David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

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.”

The bar is too high!

Matthew 5:27-48 (ESV)
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart…
31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you…
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you…
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you…
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you…
48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

One of the "Seven Falls" at the foot of Pike's Peak near Colorado Springs, Colorado
One of the "Seven Falls" at the foot of Pike's Peak near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount with the beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” He next assures His disciples that they are the salt of the earth and light of the world. But then He begins a process by which He tears away any pretense we might hold of being righteous before God.

“You have heard…but I say…” So goes the refrain, and with each example Jesus raises the bar on righteousness. Who has never said, “You fool!” Who has never looked at a woman lustfully? Who can claim to be perfect?!?

If we look carefully at the overall progression of these verses, however, we will discover something quite insightful; we may even find comfort and hope(!). First of all Jesus teaches that true blessedness is not determined by outward appearances (the Beatitudes). Next we learn that disciples of Jesus are light and salt. Then we are confronted with the truth that true righteousness is not only outward righteousness, but a righteousness of the heart. If we take this seriously we become convicted by our inability to be perfect – to have a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees: We become poor in spirit.

Jesus preaching here is not simply about confronting us with our sin and need for a Savior; it is about bringing to us a poverty of spirit that is truly a state of blessedness. We have no hope of our own, but only the promise of God. Our Father in heaven is perfect in love, faithfulness, and goodness. Those who embrace these truths will find true comfort in Him.

Discover more from David Bahn – Reflections

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Posted in

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.