David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

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.”

Fringe Group

Some people become part of a fringe group because their cause is so outlandish or the prevailing social climate is so clearly opposed to their ideas. But there is another sort of fringe group. It is a self-imposed limitation that we see in this brief encounter recorded in Matthew 14.

Steps to the Church's Back Door
These steps lead the back door of a to a church in the Height's area of Houston.

Matthew 14:34-36

And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

This story is fascinating to me. It reminds me of the woman with chronic bleeding who was healed as she touched the fringe of Jesus’ garment. It could be thought of as mass hysteria, like the screams of the girls when the Beatles first came to America (I’m guessing there is a modern day counterpart; I just don’t know it!). But that’s not what we have described here.

Notice the word goes out and the people come. In fact they brought to Jesus all who were sick. And they “implored him” to let them touch the fringe of his garment, seeking a cure. And as many as touched it were made well.

Are we seeing mass hysteria? Are we seeing the ancient near-eastern equivalent of a faith healer’s road show? Are we seeing people so worked up that they talk themselves into believing that they are well? Are we seeing simply the press clippings from Jesus’ PR department?

The story itself sets all those things aside. Matthew doesn’t describe Jesus here at all. There is no indication of a mass hysteria. We have here a simple and important truth: Hang on to as much of Jesus as you are able! For whatever reason of your limitation may be it doesn’t prevent Jesus’ healing grace from coming to you.

Don’t understand every word of the Bible? Understand only a few? Hold on to them. Jesus’ blessings will flow. Able only to pray a few words? Pray them in faith and wait for the answer: your prayers do not prevent Jesus from acting in your behalf. Have only water, bread and wine and God’s word? Use them in faith and see the hand of God and Jesus in your midst. Believe that your issue merits only a moment of God’s attention? Lay it at the foot of the cross. He loves and heals and pours out his blessings generously.

Only on the fringe? Come to Jesus rejoicing in God’s faithfulness and the abundance of His life and salvation.

Discover more from David Bahn – Reflections

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Posted in

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.