Hermann Dietzfelbinger writes: “I was a pastor, ministering in a hospital. A patient said to me, “If you were a ditch digger, you’d have a more useful calling then you have now.” That was a long time ago, but I have not forgotten it. I thought so myself many a time as I watched the nurses performing their tasks which also needed and desired by the sick, and surgeons and doctors performing the most wonderful operations – while I stood there making miserable attempts at partial conversation. If I will only a ditchdigger! But a pastor? An impossible figure! impossible before God, the world, and even myself. For there is a tremendous gap between what is required of the pastor in his ministry and his authority and power. Does he have any authority at all? …
The pastor’s authority is based solely upon the fact that Jesus Christ ministers through him through the forgiveness of sins.
What do I have to do in my ministry? I have to preach, and we say: Preaching is God´s word. And yet I know how these sermons of mine were produced. Often, it is true, with prayer and fear and trembling; but also by dint of coffee and tobacco, sometimes in a burst of effort , very sketchily and superficially, because I had seemingly more important things to do. Strictly speaking, an impossible thing – unless Jesus Christ himself is not ashamed to accept this preaching.
In confession I have to say: Thy sins are forgiven. But I myself am a sinful man. And when I consider before God all the clumsy blunders I’ve committed and all that I have neglected, precisely in this area of confession and the forgiveness of sins, I begin to understand the ancient saying that it is a miracle if a minister be saved.
The minister stands at an open grave and utters the words of Jesus Christ: “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believed in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” But an earnest minister said to me, “Hardly ever, when I have spoken those words in that situation, have I even approached the reality of death around me and within myself.”
In a discussion among young people the question was asked, what did they expect of a pastor? One of them replied, “He himself must be convinced of what he says.“ And all the rest agreed. They perhaps did not know what they were saying. For who of us always believes? And who of us can guarantee our faith for evening hour? “I have prayer for thee, that Thy faith fail not“- that is what sustains us.
When we consider the church and its existence, we can only describe it as God´s great venture among us men, the venture of a divine diakonia with us, that does not balk at the utmost depths. The Church of Jesus Christ and its history, Calvin once said, is nothing but a chain of resurrections from the dead. It is also a passion history of the incarnate Son of God. In everything that is taught and believed, loved and suffered, planned and thought in this church, Jesus Christ is venturing himself, daily repeating the washing of the feet of this church which have daily been soiled on its journey. And he must follow up everything that men do in this church, even the most shining deeds, and in some way set them straight and make something good out of them. But just because such a church rarely does exist, a church that lives by this ministry of Jesus Christ, the minister in his ministry is not merely an impossible figure, but the necessary representative, as long as God keeps his church among men.” Thus far HD – copied from Dobberstein´s Anthology “Mondays” Pg. 228-230.
Preach you the word and plant it home to those who like or like it not. The word that shall endure and stand when flowers and mortals are forgot.
We know how hard, O Lord, the task your servant bade us undertake: to preach your word and never ask what prideful profit it may make.
The sower sows his reckless love scatters abroad the goodly seed, intent alone that all may have the wholesome loaves that all men need.
Though some be snatched and some be scorched and some be choked and matted flat, the sower sows; his heart cries out, “Oh, what of that, and what of that?”
Preach you the word and plant it home and never faint; the Harvest Lord who gave the sower seed to sow will watch and tend his planted word.
BR Klassik is on air with its weekly “Laudate”. Bernhard Buttmann is playing Johann Pachelbel´s “Aria Sebaldina” on the organ. These beautiful praises are all in line with this festive Eastertide – celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and his victorious reign for us and our salvation. It´s all part of our good Lord´s magnanimity and gracious favor towards sinners. That´s the name of this 2nd Sunday after Easter: “Misericordias Domini.” Today that benevolent reign of our triune God is illustrated with the comforting imagery of the “Good Shepherd”, who keeps his own save and sound in all adversity – even in death´s dark vale (Ps.23).
Gastern Pfarrkirche
Hortus Deliciarum
King David
This design goes far back – all the way to the first shepherd: Abel – son of Adam. Faithful, diligent and professional at his task of caring for his flock. It continues to gain contours throughout the Old Testament. Think of Abraham – blessed father in our faith – a shepherd of note. He followed God´s call, so he led his nascent congregation crisscross through the barren lands on the way to the promised homestead and fatherland continually caring, ruling, managing, guarding, protecting, feeding. However later in this colorful history judges, chiefs, rulers, seers, prophets, wise men, priests and kings took on this task – of shepherding God´s people. King David was the epitome of this profession and Psalm 23 the essence of this task, still but a shadow of him, who was to come – the Good Shepherd – whose voice, the church hears, obeys, trusts, knows, loves and follows faithfully.
That was after many disappointments as the prophet Ezekiel points out in his 34th chapter. Due to the disloyalty, tyranny, corruption, faithlessness and uselessness of his called servants – God himself steps in and to the plate. He offers himself as the one up to the task – and accomplishes it in remarkable efficiency, sufficiency, clarity (perspicuity) and finality. All in all in a remarkable shift in imagery, that the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep – becoming himself the holy Lamb of God, who offers himself as propitiation for his entrusted flock – saving them all, redeeming them, keeping them all without loss or stain – bearing them all home to the Father.
So we hear today´s sermon based on the good words written by Saint Peter – the one, who after his denial and subsequent conversion by His Lord and God´s gracious call and reinstitution: “Take care of my sheep!” took up this pastoral task of comforting, encouraging, correcting, guiding and uplifting his brethren. He writes: “Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth. When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we may cease from sinning and live for righteousness. By his wounds you were healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” (1.Pt.2,21b-25)
What a privilege to live in the Lord´s fold – even as He continues to reach out to those, who are not yet part of it – through His most Holy Word and precious Sacraments… So, let us go and hear more…
Here is the order of the divine service in German with sermon:
Christus gelitten hat für euch und euch ein Vorbild hinterlassen, dass ihr sollt nachfolgen seinen Fußstapfen; er, der keine Sünde getan hat und in dessen Mund sich kein Betrug fand; der, als er geschmäht wurde, die Schmähung nicht erwiderte, nicht drohte, als er litt, es aber dem anheimstellte, der gerecht richtet; der unsre Sünden selbst hinaufgetragen hat an seinem Leibe auf das Holz, damit wir, den Sünden abgestorben, der Gerechtigkeit leben. Durch seine Wunden seid ihr heil geworden. Denn ihr wart wie irrende Schafe; aber ihr seid nun umgekehrt zu dem Hirten und Bischof eurer Seelen. Lieder & Lesungen: Eingang 156,1-4 Herr Jesu Christe, mein getreuer Hirte… Introitus 037 (Ps.23) Hesekiel 34; 1.Petrus 2,21b-25; Joh. 10,11-16.27-30 Vor der Predigt 178 Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirte, hält mich in seiner Hute…Nach der Predigt 156,5-7 Mein Geist und Herze wollst Du zu Dir neigen… Ausgang 220 Eine Herde und ein Hirt! Unser Herr Jesus Christus spricht:Ich bin der gute Hirte.Meine Schafe hören meine Stimme, und ich kenne sie und sie folgen mir; und ich gebe ihnen das ewige Leben. (Joh.10,11a.27-28a) Jesu Vorbild, dass wir folgen seinen Fußstapfen! Er ist der gute Hirte – wir die Schafe. Psalm 23. Bilder in den Wohnungen, Schlafgemächern und privat Räumen Er ist der gute Hirte – trotz aller bösen Hirten und Mietlingen Hes.34. Er ist der gute Hirte – wir (die Kirche) hören seine Stimme und folgen ihr… Joh.10 Ihr wart wie die irrenden Schafe… Israel in der Wüste… Irrten umher in der Wüste 40 Jahre lang! Israel in den Augen Jesu… sie waren wie Schafe, die keinen Hirten haben. Das neue Israel – die Jünger – in der Nacht, da er verraten ward… Flohen in alle Winde zerstreutDas neue Israel – die Kirche – in der Zerstreuung in alle HimmelsrichtungenDas neue Israel – die eine hl. Christenheit – in der Zerstreuung… Nun aber seid Ihr umgekehrt… zum Hirten und Bischof eurer Seelen! Christus gelitten hat für euch – als Lamm Gottes (Wurde einer von uns – für uns!) Er, der keine Sünde getan hat (Schuldloses Lamm) und in dessen Mund sich kein Betrug fand; (Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld…) Er, als er geschmäht wurde, die Schmähung nicht erwiderte, nicht drohte, als er litt, es aber dem anheimstellte, der gerecht richtet; Er, der unsre Sünden selbst hinaufgetragen hat an seinem Leibe auf das Holz, damit wir, den Sünden abgestorben, der Gerechtigkeit leben. Durch seine Wunden seid ihr heil geworden. Sein stellvertretender Opfertod! Der gute Hirte gibt sein Leben für die Schafe… Denn ihr wart wie irrende Schafe; aber ihr seid nun umgekehrt zu dem Hirten und Bischof eurer Seelen. Er der gute Hirte und Bischof unserer Seelen. Bei ihm und durch ihn sind wir gut aufgehoben zum ewigen und seligen Leben. Der HERR ist mein Hirte, mir wird nichts mangeln. Er weidet mich auf einer grünen Aue und führet mich zum frischen Wasser. Er erquicket meine Seele. Er führet mich auf rechter Straße um seines Namens willen. Und ob ich schon wanderte im finstern Tal, fürchte ich kein Unglück; denn du bist bei mir, dein Stecken und Stab trösten mich. Du bereitest vor mir einen Tisch im Angesicht meiner Feinde. Du salbest mein Haupt mit Öl und schenkest mir voll ein. Gutes und Barmherzigkeit werden mir folgen mein Leben lang, und ich werde bleiben im Hause des HERRN immerdar. (Psalm 23: Ein Psalm Davids)
Learning German hymns by heart is way easier than memorizing Psalms – and not only because we´re stuck with Luther´s translation for good reasons and don´t have the endless choices of English speakers. Psalms have irregular meters, don´t rhyme and follow less obvious patterns than the traditional German hymns. Their parallelisms are fascinating, but somewhat more complicated.
The one exception on our confirmation list was Psalm 23. Now that was pretty easy to memorize due to its impressive imagery. Perhaps also because we sang various versions at church and in school even. Probably it was also due to my father reading this at our family birthday devotions. For the grown-ups he added Psalm 103 as well. We continue that tradition and although we don´t have 11 or 13 readings per year, depending whether You count the grandmothers or not, there´s still 6 birthdays in our little part of the family.
Domitilla-Catacomb (Rome)
The good shepherd
Lucas Cranach d.J.
Breughel the Younger (1564-1638)
Later on in life, I found other more learnable Psalms too – and some just got stuck through habit and regular use – be it those we use during our confessional before (51; 130; 139) and after (34 and/or 103) the absolution, or be it those, which are prescribed as preaching texts in the church lectionary – like Psalm 107 – which was my task as novice in the Homiletics Seminar with Professor Manfred Seitz in Erlangen.
It´s fascinating that Dr. Martin Luther used the longest Psalm 119 as schooling tool for pastors and theologians. I assume, that besides obvious theological and material reasons, it may also be based on his pastoral concern as teacher of the church, that servants of the Word should not circumvent this huge block, but plough through it – thoroughly and consistently and without tiring – as they go about reading, praying in their lives afflicted by temptations of the devil, the world and their own sinful selves – day and night – just as patiently as cow chewing the cud – ruminating on its profound content in law, rules, precepts, statutes, commands, regulations, instructions, prescriptions etc.
Schafherde (Ernst Ludwig Kirchner)
Tomorrow is the 2nd Sunday after Easter: “Misericordias Domini” – according to the German Lectionary. That´s traditionally been our “Good Shepherd´s Sunday” and good reason to have Psalm 23 as Introit. Obviously, the Eastern Orthodox churches follow a different calendar for many centuries already, but also our American brothers in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod count this festive season differently – and also assign different themes to the various Sundays. That falls under the rich diversity of the holy Church – and is really not in serious dispute even if some would feel strongly about this. It´s not much more than a scheduling issue – adiaphora really. Nobody sees an issue of confession addressed here.
