If John the Baptist, the greatest born man among women, the Elijah who was to come, needs a preacher to strengthen and confirm his faith, so do we. It would seem that up to that point, John had no doubt about who the Christ was. He pointed to Jesus. He baptized Jesus. But no one born of flesh and blood, not even John the Baptist, doesn’t struggle with doubt. For John it was the prison cell and the looming threat of his execution for his confession that shook him. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe. He just needed the precious consolation of God’s Word. And that is exactly what Jesus graciously sent him. But notice that Jesus didn’t come Himself to visit John. He sent John’s disciples. These disciples had previously been the ones to receive consolation and instruction from the Baptizer. But now the tables were turned, and they had the opportunity to do for John what he had done for them. They got to bring him comfort and strength, consolation and instruction. That is why God gives you a pastor. He knows that each of us needs to be strengthened and reassured that our faith in Christ is not in error or in vain. He knows that very rarely does it ever seem as though the will of God is being done in the world. But the blessing of God is not riches or ease or pleasure. The blessing of God is a pure conscience before Him, the peace of knowing that in Christ our sins are forgiven. We await a glorious kingdom infinitely greater than anything we could even imagine having now. Truth be told that kingdom is already yours now by faith as you believe the word of the ones whom Christ has sent to absolve you, to comfort you, to teach you, and to admonish you. The Lord sends you pastors so that you may be strengthened in the true faith and endure to the glorious day of His return. Come and receive the strength of God which He graciously speaks to you. I look forward to seeing all of you this coming Sunday.
Pastor Ulmer