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.”

What do you do with a used and no-longer-needed grave?!?

Pilate had Jesus killed. He had guards posted at Jesus’ tomb. He had finally dealt with this Jesus – all at the bidding of the Pharisees and chief priests. Now maybe these pesky religious fanatics would be off his back. Maybe he could go back to governing. Maybe he could get some rest. But rest is never found in dispatching God to a distant corner of your life. His plans span the eons of time and foolishness of man – thanks be to God!

"Abandoned Grave" © 2009 David Bahn
"Abandoned Grave" © 2009 David Bahn

This abandoned grave is not what I would expect to find in any cemetery – even in the graveyard where Jesus had been buried. The discarded American flag is troubling, along with the general disheveled nature of the tomb itself. But what do you do with a used and no-longer-needed grave?!?

Matthew 28:1-10

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

For Easter people you use it as a reminder of our mortality, sinfulness (we put Jesus there – we are duplicitous along Pilate and the others who called for his death); our sins sent him to the cross. But it also serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory of God through the champion of righteousness, truth, life and faith! Jesus has won the victory. Our sins are forgiven. Our life has been secured. Our salvation has been won!

Today we celebrate an empty grave and a full life by God’s grace and salvation. Thanks be to God!

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