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.”
49 Week Bible Challenge – Day 174: Set Apart for Comfort and Strength in the Truth of Christ

49 Week Bible Challenge – Day 174: Set Apart for Comfort and Strength in the Truth of Christ


Click here for an audio version of this devotion.

I am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are 2 Thessalonians 2; Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28; Daniel 8.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

Storey Lake Artistic Rendering | Mercer Arboretum | August 2025

I’ve learned that Martin Luther didn’t actually say, “When you come to a difficult passage in the Bible, praise God and continue reading.” But I’ve said it many times (wrongly attributing it to him!), so unless I hear otherwise I’ll claim this idea. And certainly the first part of Chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians deserves the “praise God and continue reading” advice – in my humble opinion.

The first verses of this chapter speak of the man of lawlessness who is identified as being the antiChrist. It’s understandable on many levels, but the meaning and application is not immediately obvious to me, nor would it be easy to explain, I’m afraid. I don’t want to disregard those verses. They are certainly worthy of a deep dive, but not for this devotional blog post. So dig if you will. But I pray that you will continue here as well.

The remaining verses in this chapter are clear and delightful! We have been chosen to be saved (from the terrible plight described in the previous verses mind you) through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. This Sunday I will preach on John 8:31-36. Jesus says that if we continue in his word we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. Jesus says of himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He prays to the Father that we would be sanctified by the truth, and that God’s word is truth.

The truth we believe sets us apart from the world. The world has little to do with Jesus and his ways. From embarrassingly-vulgar so-called “evil beaches” in Egypt, to gaudy Las Vegas shows, to raunchy rave parties, and self-indulgent celebrity galas, the world’s values are anything but those of Christ. We may be tempted by those things – or other things antithetical to God’s ways – but we know they’re wrong, and we resist or repent if we fall prey to their lure.

We’ve been set aside by the grace of God to know and believe the truth. That’s why the closing words of this chapter are so compelling and edifying:

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

Amen!

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