David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

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.”

Better than Nearby

Psalm 91:9

You have made the Lord your refuge.

John 17:15

Jesus prays, “I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one.”

20150615-9089

I would personally like to believe that I have no enemies; that there is no one who is out to get me. I would like to live in a world where people just need more information, a better appreciation for my point of view (and I of theirs), and that there is not an evil element at work that is at odds with my wellbeing.

I do believe, however, that Satan is real, that he is the evil one – the thief – who wants to steal, kill, and destroy (cf. John 10:10). The Bible describes him as the prince of this world, a roaring lion seeking to devour, the father of the lie, and the evil one. In fact a better or at least equally valid translation of the seventh petition of the Lord’s prayer, “deliver us from evil” would probably be, “deliver us from the evil one.”

Our protection from this one who would deceive us into sin, undermine our relationship with God, and kill us is in God alone. We may have a strong moral compass, a resolute will, or a strong conscience, but though these will help in our battle against sin and Satan, only God will protect us.

That means we must draw close to God, lean on his word and promise, seek his presence in our lives, and embrace his calling and ways. That means we take seriously who we are in Christ – not just near him. That means we acknowledge that the god-forsaken places of our minds and cities are to be avoided unless we are on a rescue mission or seeking a change of mind by the power of the Holy Spirit, and bringing the light of God’s love and truth to the darkness.

If there is danger at hand, it is not enough to be near a place of safety; we must be in the place of safety. This world’s prince lurks. Thanks be to God that he is a refuge for all those who come to him.

Discover more from David Bahn – Reflections

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Posted in

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.