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.”

True Sustenance

Matthew 4:1-4

1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

A candle, pepper and salt on the table in a Charleston, SC resaturant
A candle, salt and pepper on the table in a Charleston, SC resaturant

Most Christians know that man does not live on bread alone. Most Christians believe that the spiritual dimension of life is more important than the physical. Most Christians would say that if they had to choose between eternal life and worldly success, they would choose eternal life.

Most Christians also struggle with making those choices in any real and consistent manner. We give in to the urges of our bodies. We sell faith and God, and God’s word short and trade away our spiritual vitality for a bowl of stew (see Genesis 25:29-34). It’s so easy to take hold of what is here and now rather than hold to what is to come by faith.

Whether it’s the short-term benefit and emotional thrill of a flirtatious affair, or the physical buzz from the extra drink or two at the end of the day, or the extra helping of mashed potatoes and gravy – whatever may be at hand – we too quickly let our physical desires get in the way of a better and longer-term blessing.

What would happen if the next time you are tempted to grab the low-hanging fruit of instant gratification, you spent time meditating on God’s word instead? What would happen if rather than going for the gusto of a momentary benefit, you sought the greater blessing of God’s presence and help? What would happen if you held Jesus’ teaching in your heart that true sustenance come from God and His word?

Jesus teaches a vitally important lesson here today. There is nothing wrong with bread. Jesus could use His power and change a stone it into a loaf of bread. But He could not do this if He were to be true to His calling: to listen to and follow only God in his life’s choices. The wrong would be to listen to the devil and serve Himself.

Today would be a good day to listen for God’s voice and serve others – ignoring the voices that would lead us to take care only of our own immediate needs.

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