A Good Work!
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 1 Timothy 3:1
There are many different reasons why boys and men decide they would like to be pastors. Some are influenced by the example of their pastor or encouraged by their parents. Others love helping people studying God’s Word. Still others are blessed by Lutheran schools or campus ministries. Regardless of what leads men to prepare for pastoral ministry, being a pastor is a “good thing.” What is translated as “a noble task” means literally “a good work.”
When boys and men consider pastoral ministry, they usually are not thinking about meetings and the mundane. Nor are they necessarily thinking about the hardships that can accompany serving as a pastor. The reality is that being a pastor can be difficult and lonely at times. Sin means that hearers do not always hold God’s Word sacred, nor honor the shepherd placed over them by God. There are also times where pastors are filled with doubts and anxiety. Being a pastor is not always easy.
Being a pastor is a good thing though! Even on the days when the pastor is struggling, God is still accomplishing a good work through him. For God’s Word accomplishes what He intends even when the pastor has doubts. God’s Word brings joy to those who are downcast even when the pastor is among the downcast. Holy Communion and Holy Absolution lift the spirts of the saints even when the pastor needs to be lifted up as well. Even when a pastor doesn’t feel “good,” God is working good through the good Word that He proclaims!
During the month of August, we highlight Church Work vocations. We want boys and young men to know that aspiring to the pastoral office is a noble task. It is a high and holy calling that brings to hurting people the healing balm of the Gospel. Pastoral ministry is a good work, a good thing! Please join us in praying for boys and men to consider preparing for the pastoral office. It is a good work that is blessed by God and serves His people!
Prayer - Let us pray: Almighty and gracious God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You have commanded us to pray that You would send forth laborers into Your harvest. Of Your infinite mercy give us true teachers and ministers of Your Word who truly fulfill Your command and preach nothing contrary to Your holy Word. Grant that we, being warned, instructed, nurtured, comforted, and strengthened by Your holy Word, may do those things which are well pleasing to You and profitable for our salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan