Holy Orders
It seems a lifetime ago now; ten years ago today, I was ordained into the office of the holy ministry, at Bethel Lutheran Church, in Du Quoin, Illinois. It was a wonderful place for me to be, and I have often regretted leaving after only three years for Immanuel (which, in many ways, is an ideal posting for a confessional Lutheran pastor). At the time it seemed the right decision, but in retrospect three years is a very short time for a pastor to stay. Nevertheless, I accept all of it as God’s will, and believe that despite my own sinful flesh, the LORD is working through it all.
This afternoon I will celebrate this anniversary by officiating at a funeral. It seems profoundly appropriate, for this is the purpose of the Orders: to preach Christ and Him crucified in the midst of death and tears. I am grateful for the opportunity on this day to talk about Jesus and His resurrection, as I am grateful for ten years of His grace toward me, His unworthy undershepherd.
Luther’s sacristy prayer sums up my understanding of this Office into which I was ordained:
O Lord God, dear Father in heaven, I am indeed unworthy of the office and ministry in which I am to make known Your glory and to nurture and to serve this congregation. But since You have appointed me to be a pastor and teacher, and the people are in need of the teaching and the instruction, be my helper and let Your holy angels attend me. Then if You are pleased to accomplish anything through me, to Your glory and not to mine or to the praise of men, grant me, out of your pure grace and mercy, a right understanding of Your Word and that I may also diligently perform it.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, shepherd and bishop of our souls, send Your Holy Spirit that He may work with me to will and to do through Your divine strength according to Your good pleasure. Amen.
Deo gratias!
Related posts:
- Seeing People as Sinners From Eugen
- Holy Thursday The words
- The Selfish Minister I find it
- Prayer for Holy Tuesday Almighty a
- The Office of School-Teacher in the LCMS I’ve
