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.”

Gently, gently…

Sometimes we do not know our own strength. We bulldoze people because we believe we must demand our way. By sheer strength, size, raw power, or intimidation we get our way. This is not the way of faith or of God.

Black-eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans grow among downed logs on the back property of St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas.

I once heard John Ortberg speak at a church leadership conference. This author and pastor of a very large Christian church draws from a deep well of truth and insight. But his presentation was quiet and very low key. The impact of his message, however, was anything but low key. I still remember the message he shared, based on Isaiah 43:4. He had us write on an index card the words, “You are precious and honored in my sight and I love you.” He then proceeded to share a powerfully insightful message about that truth.

Quiet. Simple. Almost understated. But true. He took the truth of Matthew 12:20 and poured out the blessing of God’s grace and love on us all.

Matthew 12:14-21

14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against [Jesus], how to destroy him.

15Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
20a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

When the truth of God’s love connects with our hearts we are changed forever. Our hope is turned away from our own efforts and attainments to the God of salvation and grace. The truth will stand the test of time and every onslaught of Satan and all the enemies of God. Perhaps we ought to lean more on the truth of God’s love and trust him to sustain us in all things.

Fewer bruised reeds will be broken off. Smoldering wicks will be brought back to flame. The gentleness of God’s grace and truth is the balm for the soul that we all need.

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