I´m happy to post Psalm 23 here – and in the language of the “New English Translation” (NET) – even if Martin Luther´s translation resonates in my mind, heart and soul. One thing I do regret a bit is, that during my student days, when I was learning the basics of the biblical languages & Latin, we were not encouraged more to learn passages by heart. With all the translations around – and the many different vernaculars and dialects even – it would have been a serious benefit to learn the biblical text off by heart. I remember that Karl Bornhäuser thought it was a basic requirement for New Testament scholars to at least know the gospel of St. Matthew and St. Paul´s letter to the Romans in the Koine original for starters – and we did get some distance with that epistle during the summer holidays of the final year at the University of Pretoria, when this was part of our “self-study”. Still, there should have been lots more Hebrew to add to this. Well, that´s probably why we wish for a long and productive life. After all, times of shutdown like now are well suited for this – even if my memory is not as reliable as before.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation. Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full. Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life.
Psalm 23 written by King David and translated into “New English”
1 The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want; he makes me down to lie in pastures green; he leadeth me the quiet waters by.
2 My soul he doth restore again, and me to walk doth make within the paths of righteousness, e’en for his own name’s sake.
3 Yea, though I walk through death’s dark vale, yet will I fear none ill, for thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still.
4 My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes; my head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.
5 Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me; and in God’s house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.
We Germans sing it in the words of Wolfgang Meuslin and with the melody of Johann Walter (1524), but have it in our ears from the Cantata for this Sunday: BWV 112.
Yesterday, the pastor´s convention for the SELK diocese of Saxony and Thuringia met online for hours on end. It was a very fruitful meeting all in all – especially the well-prepared exegesis of this coming Sunday´s sermon text from St. John´s gospel by Pastor Megel (Steinbach-Hallenberg) leading us right up to three well considered options for sermon outlines, but also the in-depth discussion on how to go about the divine service and celebrate the Lord´s Supper responsibly and faithfully in these sheer endless weeks of legalized social distancing.
It was very helpful to listen to the serious considerations from brothers serving in very different situations. If you consider, that it saved me about four hours travelling time to and fro – and allowed me to sleep over in my own bed – it was quite effective. Still, I missed the personal banter with friends during the lengthy sittings. No interjections, passing comments or spontaneous joking – if there is only one microphone on air at any time. It´s the control freak´s paradise and very focussed, yes, yes, but far from the vibrant exchange of personal interaction, that we pastors enjoy just as all liberated individuals in the extended community of Christian believers.
I am sure, bureaucrats love this – never mind the financial gurus – it´s cheap, it works, but it remains sterile, virtual and very close to speaking through the microphone of some window of a secured prison´s visitor´s booth. Yes, I missed shaking hands, rubbing shoulders with the brothers, hugging this and that one and breaking bread with those, who otherwise just keep their distance and remain at arm’s length like those second cousins in the otherwise close-knit Lutheran brotherhood. Superintendent Junker (Weißenfels) stressed, that this “fellowship lite” would not become the “new normal”. Thank God, it´s not yet “alternativlos!”
Isn´t it funny, how these words start creeping even into our theological vocabulary? That hit me several times yesterday. Again, and again some brother would drop these recent additions to the public discourse and use them in our ecclesial context. Some brothers are careful users of words – nearly like laying out minuscule mosaics most meticulously – whereas others paint more or less in broad strokes like old Tom Sayer with that famous whitewasher of his. Alexander Kissler (Cicero) therefore, calls on everyone to use words carefully – and not just the readers of some user manual once they notice, that they can´t get the acquired tool to work properly.
Well, coming from reading John 15 yesterday to this morning’s lesson from Dobberstein´s “Anthology” is not as far off as You might think. It´s all got to do with reading God´s Word attentively and faithfully – hearing God talking to us through the holy apostles and prophets. He gives us so many wonderful tools and devices to make us get his message. So, this morning I tried the dictate function for the first time – and it actually works well. The machine gets even my English readings – despite the foreign accent from the colonies long gone and down under. I was seriously impressed. And furthermore, I found a link on the German Bible Society´s site: https://www.academic-bible.com/en/online-bibles/about-the-online-bibles/ That is seriously brilliant. Considering, how many books and even electronic programs I have bought in the past to read these words in the original biblical wording – and here and now – it is accessible at a mouse-click for free. Hallelujah + Nota bene et tolle lege. Verbum Dei manet in aeterna. Hallelujah +
Here is a passage written by the German exegete Julius Schniewind in Dobberstein´s translation. It´s right on the mark and worth some contemplation. I think, he would have probably said – Herzstück – and indicated that it is a part of our heart and not the whole thing even as the cross in Luther´s emblem is but a part of it. Even in penning down the signs of the church in his fundamental: “On the Councils and the Church” (1539) prayer and cross are but parts of the whole… Still, Dobberstein translated it as “The heart of our ministry“ and so here is what Schniewind writes in that translation:
The pastor´s private prayer is the heart of our ministry. Paul serves God in the gospel “ἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου” (Romans 1:9), that is, in Spirit-prompted prayer. This prayer is unceasing, like breathing, and yet it has its definite hours of prayer. We know that Luther spent two hours daily in prayer. This includes the reading of the Bible: prayer originates and consists only in listening to the word. I have heard bitter complaints that in an active parish there’s no time for such meditation. Perhaps this must be overcome in faith in God, who, if we will only really hear and proclaim his Word, will give us helpers, who will relieve us of other things.
How shall we read the Bible? I follow Asmussen´s lectionary that covers the whole Bible in a year; but I am aware that this it has value chiefly in providing only the necessary knowledge of the Bible. To what extent, in this quantitative reading, do we come to the point where we really hear, where we hear the word spoken to us personally? One may choose shorter portions, such as the Bible readings which are available, despite their shortcomings. This hearing comes with practicing Luther´s principle “scriptura sui ipsius interpres” (Scripture is its own interpreter). Being at home with the Greek text of the whole New Testament gave earlier generations of ministers their power. The looking up of parallel passages in the Bible and concordance has opened up the Bible for many laymen, and for us, too, there is no better way of learning to hear, both scientifically and practically.
