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

Matthew 4:5-11

5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
” ‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

7Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

This kneeler is in the Episcopal Church in LaGrange, Texas
This kneeler is in the Episcopal Church in LaGrange, Texas

When Jesus faced off with the devil, neither He nor his foe went down easily.  The devil went after Jesus three times. Jesus countered with the true Word of God three times. Three times Satan sought to twist what God’s word said (that’s his oldest ploy, by the way). Three times Jesus countered with a counter to the Devil’s efforts.

In the end Jesus sent the devil away with at Word from God: “Away from me, Satan, For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

It must not have been easy for Jesus to withstand this battle. For when the devil is gone, angels come to minister to Jesus. How proper this is: angels serving the Son of God. How completely unusual this is: the Son of God needing the ministry of angels!

The Bible clearly states that Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14 and others). God has no need of our worship, or angels’ service in order for Him to be and remain God. Somehow, however, God desires that angels serve His Son here and now. There will come a day when He will withhold the angels’ ministry to His Son – that dark Friday when Jesus dies on the cross. But for now Jesus is cared for and renewed by the angels.

I doubt that they had a pity party for Jesus, but I would think they had a real “Way to go! You did great!” celebration.

Often we are unaware of angels’ presence, but they are ministering spirits, sent by God nonetheless. If angels come to your aid today; if you somehow sense a deliverance or word of encouragement along the right path, then thank God! He sent them to serve you because He loves you and wants you to live with Him each day of your earthly life and throughout eternity.

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