For the pastor this means but one thing: he has but one thing to preach. The pastor speaks not from worldly wisdom, he speaks not from philosophy nor from psychology, but he speaks as the very voice of God speaking to the world. The pastor speaks the word, and he speaks it at all times. In season and out of season; a harsh word of rebuke when necessary, an encouraging word of exhortation when needed. The pastor speaks only the word of God, for he has been given nothing else to give.

But for the people this means two things. The first is a charge as solemn and serious as the pastor's: the charge to the people is to expect—and even demand—that their pastor speak nothing but God's word. Your task as the people of God is to expect nothing but the word of God from me, and to stop your ears should I—or any pastor—preach anything else.

But the second is even greater. The task of the people is to hear the word of God and believe upon it. To lean upon it as you lean upon nothing else, to hunger and thirst for God's word to the extent that nothing else satisfies, that nothing else is even desired.

This podcast can never be a substitute for in-person attendance at a local church. Click here to find a local church you can connect with! Find a Lutheran church near you!