We have great comfort when we know how to find a place. It's a terrible feeling when you are lost and have no clue where you're going. It's a terrible time trying to figure our where to find something in a new store, a new school, a new town, and a new job. When you don't know where something is, it confuses and causes timidity and anxiety. However, when you know where you're going, there is confidence and joy. Even if it is pitch black outside, if you know the way home, you could do it blindfolded. When you've shopped at the same HEB for years, you know exactly where they stock those cookies you like. When you've been at the same job for years, or the same school, or lived in the same town, you know where to find everything and exactly who to talk to if you need something. It's very comforting when you know how to find a place.

Jesus spoke, as recorded by St. Matthew, saying, "Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18).  Life can be filled with timidity and anxiety when you don't know where forgiveness is found. Yes, you are forgiven when you pray the Lord's Prayer, and when you pray on your own when you wake up and before you go to bed. Yes, you are forgiven when you meditate on Scripture and read devotional writings. In addition to these things, because Jesus knows the strength of the devil's temptations firsthand, He gives you another great gift. Jesus, because of our weaknesses and because of the devil's strength, He gave and continues to give to us the Office of the Ministry, which is given to forgive the sins of all who are in need. Jesus instituted this ministry after His resurrection, as recorded in John 20. We also have the doctrine of the ministry, which is given to forgive you your sins. Pastors are here, called and installed by Jesus, to absolve you and forgive you all that plagues you. When you doubt if you are forgiven, don't waste your time trying to figure out a way to bring that confidence back. No, instead, run to your pastor and tell him, "Hey, forgive me my sins, in order to fulfill God's holy will." And guess what? He'll do it. He will declare you forgiven and send you away in joyful confidence in your identity as a child of God. That's his job. He's here to do one thing, and that is forgive the sins of those who repent and to withhold forgiveness from those who do not repent, with the prayer that, by the working of the Holy Spirit, they come to repentance and forgiveness. So, by the gift of the revelation in Scripture, you know the place. You know the place and the person where forgiveness is a guaranteed thing. May you rest assured, that the forgiveness of you and your sins will always be the sole priority of the pastor until He calls you home.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adam be drowned anew so that you hear only the peaceful voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "I forgive you. I love you. I claim you as My own forever," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog