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.”

Infamy’s End

On this day “that will live in infamy” it is good to remember that every evil has its end. Satan is not eternal. Evil will fall under its own weight. The bully will one day be gone. But the righteous will find salvation in the Lord.

Jewish Cemetery in Worms, Germany
Jewish Cemetery in Worms, Germany

Psalm 37:35-40 (ESV)

35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,
spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
36But he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
though I sought him, he could not be found.

37Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace.
38But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

Make no mistake: evil, wicked, infamous men and women wreck havoc upon this earth. I can recall at least two specific people who actually made me afraid in my younger days. They were bullies and they were not above hurting, intimidating, and threatening others – including me. One time I actually felt physically threatened. I was afraid that the bully might have a gun and use it!

Even if he had done so, however, my salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ was secure. And in the end he too would die. There would be an accounting. One day people would look for him but he would be no more. Today he is no threat to me whatsoever.

The Psalmist tells us in these verses to take note of the blameless and look for the upright. Who are those godly people in your life who you should be aware of? There is a future for such men and women of peace.

Today is a good day to seek out the godly, decent, honorable people you know. Consider their way of life. Draw from them an example of how to live. Encourage them along their way. And rejoice with them in God’s salvation. Their righteousness does not save them. But it does reflect the character of the One who has saved them. Infamy will end, but the righteous will find refuge in God.

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