Throwback Thursday: Needed: Men Willing to Die
Note: This reflection on the Office of the Holy Ministry was written by Fr. Petersen in 2019. ~ Ed.
Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:35–38, ESV)
There will never be a time on this side of glory when the Lord’s command to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest is rendered obsolete. The crowds are still harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. The harvest is still plentiful and the workers are few. Pray, therefore, that God send pastors to shepherd the scattered, harassed, and helpless. And not only pray, but also work. Ora et labora.
Christianity in America, including Lutheranism, is in decline. There are fewer congregational salaried clergy positions than there used to be. The positions remaining are often less than full time or at least less they do not have a full-time salary and benefits. Yet the need for pastors has never been greater.