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.”

Beyond the Hole

Hebrews 4:11-16

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The flower withers but the Word of God remains forever.
The flower withers but the Word of God remains forever.

Augustine’s famous quote, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are rest-less till they find their rest in you,” is the basis for the idea of a God-shaped hole in the hearts of man that only God can fill. These last verses of Hebrews 4, however, add greater urgency to our quest for restful hearts. There is the matter of the sharp, living, active two-edged sword of God’s word that pierces our hearts and uncovers the motives of our souls. And as if that isn’t enough there is the matter of God’s requirement that we answer to him for our soul’s intentions and our life’s actions.

The problem is not only of a God-shaped hole in our hearts; the problem is we are unholy and God is perfectly holy. The problem is that there is no excuse for sin, and we can never make up for our failings. If the fundamental problem that we have in life is a matter only of our unrest because of the God-shaped hole in our hearts, then why would we need a Savior? Why is it important that he was tempted in every way as we are yet without sin?  Why do we need a high priest to intercede for us?

God invites us to draw near to the throne of grace. What a delightful place that is! It is a throne to be sure: a place of power, dominion, authority, and majesty. The one to whom we draw near is mighty and glorious. But this is no despot’s throne. It is a throne of grace. When he sees the emptiness of our souls his heart is moved with mercy. When he sees our sins and evil intent, his lays those on his Son, our Savior. He is mighty – not just to lay his enemies low – but mighty to save.

Our daily troubles and struggles may be G0d-shaped-hole troubles. But our greater need – for a Savior – has been revealed by God’s word and satisfied by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Thank God for all of that!

(For a very full and robust consideration of the God-Shaped Hole see The God-Shaped Hole in the Human Soul, by Glenn F. Chestnut.)

 

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