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.”

Looking Forward to a Truly Great Day

Isaiah 66:18

I am coming to gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory.

Matthew 25:31–32

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him.

Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee - "O Lord, how manifold are your works; in wisdom you have made them all." Psalm 104:24

A friend of mine shared with me recently that he is becoming more and more distressed about the state of the world. I suspect that the recent terrorist attacks in Paris won’t lessen that distress. Controversies and protests, firings and political scandals, rampant immorality and indecency all trouble his heart. He admits, also that he is also becoming more intolerant; a difficult combination to be sure. More than 200 dead in Paris Terrorist Attacks. Black and Blue Lives Matter. Mizzou President Resigns. FBI Probes Clinton’s Emails. Allegations Dog Ben Carson. These headlines trail through his mind. It’s enough to make a guy yearn for the End of the World.

That, however, is not the best motivation for our yearning for the life of the world to come. We are not most fit for heaven when we are least happy on earth. We live in a fallen world to be sure. There will be wars and rumors of war, famine, distress and troubles of many kinds before the end. Jesus taught that clearly (cf. Matthew 24). He even promises that for the sake of the elect the terror of those days will be shortened. But let me show you a more excellent way.

According to Irenaeus, the Early Church Father, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” If that is the case, then the culmination of all of history will be a day full of life. God speaks through Isaiah of people from all nations and tongues seeing his glory. Jesus says that when he comes on the Great Last Day he will sit on his throne of glory.

I used to worry about Jesus coming when I was doing something wrong. I’ve heard radio preachers say, “When Jesus comes do you want to be in a bar?” The implication being that such a discovery would exempt one from gaining heaven. It’s as though God is saying, “Sorry, I caught you sinning. I don’t save sinners.” What!?! Isn’t that why Jesus came?!? 

If God’s glory is man fully alive, and God’s praise will be for his glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6), then the glory of Jesus on that Great Last Day will be expressed by the fully alive redeemed sinners praising God for his mercy, love, forgiveness, redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. That will truly be a great day!

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