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.”

Reverence and Awe

Hebrews 12:25-29

25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Sometimes it is good to face the simple but profoundly-important truth that God is judge. He is fierce, and powerful, demanding and the ultimate reality who we must all one day face. “Our God is a consuming fire,” we read. Indeed. And he demands acceptable worship. He will have the last say. He will shake out the earth so that what is not true, nor real, nor of his design nor his delight will be destroyed. Evil will fall under its own weight.

But we have received an unshakable kingdom. We are part of a kingdom that will prevail. For this we must be grateful, and worship God in reverence and awe. We do no favor to God by gathering for worship. He is just fine without our meager offerings of praise. Even our grandest celebrations add no glory to the One who reigns over all, and who is glorious by his own being.

But God delights in our worship, receives us when we come in reverence and awe before his throne of grace, and hears us when we call upon him in the name of His Son, Jesus. For this we must indeed be grateful. For this we must rejoice. In the reverence and awe of humility and trust we worship God. In Jesus’ name, and led by the Holy Spirit we properly honor God and acknowledge his grace and glory. Part of representing his kingdom and expanding his reign in the world is played out as we gather for worship acknowledging his glory and mark ourselves as people thankful for his grace.

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2 responses to “Reverence and Awe”

  1. Brigitte S Eldridge Avatar
    Brigitte S Eldridge

    I am going to enjoy getting the word through your blog. Thank you. Brigitte

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      Praying that God will bless you through his Word. In Jesus… DLB

      Reply

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