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 Promises

David prayed, “And now, O Lord God, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, confirm it forever; do as you have promised.” 2 Samuel 7:25

In Jesus Christ every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Mount Baker as seen from Oak Harbor, Washington | December 2018

It would seem unlikely that God would need to be cajoled into keeping his promises. Afterall, God is faithful and completely trustworthy. He keeps his word. He never fails to do what he says. So why would David need to remind God of his promise and request God to do as he had promised?

The answer has to do with the nature of faith, and of God. Faith receives the gifts of God. Faith also sees beyond the unseen obstacles that block our view of God’s faithfulness to his promises. Nor is God a showman, seeking to gather a crowd by a razzle dazzle display of curiosities.

Some think of God in that way. They make him a performing monkey, doing tricks at the pleasure of those who have trained him for the sake of an audience who has paid the price of admission. Think super-pray-ers offering special intercessions for the sake of those who pay for them to pray. Think calling on the professional pray-ers to gain access to God. This reduces faith to a transaction and God to a spiritual favor-giver.

To say, on the other hand, that all of the promises of God are “yes” in Jesus Christ, requires quite a different approach. Rather than figuring out how we can coerce God into giving what we want, we put ourselves at the foot of the cross. That puts things in a different perspective altogether.

A friend is battling cancer. He is facing the battle of his life. All evidence points to a very grave prognosis. In the face of that he continually points to Jesus as his greatest treasure. The comfort of his love is more precious than any medical intervention. This is no easy answer. But it is the best answer. For if we have Jesus, we have forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.

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One response to “God’s Promises”

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

    And as we turn to face our Jesus; to receive his answers; he says “Yes, I am present; in the incredibly clear view of Mount Baker’s peaks to the breathtaking sunset over Cypress, Tx on New Year’s Eve.” Many at the service exclaimed over this site to which I interjected, “All I could think was,… and our God is STILL ON HIS THRONE!” All agreed!

    FAITH in Jesus’ steadfast goodness gave us who witnessed this, the gift of seeing Him present instead of seeing just a lovely scientifically explained, setting event! Faith opened our hearts as well as our eyes. God’s glory was on display!

    Having shared these feelings among others present in worship and our acknowledgement of God’s presence in the gift of that truly glorious sunset was a powerful way to begin our New Year’s Eve communion service.

    Just, WOW! Thank you God for your grace and mercy. Thank you for eyes and hearts with which to see YOU! Amen!

    Reply

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