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.”

Unnecessary

Matthew 9:18-25

While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples.20And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22Jesus turned, and seeing her he said,  “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. 23And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26And the report of this went through all that district.

"Unnecessary" © David Bahn
"Cemetery Gate" © David Bahn

When Jesus arrives at the house to raise the ruler’s daughter, he dismisses the flute players and the crowd. When he told them that the little girl was not dead but sleeping they laughed at him. But in fact they were no longer needed. It is quite interesting to me that this story in Matthew’s gospel is much more brief and quickly moving than in Mark’s account of these healings. The commotion and dire distress, however, were unnecessary. The Lord of Life is here. He will prevail. The little girl will be raised.

Two important things happen as a result of this healing.

  1. The little girl is given back to her family alive; there will be more years and all the challenges and blessings that go along with them in the future for this family.
  2. Jesus’ fame spreads. More people hear of his incredible power and amazing grace.

When good things happen in our lives – diseases are healed, jobs are found, prayers are answered those same two things properly result. We are blessed. Jesus’ fame spreads. When Jesus is not present all manner of unnecessary things can creep into our lives. Not just flute players and people making commotion, but distractions from God’s kingdom and his love for us cloud our view of the world. What unnecessary thing is Jesus calling you to rid yourself of today? How are his blessings making your life better? How might his fame be spread by you?

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