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.”

Where’s Jesus?

Hebrews 8:1-2

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.

Abandoned Window
Abandoned Window

Some would say, “Jesus is in my heart.” – a gentle and good sentiment. Others would say, “Jesus simply was.” – a sad and wrong conclusion. The writer to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus is “seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” in a place designated by God, and above all power, authority, and might. This is most certainly true. Is it truly best though?

Certainly it is better than the false notion that Jesus simply was. He was, but also is and is to come. He is the same today, yesterday, and through all eternity. But that Jesus is at the right hand of God – is better than simply saying that Jesus is in our hearts. While it may be true (we all desire Jesus to rule in our hearts), it is not all of the truth. And the danger in this incomplete truth is that we domesticate Jesus, taming him and containing him inside the emotional swings and whims of human existence.

But Jesus is at the right hand of the throne of Majesty. This is a place of supreme honor. And yet consider what he is doing there! He is interceding for us there! His work as our perfect High Priest continues on. We have an advocate before the Father. When our prayers don’t seem to make it above the ceiling, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God praying for us. When we don’t sense God’s presence or purpose in our lives, Jesus is interceding for us. When we sin, Jesus is interceding for us.

I want Jesus to rule in my heart. But I also want him at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. He belongs there. He deserves the glory that he now receives from angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven. And he is there for your blessing an mine. Jesus presence and activity at God’s right hand shows his purpose and heart is for us. Jesus is present with us by faith and for us by his grace.

All glory be to Jesus!

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