We pray in one Epiphany hymn that Jesus is “Manifest in gracious will, Ever bringing good from ill” (TLH 134.3). In today’s Gospel Lesson, Jesus brings good (faith) from ill (storm). Who is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him? In the calming of the sea, He shows that He is the Lord of Creation, the Lord of Salvation, and the Lord of the Church.

“[W]e now live in a time in which a heated controversy has broken out in our Lutheran Church about what the holy preaching office actually is” (At Home in the House of My Fathers, 148). These words from C. F. W. Walther, whose 200th birthday we celebrate this year (1811- 1887), have lost none of their weight. Indeed, the controversy over church and ministry has only increased since he spoke these words in an Epiphany sermon in 1862. It is also fitting that Walther quoted today’s Old Testament lesson (Mal 2:5-7) in his introduction to this sermon: “The lips of the priest,” that is, the Levite priests, “should guard the teaching, so that one may seek the law from his mouth; for he is a messenger of the Lord of hosts” (v. 7; p. 147). Today, we consider our identity as shepherd and sheep as we welcome a messenger from the Lord of hosts, Pastor Jimmy B. Coffey. Our Epistle and Gospel lessons will teach us, especially the sheep of this fold, what to expect from the church and ministry as the Lord’s words are fulfilled, “Feed my sheep.”

THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY On preceding Sundays our Lord’s deity was manifested by His miracles. This day it is shown forth by His teaching. Christ is our King. He welcomes not only Jews but also Gentiles into His Kingdom. All are called through pure mercy. We must then, in our turn, show mercy […]

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit When the storms of life comes thrashing, to whom do you turn? For Jesus’ disciples there wasn’t much of a choice. They were in a boat in the middle of a sea. The only one they could turn was […]

These quotes are from his House Postils. I commend the entire sermon for your edification. Today’s Gospel presents an episode from which we learn not what things we are to do – for there is no mention of deeds – but rather, what one ought to believe in time of need and tribulation, and how […]