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 to an Adventure of Faith

Sometimes it is difficult to keep Jesus in his proper place in my life. I try, though sometimes I fail. The truest part of me, however, created by his gracious power at work in my heart, loves Jesus. I delight in seeing his name glorified. I so want to see his kingdom come. And here is a glimpse of the kingdom of God on the mount of transfiguration.

 

Rothenburg Wall Tower
Rothenburg Wall Tower: Kingdoms of the earth crumble and fall, but the Kingdom of God stands forever!

 

Matthew 17:1-13

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

We see the Kingdom of God here in the appearance of Jesus, the company of Old and New Testament fellows, the clear testimony of the Father, and the goodness of the whole experience. Peter recognizes this as a good thing; a place to camp and stay. Moses, the embodiment of the Old Testament Law, and Elijah, premier Old Testament prophet, talk with Jesus about his departure (we learn this from Luke’s account of this event). New Testament heroes of the faith are being prepared for their testimony and heroic witness to Christ. And God the Father puts the exclamation point on the whole thing: This is my Son. Listen to him.

If we love Jesus and delight in seeing his kingdom come there is one thing we must do. We must listen to Jesus. There are so many other voices, opportunities, and ideas vying for our attention. Then, of course, there is our own sinful nature; that part of us which is wretched, poor and miserable. But Jesus has a word to say to people such as that (just take a look at Peter!). He says, “Follow me.” That is an invitation to an adventure of faith in which we live under him in his kingdom and serve him who is the only one worth following and serving.

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