply to trust in Jesus. It’s about believing that God is good, merciful, faithful, loving, just, and kind. Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!

When Luke speaks of Paul going on ahead without the rest of the group, and then joining them later at Assos, he is giving us a picture of how the mission of God best proceeds. Paul will not only meet up with Luke and the others, he will pour out his heart to the Ephesian elders. God never intended that mission and ministry would be a solo performance. Jesus’ modeled that in his earthly ministry. We are now his body on earth to carry on his mission. Thankfully we do not have to do that alone.

This is the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of God’s people. It brings Jesus glory. And it brings people to Jesus.

Gathering with other believers for worship and the Lord's Supper is a blessing too easily and often ignored by Christians today. Too often we treat gathering for public worship to be an add-on to life, rather than a springboard of grace into the week ahead. Covid certainly put a dent in people's appreciation and practice of public worship and sacrament. But it is not only a mystery and miracle. It is a treasure not to be despised or abandoned.

Injury by friendly fire is a casualty of war. But friendly fire that isn’t really so friendly is so very sad. Wounds of a friend can be trusted. Let’s do all we can to wound others only for their good, only when absolutely necessary, and only with the kindest heart. Correcting and disciplining a brother or sister must be done gently, as Paul counsels so graciously in Galatians 6:1, “If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” The temptation would be to self-righteousness and pride. The goal is always to win the brother or sister in Christ, and restore her or him to fellowship and faithfulness.

That’s not friendly fire, that’s friendly faithfulness.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well it takes a team - the body of Christ - to propel God's mission. You may think of someone who has helped you along the path of faith active in love. Thank God for them. Do it now.