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.”

Woman of crumbs and tears

Mark 7:24-30

And from there [Jesus] arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

A girl sleeps with her mother and brother after receiving treatment at an ad hoc medical clinic. (UN Photo)

Lord have mercy! The devastation of the recent earthquake in Haiti is overwhelming – even in the distant comfort of internet photo slide shows. I cannot answer the question of why at times like these, but I can certainly pray for the comfort of God to be given these people and the grace of God to be given those who go to their aid.

Mark 7:26

The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

Why did you let her struggle—

This woman of crumbs and tears?

Why did she have to beg you

To calm and quell her fears?

What of her little daughter—

Her child tormented and in pain?

Must she be so humble

To make on your love her claim?

Jesus, your ways are a mystery to me.

I cannot understand your thoughts.

I do not know your course nor

Can I predict your next step?

Will you walk on the water?

Will you calm the storms?

Will you send us in another direction?

—And marvel in sadness at our surprise?

When she went home to her child,

And saw that the demon was gone

Did she utter a prayer of thanksgiving

And sing for her Savior a song?

When I read this story

And I am struck by these mysteries great

I realize I need your healing touch

And the abundance of your grace.

Jesus, your ways are a mystery to me.

I cannot understand your thoughts.

I do not know your course nor

Can I predict your next step?

Will you walk on the water?

Will you calm the storms?

Will you send us in another direction?

—And marvel in sadness at our surprise?

Then I look at you and discover

The delight in your heart and smile.

I see in your face, your love forever

For any who would be God’s child.

Jesus, your ways are a mystery to me.

I cannot understand your thoughts.

I do not know your course nor

Can I predict your next step?

Will you walk on the water?

Will you calm the storms?

Will you send us in another direction?

—And marvel in sadness at our surprise?

David Bahn

August 3, 1999/January 15, 2010

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