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.”

The things money can and cannot do

Acts 8:1-13

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Fuchsia Rose | Marathon, TX | May 2023

I’ll buy you a diamond ring, my friend
If it makes you feel alright
I’ll get you anything, my friend
If it makes you feel alright
‘Cause I don’t care too much for money
Money can’t buy me love – Paul McCartney

O, if only that last line was more fully embraced by more people! For most Christians money is the chief rival god. Its allure is relentless. Many have been seduced by money’s supposed power and ability to buy happiness, excitement, and security. We too easily worship our 401k, investment portfolio, or cash reserves. We are warned that the love of money is the root of all evil. Not money itself, but the love of money is a dangerous thing.

During these early retirement years, I have great interest in those things – although I strongly reject the idea of worshiping these demigods. I know they cannot buy love nor peace, or true security. Yet this encounter between Peter and Simon is a good reminder for me. The most vital things in life cannot be bought with money.

God says, “The gold is mine. The silver is mine. The cattle on a thousand hills. (cf. Psalm 50:10; Haggai 2:8) So how would I ever expect to buy the things of God with money? It’s all his. One day my retirement income will end. One day my savings will be left to another. One day all I have will be put into a box, and buried in the ground. For all eternity I will look at gold and think pavement(!) (cf. Revelation 21:21). God doesn’t need my money. Why would I ever think of insulting him by offering anyone money for his gifts!

This is not to say that money is evil. Nor should I reject the idea that money can do good. For money can help us do very good things. We can provide for the ongoing ministry and mission of the church through our tithes and offerings. We can help fund necessary hospital treatment through financial donations. We can bring great joy to people in need by generous gifts. (I’m remembering here a $300 windfall from an anonymous donor when we were in great financial need during our second year of seminary.)

My dad used to say that money can be your master or your servant. For the follower of Jesus, money must always remain your true servant. The question is whether we use it to advance the cause of God’s kingdom or to satisfy our baser desires. Money can’t buy love or God’s gifts. But it can fund God’s mission or numb us to our need for God.

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