This listening passes over inevitably into prayer. Any application of the Word too ourselves can only be prayer. But prayer is “alert” too intercession. Ephesians 6:18f: “καὶ εἰς αὐτὸ ἀγρυπνοῦντες ἐν πάσῃ προσκαρτερήσει καὶ δεήσει περὶ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων καὶ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ“ (Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me… RSV). And this intercession will be “alert” to the guidance of the first three petitions of the Lord´s prayer. Such intercession takes time. The concerns of our ministry, the people immediately committed to our care, the church of God, and all who serve it as pastors and teachers in the work of administration and observing love, of the people of our own country and the whole wide world: intercession takes time, and we understand how the dying Polycarp prayed for two hours in intercession and could not stop.
For such intercession there can never be any set formula. And yet it is right that we have quite generally returned to formulated prayers, especially for corporate prayer … The formulated prayer, as Bezzel said, is “the privilege of our poverty”. There are needs so bitter, some deep, that there is nothing left but a Bible verse, a hymn stanza, a psalms. But in the use of formulated prayer we must again be warned of the danger of mere quantity.
1 Saints, see the cloud of witnesses surround us; Their lives of faith encourage and astound us. Hear how the Master praised their faith so fervent: “Well done, My servant!”
2 These saints of old received God’s commendation; They lived as pilgrim-heirs of His salvation. Through faith they conquered flame and sword and gallows, God’s name to hallow.
3 They call to us, “Your timid footsteps lengthen; Throw off sin’s weight, your halting weakness strengthen. We kept the faith, we shed our blood, were martyred; Our lives we bartered.”
4 Come, let us fix our sight on Christ who suffered, He faced the cross, His sinless life He offered; He scorned the shame, He died, our death enduring, Our hope securing.
5 Lord, give us faith to walk where You are sending, On paths unmarked, eyes blind as to their ending; Not knowing where we go, but that You lead us— With grace precede us.
6 You, Jesus, You alone deserve all glory! Our lives unfold, embraced within Your story; Past, present, future—You, the same forever— You fail us never!
Another morning, another sunrise. Out on the Elbe flats – once again. Nights are getting shorter and you have to stay up longer or get up earlier to catch the elusive beasts of the night out in the open. I don´t care much for late sittings on some lonely hunting perch as light dwindles and sight fails. They´re not into night vision yet in Saxony-Anhalt – at least not mounted on rifles – and as this is not just about spotting, but serious stuff, the final switch back to mounted telescope for the shot is no viable option. So, long story short, I prefer getting out in the morning, even before the bus goes on its first tour, hoping that the old phrase proves true: “The early bird catches the worm.”
Greeting some late-night revelers with “Moin, moin!” registers surprise, if not just stupor. On the parking lot I put on even more layers of warm stuff. Utensils, keys, phone and wallet are stowed in deep pockets just in case. Finally, I pull out and onto the empty streets. “Radio Brocken” blares popular tunes from times gone by. I rush past traffic lights still blacked out for the night – extra wary for late comers. I leave Martin Luther-avenue with noble flats, turn into another lined with trees, cross first over a bridge at the railways and then the big one over the “Elbe” before getting into more space and finally onto the flat lands in the “Hinterland”.
Planning this outing, I thought the hide along the “Haidelache” was perfect. It´s been my hideout before and as I´ve never been lucky there, the odds are that this would change sooner or later. My posting in the “hunting forum” shared that logic. However, as the farmer´s co-op had just put maize out in “Hermannsruh”, chances were good, that boar would invade the new plantation and wreak havoc overnight. So, my experienced colleagues suggested, I go there instead and try to catch them, before they move back into the big state forest. That´s why I didn´t pass the dairy in the end, but turned in before, circled the compound milking nearly a thousand cows daily and parked just beyond the industrial complex, right next to a game feeder and a short stretch into the farming path bordering some drainage ditch separating a ripe canola field from the freshly planted maize plot, which we were trying to protect.
Out in the East, the sky was paling. The birds were out. There´s no holding them back as Spring moves in. I tried to be as quiet as possible. Shutting the door and loading the rifle were muffled before I shoulder the rifle and rucksack making my way down the pathway. Trying my utmost to avoid any snapping or cracking, which would go far this clear morning and might just warn ever watchful game.
Some 300 yards along the path, I got to the wooden construction (“Scherenleiter Hochsitz”), where I could mount the perch to keep a watchful eye over the area and await passing game. An advantage of having a higher shooting angle sitting up high and aiming more into the ground than standing flat on the ground and aiming far into the horizon is a “gesicherter Fangschuss”. Game doesn´t seem to register such constructions (“Jagdliche Einrichtungen”) as “human”. So, roe deer were nibbling quite fearlessly – at around 30 yards – until the pretty consistent breeze shifted whimsically and they got a whiff of me and a fright for their life. Annoyed a doe barked and the bevy moved off at speed into the ripe rape.
Roe deer in conolla
In the rucksack, I carry a cushion to sit on, a rolled-up blanket as back-support and a woolen one to unwrap for extra-warmth. That – and an apple plus a coffee flask – makes time pass quite comfortably on this look-out. There was no boar in sight, nor did I see any signs of them, when I got down to inspect the maize field. All was in perfect order as if smoothed over by caring hand with no irritations whatsoever. I did see some white storks fly by, crows too and some lone darting starlings. It was way too early for birds of prey – and probably to way-out for owls too.
However – and that was to be a highlight of my morning and perhaps in my hunting days – there was a nightingale in the bushes. I heard later, that they have just arrived back in these parts and are now shouting out their jubilant song with new vigor.
The little queen of song
Untiringly the little bird went about its daily business of praising the good Lord and singing His wonders into this beautiful world of ours. I´m not an expert at identifying birds – never mind their calls – but I do have a telephone with a voice recorder. So, this morning I taped this little brown music master – and voila – my hunting friends and colleagues confirmed my hopeful guess. After checking with them, they returned with thumps-up and confirming nods: “Das ist eine Nachtigall!”
