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.”

Light Burdens

One thing concrete is not: Light. Strong: yes. Hard: without a doubt. Gray: no doubt, unless it is painted or colored. Heavy: to be sure. Light: not so much – not at all.

"Concrete Column" © 2010 David Bahn
This concrete column is one of several that will support a large glulam beam – part of the new worship center being built at St. John Lutheran Church – Cypress, Texas.

Matthew 11:28-30

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.”

This is my confirmation verse, and I love the imagery of taking up Jesus’ yoke. I delight in the idea of learning from him. Thinking of Jesus as gentle and lowly in heart is a comfort and encouragement. Finding rest for the soul is something we all need. What’s more, Jesus’ yoke is easy and his burden light. What isn’t there to love about this passage? Come to Jesus, find rest, learn from him, serve him: life is good.

Too often, however, we don’t think that way. We view the yoke of Jesus as a burden, a hardship and a heavy load. To take Jesus’ yoke upon us is not just a privilege of counting ourselves as servants of Christ, it is also a high calling with consequential implications. We love truth even as we embrace grace. We bear one anothers’ burdens even as we carry our own load. We go the extra mile and give generously. And when we have done all that, we say, “We are unworthy servants; we have done only what was our duty.” (Luke 17:7-10)

I have often thought of the stole I wear on Sundays as a reminder of Jesus’ words here. The stole is a liturgical garment worn by pastors to signify their sacred calling and office. I consider it a great privilege and high calling and responsibility to wear the stole. I take it quite seriously that I speak for Christ and serve him in my duties as a pastor. I also delight in that privilege and responsibility. I tell young men as often as I can that serving Christ as a pastor is something worthy of their serious consideration and prayers.

But Jesus’ calling to follow, learn, and take his yoke is not just for pastors. It is for anyone who will see Jesus for who he is: the Lord of life, joy, and blessing, God in the flesh, our Savior and Redeemer. It is for anyone who will take up his name in loving and serving his neighbor, and honoring the Father above all. In fact, that’s what it means to take up Jesus’ yoke: Love God first and your neighbor as yourself, and urge others to join you in doing just that.

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