January 24, 2020
Today’s Reading: Acts 16:1-5
Daily Lectionary: Joel 3:1-21; Romans 12:14-13:14
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. (Acts 16:5)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Timothy is a walking example of what nobody thought would work. They questioned his age. They questioned his lineage. Yet Paul trained him, laid hands on him, and ordained him. And through Timothy, God saw fit to strengthen churches in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.
None of this stuff should work through the clergy we have. It feels good to actually say it out loud, because it’s what we’re all thinking anyway. Critiques of Timothy might not have been fair, but they were logical. That’s why God ordains pastors. All of us have flaws. Blind spots. Sins. It might not be fair to point them out, but it’s logical. Look at all the reasons this shouldn’t work. Still, God promises to work good through pastors. Timothy had nothing in himself that was worthy of the ministry. He knew his age and father would be thrown in his face. It’s why Paul tells him not to let anyone talk down to him for being young. It’s why Paul tells him to be circumcised. Stop looking at Timothy and start looking at the God who promised to speak through him.
Sooner or later every Christian has problems with a pastor, because he’s a sinner. Your pastor needs Jesus for the forgiveness stuff, too. The question is, did God still promise to work through him? That’s what the call is. God promises to work through this particularly inept man to strengthen the Church. It shouldn’t have worked with Timothy, but God defied all odds. Then again, most people stay dead after being crucified, too. The risen Lord holds the Church together, even through Paul and Timothy, and even through your pastor. It doesn’t rest on them, but it rests on the God who conquered death. It’s about Jesus. If He wants to use a cross to save you from death, that’s really no more absurd than hearing the message of reconciliation through a sinner. Rejoice. Christ is at work in what shouldn’t function, and yet has since the beginning. Jesus is proclaimed to sinners, and they live. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. –Rev. Harrison Goodman
Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for St. Timothy)