Theological Diploma Service

Today, May 18th, +AD+ 2007, Concordia Seminary celebrated with the Service of Praise for the Conferring of Theological Diplomas and Diplomas of Vocation in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.

This evening at 7:00 pm, I will receive my diploma and Master of Divinity Degree. I have successfully completed my course work and will be a Pastor in a few weeks!!

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support over the years. It has been a long four years, but God is so faithful in His guidance. He truly has been our Good Shepherd.

Wisdom: Love

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
-Proverbs 17:9

All married couples have struggled with this. Keeping records of sin and bringing them back to fight for them. Like a well-stocked arsenal, we pile up wrongdoing like ammunition and sin like semi-automatic weapons until we have a stored up enough to have an ultimate weapon of mass destruction.

When the time comes, we joyfully pull out these hateful weapons and fire away at the one we love.
Wife: “I really wish you would pick up after yourself a little bit. It would really make my life easier.” (a reasonable request)
Husband: “Well, if you wouldn’t harp on me so much maybe I would. Remember last week when you bit my head off when you thought I didn’t pick up the dry-cleaning? You are just so unreasonable!” (the shot heard round the world!)
And from this terrible start begins a war that will not end until someone is deeply wounded.

Wisdom says that whoever covers and offense seeks love. Wisdom goes farther than just telling us though. Wisdom shows us just how far love goes in covering offenses. The Wisdom and Power of God came to this world in the flesh, seeking love. Jesus taught love, but more importantly He lived love for us. In so doing, He not only covered our offenses, but “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

Rather than simply keeping us close to Himself as friends, He has made us full children of the Heavenly Father.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
-1 Peter 4:8

-Because-

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
- John 13:35

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O God, You who are pure Love itself, You who humbled Yourself by putting on our flesh and blood to seek us out in love, fill us to overflowing with Your holy love, for in that most perfect love is true Wisdom. Fill us with Your love that we may work together in Your kingdom, to seek and do Your will, to share that love with a world that is full of hate and evil. May that beautiful and ever-present forgiveness, freely given through the sacrifice of Christ, cover up all of our offenses and motivate us to serve You in Your kingdom.
Amen.
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Ascension Evening Hymn of Praise

On Christ's ascension I now build
The hope of my ascension;
This hope alone has always stilled

All doubt and apprehension;

For where the Head is, there as well

I know His members are to dwell

When Christ will come and call them.

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Since Christ returned to claim His throne,

Great gifts for me obtaining,

My heart will rest in Him alone,

No others rest remaining;

For where my treasure went before,

There all my thoughts will ever soar

To still their deepest yearning.

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O grant, dear Lord, this grace to me,

Recalling Your ascension,

That I may serve You faithfully

In thanks for my redemption;

And then, when all my days will cease,

Let me depart in joy and peace

In answer to my pleading.*

* LSB 492

What does a Pastor do?

I was watching The Office season finale tonight and saw a commercial for a new movie called Knocked Up. The title is totally self-explanatory. It's about out-of-wedlock sex and childbirth. My first thought was, "How could I use this to scandalize my congregation to the world?"

But then I stopped. Is that what a pastor does? I have heard several sermons from Lutheran pastors that railed against the evils of the world. I'm not sure that this is the point of a pastor's ministry. If we only point out the sins of the world we are missing the point of the call. I have been called to a congregation. They know the evils of the world. What they do not always remember so well are the sins of the self. To jump on the Evangelical-Fundamentalist bandwagon of pointing out the sins of the world is to do a great disservice to those saints who need to hear the personal Law and the personal Gospel. The Law that comes to them directly and calls them what they are: sinners. The Gospel that comes to them in their sinful state and forgives their personal sins.

Yeah, a movie called Knocked Up is a bad sign of where our culture is headed, but to stand in the house of God and thank Him that we are not like those sinners is to fall into the most wily and deadly trap of Satan: to take our eyes off of Christ and Him crucified for US.

That is what a Pastor does, in my inexperienced, newbie position. A Pastor feeds the flock that he has been called to with the heavenly food of Word and Sacrament that our Good Shepherd has given us.

The Ascension of our Lord

On this Ascension Day, consider the comforting words of Dr. CFW Walther, Pastor and Confessor, in the CPH daily devotional God Grant It:

"When we consider Christ's ascension according to the clear witness of Holy Scripture, we find a certain foundation for a joyful faith. He has not removed Himself from His Church. Instead, He is now, as God and Man, extending His grace, help, and protection in all places. As Aaron wore on his breastplate the names of the tribes of Israel when he entered the Holy of Holies, so Christ, appearing as the true High Priest before God in heaven, wears the names of all believers on His heart. There, He prays without ceasing for His own, and He rules them, cares for them, and protects them so the gates of hell cannot overpower them."

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We thank Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,

That Thou didst into heaven ascend.

O blessed Savior, bid us live

And strength to soul and body give.

