C.F.W. Walther wrote on the Office of the Holy Ministry saying, "O, glorious, high office, too high for the angels! May we always hold it in high regard, not looking at the person who bears it and despising his weakness, but looking instead at the Institutor of this office and His exuberant goodness." Walther writes that we should honor this office, or as Luther says in the Large Catechism, this Office of the Ministry is due double honor because of the gifts that it distributes. The office of the Holy Ministry is not due glory and honor based on the individual that holds it, but rather because of He who mandated and instituted it, Jesus the Christ.

Earlier in the writing, Walther says, "Whatever the condition in which a person finds himself, even if he is convinced that he must perish because of it, the preachers can confidently oppose him, saying, "No, as certainly as God lives, He does not want the death of any sinner. You shall not perish; instead, you shall be saved." The Office of the Holy Ministry is a glorious Office due honor, not because of the individual within it, but rather because of what is proclaimed from it. From the Office of the Ministry comes not words that condemn and destroy, but words that forgive and bring life. The minister is the ambassador of reconciliation, preaching the Gospel in order to reconcile all sinners to God the Father in the Name of Jesus the Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Office of the Holy Ministry is a glorious office because it gives life and salvation in the Name of Jesus. It doesn't distribute participation trophies to those who try hard, but distributes the crown of life that Jesus purchased by wearing the crown of thorns. The Pastor preaches, teaches, baptizes, absolves, and administers in order to free bound sinners so that they may live with Jesus forever.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adam drowned anew so that you hear only the voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "NO, you shall not die, today you will be with Me in Paradise," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog,

Pastor Hull