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.”

This Dog Goes to Heaven

I’m not particularly inclined to think of myself as a wild dog, scavenging food scraps from the garbage or being kicked or hated and abused. But perhaps the moniker is not so far off.

Red Carpet
The red carpet is out for all who will come to Jesus in faith.

Listen to Jesus talk with this woman:

Matthew 15:21-28

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” 23But he did not answer her a word.

And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” 24He answered,  “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

The situation is as simple as it is urgent: a persistently pesky woman without standing has a daughter severely oppressed by a demon. The disciples want Jesus to get rid of her. Jesus seems insensitive to her as a person, likening her to a dog. She, undaunted, continues to seek the favor of Jesus. Jesus commends her faith.

The lesson? The grace, love, and favor of God comes from God. It is not earned. It is not an entitlement. It has nothing to do with heritage. It has everything to do with the grace and love of God. It is accessed by faith. It’s all centered in Jesus.

Faith does not care about the character of the recipient. Faith looks to the heart of God and sees his love, goodness, kindness, mercy, and grace. Faith sees God’s perfect love and complete accessibility in Jesus. Faith does not give up. Faith looks to Jesus and none other.

There are times in my life that I am not so sure I qualify for God’s attention or help. But thanks be to God! It’s not up to or about me in the least. It’s up to God who sustains well-placed faith and pours out his grace on dogs and daughters alike.

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