Hallelujah! Amen.*

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* The Lutheran Hymnal 223:1

Wisdom: In Humility

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
-Proverbs 16:18

Before we got married and moved off to St. Louis, my pastor, a very wise man whom I look up to a lot, told me this Proverb. He was warning me against being to proud to seek help when I needed it.

This is a difficult thing, especially for men. This is not to bash men; it is simply to recognize how one of our strengths can become a very big weakness. It is good for a man to leave his mother and father and start a family with his wife. It is good for a man to provide for the needs of his wife and children. It is good for a man to be the head of his own household.

This is the place that God has given to man. It is one of leadership, one of provision and a special kind of care; it is both physical and spiritual. But, if it is done in a prideful way or with a haughty spirit that does not recognize from where this responsibility comes, it will doubtless fail.

This Proverb is especially important for pastors to consider. From the time I began my training at the seminary, through my fieldwork responsibilities, at my vicarage, in my preaching and teaching, I have been complimented and encouraged in numerous ways. I am thankful that God has, through the means of supportive saints in His Church, confirmed in my mind and heart the vocation that I have planned to undertake. But, if I lose sight of the purpose and ultimate goal of my calling, that is faithful Word and Sacrament ministry, if I take my eyes off of Jesus who is the Author and Perfector of my faith, I will certainly fall.

This is not only true in pastoral ministry, but in every vocation of God’s saints. If you are a mother or a father, keep your eyes on Jesus. If you are a manager or a leader, keep your eyes on Jesus. If you are a mailman, carpenter, accountant, trash man, CEO, or a burger flipper, keep you eyes on Jesus in all that you do.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23

If we take our eyes off of our Lord and focus them on ourselves, or even others, there is the warning that Pride is lurking on the path, beckoning to lead you off of the right way and one the way of destruction.

Wisdom is not interested in pride or making spirits haughty, true Wisdom, Divine Wisdom, humbles us with the realization that we are totally dependant on the loving-kindness and mercy of our God in Jesus Christ.

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Lord of all Wisdom, break down the high walls of our pride and the crumbling foundations of our haughty spirits that we may not fall into destruction, but walk in the counsels of Your Wisdom. In all our work, turn our eyes to Christ, that we may never forget the blessing of inheritance that He has won for us. Make us thankful for our total dependence on Your loving-kindness and Your merciful guidance, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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Wisdom: In Soft Answers

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
-Proverbs 15:1

Ok, now if this isn’t the truest thing, if this isn’t Wisdom, then I don’t know what is! If you are a husband or a wife, if you are a child, if you are a parent, if you have any human relationships whatsoever, you know how true this Proverb is.

I cannot tell you how many times I have purposely used a harsh word with the intent of stirring up anger. If we are honest with ourselves, we all can think of times when we have purposely turned from the wisdom of a soft answer and turned toward the sinfulness of a harsh word. I confess that I have done this most often with the one person in this world who I love more than any other, my wife. There are times when we are having a “discussion” that gets a little heated. As things get hotter and hotter there comes a point when I know that I have two options—one is that of the soft answer that turns away wrath, the other is that of the harsh word which stirs up anger.

You could almost picture this as the little cartoon angel and devil on the shoulder. One is telling you to turn away wrath, the other is telling you to stir up anger. And admit that I sometimes gladly give in to the temptation to stir up anger.

This is the constant strain that all Christians find themselves living. The pull between sinner and saint. The devil uses this strain to try to tear us away from the love of God in Christ. He seduces us to stir up anger and then, after we have done it, he points a finger of blame and accuses us. It would be easy to doubt our own faith and salvation during these times. We are shown the truth of who we are: sinful. Instead of seeing that truth of our sinfulness in the glorious light of the Gospel, we grope in the darkness and shadow of the Law. It is certainly right to acknowledge our sins before God and man, to repent of them, but do not forget that in that acknowledgement and repentance there is ALWAYS forgiveness in Christ.

St. Paul knew this well. “Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Romans 7:16-25a

In his recognition of his own wretchedness, St. Paul gives thanks to God for the free forgiveness and righteousness given in Jesus Christ our Lord.

And this is the very essence of that oft-quoted Luther phrase: sin boldly.
“If you are a preacher of grace, then preach a true and not a fictitious grace; if grace is true, you must bear a true and not a fictitious sin. God does not save people who are only fictitious sinners. Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly, for he is victorious over sin, death, and the world."*

The next time you find yourself with the two choices; to turn away wrath or stir up anger, seek to turn away wrath. But give thanks to God that through Christ Jesus, all wrath has been turned away from us, even when we stir up anger.

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Psalm 34:1-3, 13-14, 22

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

The LORD redeems the life of his servants;

none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Amen.
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*Luther, M. (1999, c1963).

Vol. 48: Luther's works, vol. 48 : Letters I

(J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.).

Luther's Works (Vol. 48, Page 281-282).

Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

Wisdom: The Holy Gift of God

Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
-Proverbs 14:9

“I forgive you all your sins…”
Good Lutherans hear these blessed words every Sunday. Good Lutheran Pastors consider it a privilege and an honor to speak these words, indeed, I thank God for the day I will speak these words of peace at Good Shepherd for the first time.

But, for many, many American Christians these words are scandalous. For many people, hearing a clear word of forgiveness is uncomfortable. Have you ever told someone that you forgive them? You’d be surprised at the kinds of responses you might get. “Who do you think you are to forgive me?” “You think you’re better than me that you can forgive me?” “Who made you God Almighty? I don’t need your forgiveness!”

Do you hear the hint of mocking in these responses? It is the same foolishness of mocking a guilt offering. The guilt offering is just like the sin offering; there is one law for them. Leviticus 7:7

Why is it so foolish to mock the gift of forgiveness? Because to mock the gift of forgiveness says that you do not need that forgiveness. To say you do not need forgiveness is to say that you have not sinned.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8

The fool mocks the love and forgiveness of God in Christ. The upright, the wise take delight and enjoy the acceptance found in that complete and free forgiveness.

Wisdom does not mock the holy gifts of God. Wisdom knows the truth. Hear Wisdom, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

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Blessed Lord God, may we ever enjoy Your total acceptance and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Turn us from the foolish way of mockery and disdain for Your Holy Gifts, namely the Living Word and the Blessed Sacraments. We seek our wisdom and righteousness only from You, Holy God, for You are the only source of Truth and the only way to eternal life. Hear our prayers as we come before Your throne of grace in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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Wisdom: The Rod of Discipline

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
-Proverbs 13:24

Boy did I hear this Proverb growing up! My parents may not have known much from the Scripture by memory, but they certainly knew this one. But is the sole purpose of this Proverb to endorse corporal punishment?

Some may be tempted to take the Proverbs as a whole as simply being a guide or instruction manuel for right living. But what is the sole purpose of all Scripture? Why do we have this and other Proverbs?

Certainly, as St. Paul says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16

But, the main purpsose of all Scripture is to bear witness to Christ, as St. John says, “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

As Christ told the travellers on the Emmaus road, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27

So, how does this Proverb bear witness about Christ? We clearly see that Christ, through His holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death, was not spared the rod. But Christ did not bear that punishment for His own sake. He bore that rod of discipline for us and has made us partakers in His sonship. Through His blood, we have become full sons and daughters of God Almighty.

And, perhaps it is a stretch, but have you ever thought of that rod as anything different? My parents, when they quoted this verse to me, had in mind a very particular “rod,” but could this rod of discipline be the same rod that brings us comfort? Could it be the rod of our Good Shepherd?

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Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Amen.
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Wisdom: A Good Wife

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
-Proverbs 12:4

I met my wife, Lesa, in a college German class. She was shy, but very friendly. We slowly became friends. Time went on and I began to think often of her. We would run into each other after classes and around campus. I finally got up the nerve to call her, and after missing her several times, I finally arranged to go out with her. Now, there will be some disagreement about whether or not this was our first date. I say it was, she says we were still “just friends.”

We started dating seriously shortly after that first “date.” I loved being with her. I loved seeing her smile. I was falling in love with her. And what a great love it has been!

We dated about 2 months before we started talking about marriage. We were both in favor of it and eventually I got around to asking her officially. We were married about 15 months after our engagement and shortly thereafter we moved away from everything we had known in Indiana to make a life for ourselves in St. Louis.

To say an excellent wife is the crown of her husbanAd in no exaggeration. I could not have made it through the seminary without the constant and faithful support of this beautiful woman of God. She knows my weaknesses and my strengths. She knows when I need to be lifted up and when I need to be brought down to earth. She knows how to make me laugh and how to make me behave. She is the very picture and embodiment of love and grace.

I can sympathize with Luther’s feelings for his dear Katie.
“I wouldn’t give up my Katy for France or for Venice—first, because God gave her to me and gave me to her; second, because I have often observed that other women have more shortcomings than my Katy (although she, too, has some shortcomings, they are outweighed by many great virtues); and third, because she keeps faith in marriage, that is, fidelity and respect.”*

Wisdom teaches us to recognize and give thanks for those wonderful gifts that we so often take for granted. And how easy it is to take the good gifts of God for granted? It is always easier to focus our attention on the bad. But Wisdom is not foolish or ignorant. It realizes that life is not all rosy. There is the excellent wife, of course, but there is also the wife who brings shame. Wisdom calls a thing what it is. Wisdom calls our blessings blessings and our sins sin. Wisdom tells us the truth of our situation in all things and gives us the all-sufficient answer in Christ and Him Crucified.

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O Good Lord, I give You all thanks and praise for setting that most excellent crown of my dear wife Lesa on my head. You have strengthened me in my love and faith in You through her faithfulness and excellent character. And in this wonderful blessing of an excellent wife, You have shown me more clearly the depth and strength of Your love for me in Christ. Keep us ever faithful to each other as we grow in faithfulness towards You.
Amen.

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*Luther, M. (1999, c1967).

Vol. 54: Luther's works, vol. 54 : Table Talk

(J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.).

Luther's Works (Vol. 54, Page 7-8).

Philadelphia: Fortress Press.