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.”

Pure Words

Psalm 12:6

The words of the LORD are pure words,

like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,

purified seven times.

Natavity
Natavity

Talk is cheap, and there are plenty of people who do it well. From the smooth-tongued salesman to the slick-talking con man; from the silver-tongued preacher, to the sharp-tongued critic: talk is cheap. Rappers, talk radio hosts, auctioneers, and don’t forget the politicians: all these use words to ply their trade. That’s what the psalmist speaks of in the first verses of this psalm (see below).

Not so God! His words are pure words, like refined silver, perfectly fit for that which is needed. Words are never ornamentation with God. He speaks and light, land and sea, worlds are created. He speaks and men are healed, women are freed from unjust condemnation, widows receive their sons back alive, sins are forgiven.

During this Christmas season words of Carols ring through the air. Bible passages from Sunday school days come to mind. Words of greeting may even carry a message: “Merry Christmas” reminds us of the joy we have because Christ has come to save us.

That’s because God’s words are not just empty promises or even idle threats. When he says, “I will now arise,” he means it. And he has arisen in behalf of the poor and needy. He has come for the people of all generations. His pure words of grace and truth bring repentance and faith, life and salvation.

Amidst the noise of the season, listen for the pure words of God. They are life and joy!

Psalm 12

1Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone;
for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
2Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips,
the tongue that makes great boasts,
4those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail,
our lips are with us; who is master over us?”

5“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the LORD;
“I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”
6 The words of the LORD are pure words,
like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.

7You, O LORD, will keep them;
you will guard us from this generation forever.
8On every side the wicked prowl,
as vileness is exalted among the children of man.

 

 

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