David Bahn – Reflections

John 1:6-13

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

⁹ The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

“Gentlemen, the world needs a Savior; and you are not him.” This, according to a colleague who more recently graduated from the seminary, was one of the sayings of a friend of mine who is a seminary professor. Spoken to his whole class, these words ring true in my ears on this, my second day of sabbatical. It’s been a challenge to disengage completely from my work as senior pastor at St. John, even though I did spend the day yesterday almost solely on photographic pursuits. But I’m trying to embrace the reality (and it is most certainly true!) that the church can make out just fine without me: I’m the servant of the Savior; I’m not the Savior.

John tells us here that the true light came into the world, but not everyone received him. The blessing, however, to those who did receive him is profound: They are the children of God. This is a miracle of God, not a work of man. So while there are works of man to be attended to (thanks to God for the staff and many members who carry on the ministry in my absence!), the truly consequential work is the work of God. By his work we become children of God. By his work in us we are born again. By his work in us life and eternity are changed.

The great privilege I have is to be a part of God’s work in others’ lives. But that is not to be relegated only to active pastors, or even only to ordained clergy. John was sent from God, and seems to have been a sort of free agent. It is important and legitimate that the local church administer its affairs through called and ordained pastors, and called workers, and hired staff. Truth be told, however, the work of God depends on people sent by him regardless of ecclesiastical pedigree, ordination papers, or official position.

I am thankful for the place of ministry to which God has called me here at St. John. I am deeply thankful that I am able to embrace this time away on sabbatical. I deeply desire and pray the church’s success and joy in being a part of God’s kingdom coming in the Cypress area, and beyond.