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.”

Jesus’ Presence

When Jesus promises to be present in the gathering of his people – with as few as two or three – we ought to take note. In fact, his presence is what makes such gatherings possible and truly beneficial.

Men's Retreat Communion Table
This make-shift altar at the St. John Mens Retreat hosted the Lord's Supper in which Jesus is truly present, and which celebrates the gift of his body and blood given and shed for us for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 18:15-20

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

The holy calling to win a straying brother by any and all means is sustained by Jesus’ presence and aid. He gives his disciples the means by which it is done. He gives us the community of believers and fellow disciples to support and encourage us in the process. He promises that the Father will hear the prayers of those who seek this resolution. He promises to be present as the two (one-on-one) or three (two-on-one) meet in his name to seek resolution and reconciliation.

It is essential, in this process of restoration, to consider each others through the cross of Jesus, and in light of his presence in the process. Only in the cross of Jesus are we able to be truly reconciled. For there is never any excuse for sin. There is, however, forgiveness of sin. There is never any reason to forgive because another person deserves it. There is, on the other hand, the grace of God’s forgiveness to all people because of Jesus.

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God forgives our sins only for Jesus’ sake. When we seek to reconcile with a brother or sister in Christ, the presence of Jesus in our midst is the only resource that enables true and eternal resolution.

Into what relationships do you need to bring Jesus today?

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