David Bahn - Reflections

The righteousness of God is revealed in the Good News of Jesus. It is a righteousness of faith. It is righteousness from God, given to us for Jesus' sake. For Jesus is purely and perfectly righteous. That never changes. My outward circumstances may change. My faithfulness may waver. My love may ebb and flow. None of that is righteous. But God's perfect righteousness is a gift that never flags or falters. That is good news of great joy for me, for you, and for all the world!

Jesus is ruling even now in our hearts, and for the good of all by his grace. He will return on the Great Last Day and we will forever be with him. Sin, death, and the devil will no more plague us. That will indeed be a great and glorious day. And we will join with the angels and all believers singing God's praises forever. He is truly worthy of all praise and honor - not just because of his sovereignty, but also, and maybe even more because of his grace.

I've not been one to try to put on a show. I try to be real; just me. Once in a while I'll channel someone else's style, voice, or mannerisms. But I'm quickly called on that by my wife. I'm not Ozzie Hoffman, Martin Luther, or Michael Ziegler. I'm me. Acoustic. Unfiltered. Natural. But before you go the wrong way with that, remember, too that I am redeemed. I am made new by the grace of God! Truth be told, yes I'm a sinner. That's the truth. But by God's grace I'm also a saint. That's also true. I'll struggle in that until I'm with my Lord in heaven.

But I can be real because of God's grace. And I am thankful that the Word became flesh so that I could stand in that gracious truth.

That which was at first hidden in a Bethlehem manger shines brightly in the lights, celebrations, proclamations, songs, carols, and services of this season. O that we would be the light that points others to Jesus this Christmas and always!

I believe Jesus is ruling even now at the right hand of God. His is a rule of grace and steadfast love. On that Great Last Day the majestic glory will be fully revealed. Jesus will be honored by all - some under duress, others with joyful delight. Then we will truly rise and shine and rejoice in the full revelation of the Light of the world. Click here for the written version of this podcast DavidBahn-Reflections.com

As good as Jesus' birth is - and it is good news! - the rest of the story is being lived out and will culminate on the Great Last Day and the life of the world to come.

This song presents a wonderful rehearsal of Jesus' ministry. All this leading up to the ultimate act of miracle and mercy: Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection. By this he has delivered not only Mary, but you and me. We look forward to that Great Last Day when we who look to him in faith will be delivered into his presence with joy and eternal praise for this baby boy who now reigns at the right hand of God.

I wonder what fears may need to be allayed within us by which we may become ever more willing servants. That's what God did for us when he took on human flesh. Maybe you or I need to acknowledge our fears to him and see how he deals with them. Mary is an indication of God's gentle spirit toward those who open themselves humbly to his word. She didn't know how things would turn out, but she did finally say, "I am the Lord's servant. Be it to me as you have said." Mary didn't know. But she did believe. And we are blessed for it.

We may put our yearnings in categories of disease, guilt, shame, disappointment, loneliness, emptiness, hopelessness, betrayal, or death's looming shadow. But we're all empty vessels, and sadly we too very often seek to fill ourselves with all the wrong things. Mary may have been different, and for that reason chosen to bear the Son of God. Salvation comes to us by God's grace - from first to last. But those of noble character - though no more saved by grace than you or me - find God's favor in unique ways. And although Mary found favor with God, she would still need herself a Savior. The Child that [she] delivered would soon deliver [her.] We're all broken, but character before God matters.

Mary is a bit unlike David or Saul of Tarsus. They both had to have a sharp rebuke in order to be shaped more fully to God's purpose and plan. Mary's would be much more gentle (cf. Matthew 12:46-50). But Mary had found favor with God. I yearn for that as well. I hope to find it. I pray that you do too, dear reader. I pray that you do too.

I believe that I've had one encounter with an angel. That's a whole different story. But the message I received shaped my entire ministry. Whether we've been visited by an angel or not, however, we all can take a cue from Mary's response to the angel's news. For we've heard good news as well. God has spoken to us in his word. We read the Bible and certain texts speak to us and touch our hearts. Certain truths ring crystal clear. Certain promises, commands, warnings, and prophecies impact us.

What are we to do with all these? Believe, obey, trust, wait, ponder, listen. If we do we will learn more about God, deepen our faith, find greater joy, and experience greater peace. This song helps me do that. Perhaps it will do the same for you. We can all be surrounded by God's grace and favor, marvel at his glory, and play our part in his grand story of redemption.