The instrumental part that Miriam played in helping Moses and the Israelites to the Promise Land, Cana, is a beautiful metaphor for what we experience today in the edification of the Church. God chose Moses to be the pastor to His chosen people, and lead them through the wilderness. Likewise, both Aaron and Miriam were chosen to serve Moses and the Isaelites. “I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam” (Micah 6:4). As many of you know, Miriam and Aaron weren’t perfect, but God knew that their assistance was what Moses and Isreal needed. Much can be learned from this today as we, the chosen people of God, endeavor the building up of the Church with the help of women in our present Deaconess training and vocation.

Deaconesses have a tradition that extends throughout history, with biblical precedent (Rom. 16:2). Further, our synod has had deaconesses since its inception 150 years ago, with formal training beginning in the 1940’s. Concordia Theological Seminary has earnestly taken up the charge of forming women with the desire and dedication to learn how best to care for God’s people in 2003. Outside of the liturgy, women are upholding the Office of the Holy Ministry, bringing the suffering and needy the comfort of the Gospel with spiritual and practical care, and responding to God’s command (Rom. 12:13, Gal. 2) with His help.

Pastors and deaconesses alike at Concordia Theological Seminary are formed to have the proper understanding and expression of the Gospel. This is taught through rigorous Scriptural and doctrinal examination, interaction with professors and seminarians, and hands on field work and internship experience in various churches and institutions. Pastors, like Moses, have been chosen to be the mouthpiece of Jesus Christ, our Savior, to lead people to the comfort of the Promised Land, heaven. Men are therefore called to preach God’s Word in its truth and purity, and dispense His gifts in the Sacraments. Like Miriam, female leadership in Word and deed is essential, too. God enables women to direct people to the Divine Service, declaring all His benefits there provided.

A servant’s heart is what our women are formed to have. Helping a pastor and congregation with visitations and outreach, instructing other women and children in the faith, and abiding with the sick and suffering, is what a deaconess is all about. Theologians of the cross mark these women as they fare forth into spiritual warfare. Women have been doing this since creation; Ruth, Deborah, Mary Magdalene, Phoebe and Anna, just to name a few. Concordia Theological Seminary opens its doors to the apt women who desire to learn and discern the work of the Kingdom. They represent the Church and Christ’s mercy to those who are struggling and needy. For those who do not yet know and believe in Him, deaconesses are as conduits to the nave and our Lord’s holy presence

Most people know that there was an earthquake in southern Illinois at aroudn 5:40am (EDT) which we felt here in Fort Wayne. Just a minute ago (11:19am EDT) I felt another one. I was IM’ing with Adriane and she thought I was nuts. Marsha, our Relocation Coordinator felt it and so did her husband in the next building.

Did we have an aftershock? We’ll keep you posted.
Update: 11:40 a.m. – USGS just posted that there was another quake near the same location.

I also just learned that Rev. Braaten was about thirty miles from the early morning quake.

One notable quotable starts like so: “Christians are like fertilizer…” What a pleasant image of agricultural richness evoked in our minds… no? However, the middle and final part of the quote goes like this, “together they stink, until spread out over the land.”

How true is that? Between synodical polemical debates, intellectual ego stroking within theological academic circles, and inflated emphasis on liturgy over justification, it’s no wonder that the Gospel becomes murky at best when Christians surround themselves only with themselves. The stench of it becomes unbearable, and can actually be an evangelical stumbling block.

Now mind you, I am not saying that polemics and academic rigor aren’t tools to sharpen us, and the environment to do so isn’t God sent; but there comes a point when ingratiated talk is cheap and useless, and not helping anyone. Proclamation and service is the impetus of education. This especially comes to mind this time of year, as men will receive their vicarages and Calls, women their deaconess internships and placements. It is a time of sending out the enriched fertilizer to reap a wonderful harvest to God’s glory.

I don’t mean to be crude, but the analogy hopefully strikes a chord, as many are in anticipation of where and what they will be doing next year. Whatever it is, it’s time to go and serve. Consider the alternative- stinking to high heaven.

While running a 15 kilometer road race (that’s 9.4 miles) for the first time in my life this past weekend, I thought to myself “How did I get here?” It was to my utter amazement coupled with the preparation leading up to the race, that I was overcome with appreciation for being able to experience it. Even the soreness after the race was worth it.

How might this apply to our spiritual lives? It is, of course our understanding as Christians that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Our works are like filthy rags in His sight. Simply going to church or serving on different boards for any other purpose than it is what we are called to do, does not flex our spiritual muscles any more than the next Christian’s. Even in our suffering, we are no better than anyone else spiritually-as if it were by “our” stripes that we are healed. No, the spiritual strength we receive is of not from our experience or overcoming adversity. Our strength is in Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.

This Author compels us to “run the race” (I Cor. 9:25) for the sake of the Gospel. Since we already possess the prize of the Good News, it is our service (diakonia) to show mercy and compassion on those who are struggling, doubting that they can finish, or do not know that there is even a race at all. “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Tim. 2:5)” The rules, or Law (Torah, Ten Commandments), is fulfilled in Christ-and until we receive Christ in faith and baptism, the sweet assurance of the crown is out of reach.

May you be compelled to run the race and serve as you are so suited, and if you are struggling, may you be assured that Christ has done all that is necessary on your behalf- so you can have eternal life, salvation and the forgiveness of all of your sins. Your crown awaits.

After 133 entries, a winner of the life-sized Martin Luther cardboard cutout has been randomly selected.  Congratulations to Andrew Rosse, a student of Concordia University, Nebraska!  We will ship it to you right away.  Display it with pride!