Privileged to be of Service
Webster’s dictionary offers a couple of interesting definitions for the word privilege: “a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage or favor,” “prerogative; esp: such a right to immunity attached specifically to a position or an office.” To summarize, privilege is that which is granted and is often tied to a particular position or office. To serve in the Pastoral Ministry is certainly a privilege. What a great joy a Pastor has in bringing forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation to God’s people through Word and Sacrament!
Our Lutheran school teachers and our principals are called to serve in our schools. Other commissioned workers, DCEs, deaconesses, DCOs, etc. are called to serve in the ministry of a particular congregation. Teacher’s have the privilege to serve those children entrusted to them in their classrooms where God’s Word can be applied through a proper division of Law and Gospel.
I have had the privilege to serve the congregations in Iowa District East in my present position for almost seven years. That service has come in a variety of ways: Stewardship, conflict resolution, congregational self-evaluations, planning models, Witness Workshops, preaching and conducting services, and leading Bible class when asked. Time has flown by. When our family arrived here, we had two children in the nest, and now my wife and I are empty nesters. Our youngest is a freshman in college.
When I think of service I can think of no better model than that of Christ Jesus. Jesus said: “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” As much as we would like to think that our service is meaningful, it is still tainted by our sin. We cannot and do not do things perfectly.
Our comfort comes in the fact that Jesus has fulfilled all things for us. He has done all service completely and perfectly. He has gone to the cross with not only our imperfections and sins, but the guilt which that sin brings. In giving up His perfect life and shedding His holy and precious blood, He has earned forgiveness of sins for all people. That is service. Jesus continues to serve His Church by bringing His gifts of forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation to His people through His Word and Sacraments. What wonderful service Christ continues to render to His Church!
I thank you that by God’s grace I have been privileged to be of service to you and will continue to serve you because I have been sacrificially served by Christ Jesus!
