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.”

What do you think of Jesus?

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
    for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
    my flesh also will dwell in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
    or let your Holy One see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ – Acts 2:22-28

20170429-DSC06332
Fourth of the backyard photo safari images of these beautiful day lilies | Photo taken April 2017

What do you think of Jesus? It’s a different question than, “What do you think of God?” Different from, “What do you think of Christ?” When you ask someone what they think of Jesus the issue gets very clear. It becomes personal. It takes on new and deeper dimensions. Answering the question of, “What do you think of Jesus?” requires some clarity and vulnerability.

Anyone can say, “I believe in God.” That can be a good confession. But it’s not the same as saying, “I believe in Jesus.” It’s not even the same as saying, “I believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Another good confession and worthy of any confessing Christian. Not to diminish that confession at all, there is still something more pointed, direct, and telling when we say, “I believe in Jesus.”

I believe in Jesus who is the Son of God – David’s Lord and mine. I believe in Jesus who was crucified, buried and raised from the dead. I believe in Jesus who sits at God’s right hand with his enemies as a footstool under his feet. I believe in Jesus who will come again on the Great Last Day and bring all who are his own into the heavenly realms of joy, life, celebration, and salvation.

I believe in Jesus who is the outworking of God’s plan from eternity to redeem us lost and condemned people so that we could live under him in his rule and reign forever and ever. I believe in Jesus, and I am happy to take his name on my lips whenever I can: in thanksgiving, praise, prayer, and petition.

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2 responses to “What do you think of Jesus?”

  1. Quilting Crosses with Threads of Hope Avatar
    Quilting Crosses with Threads of Hope

    I LOVE that the more I say HIS name, Jesus; the easier his name, Jesus, is to say! 💟
    Jesus, JESUS, JESUS!!!

    Reply
  2. Tevan Avatar
    Tevan

    Amen. One of my humble evangelistic efforts is to say, as I leave a store cashier, etc., “May Jesus God bless your day.” instead of my previous (at the courthouse) “May God bless your day.” Jesus, along with the Father and Holy Spirit, is the one and only true God, the great I AM. All praise, honor, and glory be to Him, forever! Thank you, Jesus, for You!

    Reply

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