David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

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 Secret Handshake

Psalm 89:15-18

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
16 who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
17 For you are the glory of their strength;
by your favor our horn is exalted.
18 For our shield belongs to the Lord,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.

We may mock the idea of secret handshakes, or be distressed at the unfairness of insider investment trading. We may deplore the WikiLeaks actions of betraying classified military information. We may even be down on any closed society or group, taking the approach of W.C. Fields who is quoted as saying, “I’d never be a member of a club that would take me as a member.”

But those who know the festal shout are blessed. If for even an instant you have known the joy of salvation, the clear experience of God’s deliverance, you know the festal shout. If you have heard someone say from deep in his or her soul, “Praise God!” you know the festal shout. If you have experienced the Lord’s deliverance you know the festal shout.

This is no secret society’s handsake equivalent. This is no insider information that benefits only the few. This is the shout of the redeemed who have embraced the steadfast love of God (read the whole of Psalm 89). This is the joy of those whose life-king is the Lord. It is the praise of those who embrace the blessing of God, his righteousness, and salvation. This is for all people.

There is undeniably a band of brothers and sisters in Christ who know the festal shout. Those apart from Christ may have heard it from afar, but they do not know it. But Christ died for all. God’s salvation is available to all who call upon him. If you do not know this festal shout – this praise of God for his salvation and gift of life – God is even now calling you to himself so that you can receive his grace and rejoice in his salvation. The song of the redeemed is, in fact, God’s favorite song of all. Check it out: Phillips Craig and Dean’s Favorite Song of All…http://youtu.be/IWjbZhbRZAE

Discover more from David Bahn – Reflections

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Posted in

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.