Losung und Lehrtext für Dienstag, den 23. Oktober 2012

Then the LORD said: “See … You are to say everything I command you.” (Exo 7:1-2 NIV) [“Der HERR sprach zu Mose: Du sollst alles reden, was ich dir gebieten werde.” (2.Mose 7,1.2)] That’s a clear command and mandate from the Lord. Everybody should consider that before opening his/her mouth. That’s the rule and standard by which we are going to be measured at the coming Judgement before Jesus Christ the Lord and final judge of all. That holds true especially for pastors, teachers and bishops, who speak “in the name of the Lord”: Demands, admonitions, warnings, critique, consolations, promises of forgiveness, grace and peace. Careful not to ask more or less than what the Lord God himself has required. Anxious not to promise more than the Lord himself has given us sure reason to hope for. Who would want to declare war, when God has set his eyes on peace? Who would pronounce peace, where God is preparing for war? That is why we who follow Jesus as Lord and God, should sharpen our ears: “Speak o Lord, for your servant is hearing, listening and obeying!” All ears for what the Lord says in his holy word and pleading: “Grant us your holy Spirit – O Lord – so that he may lead and guide us in all truth. Your word is the truth!”

That is all the more important as many look and listen, what we, who belong to the Lord and to his Church, stand for in thought, word and deed. They are  so eager to hear from Christians, what we promote and what we hope for – even if they look bored and by no means interested. Don’t let that averted look fool you: They are looking and listening intently, because lastly they want to know, who sent us and by what authority we think, say and do that. You might consider that irrelevant, but your Lord has called you to be his witness in word and deeds. He has granted you his Holy Spirit again and again – sometimes even with the laying on of hands: “Receive the Holy Spirit!” That’s the Spirit that leads in divine truth and reminds us of everything Jesus Christ himself taught his Church since the very beginning and through his most holy apostles and prophets of old.  God the Father himself declared: “This is my beloved son – listen to him!” And Jesus Christ sent his disciples and friends to the ends of the earth with the comforting authorization: “As the Father sent me, I send you!”. Therefore remember the high and powerful encouragement to not be afraid of men, lords and kings, but to confess the will and promise of our God boldly and don’t waver or hesitate to bring his most gracious consolation to the poor and needy sinners both high and low, because our Lord wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. Therefore don’t worry, don’t be afraid, don’t put your light under the bushel, but rather speak up for the truth of God, sing to the Lord and praise his name, for he alone is holy and powerful to save those, that need it most: “For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mat 10:20 NIV) [Denn nicht ihr seid es, die da reden, sondern eures Vaters Geist ist es, der durch euch redet. (Matthäus 10,20)]

We pray: “Lord, open my lips that my mouth will declare your praise!“