It was indeed the inconspicuous queen of variety and diva of acapella song herself – strikingly melodious, most lyrical and just so enthusiastically vibrant – as she continued to worship the creator throughout the morning. She just never tires at this. You can´t believe, how elated I was to hear her go about morning devotions in real life. In German I´d say: “Ich bin ganz aus dem Häuschen!” (Literally: “I am totally out of the little house” meaning “I am overjoyed!”) My recording is quite amateurish and here is a professional one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3iq2XrYebk
Sharing this with my mother, she related, how at the moment they were enjoying the crowned cranes on the maize fields in Welbedacht. Now, there is a bird of note. It´s the national bird of Uganda. It flouts spectacular feathers, stands tall in plumed grace and bears a crown to top it all. Yet, if You listen to its attempts at music, it’s not much to write home about. Sounds much like a chicken run or worse gaggle of geese. Compare that with the nightingale. She´s mostly solitary. She´s hardly seen, shy as she is – and if You do get ever so lucky, You´re bound to think, that´s just a poor LBJ (Little brown job), but then, when she picks up her tune and You hear her go off to sing in tremolo and hit even the highest notes without fail, rolling down and soaring up, up and even higher – well, that just makes all the difference. The drab old girl can sing!
The Chinese Nightingale (Christiaan Andersen)
No wonder, it has motivated artists to paint, sing and fabulate about this little Miss Grey – from the Land of the rising Sun and the Middle Kingdom right to the Danish shores and German lowlands. Just listen to the wonderful rendition of Mendelsohn in her honor: “Was Neues hat sie nie gelernt, singt alte liebe Lieder”
The nightingale reminded me very much of one of my long-standing favorites – and so here goes – just like on that first Mission festival in Dreihausen (Ebsdorfergrund), where I actually sang that last stanza during the introduction 🙂
1) Jesus Christus herrscht als König, alles wird ihm untertänig, alles legt ihm Gott zu Fuß. Aller Zunge soll bekennen, Jesus sei der Herr zu nennen, dem man Ehre geben muß.
2) Fürstentümer und Gewalten, Mächte, die die Thronwacht halten, geben ihm die Herrlichkeit; alle Herrschaft dort im Himmel, hier im irdischen Getümmel ist zu seinem Dienst bereit.
3) Gott ist Herr, der Herr ist Einer, und demselben gleichet keiner, nur der Sohn, der ist ihm gleich; dessen Stuhl ist unumstößlich, dessen Leben unauflöslich, dessen Reich ein ewig Reich.
4) Gleicher Macht und gleicher Ehren sitzt er unter lichten Chören über allen Cherubim; in der Welt und Himmel Enden hat er alles in den Händen, denn der Vater gab es ihm.
5) Nur in ihm, o Wundergaben, können wir Erlösung haben, die Erlösung durch sein Blut. Hört’s: das Leben ist erschienen, und ein ewiges Versühnen kommt in Jesus uns zugut.
6) Jesus Christus ist der Eine, der gegründet die Gemeine, die ihn ehrt als teures Haupt. Er hat sie mit Blut erkaufet, mit dem Geiste sie getaufet, und sie lebet, weil sie glaubt.
7) Gebt, ihr Sünder, ihm die Herzen, klagt, ihr Kranken, ihm die Schmerzen, sagt, ihr Armen, ihm die Not. Wunden müssen Wunden heilen, Heilsöl weiß er auszuteilen, Reichtum schenkt er nach dem Tod.
8) Zwar auch Kreuz drückt Christi Glieder hier auf kurze Zeiten nieder, und das Leiden geht zuvor. Nur Geduld, es folgen Freuden; nichts kann sie von Jesus scheiden, und ihr Haupt zieht sie empor.
9) Ihnen steht der Himmel offen, welcher über alles Hoffen, über alles Wünschen ist. Die geheiligte Gemeine weiß, daß eine Zeit erscheine, da sie ihren König grüßt.
10) Jauchz ihm, Menge heilger Knechte, rühmt, vollendete Gerechte und du Schar, die Palmen trägt, und ihr Zeugen mit der Krone und du Chor vor seinem Throne, der die Gottesharfen schlägt.
11) Ich auch auf der tiefsten Stufen, ich will glauben, reden, rufen, ob ich schon noch Pilgrim bin: Jesus Christus herrscht als König, alles sei ihm untertänig; ehret, liebet, lobet ihn!
(Philipp Friedrich Hiller, 1755)
I think, that eleventh stanza is a brilliant description of the nightingale´s stance. She does not make much of herself, keeps in the shadows really, but still, she´s not too bashful being in the lowest ranks and without much plumage – just as the servant, who received but one talent (Mt.25,24-28). She too has but one real talent – and that is to sing – and so that´s what she does. Full blast! She doesn´t stop to believe faithfully. She doesn´t cease to speak her creed. Rather, she starts when the night is still dark and she continues to sing it out loud and clear: “IX is Lord and King, Hallelujah!” And she invites all and everything to praise His holy name – the living God: Father, Son and Holy Ghost + who has created us, saved us and justified us and continues to save and sanctify us until He comes again to carry us home. So we are all bound to love, fear and trust Him more than anything. He´s our Lord and our God. This sung confession of trust and confidence is a good way to start any day, don´t You think? It would even do as motto for a whole day – any day!
Wow! The first Sunday after Easter (Quasimodogeniti) is coming up and it´s just getting better and better… I know, I know, that´s taking the mouth quite full, but the living and triune God is so rich in His mercies and His wisdom so profound, that week after week we can just taste and see, how friendly, merciful and good He is. Tomorrow we´ve got a passage from the holy prophet Isaiah to preach on – and isn´t that a wonderful gospel and encouraging message of the mighty creator doing all he wills – perfectly and in good time?
Look up at the sky! Who created all these heavenly lights? He is the one who leads out their ranks; he calls them all by name. Because of his absolute power and awesome strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you say, Jacob,Why do you say, Israel,“The Lord is not aware of what is happening to me;My God is not concerned with my vindication”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an eternal God,the Creator of the whole earth.He does not get tired or weary;there is no limit to his wisdom. He gives strength to those who are tired;to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy.Even youths get tired and weary;even strong young men clumsily stumble. But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength;they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, (cf Psalm 103!) they run without growing weary,they walk without getting tired.
