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 Adventures of Faith

Hebrews 11:8-12

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

There is an elegance of faith: it is at once simple and sublime in its nature and benefit. Simple: a heart-spring of trust and confidence in God and his faithfulness, goodness, promises. Sublime: the rich rewards we receive through faith are eternal and in this moment all at once. We have the promise and hope of eternal life in the life of the world to come, and the confidence and blessing of God’s provision for today.

Abraham was promised something in the future and he responded in faith. But the path toward the future was one of faith and blessing at the same time. He was always looking forward to the city of God, yet lived in the moment of God’s blessing and faithful provision.

Consider the outcome of his faithfulness: He, good as dead, becomes the father of many nations. The writer here telescopes the events of Abraham’s life into a very few verses, while it comprises more than thirteen chapters of Genesis. Each chapter of Abraham’s life was an adventure of faith: from rescuing Lot from Sodom, to the birth Ishmael and Isaac, the story unfolds of trials and challenges that are met with faith.

Today we who believe are called children of Abraham. He has left a legacy, worthy of our imitation. The God he trusted is ready to lead us on such adventures if we will believe him and follow where he leads.

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