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.”

Invitation

Jesus invitation to come to him, together with his promise that those who do will find rest for their souls, may be easily misunderstood. It could sound like an invitation that we may easily dismiss; especially when we think we’re strong and energetic. But a closer look reveals a more important truth.

"Onion Blossom" © 2010 David Bahn
"Onion Blossom" © 2010 David Bahn

Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Some parties you might not want to be invited to. A party for those being forced into early retirement might not be high on your list. How about a party for those who are not wise and understanding? Most of us would rather be among those who understand and are wise. We’re not children. And as far as being among the laboring and heavy laden folk: we’ll that’s OK once in a while, but we’d rather not be that way all the time. Give us a live of ease and comfort.

We fail to understand our inadequacy of comprehension in regard to spiritual truths and the work of God. His ways are beyond finding out. We’re more like a child trying to grasp the nuances of quantum physics when it comes to spiritual matters. We see through the foggy lens of a fallen world and corrupt human nature. We are more heavy laden than we think.

Life is not a matter of quid pro quo with God. The spiritual dimensions of God’s work are far beyond anything we can comprehend this side of heaven. When we realize this Jesus’ invitation comes to life for us. God’s good and gracious will is to invite us to faith: to trust in Jesus rather than figure everything out. That is God’s good and gracious will.

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