Isaiah 40,26-31
That´s taken up with the wonderful words from first epistle of St. Peter chapter 1 and verses 3-9, which underlines God´s good and holy will to save His people and finally bring them home and to their glorious inheritance safely. Just as He promised through the prophet Isaiah.
And because we´re such a doubtful, sceptical and critical bunch really (- nothing to be proud of in the spiritual realm where God´s promises and holy ways are concerned. Rather we´re called earnestly to repent and better our sinful ways!) God cordially invites us most endearingly like he did with the apostle Thomas (John 20,19-29) to make us faithful confessors instead + and what a beautiful heritage this missionary to India started – just remember all those faithful and confessional men – of Aquinas, of Canterbury, Morus/More, Becket etc.
Oh yes, we´ve got a wonderful Lord and God – Jesus Christ – sitting at the right hand of the Father and ruling there in perfect unison with the Holy Spirit – for us and our salvation – through His marvellous works begun in us in Holy Baptism and coming to His consumation in good time. Glory be to Him now and always. Hallelujah +
Behold – that´s where You were saved +
So, as we commemorate our Baptism and look forward to our Lord´s coming to complete His enduring and most holy work, let´s sing the old Lutheran classic with J.J. Rambach (1693-1735):
Baptized into your name most holy,O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,I claim a place, tho’ weak and lowly,among your seed, your chosen host.Buried with Christ and dead to sin:your Spirit e’er shall live within.
My loving Father, me you’ve takenfore’er to be your child and heir;my faithful Savior, me you’ve given your righteous, holy life to share;O Holy Spirit, you will be a comfort, guide, and help to me.
And I have vowed to fear and love you,and to obey you, Lord, alone;because the Holy Spirit moved me,I dared to pledge myself your own,renouncing sin to keep the faithand war with evil unto death.
My faithful God, your word fails never,your cov’nant surely will abide;oh, cast me not away forever,should I transgress it on my side!Though I have oft my soul defiled,in love forgive, restore your child.
Yes, all I am and love most dearlyI offer now, O Lord, to you.Oh, let me make my vows sincerely,and what I say, help me to do.Let naught within me, naught I own,serve any will but yours alone.
And never let my purpose falter,O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,but keep me faithful to your altar,till you shall call me from my post.So unto you I live and dieand praise you evermore on high.
We go about the divine service in our mother tongue and so here´s the setup with the outline for the sermon too:
Hebt eure Augen in die Höhe und seht! Wer hat all dies geschaffen? Er führt ihr Heer vollzählig heraus und ruft sie alle mit Namen; seine Macht und starke Kraft ist so groß, dass nicht eins von ihnen fehlt.
Warum sprichst du denn, Jakob, und du, Israel, sagst: »Mein Weg ist dem HERRN verborgen, und mein Recht geht an meinem Gott vorüber«?
Weißt du nicht? Hast du nicht gehört? Der HERR, der ewige Gott, der die Enden der Erde geschaffen hat, wird nicht müde noch matt, sein Verstand ist unausforschlich. Er gibt dem Müden Kraft und Stärke genug dem Unvermögenden.
Jünglinge werden müde und matt, und Männer straucheln und fallen; aber die auf den HERRN harren, kriegen neue Kraft, dass sie auffahren mit Flügeln wie Adler, dass sie laufen und nicht matt werden, dass sie wandeln und nicht müde werden.
Sermon text from Isaiah 40:26-31
Lieder & Lesungen:
Eingang 152,1-2.4-6 Ich bin getauft auf deinen Namen…
Lessons 036 (Ps.116) Jesaja 40,26-31; 1.Petrus 1,3-9, Johannes 20,19-29
Petrus, Apostel Jesu Christi, an die auserwählten Fremdlinge, die in der Zerstreuung leben, in Pontus, Galatien, Kappadozien, der Provinz Asia und Bithynien, nach der Vorsehung Gottes, des Vaters, durch die Heiligung des Geistes zum Gehorsam und zur Besprengung mit dem Blut Jesu Christi: Gott gebe euch viel Gnade und Frieden!
Context of this week´s watchword from St. Peter´s 1st Epistle 1,3
Gelobt sei Gott, der Vater unseres Herrn Jesus Christus, der uns nach seiner großen Barmherzigkeit wiedergeboren hat zu einer lebendigen Hoffnung durch die Auferstehung Jesu Christi von den Toten, zu einem unvergänglichen und unbefleckten und unverwelklichen Erbe, das aufbewahrt wird im Himmel für euch, die ihr aus Gottes Macht durch den Glauben bewahrt werdet zur Seligkeit, die bereitet ist, dass sie offenbar werde zu der letzten Zeit.
1. Gottes Ziel: Unsere Hoffnung!
Er führt ihr Herr – die auserwählten Fremdlinge zusammen mit dem erwählten Volk Israel – vollzählig heraus und aus der Zerstreuung zurück nach Hause, dass nicht auch nur eines von ihnen fehlt… wie St. Petrus schreibt: zu einem unvergänglichen und unbefleckten und unverwelklichen Erbe, das aufbewahrt wird im Himmel für euch, die ihr aus Gottes Macht durch den Glauben bewahrt werdet zur Seligkeit, die bereitet ist, dass sie offenbar werde zu der letzten Zeit.
2. Wir sind unterwegs – auf dem Weg zum Ziel
Ungläubige Thomas: Wenn ich nicht sehe! (Blind & Sehend)
Jakob spricht: Unser Weg ist dem Herrn verborgen: Wenn der Herr nicht sieht!
Israel behauptet: Mein Recht geht an meinem Gott vorüber.
Bleibe im Land und nähre Dich redlich… (Paradies)
Berufung: Geh in ein Land, dass ich Dir zeigen werde (Die Welt steht Dir offen!)
Deutschland! (USA – heute Asien, Arabien, Australien…)
Wanderweg: Wohin sollen wir gehen? (Spaziergang)
Ausbildung/Lehr und Wanderjahre: Ein jeder ist seines Glückes Schmied
Fluchtwege – Wo soll ich fliehen hin, weil ich beschweret bin…
Wohin sollen wir gehen? (Du hast Worte des Lebens & wir haben erkannt… )
Blind – auf der Flucht und suchen die Heimat – Holzwege, Irrwege – unsere Lebenswege:
So weit die Füße tragen – und noch weiter: O.Sibirien nach Westen!
