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.”

Beyond sill questions and the glory of God

Romans 16:25-27

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

One of the "Big Rocks" of Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, Colorado
One of the “Big Rocks” of Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Silly question: Can God create a rock so big that he cannot move it? Or is it a silly question? A little research revealed that this is known as the Omnipotence Paradox, “an argument that dates at least to the 12th century, addressed by Averroës (1126–1198) and later by Thomas Aquinas. Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (before 532) has a predecessor version of the paradox, asking whether it is possible for God to ‘deny himself.’” (Wikipedia)

A more satisfying answer to this question is offered by the Therefore, God Exists blog:

…if God can do anything, even that which is logically absurd, he would create the rock… and then, he would lift it. We have removed the constraints of logic by saying that God is not limited by them, so there is nothing to hold him back from lifting a rock that is too heavy for himself to lift.

Perhaps such questions are important to some. But they are often distractions – especially to what Paul leaves us with in regard to the glory and power of God. Here we are reminded that God’s power is well used to strengthen us in our faith in the Gospel and message of Jesus Christ. He is intent on revealing the grace and truth that is for all peoples, tribes, nations, and tongues. He delights in the obedience of faith. His purposes are eternal.

That means that we embrace the message of Christ in repentance and faith. It calls for us to acknowledge the reign of God and believe in the Good News of his reign in our hearts. The Gospel, which is the power of salvation to everyone who believes, empowers us to obey God’s commands (the true outcome of faith). When we are strengthened in that faith, and live in faithful obedience, God is eternally glorified through Jesus Christ. That is anything but silly.

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