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 Greater Blessing of God

Hebrews 11:39-40

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

We too often and too easily settle for too little. We’re happy with the fleeting glory of worldly success. And even as we give God the glory, we fail to look far enough across the horizon of God’s kingdom to embrace a greater blessing that he has in store. We are part of a greater and better story than simply that of our own success. We are a part of the story of God and his redemption, love, salvation, and the ultimate establishment of his kingdom. He will reign in the hearts of many and we are part of that story.

That means that we are called to something greater than our own success or fame. Just as the heros of faith listed in Hebrews 11 did not receive the fullness of God’s promise before they died, we will not experience the fullness of God’s redemption until the great Last Day of Christ’s return.

There is even more to the fullness of God’s blessing to be experienced here and now as we embrace our part in God’s story. We are part of the story of God’s kingdom’s coming. If his reign is taking root in our heart we will have a heart for those yet apart from his reign. We will reflect his heart toward all people and desire that others know the reality of his covenant love and kingdom reign.

Both of these are expressed and experienced in Jesus. He is the fullest manifestation of God’s covenant love, sacrificing himself on the cross for the forgiveness of sins for all people. He is the king who reigns in the hearts of believers. His is the kingdom we represent. He is the means by which we are called children of God.

If we do not see the larger horizon of God’s love for all, and the greater story of God’s kingdom we will not be fulfilling our true destiny. If we embrace our true identity as children of God and our true calling to represent his reign over all things we will live more fully into the purpose for which God has created us and redeemed us.

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