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.”

That I may be His own

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won [delivered] me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, in order that I may be [wholly] His own, and live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true. – Luther’s Small Catechism, Explanation to the Second Article of the Creed

Cactus Flower
Cactus Flower near Phoenix, Arizona

 

There are times when we delight to call Jesus “Lord.” When we’re in trouble and pray in the name of our Lord Jesus for help we are ready to call him Lord. When we feel the sting of sin we are thankful that he is the Lord who has redeemed us. When we struggle with guilt or need extra strength to do the good things we know we ought to do we gladly call Jesus our Lord.

The good news is that Jesus is our Lord because he has redeemed us. There are many who enslave, terrorize, victimize, and in other ways lord it over others. Despotic dictators, unreasonable bosses, manipulating friends, and sometimes even unkind family members may all lord it over us. They exact our obeisance – a harsher compliance.

Although Jesus reigns above all powers, authorities, thrones, rulers and dominions, his rule is unlike any other. As the Christmas carol says, “He rules the world with truth and grace…” Jesus rules now in utter grace and mercy. His intent is unlike any others’. He came to seek and save the lost, not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

One day Jesus will come and establish his reign over all creation. One day all evil will be destroyed. One day no one will use Jesus’ name to express disgust, or disdain. Every eye will see him (Revelation 1:7). Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-12). God will be praised and no longer mocked. And those who claim Jesus as their Lord will live in “everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.” (Luther’s Small Catechism).

How are you living under Christ in His kingdom today? It is a grace-full, faith-full thing.

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