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.”

The day of double blessing

Genesis 1:9-13

9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.

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When we were in Israel, our guide told us that Tuesday was often chosen for couples’ wedding day because it was the day of the double blessing. On the third day of creation, God caused the waters to be gathered, and the land to appear. He saw that it was good (v. 10). Still on that same day, God caused plants and seed-bearing fruits to grow, and again we are told, “God saw that it was good” (v. 12). Twice on that one day of creation, God pronounces his creation good. Tuesday is the day of the double blessing.

I don’t know what today will hold for you, but I’m wondering if we might start a new tradition in the Twitter, FB, and Pinterest, worlds – double blessing Tuesday. Like “Throw Back Thursday,” we could post photos of things that we perceive to be double blessings from God: twins, spouse and children, a beautiful day with an opportunity to go for a walk. I am quite certain that through the creativity and thoughtfulness of others, we could multiply and number of those double blessings.

When you experience a gift from God, you will certainly see it as a blessing for which you thank him. When we see the double blessings – coming on any day – we will want to be doubly thankful as well. Of course there is yet another third day which brings a double blessing: the day Jesus rose from the dead. He was raised for our justification and because he lives we too will live. What are the double blessings for which you can give a double portion of praise and thanks to God today?

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