Something from ... Martin Luther on the Office of the Holy Ministry

Martin Luther reminds us that the pastoral office is not established for the sake of the pastor to espouse his own thoughts or to do as he pleases.  The pastor is a man under orders--to proclaim only what Christ gives and to do the works Christ has established.  Individual pastors come and go.  The Lord, however, is pleased to raise up for his Church new pastors to succeed the old ones.  

As for the pastor, he is reminded that he stands in the stead and by the command of Jesus Christ.  While that could stir up feelings of pride and arrogance, the pastor must be sure to put those spirits to death.  The pastor stands humbly, knowing that he is under orders and will have to give an account to the Lord for his service.  After all, it is not the pastor's office; it is Christ's office.

From Martin Luther:

“In this way all sermons delivered in Christendom must proceed from the one Christ, and the clergy must prove that the words and works of their ministry in Christendom—regardless of whether their own person is good or evil—are those of Christ.  They must declare: ‘You are not to look to me or to follow me.  No, heed only that which the Lord Christ says to you or shows you through me; for this is not my word; it is Christ’s Word.  The Baptism and Sacrament I administer is not mine; it is His Baptism and Sacrament.  The office I fill is not mine; it is the Lord’s office.  But since it is Christ’s Word and Baptism, it is also the Father’s Word and Sacrament, because He says, “Whatever I say and do, I do not say or do on My own authority; but on the authority of the Father, who dwells in me.”’” (page 66, Luther’s Works: American Edition, Volume 24.  Concordia Publishing House: St. Louis, MO.  © 1961.)