David Bahn – Reflections

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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 184 – Listening Between Command and Counsel

49 Week Bible Challenge Day 184 – Listening Between Command and Counsel


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 1 Corinthians 7; Song of Solomon 5; 6; Numbers 36;  Malachi 2.

1 Corinthians 7:6-7

Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.

Bee’s Delight | Mercer Arboretum | August 2025

“You’ve got to remember, Paul was a doting old bachelor,” she said. As I recall this, it was my mom in an attempt to diminish Paul’s teaching about women. Take that as you will. Here Paul is commenting and giving directives about proper behavior toward one another as husband and wife, two betrothed people, widows, and single people. His bottom line is that if one is able not to marry that is good. If, however, the passions burn hot, it is better to marry.

It’s interesting to me that he makes the point elsewhere in this chapter that this is not a command from the Lord, but his own wisdom. So maybe the fact that he was not married does color his commentary. File it under wisdom from a mature man of God. But his other aside (“I think that I too have the Spirit of God.” V. 40), gives his advice some significant weight. This was not throw-away advice.

The situation in Corinth certainly does color Paul’s advice. Corinth is the church that tempts almost every other church to a smug attitude, at least we’re not that bad. They had issues around lawsuits, sexual immorality, worship, women, Holy Communion, factions, and spiritual gifts. So it’s not surprising that Paul would be a bit more directive with them.

Paul’s words remind us that faithfulness isn’t measured by whether we marry or remain single, but by how we walk with God in either place. His wisdom calls us to listen carefully – to hold divine commands with reverence and human counsel with discernment. The Spirit still speaks through seasoned saints like Paul, yet invites each of us to seek what obedience looks like in our own calling. Whether in marriage or in solitude, the greater gift is a heart steady in devotion to the Lord, trusting in his goodness and grace,  and reflecting his love in Jesus.

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