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.”

Simple Truth

John 1:29-34

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

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That Jesus is the Son of God is a simple truth that has profound implications. John the Baptist’s whole ministry was focused on revealing Jesus to Israel. John’s gospel is a testimony to that reality. So as Jesus is revealed to Israel, and as he goes about his ministry we learn something about God. For Jesus did not come as a baseball hero or famous movie actor. He did not establish a financial empire. Nor did Jesus create the perfect political system. Rather, he poured out the Holy Spirit and changed the hearts and lives of politicians, financiers, even prostitutes and crooked tax collectors.

It is striking to me that the Son of God poured out not only the Holy Spirit, but even his very life for the redemption of all people. His purpose was not self-aggrandizement or selfish gain. As the perfect reflection of the Father in heaven Jesus called people to follow him, to repent of their sins, to trust God, and to love their neighbors. His whole life is testimony to the Father’s love and desires for us.

Each of us have a means by which we embrace Jesus’ love and values. Whether at work or with our families, on vacation, or in our daily activities the simple truth that Jesus is the Son of God can shape our attitudes and actions. I wonder how I might have an opportunity to apply that simple truth today.

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