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.”

Heavy

John 13:31-38

 31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

   33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

   34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 36 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

   Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

 37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

 38 Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

Shadows
Shadows

The word “glory” is a word rich in meaning. In the Old Testament the concept of glory is used to denote a weightiness or heaviness of substance or being. This is then extended to the concept of presence – a matter of inherent magnificence. Finally is the notion of praise, praiseworthiness, shining or brilliance. In the New Testament, the primary Greek word rendered glory is doxa which really speaks to the perception of something as being good. The word denotes splendor, honor, and praise.

That said, how is it that at this moment in Jesus’ life and ministry (“now”) he is glorified, and God is glorified in him.” What is it about this particular time and situation that glorifies God and places him in a state of glory? Part of the answer certainly lies in Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Part of it has to do with Jesus’ perfect ministry of service to Peter and the disciples when he washed their feet.

Perhaps the real insight into this moment of Jesus’ glory has to do with the reality of who Jesus is at all times and all places. God is glorious. Jesus is glorious. The Holy Spirit is glorious. This is ever and always true.

Jesus says this immediately after Judas leaves on his final errand of betrayal, and Jesus is glorified. No matter what is happening the reality of Jesus glory is unchanged. The angels sing his praises. The whole company of heaven honors him. Perhaps we can take comfort in this: while Jesus’ name is maligned, dishonored, and used in vain in so many ways, Jesus’ glory stands. There is a weight – heaviness – to his being that is not diminished by anything that happens. The ultimate glory of Jesus will be the eternal celebration of his grace in his kingdom and the life of the world to come.

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