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.”

Beyond happiness

Matthew 5:1-3a (ESV)

1Seeing the crowds, [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

The Beatitudes

2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3“Blessed are…

A white crane takes flight
A white crane takes flight

I once saw a book title that was something along the lines of The Be Happy Attitudes. I have not read the book, so I do not wish to criticize the title or its content. But let’s compare the word happy with what Jesus teaches here in Matthew 5. These 11 verses (Matthew 5:1-11) are all about being blessed. “Blessed are…”: these words convey promise and hope, and tell us much about God.

God is a God of blessing. There are times when God curses – such as when God pronounced judgment on the tempter in the garden after Adam and Eve fell to his temptation. But God’s intent and desire is to bless. When Jesus begins His ministry, he proclaims good news: the kingdom of God is near. When Jesus sees the multitudes He is moved to teach His disciples about God’s blessing upon such folks. When Jesus confronts the Pharisees and Jewish leaders it has much to do with His desire that the blessings of God would not be  taken from the Jewish people and the rest of the world.

When we hear that the meek, poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the peacemakers are blessed it becomes clear that this descriptive transcends emotional euphoria. Being blessed is far more nuanced and multi-faceted than being happy. I might be happy that my football team won, or that I won a prize. But Jesus’ description of “blessed” surpasses all these emotions.

Gary Smalley has written a book called The Blessing. In it he describes and explains five elements of a blessing:

  1. Meaningful touch
  2. Spoken word
  3. Attaching high value
  4. Picturing a special future
  5. Active commitment to fulfill the blessing

Every element of the blessing is present here in Jesus’ teaching on the Beatitudes. The only thing lacking is the immediate and direct touch of Jesus in this moment. But consider this: Jesus is God in the flesh, touching, teaching, and blessing His disciples and the multitude gathered here. He will take the children up in His arms and bless them. He will touch the blind and deaf and heal them. He will take a little girl by the hand and command her to awaken from the sleep of death.

Jesus is here to bless. That may make you happy, but certainly it conveys a blessing to realize this. Perhaps your circumstances today do not bring you immediate happiness. But the intent, words, and actions of Jesus 2000 years ago will sustain a deep inner peace by faith. Jesus promises blessing to those who will look to, learn from and believe in Him.

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