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.”

Friends of Jesus

John 15:12-17

 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

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Friends – true friends – do at least three things other people will not do. They will give you “the last 10%” – the “you’ve got broccoli in your teeth,” or “you can’t really do that and expect to get a promotion” messages we all need to hear from time to time. A friend will let you into his life; she will be real with you and let you know what is really on her heart. A friend will stick up for you and stick with you when the chips are down, or when others are piling on against you. A friend will stick by you in the hardest of times. Friends may do other things, but these are certainly among the most important.

Jesus says he is the disciples’ friend, and as such has confided in them the purposes and plans of the Father. Jesus’ friendship with his followers opens to us an awareness of eternal significance. We have the inside scoop on the cosmic end of all things. We know who really is in control. And we have seen in the most remarkable manner possible – in Jesus’ death and resurrection – that God is faithful to his promises and perfectly capable of causing all things to work out for his purposes.

One of our sons was once threatened while in junior high school. His simple defense? He asked, “Do you know my friend Cedric?” The bullies turned away and left him alone. Cedric was a no nonsense football type who could crush them under his thumb. While we don’t need to invoke Jesus’ name in quite that manner, it is good to remember that he is our friend, and as such a source of great courage, comfort, and perspective.

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