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.”

Signs of His Presence

Matthew 2:1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

A different view of the Washington Monument in Washington DC
A different view of the Washington Monument in Washington DC

A trip to Washington DC with our grandson and his parents gave us the opportunity for a visit to several monuments. One thing that impressed me was the consistent expression of both the price and the value of liberty. Men and women made great sacrifices for the freedom we now enjoy (and too often take for granted). Others honored those sacrifices by painting, sculpture, and monument. The sense of history, the values of our nation, and the legacy of those who have gone before us are striking. Something pretty amazing began to take shape here in this part of the world just over 200 years ago.

The Washington Monument is a striking reminder of those events.

When Jesus was born 2000 years ago and Magi came to worship Him, they were coming based on their observation of the heavens; they had “seen his star in the east.” Very likely they had access to portions of the Old Testament which formed a foundation for their search. But in any case they came to find the one born King of the Jews, believing that God was breaking through into the world and in response to that breakthrough.

God breaks through into our world in many ways. He arranges divine appointments for us – allowing us to cross paths with others to bring His Kingdom into view. He challenges us with bad news and blesses us with good news. He speaks to us through His word in a special and meaningful manner. He seeks us continually; desiring that we rejoice in His grace and goodness.

The greatest monument we can leave in honor of His breakthrough with us is not made of granite or marble. The greatest monument we can leave behind is a changed life, a gift of God’s grace and love to others. By recognizing God’s intervention into our lives and seeking to honor Him by repenting of our sins and believing the Good News of His love and grace in Christ we leave behind such a monument – a work of art; a thing of beauty; a testimony to the presence and impact of God’s kingdom in this world and in our lives.

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2 responses to “Signs of His Presence”

  1. linda aves Avatar
    linda aves

    Here’s to change . Why is it so hard to embrace??

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      We want to be the captain of our own ship and call the change shots we believe in and think we need. God knows better, and we struggle with believing that.

      Reply

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