20 Dec January 24th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

A MODEL FOR PASTORS – Part III

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (read also verses 7 -12) “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”

Many years ago, a member who did cross stitching, stitched a wall hanging which she gave me as a Christmas gift.  It was not very large, probably six by eight inches.  There was a pulpit with a “mouse” leaning over it in a preaching pose with words above this image that said “preach the word!”

A faithful pastor spends a significant amount of time each week in the study of God’s word to be ready to preach his sermon on the week-end.  He also studies God’s word diligently throughout the week in preparation to teach it to his congregation in Bible studies (Junior confirmation, Adult instruction, and Bible studies with various topics and sections of Scripture.)

Even though a sermon is categorized as rhetoric (the art of effective or persuasive speaking) it is far more.  It is not “a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God.”  (1 Thessalonians 2:13) It is not just an art of effective or persuasive speaking, even though a pastor should do all possible to learn how to effectively speak and teach the Holy Scriptures.  It is only when a pastor preaches and teaches the Holy Word of God and the Holy Spirit blesses this word that it edifies and converts hearts to faith in Jesus.

As one who listens to your pastor, listen to the words he preaches and teaches because they are, “the word of God . . . not a human word . . . as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”

Your pastor speaks God’s word to you knowing that God has given it to be “ . . . a lamp to your feet and a light unto your path.” (Psalm 119:105) Your pastor depends upon the fact that the Gospel he preaches and teaches is “God’s power . . . that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

Pray God that your pastor preaches and teaches God’s word to you and that the Holy Spirit gives you faith to take it to heart, believe it, and through it you will receive the “righteousness of God.”

Prayer:  Every time Lord I hear or read Your word, send Your Spirit to create faith in my heart by its power to believe Jesus is my Savior through whom I receive forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.  In His holy name.  Amen.

(A hymn prayer to pray after you have heard God’s Word)

On what has now been sown Thy blessing, Lord, bestow;

The pow’r is Thine alone To make it sprout and grow.

Do Thou in grace the harvest raise,

And Thou alone shalt have the praise!

To Thee our wants are known, From Thee are all our pow’rs;

Accept what is Thine own And pardon what is ours.

Our praises, Lord, and prayers receive,

And to Thy Word a blessing give.

O grant that each of us, Now met before Thee here,

May meet together thus When Thou and Thine appear

And follow Thee to heav’n, our home,

E’en so, amen, Lord Jesus, comes!

(LSB 921)