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.”

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Matthew 2:1-6

1Now(A) after Jesus was born in(B) Bethlehem of Judea(C) in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from(D) the east came to Jerusalem, 2saying, “Where is he who has been born(E) king of the Jews? For we saw(F) his star when it rose[b] and have come to(G) worship him.” 3When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where(H) the Christ was to be born. 5They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6(I) “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will(J) shepherd my people Israel.’”

The Magi's visit of Jesus was perhaps two years after his birth. They worshiped him by offering gifts.

Jesus’ birth signaled a cosmic change. A new King had been born. Emissaries from a foreign land recognized Him before the political or religious leaders of His day did so. These wise men were probably astrologers/astronomers who credited the sighting of “his star in the east”. How they figured out that the star they had seen was a signal of the birth of the King of the Jews is an interesting study. If you are interested in learning more about one credible theory, you might check this website (URL bel0w).

Though we do not know just when they visited the child Jesus,  how many magi there were (the Bible never says), or how they determined His birth, we do know that they came to Jesus and worshiped Him. The Bible is clear on this count.

It is also clear that God rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). God has established the times and places that people should live so that men might seek Him and find Him (Acts 17:26-27). The problem is we don’t seek God as we should – even after our conversion (Romans 3:10-12). Never mind the religious leaders’ dismissal of Jesus. Never mind Herod’s rage. Our own inclination is not toward God.

Thank God that Jesus came to seek and save the lost! (Luke 19:9-10) Thank God that the Holy Spirit draws us to God. Thank God that Christ in us desires that we seek God and honor Him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). And while the fool says in his heart, “There is no god” (Psalm 14:1), the wise will shine like stars in a cold and dark world (Daniel 12:3).

Who is your shining star? Whom do you seek? Whom do you fear? Whom do you worship? The Seeker of our Souls has come to us, rescuing us from vain worship and foolish denial. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

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