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.”

God’s Presence and Protection

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid?” Mark 4:39–40

20160804-dianes-alaska6968
Alaska Sunset (Photo by Diane Bahn)

Flash Flood in Big Thompson Canyon, 1977. Tsunami in Japan, 2011. Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, 2005. If anyone had stopped those water/weather/flood catastrophes people would have been more fearful than ever. It should be noted that is exactly the response of Jesus’ disciples in the boat after he stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee: fear-filled awe and wonderment.

I note two things about God’s presence and protection in the midst of disaster. He promises to be with us through it all. And he offers a promise of protection that is understood only by faith. I’m not certain which is more difficult to believe or understand: God’s presence in the midst of disaster, or God’s deliverance from disaster.

There is some resolution in my mind in that Jesus did directly and boldly prevent the waters from overwhelming the disciples. God did protect the three men in the fiery furnace during the time of Daniel. God had protected Noah and his family from the flood. But people died in the tsunami – at least some of whom certainly were Christians. The same is true in New Orleans, or Big Thompson Canyon. How are these to be saved?

In the end those who trust in Jesus Christ will be delivered from the ultimate destruction of death and hell. That promise is open to all people. Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Anyone can claim his redemption and salvation. I may not understand the hows and whys of God’s deliverance this side of eternity, but I believe God’s gift of eternal life will preserve me forever.

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2 responses to “God’s Presence and Protection”

  1. JEFFREY DORIA Avatar
    JEFFREY DORIA

    Nice!

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      I really struggled with this one. Thanks

      Reply

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