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.”

Hope and Mercy

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

These two gravesites testify to our need for mercy and the Christian hope of the resurrection.

We are again gathered as a family because of a death. The situation is difficult on many levels. The pain is deep and has many tentacles. The words from a stanza of A Mighty Fortress are on display in bold relief:

This world’s prince may still

Scowl fierce as he will.

He can harm us none.

He’s judged the deed is done.

One little word can fell him.

The scowling of the devil – with all his schemes and fierce ways – has been met, however by the mercy of God. God saw our misery and pain. He realized how helpless we are without Him. He heard our groans and weeping. And rather than making fun of us, belittling us for being so susceptible to the devil’s desire to steal, kill and destroy, God rescued us. Rather than declaring us guilty and condemning our unbelief and sin, He redeemed us.

Because of God’s mercy, secured by Jesus’ sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, and by the power of His Holy Spirit, we have been born again into a living hope. It is stored up in heaven, ready to be revealed at the Last Day. It is being kept for those who hold to hope in faith.

Today is a big hopeful day at St. John in Cypress. Our hope is soon to see a new worship center taking shape on the corner of Spring Cypress and Huffmeister. Even though Diane and I won’t be part of the groundbreaking celebration it is our fervent hope that the new worship center will be a testimony to the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

In His mercy God has brought forth again a living hope. Perhaps you are not aware of your need for God’s mercy today; certainly, however, we are thankful for God’s hope today, tomorrow, and through all eternity.

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