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.”

Angels long to watch

Matthew 4:1-3a

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God…”

This close-up of a small pink flower offers an intriguing view of the inner parts of the flower.
This close-up of a small pink flower offers an intriguing view of the inner parts of the flower.

There are things that I enjoy watching – just from the point of fascination. I am intrigued by large road-building equipment at work, craftsmen fashioning fine cabinetry, and artists creating works of art. I realize that there’s something going on here beyond moving dirt, sawing lumber, or applying paint to a canvass. I enjoy seeing the work unfold.

As Jesus goes out to be tempted by the devil, we are given the opportunity to see something quite unusual; quite important. The Son of God is encountering the Father of Lies. God in the flesh will face down the Deceiver. This is both intriguing and thrilling for those who know how the story will end. We know Jesus will win; he will stay faithful to God.

But stand in the heavenly realms with the angels and see this drama unfold. Watch with John and anyone else who realizes who this Jesus is, but without certain knowledge of Jesus’ ultimate victory – or how He will win it – and imagine what hangs in the balance here!

Here is our only true hope, facing off against the devil. What will be the devil’s ploys? How will Jesus respond? Will there be fireworks? Will spiritual swords flash back and forth? What tricks does the devil have up his sleeve? How will Jesus handle this “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)?

While there are lessons to be learned here, it might be good today simply to look at this encounter from Matthew 4 with a bit of wonder. Consider how it is that Jesus will deal with this battle. Think about the spiritual drama before us. Imagine watching and not really knowing how Jesus will come through it all. Stand with the angels in awe; for these are the kinds of things angels long to look at (1 Peter 1:12).

We are entertained by many things; some noble many less than noble. It might be good today to think about the spiritual battle that unfolded 2000 years ago for you and your eternal well being. Imagine the drama. Rejoice that your champion went into the battle for you and all people!

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