06/14/2026
The Apostolic Ministry
was established by Christ himself. Christ's apostolic ministers may be known by any number of names. Our Lord looks upon the people as sheep in need of a shepherd, hence the title pastor. Christ's ministers are to be harvesters, workers, ministers. While we may talk of the priesthood of all believers, the office of the ministry is distinct. During his earthly ministry, many followed Jesus, and many had faith that often exceeded that of the apostles. I think of the Canaanite woman, the Centurion with a sick young boy, and Blind Bartimaeus.
But the twelve serve a special function, for they are given to proclaim the good news, and do so in an official way. They are called to forgive, not just personally, but in the stead and by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, and do so in an absolution which the people of God could depend upon as true words from Christ himself. All are given to learn and study God's word, but to the Twelve is given the command to teach all things WHATSOEVER Christ commanded. For that reason the church must never be hasty in the laying on of hands, for that reason our own church takes seminary education so seriously.
Christ alone is the Savior. Christ alone was offered up as the once and for all sacrifice for our sins. Christ alone offers up his blood for our cleansing, his death for our propitiation. But to his disciples, Christ gives the command to preach, teach, and then distribute the blessings hard won from the cross. What would have happened if Christ had not ascended? I suppose the church would have become a kind of clump, drawn by the magnet of our Lord. But he ascends to fill all things, so that he might be wherever his Word his preach, where water is applied in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The word apostle means sent, but it's not just any sending, as if on a field trip, or even what are called mini-mission trips done by the faithful to help materially in support of the proclamation. Those installed into the Apostolic Ministry are called to say what the Lord has said, to words of the Lord and proclaim them from the pulpit. They are held to a higher standard, for they have to know stuff. How much? All of what the Lord has commanded. Pastors are never to be a barrier between the Lord and his people, but they are Christ's means of still delivering his saving message with a human voice, a human presence, a human touch.
And so it often happens that a little child in the congregation will offhandedly call the pastor Jesus. The kid, of course, is wrong. But in another sense, he's right. For when the people hear the word of God from his ministers, it is as if they have heard the word from Christ himself. So, our Lord says to his ministers, if you forgive or hold a person's sins, they are indeed forgiven, or still held against them. Again our Lord says, "Whoever receives you receive me," and likewise the one who rejects the word of a faithful minister rejects Christ himself. So it has happened many a time that someone will say to me, "If Christ appeared to me and spoke, I would believe." And I will say something to the effect of "Buddy, this is your chance. On the day of judgement, the Lord will tell you that he sent his messenger, his envoy, his representative, but that you would have none of it.
The truth is, many rejected Christ during his earthly ministry, even though he did all sorts of miracles. They didn't want a Savior, because they wanted to remain in their sin. They didn't want a Lord, because they wanted to be master of their own lives. But the faithful love faithful ministers, those who preach God's word in season and out. Mary Magadalene so loved the Lord that she washed his feet with her glorious hair. St. Paul exclaims, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring preach the good news!" It's a great feeling to find a good doctor, a good mechanic, and when you need one, a good lawyer. If your pastor is all about the business of currying the favor of men, beware. False shepherds are a dime a dozen, as they line their pockets, and bask in the limelight.
But if your pastor is faithful, and he preaches what Christ preaches, he is worth more to you than all the world's gold. Though his feet are of clay, his message will bring eternal life. Though his words may sometimes sting, they will be said for your benefit. The good pastor is called upon to have others get mad at him, still others to complain, or to even hate him. But he does so because unlike the world, he is proclaiming a Savior who actually loves you. Doesn't just want to scratch you itchy ears, but to speak things needful.
So, be kind to your pastor and be grateful if he is faithful. He has faults and sins as do you. Help him as you would wish to be helped, be patient with him. Be as a faithful bride would be to her groom which knows that he must lay down him life for you. And most of all, if he is faithful, attend his church. If he is faithful, don't be led to other places where the lights shine more brightly and the acoustics are better. A good pastor, there is nothing more precious upon the earth. For this fellow sinner has been entrusted with the words of eternal life. And such as he is, the Lord calls you to hear him.
Rev Dr Peter Scaer
