October 8, 2026
Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of duties: to bishops, pastors and preachers
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23
“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Your pastor has been given one job – to be a steward of the word of God. That is the task above all others. It is a noble job with great responsibility. It is a humbling job that is not interested in personalities or personal opinions but in the faithful teaching and preaching of God’s word.
Faithful preaching puts the spotlight on the crucified and risen Son of God. It may not be what people want to hear, but this is the calling and the job description of a faithful pastor: “preach Christ!” The apostle Paul knew the temptations for a pastor to preach what people want to hear or to preach on his latest interest. He writes to Titus and lays it out for him: hold firm to the trustworthy word of God and faithfully hand it over to others. There you have it!
Paul knew the importance and the value of a good pastor, so he wrote letters to young pastors to encourage them. Luther also knew how vital it was for pastors and preachers not only to know the job but also to carry it out, even in the face of opposition. So, Luther included in the Table of Duties some of the passages of Paul’s letter to pastors for their encouragement. “Hold firm to the trustworthy message!” Watch out for obstacles that could hinder the message. The devil is all about putting roadblocks in the way of God’s word being faithfully proclaimed. The battle is a real one that would cause Paul to write, “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry” (2 Corinthians 6:3).
Let us hold firm, my dear Christian, to declare and defend the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us support those who have been called and entrusted as stewards of God’s word. They need our prayers. They need our encouragement. Too many pastors feel alone and have little or no support. As Paul understood the need to build up those called to the ministry of the word, may we also seek ways to build up those called to shepherd the flock of God as undershepherds of the Great Shepherd. This too is a noble task. May our Lord fill all pastors with the resolve of Saint Paul, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
O almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, gave to His holy apostles many excellent gifts and commanded them earnestly to feed His flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and the people obedient to follow it that together they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Collect For the Holy Ministry)
Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.
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