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.”

Peace!

 

Smoke in the Sky - Texas Wildfire
Smoke in the Sky – Texas Wildfire Cell Phone Photo by Aaron Bahn

I cannot imagine what it would be like to suffer the loss of my home and all the possessions I was not able to remove from it in the face of an oncoming wildfire. But more than 600 families and individuals do not have to imagine it; they are living that nightmare today. With the fierce, relentless fires raging in Texas, the latest count is a sobering reality beyond words for those who are facing this loss. Lord, have mercy!

John 16:29-33

 29His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

In these parting words of Jesus, he predicts a scattering of disciples that would shake them to the depths of their faith. They would abandon Jesus be scattered. Jesus would be left alone.

The most grave loss we can endure in the face of any calamity or trouble is the loss of faith. The most valuable thing we would ever abandon in the throes of hardship or distress of any kind is not a thing; it is Jesus. When we abandon hope of God’s goodness, and Jesus’ promises of protection, salvation, life, and peace, we do not merely leave Jesus bereft of our presence, we leave behind priceless treasures his presence brings.

It is interesting to me that Jesus is distressed at our abandonment – not only from the standpoint of our loss in that, but his loss. It saddens him whenever we neglect him, his promise, and his grace. But he calls us back to himself in the face of our scattered chaos, and stands ready to receive us when we come. And he promises that as we abide in him we will have peace. Peace is the great blessing of a deeply – founded connection with our Lord.

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