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.”

Following Jesus

Matthew 9:9-13

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

This painting was done during a 3-D Ministry conference in Pawleys Island, SC. This low-res version is not to be used without the artist's permission. For more information contact 3d Ministries at info@3dministries.com.

It is one thing to profess belief in Jesus. It is quite another thing to follow him. It’s not clear that Matthew believed in Jesus when he heard Jesus’ call, but he did follow him. The demons believe, James tells us but don’t follow him; they shudder if fear of his name. But the two need to go together. Judas followed Jesus for a time, but apparently did not believe in him. Many people believed in Jesus for a time but turned away from him as he turned toward Jerusalem and the cross (John 6:63-69).

Truth is, however, that following Jesus is an act of faith. Believing in Jesus is tantamount to following him. We too often separate the two. We compartmentalize our faith and make it too often an occasional part of life; as though believing can come and go as needed. In fact Jesus calls us who believe in him to follow him. He wants our lives to express our faith wherever we are and whatever we are doing.

My uncle served under General Patton in World War I. He told me that it is true: Patton wouldn’t tell his soldiers to go anywhere he himself wouldn’t go. So too with Jesus; if he leads us even to places of pain and suffering (few of us are actually led there), he has been there first. And in the end he leads us to the Father and abundant eternal life.

None of us ever do this perfectly, but we do follow Jesus because he invites us to believe in him and receive forgiveness because he went to Jerusalem and the cross and grave. Now, risen from the grave, he awaits us in heaven where we will one day also go – led by him. Where will Jesus lead you today? Challenging or pleasant, enjoyable or difficult, his Spirit also accompanies you, leading you to a Savior and an adventure of faith that you will find in no other man.

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One response to “Following Jesus”

  1. thesauros Avatar
    thesauros

    It’s good to follow Jesus.

    “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah 43:1,2

    Reply

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