Luther on Galatians 1: Ministerial Authority

"This is our comfort in the ministry, that ours is a divine office to which we have been divinely called. Reversely, what an awful thing it must be for the conscience if one is not properly called. It spoils one's best work. When I was a young man I thought Paul was making too much of his call. I did not understand his purpose. I did not then realize the importance of the ministry. I knew nothing of the doctrine of faith because we were taught sophistry instead of certainty, and nobody understood spiritual boasting. We exalt our calling, not to gain glory among men, or money, or satisfaction, or favor, but because people need to be assured that the words we speak are the words of God. This is no sinful pride. It is holy pride."

Luther provokes this thought, and I believe it is one that should remain as spectacles over the eyes of both ministers and each saint, and that is that Jesus is the Senior Pastor of every congregation. The minister must have this in order to see his own office and authority as a gift. It keeps him in his place, and reminds him that he is administering the ministry of the Senior Pastor as he preaches and shepherds the flock. Not only does it serve as cautious reminder, it provides great comfort, because where humility and gratefulness for one's gifts are present, a clear conscience is also found. An honest man's pillow is his peace of mind.

For the congregation, seeing through these spectacles provides great comfort as well, along with a proper focus. One practical application of this is our tendency toward idolizing our favorite, whether Peter, Paul, or Apollos. Peter, Paul, and Apollos may even preach the centrality of Jesus in all things, but we are still tempted to glory in the mouthpieces. The focus is on the Senior Pastor, and the comfort is that once your favorite pastor or favorite radio preacher, those that you look to each day to encourage you, once they pass on, once their particular and unique piece of the ministry seem to have faded, you'll still be alright.