David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

Heavens, Skies, and the Word of God

Air Force Academy Chapel
Air Force Academy Chapel

Psalm 19:1, 7-8

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

The starry host seen through the thin air of the high desert on a cold night is a remarkable sight. The big sky of west Texas or the Rocky Mountains can be inspiring. David says that these sights declare the glory of God; they tell us something about His hands-on creativity.

Inspiring. Impressive. These vistas can put us into perspective: we are a speck of dust in a grand cosmos that testifies to God’s providential care and power. The creator of our world and the universe as far as we can see is truly in a league of His own.

But David then makes a subtle but important contrast: While the heavens and creation itself declares and testifies, God’s word and laws give joy and light and wisdom. God’s word helps us properly to understand and appreciate the creation that testifies to the Creator.

Through the word we can name him: Lord (Yahweh), Jesus, Holy Spirit. Through the word we can learn of a greateer joy than even the beauty of creation can offer. Through the word, our souls are enlightened with a brightness that outshines the brightest stars of the cosmos. Through the word we are given wisdom in how we are to enjoy this world and all that is in it.

Matthew begins his gospel with a genealogy of Jesus’ ancestors from Abraham through David to Joseph, (“the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ” Matthew 1:16).  The question is, “how does this genealogy give joy, light, or wisdom? Most often we tend toward passing over these parts of the Bible as being of little interest or edification to us.

One thought might be to consider the various people who make up this genealogy: patriarchs, heroes, family leaders, and a humble carpenter and young maiden. Not to mention a prostitute (Rahab) a woman from Moab, and David himself the runt of the litter in the minds of his father and brothers.

While we may wonder at our insignificance or marvel at the universe’s vastness, we must keep in mind the greater lessons from God’s word: He works in each of us for His purposes. And while we may resist Him, or ignore His call, He will prevail. Will we recognize His glory only in creation or under duress? Or will we gain wisdom, joy and light for our souls by means of his Word?

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