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.”

Be the moon!

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Acts 13:42-52

As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Blue Moon | August 2023 | Cypress, TX

I have a confession: I love flashlights. Ever since I was a Boy Scout, helping park cars for football games at our church, I have loved flashlights. One of the troop leaders had a flashlight with a long red extension. It was very helpful in guiding cars. It also threw a strong beam of light. Years later I got to know a police officer. I even rode with him one night on his rounds. He had one of the first Mag Light flashlights I had ever seen. Strong and durable. Aluminum. Bright beam of light. Not too long ago one of the men at our church’s men’s retreat had one of those tactical lights. Talk about a strong beam of light! I have got to get me one of those things!!!! I’m not sure I actually need forgiveness, but I came close to envying him for that flashlight!

The image of a flashlight is one I use to describe the work of the Holy Spirit. A flashlight casts it beam to illuminate something. It focuses our attention in the direction of its shaft of light. The Holy Spirit focuses our attention on Jesus. Rather than calling attention to itself, the Holy Spirit calls attention to Jesus.

There, however, the analogy breaks down. For Jesus himself is the light of the world. He shines brightly with the light of God’s love. He illuminates men’s and women’s hearts. He shows us the way. He is the dayspring from on high (cf. Job 38:12 ; Luke 1:78; Isaiah 60:1 Isaiah 60:2 ; Malachi 4:2; Revelation 22:16). He is the Sun of Righteousness.

I’m curious, still however, about the somewhat ambiguous grammar of this passage. Paul says, “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

We know that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. But it seems here that we who follow Jesus are to be the light of the world as well. I’m reminded of the children’s song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…” That may be a good reminder to us of two things:

  1. We are to let our lights shine. We must keep that in mind, and repent when we fail to do so, or when we cloud others’ view of the True Light: Jesus.
  2. We are the light for those who live in darkness. We have the privilege and honor of bearing Jesus’ light to others. It’s not ours. It is borrowed. We are like the moon which shines with borrowed light.

Let the light of Christ reflect from us to others! Be the moon!

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One response to “Be the moon!”

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

    I feel certain that I first heard this wonderful connection on a sermon of yours six or so years ago! It really got me thinking of all it encompasses. Later, I saw it on a t-shirt… “Be the moon. Reflect the Son!” Wow and yes! It is our calling to be a reflection of Jesus in both word and deed, to the ends of the earth.
    It’s also, to me, a call to see Him through his creation in the beautiful world he’s gifted is with, especially the light in the sun, moon and star. Incredible. Indescribable yet we try.
    Such lovely thoughts for this day’s sending forth. God bless your day and thank you!

    Reply

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