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.”

Never Late – Seldom in a Hurry

John 11:1-6

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2  It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

Someone said it just last week: God is never late and seldom in a hurry. I like that thought, and the unfolding encounter between Jesus and Lazarus recorded here in John 11, bears out this truth. We, of course, may not always see how that is true. But our lack of understanding or doubt about God does not nullify his character. The God who is never late and seldom in a hurry has in mind great things, sometimes greater than that which our convenience might suggest.

As you read the account of Jesus and Lazarus, you learn that Jesus actually delays his departure for Bethany for two days. In fact John tells us that it was because he loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus that he delayed! Lazarus will have died. His sisters will have been in grief. The mourners will have been called. All the commotion of death and burial would have been unleashed.

This was the woman who anointed Jesus with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair. Jesus loved Lazarus. They loved him. As we look at this unfolding drama this week, we will see some of the good things that unfold because the Lord of life comes when he wills and for purposes greater than our convenience. This illness is for the glory of God. Something greater and better will unfold as Jesus interacts with these people he loves.

Today, you might run into a situation that requires immediate action on your part. You may even believe that God must intervene in your behalf right now. It might be that he does not. The reasons for his timing do not change the reality of his love, goodness, and faithfulness. We must simply wait on him, and seek his glory in all things.

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