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 Brokenness

2 Corinthians 4:5-7

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

Buckhorn Cemetary near Hempstead TX
The setting sun shines through the trees at a rural Texas cemetery.

When Jesus describes those who are poor in spirit, or those who mourn as being blessed, we might not openly disagree. But we might resist being poor in spirit or forget that it is the mourners who are comforted in their sorrow. Many people wish to be seen as all put t0gether and quite in control. It makes them less vulnerable and better able to manage life.

It is in our brokenness, however, that the light of Christ shines through. It is when we are weak that the strength, goodness, and faithfulness of God becomes most obvious. For if we are to be faithful in our calling as Christians, we will seek to let the love, goodness, faithfulness and power of Christ be displayed in our lives, rather than our own intellect, beauty, strength, wisdom or savvy.

If we are to let Christ’s light shine we will remember that we are the jars of clay into which God has poured the treasure of His love and grace. That means that we are not merely broken, poor in spirit, or grief-stricken; we are all that and more. We are vessels which hold the riches of Christ’s gifts. Faithfulness means letting Christ shine through our lives.

Prayer: Display your power and glory through me today, O God. Help me to be willing to be broken before you so that others may see your kindness and grace in my brokenness. In Jesus’ name I ask this. Amen.

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