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.”

Cheer Leaders

Hebrews 12:1-2 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Better than a gargoyle, Christians are being watched and cheered on in our faith marathon by a great cloud of witnesses.

Some people seek to be comforted by thinking of loved ones as angels watching from above. This sentimental thoughts finds no clear foundation in Scripture. But here in Hebrews 12 it is clear that we are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses.” Following on the great chapter of the heroes of the faith (Hebrews 11), it is clear that those who watch do so to cheer us on; these are words of encouragement. Their example is meant to inspire us. Their watching is to lead us by their applause; they cheer us on in our faith marathon.

Too often we think of faith as only a reflective, passive means of receiving the gifts of God. Indeed it is that; but it is far more. Faith causes us to lay aside sin, run the race, keep our eyes focused on Jesus, and live as though our ultimate place in eternity really matters. Indeed it does; faith moves us to action.

Today many people will be surrounded by a great crowd of shoppers. In faith they will storm the stores looking for the “Black Friday” bargains. Nothing wrong with that, per se.  They are acting in faith that the stores will deliver what they promise, and that the purchases they make will satisfy some need. Time will tell if this is well-founded faith.

In the light of eternity we will discover that those who urge us on and encourage us to be faithful to Christ have set us on an eternally good course. Keep that in mind today – whether you make the Black Friday sales today or not.

Luther’s Morning Prayer – I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things.  Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.  Amen.

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