Afghanistan/Iran nach Deutschland
Mein 1.Freund von Uganda (Angus Lukeeta), S.Sudan, Liberia & Äthiopien nach Südafrika. (Dreiländereck in Mapungubwe!)
Heimkehrverhinderung – von Kleinasien auf dem Weg nach Ithaka (20 Jahre) Ist da ein Leben nach dem Krieg?
Seefahrt ist unvermeidlich, Leben nicht
Mann der zahlreichen Wege, auf Umwege geprüfte, Dulder von Rückschlägen, Herumgeworfene – man of twists and turns. Ratschlagreiche – Listenmächtige
Ständige Leiden – Dulden – reichlich Stoff für Drama – Herz- und Weltschmerz! On 2nd toughts – Handlungshemmung durch Reflexion. „Duldete viel und tief im Gemüt die Leiden des Meeres“
Das eine Resultat auf das es ankommt: vollendete Heimkehr…
Aber manchmal geht es einfach nicht weiter… Holzwege
Mittelmeer Grenzzaun Abschiebung
3. Der dreieinige Gott lebt und regiert – uns zugut
Er ist der Schöpfer aller Ding (Starkes Argument!)
Er führt und leitet alles wohl – Exodus und Wüstenwanderung! (Vorsehung/Prädestination)
ER wird nicht müde noch matt!
Sein Verstand ist unausforschlich.
Er gibt dem Müden Kraft und Stärke genug dem Unvermögenden.
Jünglinge werden müde und matt
Männer straucheln und fallen;
aber die auf den HERRN harren, kriegen neue Kraft,
dass sie auffahren mit Flügeln wie Adler,
dass sie laufen und nicht matt werden,
dass sie wandeln und nicht müde werden.
Das ist eine starke Verheißung – und beinhaltet, wenn er spricht, so geschiehts & steht da.
Er gibt uns das nötige „padkos“ (Bogojwane) mit auf den Weg: Abendmahl.
Richtung/Orientierung/Wegweisung: Nicht auf diesen oder jenen Berg, sondern im Geist und in der Wahrheit!
Trägt uns heim – um seines Namens willen! – dass wir dort sehen, was wir hier geglaubt haben.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
Charles Dickens, Tale of two cities. 1859
Two days ago, the German chancellor – Angela Merkel – headed her public address with the words: “zerbrechlicher Zwischenerfolg – nicht mehr, nicht weniger!” Others speak of taking first steps on thin ice.
We prayerfully bring before God those suffering and facing hardships due to this pandemic – not just in Asia, S.America and Africa – but also in Italy, Spain, New York, New Orleans and other hotspots of this pandemic. May the triune God continue to grant healing and salvation as we call on Him in our good Lord Jesus´ name: Kyrie eleison. We pray for a vaccine soon. We thank Him for those many people, who have been healed and continue on the way of recovery.
Here, politics has taken steps to open up somewhat. Small businesses (less than 800m2) are scheduled to reopen this Monday – including bookshops. The re-opening of local schools after the extended Easter holidays has been postponed until the 4th of May – for now – and then it will only be a gradual and step-by-step move i.e. one class after the other, on certain days only, extended breaks, smaller numbers etc.
Big gatherings are still a no-go. Church services remain forbidden despite growing dissent from roman-catholic bishops, vocal protestants and other liberals. House devotions are permitted as well as public baptisms and weddings with less than 20 people. Obviously, we continue as normal here in our chapel – even as we share our family´s devotional itinerary with sermons as MP3 with our regular clientele. The hospitality business – including hostels and hotels, inns and restaurants – is still shut down indefinitely.
The local state church people are discussing open-air services – especially a thanksgiving service in the near future, because matters have turned out so well after widespread anxiety. The minister of health (Spahn – one of the candidates to head the CDU) went as far as stating that they have the pandemic under control although the Robert-Koch-Institute demented this and the Bavarian minister-president Söder (CSU) would only go as far as: “We´re getting there slowly!” It is my view, that Germans are in general still rather skeptical and cautious. The economically orientated voices are trying to push for return to normal procedures, but the political reset button will probably not be activated, rather some more turning of a finely tuned reset dial.
The monthly fraternal for Wittenberg´s 15-20 pastors is postponed unanimously. The local church gatherings for boy-scouts, other youth camps and target groups have all been cancelled until after Pentecost. Summer camps for Wittenberg are still dicey business. Most weekly gatherings – see “Stammtisch” – have moved online, beer and all. The virtual offerings are truly overwhelming – and not just for divine services, but all sorts of presentations spiritual and otherwise.
Besides opening our little bookshop and selling some books to a Chinese film producer from Hong Kong stuck without her camera man and getting into the nitty-gritty of Lutheranism as she hopes for the up-coming film shoot, there´s not much more. The outside windows need a spring clean. That´s pretty urgent after skipping 2 years in a row and still no rain in sight or to the rescue. Inside cleaning jobs are ongoing as dust continues to settle in these desert circumstances.
After the electricians investigated our baptismal font, we have resorted to the help of architect Rademann and silversmith Heck. After a prolonged discussion, we´re hopeful, that the long-standing challenges can get sorted out. The lock-down does bring on spare time for this kind of fix and repair stuff.
Greetings and blessings in this festive Eastertide as we continue to thankfully sing the seasonal hymns like the standing favorite from the Reformer´s pen:
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands, for our offenses given; but now at God’s right hand he stands and brings us life from heaven; therefore let us joyful be and sing to God right thankfully loud songs of hallelujah. Hallelujah!
Martin Luther 1483-1546 translated by Richard Massie 1800-1887
Bucket lists are beautiful. They show the open world we live in. Reflections of opportunity, freedom and unending potential of divine richness in God´s creation. Yes, praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow!
