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.”

“Have a good journey.”

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 1-4

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Dragonfly | Mercer Botanical Gardens | June 2018

Perhaps you’ve said, “Have a good day,” to people as a general expression of well wishes. John’s message to Gaius is more than a good wish. His words express a deeper desire than a kind word that may be sincere, but lacks substance or context. In this case John prays for a wholistic wellness: that all may go well, that he may experience good health, and spiritual wellness. This would be like offering to pray for someone to experience that which is called in Hebrew, “shalom”, peace.

God desires “our best and plans only good for us” (Enduring Word Commentary). That may mean material wealth, physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual wellbeing. It may also be, however, that in his wisdom and goodness he uses lack of these things for our greater good and deeper blessing. It is also sadly true that some lack these things because they do not seek God or live wise and sensible lives.

John’s ability here to express unconditionally his prayer for Gaius’ health, wealth, and spiritual wholeness, is based on Gaius’ commitment to the Truth of God. He knows Gaius does not need to be taken down a notch or two because of a failure to hold to the truth. He knew that Gaius was not living foolishly. His wish, therefore, could be wholehearted and unqualified.

Love of the truth, commitment to the truth, living in truth amounts to abiding in Jesus who is truth embodied. It means letting the Spirit of Truth hold sway in our hearts and minds. It makes the grace of God more precious, and our world more sure.

When we are grounded in the Truth we can embrace wishes for good health, spiritual wholeness and prosperity with a pure heart and clear conscience. It allows us to have a truly good journey through life.

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One response to ““Have a good journey.””

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

    These are very good words for me today, especially paragraph two where God’s best may be in fullness or some lack. (Hoping I’ve understood this correctly).

    I also loved the notion that John knew Gaius well enough to give him that generous blessing as you indicated; wholeheartedly and unqualified as seen through the lens of God’s truth.

    Reply

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