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 227 – God’s Lovingkindness

49 Week Bible Challenge Day 227 – God’s Lovingkindness

Today’s readings are Romans 11; Isaiah 50; Job 35; 41; Ecclesiastes 8. I’ll be away for the next few weeks. I will, however, attempt to post a link to the readings for the 49 Week Bible Challenge so you can follow the plan easily. During this time there will be no audio versions of these blog posts.

Romans 11:22

Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 

Great Kiskadee | Uruguay, South America | December 2025

It’s been a wonderful experience these past 16 days. I never thought I’d sail around the southern tip of South America – to be precise, around Cape Horn and then through the Magellan Passage toward Valparaiso, Chile. But we’ve done it. A remarkable experience of God’s favor and grace: his kindness.

Paul’s words about the plight of the Jews here is in the context of how God used the Gentile converts to stir up the Jewish people toward the hope that they would believe and be saved. Sadly most seemed not to repent and believe. Hence the severity of God for those who have fallen from his favor because they did not receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Paul’s calling here is not to be arrogant about being saved. We have been brought into God’s family without any proper birthright. We’ve no claim on God for we are not of the nation of Israel (the spiritual family, not the modern day nation). But we claim God’s favor because of his kindness in calling us to repentance and faith.

We must never take this for granted. Nor must we ever presume upon God’s kindness. It’s a gift of his mercy and grace – his kindness. Shown in Jesus. Given to all who believe.

There is a word in the Old Testament: חֶסֶד (ḥesed) that means lovingkindness. It is rich in meaning. It describes God’s faithful, covenant-keeping love — not just affection, but steadfast, committed love expressed in mercy and faithfulness. Many scholars consider ḥesed one of the most important theological words in the Old Testament.

It is certainly important to all who believe. We must continue in God’s lovingkindness – such a joyous pathway to follow!

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