Theme of the Day: The Holy Ministry Is Filled with Sinners Called by God
They never forgot their past. Moses never forgot how, in a fit of anger, he killed a man. Paul never forgot how he had savaged the Church of God, overseeing the persecution and execution of Christians around Jerusalem. Matthew never forgot how, as a tax collector for the Roman Empire, he was distained as a swindler and traitor to his people. These men never forgot their past.
But God did. God forgave them all their sins and called them into gospel ministry. The holy ministry is not filled with perfect people. The holy ministry is filled with sinners whom God has called out of his boundless mercy. The holy ministry is God’s gift to the Church. But it is also God’s gift to ministers, who certainly do not deserve the privilege of being God’s public servants. God calls sinful and weak individuals into the ministry, so that as his kingdom advances, we give credit where credit is due—to the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 9:9-13
Exodus 3:1-15
1 Timothy 1:12-27
Psalm 119
606 – Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
578 – Chief of Sinners Though I Be
670 – I Come, O Savior, to Your Table
896 – Dear Lord, to Your True Servants
Prayer of the Day: Almighty and merciful God, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to seek and to save the lost. Graciously open our ears and our hearts to hear his call and follow him by faith that we may feast with him forever in his kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Alleluia.