David Bahn - Reflections

If you want to read the book of Revelation in any truly meaningful way, read it with a view from a prison cell or severe hardship and fear because you are a Christian. Then you'll get past the apocalyptic imagery and symbolic numerology and hear a message of hope and comfort for the people of God. This book is not for fanciful speculation, but for comfort and courage to Jesus followers as we see the world around us spinning out of control, or must endure ridicule because we hold the to-the-world-quaint belief that God is real, his judgment imminent, and Jesus is our only hope.

Way One, The Way of the Thief: Whatever is yours is mine and I'll do anything I can to get it.

Way Two, The Way of the Selfish: Whatever is mine is mine and I'll do everything I can to keep it.

Way Three, The Way of Compassion: Whatever is mine is a gift of God and I'll do whatever I can to share it.

Thanks be to God, Jesus lived and died as the perfect expression of Way Three. His story of the Good Samaritan illustrates how we are to reflect this Way of Life in every day situations. He says, "Go and do likewise."

Paul had gone to war with several people whom he names here in these closing thoughts of this letter. It is significant that he ties his relationship to them with some of the troubles they had endured together. These experiences had forged a bond that was deeper than being next-door-neighbors, or even members of the same family. They had suffered together. And they continued to serve the cause of Christ's kingdom in the face of hardship, suffering and trials of various kinds. They were fellow prisoners and prayer warriors. They had been battle buddies.

We may receive an employee of the month award. Perhaps we'll be recognized for having the best yard in the neighborhood. We might have been voted most likely to succeed in high school. Or you might have been elected president of your neighborhood association. All those are great accomplishments. They should not be taken lightly. But to be named by anyone as a faithful and beloved brother or sister in Christ, or a fellow prisoner for the sake of the gospel is an even higher honor. Such a naming is the kind we should all strive for. But the highest honor is given to the One who makes all this worth it. The name of Jesus is the one at whose name every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth. Jesus Christ is Lord and I am thankful to be named as his follower.

We were on the way to the airport in Houston and Aliou, our Uber driver, asked where we were going. “Tanzania,” we said. “No kidding!?!” he replied. “I’m from Mali!” Our conversation went on from there. We shared a little about our trip two years ago to dedicate the school in Mwanza, and now that we are going to teach pastors and their spouses about Leadership and Change for the Sake of Christ’s Mission. He was very impressed and encouraging to us.

But he also taught us something along the way. 

Who knows what such divine appointments will lead to? God does, and he wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ. Pray for us to have open doors...and for yourself...and for the people in your life who know and love Jesus too.

Please pray for us that we may be sensitive to people's feelings, fears, and impatience (also a problem with those who are more ready than others to change!) as we encourage these Jesus followers to lead change for the sake of the mission.

I'm wondering whether you are being led to consider changes you need to make for the sake of Christ's mission. You can pray about that as well. Then listen carefully for God's answer.

Please pray for us that we may be sensitive to people's feelings, fears, and impatience (also a problem with those who are more ready than others to change!) as we encourage these Jesus followers to lead change for the sake of the mission.

I'm wondering whether you are being led to consider changes you need to make for the sake of Christ's mission. You can pray about that as well. Then listen carefully for God's answer.