David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

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.”

Man Up!

John 18:37-40

37Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”38Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

   After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Strong Wall with a Doorway
Strong Wall with a Doorway

Pilate is so close to being right. He acknowledges Jesus’ claim to be a king (close!). He declares, “I find no guilt in him” (right on the mark). But alas, read on…”But you have a custom that I should release one man for you…” Man up, Pilate! Just release him. Tell the angry mob: “This man has done nothing wrong. I have no use for your silly religious games – no matter how righteous you try to sound. Now get out of here.”

Or better yet: “I have seen the light, there is no guilt in him. You are the guilty ones, trying to silence your own king. He threatens you because your religion is a sham of what it ought to be. He has born witness to the truth, and come what may, I will follow him. No more kowtowing to you, to Caesar, or any angry mob. I will stake my life on him and serve the cause of Truth.”

Not going to happen. The robber Barabbas will be released. Jesus will be beaten, mocked, scourged, crucified, and buried. He will die for the likes of Barabbas, Pilate, the Chief Priests, Pharisees, and the angry mob. He will die for the likes of you and me.

What remains is for us to stake our lives on the Truth that is Jesus, and turn away from any other wimpy, fickle, or convenient pseudo-truth. Standing strong on the Truth that is Jesus is the best any man or woman can do. When we stand strong in him we will stand forever.

Discover more from David Bahn – Reflections

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Posted in

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.