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.”

When tragedy strikes

Psalm 29:1-2 – A Psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

The sun rises over the Sea of Galilee
Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee – "O Lord, how manifold are your works; in wisdom you have made them all." Psalm 104:24

We learned last night of a tragic auto accident involving a colleague in ministry and his family. Saturday afternoon, Jeff and Laura Geske, and their children were involved in an automobile accident.  Laura and two of the children — Joy and Joshua — were killed.  Jeff and Jacob are hospitalized.  We are keeping Jeff and Jacob in our prayers.

Somehow these words from Psalm 29 spoke to me this morning in the face of this tragedy. Certainly other passages of comfort will speak to us through this time of grief and sadness. The hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life will ring true in the hearts of many. God’s goodness, presence, love, and providential care will also be treasures to hold in our hearts.

But there is something about the holiness of God – the splendor of his holiness that invites our worship, our focus, praise, and thanksgiving. God’s holiness – his “otherness” – is glorious. He is so unlike anything else in all the earth. He is unlike death. He is unlike sin. He is unlike accident. He is unlike chaos and upheaval, and distress. He is glorious in holiness and grace, love, and goodness. He is worthy to be praised.

In the closing verses of this psalm (bel0w) David expresses the truth that the Lord is enthroned over the waters; he sits enthroned over the flood. When tragedy strikes we have an opportunity to turn to or to turn away from God. I am turning to God this morning for comfort and perspective. In him alone is our hope and salvation; life and redemption.

Psalm 29

A Psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD, over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!

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