Obviously, they also show in stark clarity, that we´re not in paradise yet – and that we have to deal with our human limitations of time and space, but also of chance, seasons and our passing life and approaching deadline. Sometimes, they will remind us of missed chances, missed boats and worse.
Still, I love lists. Not just shopping lists or to-do-lists, but all sorts of lists in and out of season. One of these is my ever-growing, changing and sometimes also shortening list of prayer. It´s a way to help me out as my memory fails. Funny enough from early days in my ministry, this prayer list has been a mainstay – and kept people in mind and focus, who really mattered. Something of a reality-check compared with the highly fluctuating acquaintances in fleeting lives.
But it´s not just a memory-stick of sorts, but also a helpful guideline as God answers prayers. Sometimes people reach their destination and we don´t have to remind God about attending them. Sometimes our calling changes and with it our responsibilities, duties and tasks. That will reflect in these prayer lists too. Most of the time however, this list will grow steadily covering larger areas, time spans and off course people in the church and outside of it too. I think, that´s one of the things to look forward to during retirement – we´ll have more and more time to spend in watchful prayer for those, entrusted to our prayers. I know from my fathers – physical and spiritual ones – how they spent more and more time in prayer for the tasks at hand – in the holy Christian church, especially in … and all it´s bishops, pastors, teachers and missionaries, deaconesses in churches, dioceses, districts, congregations, seminaries, colleges, schools, hospitals etc. and for all people in need, families, lonely, old and young, poor, sick and dying… There´s a lot to pray for as the apostle writes…
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all, revealing God’s purpose at his appointed time.
For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle—I am telling the truth; I am not lying—and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. So I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute.
St. Paul´s letter to St. Timothy chapter 2:1-8
It´s complicated
We´re in this together
It´s a global village
Well, reading the piece on „Intercession“ by James S. Stewart), I was reminded of this and was encouraged as I think of all the faithful prayers being raised in this time of quarantine. Suddenly, the church has opportunity to dedicate itself even more to this task – “Watch and prayer” – even after the Lententide and after the normal time of fasting is over. Obviously, there are many tasks unfinished and undone. Therefore let us be mindful, watch and pray – even as this churchman from Scotland encourages us:
Whether Your congregation be large or small a great part of Your task (as a vital member of the Priesthood of all believers WW) on its behalf lies in the realm of intercession. I do not simply mean asking God to bless Your people collectively – though, of course, You will do that – I mean praying for every family, each separate soul, by name. Let me assure You that this suggestion is entirely practicable, whether You have a hundred members or two thousand. Method and system, of course, are necessary; but is there any reason why prayer should not be methodical?
Take Your communion roll – or the family birthday calendar – or the area telephone book – or the town clerks registry. Use it as a directory of intercession. Single out, say, three families each day. Mention each member of these homes by name. Visualize their circumstances. Think of their work, their difficulties, their temptations. Remember very specially any who may have been growing indifferent to religious ordinances and drifting away from the church. Bear them individually upon Your heart to the mercy-seat.
From such concrete and particular intercession two results will follow. On the one hand, there will be a blessing for those for whom You pray. On the other hand, there will be revealed to You from time to time, even as You intercede for them, practical ways of helpfulness, new avenues of sympathetic understanding, opportunities of showing to this one of that other something of the kindness of God for Jesus´ sake.
And when You look into their faces on Sunday, as You lead their worship and proclaim to them afresh the all-sufficient grace of Christ, that background of Your hidden intercessions, of Your pleading for them name by name, will lift Your words and wing them with love and ardor and reality.
God will not refuse the kindling flame when secret prayer has laid its sacrifice upon the altar. And You will prove in Your own experience the truth to which that great soldier of the cross, Samuel Rutherford, gave expression long ago: “I seldom made an errand to God for another, but I got something for myself.”
Dobberstein Pg. 376-7
Perhaps You know a good English translation for this hymn by the Reformer? Especially the 3rd stanza goes a long way to underline the previous… “He can save all those, who approach him. Lord have mercy!”
1) Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod überwand, ist auferstanden, die Sünd hat er gefangen. Kyrie eleison.
2) Der ohn Sünden war geboren, trug für uns Gottes Zorn, hat uns versöhnet, dass Gott uns sein Huld gönnet. Kyrie eleison.
3) Tod, Sünd, Leben und auch Gnad, alls in Händen er hat; er kann erretten alle, die zu ihm treten. Kyrie eleison.
The following „Solitariness & brotherhood“ is from Hermann Dietzfelbinger´s: „Pastoral care of the pastor”
One thing more must be added. It is true that Christ meets me in my brother, but that brother is not Christ. And brotherhood is not simply a formula that merely needs to be followed in order to be a good pastor. It cannot be reduced to a means, but it dare not be made a law. Therefore, in brotherhood there must also be solitude. But this will be a solitude quite different from that which we spoke of at the beginning. One of the mysteries of the Christian life is that it is realized in the polarity between solitariness and fellowship in the presence of God. Neither must be lacking. One who craves fellowship without solitariness falls into impersonality and lapses into a religious standardization that is far more legalistic than technical standardization. And one who seeks solitude without fellowship is close to the abysses of pride or despair. All pastoral care must be aware of this polarity.
Yes, flee from Your solitariness into the fellowship and seek out Your brother; but also stand alone before the Lord! Common worship and common prayer are indispensable to the Christian life; but the solitary hour of prayer is equally indispensable. There are many things that a pastor has to struggle through and suffer through in utter solitariness in the presence of God, and a man who has to confide everything to others and cannot keep anything to himself is no pastor of souls. The words we speak in pastoral care become worn, impotent, and feeble if they are not repeatedly cleansed and strengthened and renewed in the solitude of prayer. The brotherly counsel of others is good, but Jesus can care for our souls in silence and solitude too.
Quiet listening to the Word is part of common study of the Scriptures, and it may well be that I can learn more about how to deal with modern secularized men from this solitary, face-to-face conversation at the well of Jacob (John 4) than from a whole course of lectures on this problem, just as all the psychology in the world cannot give to me the key to the knowledge of men that I find in John 1,4.9: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.” The way to learn other men´s hearts is to know one´s own heart in that place of solitude before God.” (Dobberstein 323f)
Wilhelm's space 