David Bahn – Reflections

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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.”

Hell hath no furry…

Matthew 8:28-34

And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 31And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” 32And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 33The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.

"Gargoyle" © 2009 David Bahn
"Gargoyle" © 2009 David Bahn

It’s a trite phrase: “Hell hath no furry like a woman scorned.” It’s also sexist, and untrue. Hell has plenty of fury. The demon-possessed men at the country of the Gadarenes are a prime example. They won’t let anyone pass by there. Living in the tombs, they terrorized that community. When they see Jesus they are so infuriated that they do two very foolish things.

First they confront Jesus. Surely they didn’t think they could prevail against the Son of God! But they took him on nonetheless. They lost.

Second they begged Jesus to send them into the herd of pigs nearby if he was going to cast them out. This was a foolish request. Jesus commanded them, “Go!” So they went into the herd of pigs to their doom.

It is interesting and noteworthy that demons are foolish (no fear of God), and so consumed with their own hatred and evil that they pursue their own doom. The Bible is clear about Satan’s power and intent. He is the prince of this world. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus, however, has come to give us life in abundance. The two men from the country of the Gadarenes will testify to that – even though the people of that area beg Jesus to leave their area.

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2 responses to “Hell hath no furry…”

  1. Darlene Heida Avatar
    Darlene Heida

    Pastor Bahn, why did the people want Jesus to leave their region?

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      It is not Clear, Darlene, why the people asked Jesus to leave. Perhaps they thought he was bad for the local swine business. Maybe they were worried that too many people would glam onto him and ruin their quiet little town. Sadly some folks just don’t want Jesus around.

      Reply

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