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.”

The Real Danger of Genie-Bottle Faith

Mark 10:35-38a

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.

There are times when any of us will want to become emperor of the universe and dictate life according to our every whim. Perhaps it’s a job opportunity that we are convinced is best for us. It might be the life path of a friend or family member for whom we are praying. Maybe we it’s as simple as the weather being nice while we’re on vacation.

We can easily spot the attitude in others. Look at James and John here: They want Jesus to do anything they ask? Really?!? Jesus’ answer points them and us to a grave deficiency of character: They don’t know what they’re asking. And neither do we.

I am often amazed at the “sky is falling” predictions of hysterical media watchers at the reporting on the latest discovery of global warming. The pundits’ assertions of political realities amuse me. It’s just like the funny scene in the movie Bruce Almighty when Bruce (in the role of God to show his short-sightedness) simply answers everyone’s prayer, “Yes.” Chaos ensues.

But this is not the greatest danger. The greatest danger of such a selfish and self-centered universe-running-101 mentality is the sin against the first commandment. We make ourselves to be God. We turn God into a genie who exists for our convenience. The attendant danger of this is that we then successfully chart a course toward our ultimate destruction. Take a look at Romans 1:18-32 if you want God’s commentary on such a lifestyle.

God is no genie. His wisdom and love are unsearchable. He is good and deeply desires good things for us all. So if you find yourself wanting to instruct him on how things should go for you or your world remember these two things: You don’t know what you are asking when you try to plan God’s day for him (none of us do!); and God has a better plan for life, joy, and an eternity of glory for us. It’s revealed and realized in Jesus and enjoyed by all who would fear, love, and trust in him above all things.

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