David Bahn - Reflections

You may or may not love ballet. But there is a beautiful dance between grace and truth that centers in the birth of Jesus, the Word made Flesh. This will be the point of my message today at St. John Lutheran Church. You are welcome to join in person or via St. John's website.

Blue Christmas Image Link

My Blue Christmas image is two images in one. One is of our Willow Tree nativity set's Mary and her child. The other is the exterior of a downtown Houston skyscraper. It reflected the beautiful blue sky on the day I took the photo. By putting it as an overlay (with the lines of the windows becoming a sort of cage, keeping Jesus from us) I was trying to convey the idea that the world does its best to keep Jesus from us and us from Jesus. 

But just as Jesus shines through that particular image, so Jesus comes to us. He is not bound. Nor are we prevented from coming to him. As we celebrate Christmas, may the joy, peace, hope, and love of God fill our hearts.

https://vimeo.com/53001417

Sometimes I wish I would get what I deserve. A pat on the back. Fair treatment from a merchant. Value for what I've paid. Promises kept. A word of kindness. None of that is wrong in itself. But if, before God, we were to receive what we deserve, we would have no hope. We're all broken, sinful, rebellious creatures. We deserve to be abandoned by God. 

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:12-16

Thankfully our King does not reign by the sword of retribution, but rather from a throne of grace!

Barnabas, Peter, and John Mark will engage each other in these dynamics in the years to come. They will set out for mission trips. There will come a time when Barnabas and Paul challenge each other about what it takes to be in mission. Barnabas will take John Mark and Paul will take Silas at that point. This iron-sharpening-iron moment will give way to the balm of brotherly love some time later. Truth and grace. Reality and hope. Accountability and encouragement. These twin blessings of true fellowship make us stronger and more effective in our lives and service in Christ's kingdom.

Which do you need today? Is there someone to whom you can turn for just that gracious touch? Is there someone you know who needs that gracious touch?

Elijah had Elisha. David had Jonathan. Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two. Even Jesus himself had Peter, James, and John; John being especially close. Do you have a partner in mission? Is there someone who is allied with you in sharing the message of Jesus, living under Christ in his kingdom, loving God and neighbor to the fullest? You are blessed if you do. If you don't you can make that a matter of your personal prayer, and make an intentional effort to find that person of peace; that partner in mission. 

While I might know many more people than 12, the most important name to know is Jesus' name. It's vital, also, that he knows me. I never want to hear Jesus say, "I never knew you." That is reserved for those who try to hide their true identity from him. It doesn't really work, and it has horrific consequences.

Knowing Jesus and being known by him is by far the greatest knowledge to which one can aspire.

Thankfully we're not struck dead when we puff ourselves up with pride. But hopefully we will be brought down a notch or two when we venture too far into self-worship, self-righteousness, and self-aggrandizement. For "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)

I think of how this is played out so obviously in the Christmas event. The King of the Universe became a baby - humbling himself even to the point of death. Now he has the name that is above every name, and at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. I can't think of one time Jesus honored himself. Maybe that's a good lesson for us. 

But sometimes - not often but sometimes - our prayers do change things and God acts in a manner he otherwise would not have, had we not prayed. This seems to have been one of those occasions. We cannot get into the mind of God to discern how his omniscience impacts his answers to our prayers. But we can pray urgently, fervently, persistently, faithfully, and humbly. And while never telling God what to do, we can rejoice when our will aligns with his will for our good and blessing. And when we see that happening we can praise God for his grace, goodness, faithfulness, and love.

Whether it’s too little faith, too small expectations, or too many distractions, we all need to awaken to God’s goodness, power, and faithfulness, and see how he answers our prayers in ways we would never see if we’re not looking.

All this (Peter’s miraculous escape, et. al.)  is happening so that more people will hear the message of Jesus and receive the gift of eternal salvation. Peter will go on to other places, telling other people, and seeing other miracles – all in the mission of God. Centered in Jesus. Anchored in hope. Empowered by the Holy Spirit. Promised by God. Let’s stay awake and see what God is doing.

Wake, Awake! For Night is Flying! This is the call of God for his people. Isaiah has it this way: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1) And that's just one example. There are many others. God would have us fully awake and aware of his work in our world and our lives. His angels are watching over us. His servants are providing for our needs. His people are singing his praises. His messengers are calling us to repent and believe. 

It may be easier to live in a dream world. But it's not healthy. Nor is it productive. Better to listen to his messengers, see his provision, rejoice in his blessings, and take note of his presence every day.