Where Did They Go?

by Marvin Bublitz

Years ago, I came across an interesting story in Herman Gockel’s book, My Hand in His. Gockel tells of a pastor packing to move to a new congregation. This particular pastor was one who had everything meticulously organized. At the end of each year, he would stack his sermons, bind them together, and label them, but as he was packing, he could not find last year’s sermons.

He hollered to his wife, who was packing in the kitchen, “Last year’s sermons: where are they?” Half humorously, half philosophically, his wife replied: “I’ve often wondered that.”

I dare say many a pastor has wondered that a time or two. I am sure parents often wonder that about the lessons, morals, and ethics they tried to instill in their children. Pastors could reflect on sermons and lessons from the past and wonder if they have amounted to anything—especially when we see how our parishioners or children live their daily lives. 

The purpose of the proclamation of the Word of God—Law and Gospel—is intended to convict the sinner and absolve the repentant.

But if a pastor only views his sermons as successful or effective when those hearing it suddenly change their behaviour, his view is clouded. The purpose of the proclamation of the Word of God—Law and Gospel—is intended to convict the sinner and absolve the repentant. The Law shows us our sin and we stand convicted and condemned. We are led to confession and repentance. 

“Law and Grace,” woodcut by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1529-1530.

The sweet Gospel then shows us our Saviour. We receive the forgiveness He earned with His lifeblood on Calvary. It is an error to think that the purpose of a sermon is simply to change one’s behaviour. That change is only motivated by the Gospel. It is the sanctification worked by the Holy Spirit within us.

One could easily ask: Where are the rains from last year? Where is the sunshine from last year? Where is the meal I ate last week? Did they work? Are they still working? 

Well, ask yourself: am I still alive? In a very real sense, then, they are still working. That meal you ate last week has refreshed and strengthened your body. The food grew with the rains and sunshine of the past. So, we see how the Lord sustains our body and life with His blessings.

In a much more significant way, the Word of God feeds and sustains our spiritual life.

In a much more significant way, the Word of God feeds and sustains our spiritual life. Sun, rain, and Word come to us from the same gracious Lord, and all continue to work even after they appear to be done.

Where have last year’s sermons gone? They are still working. The Lord continues working through the Word proclaimed, through our Baptism, through the Supper received, to strengthen us in faith. His Word and Sacraments will not return void but will accomplish His purpose. We pray His will be done in us.

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Rev. Marvin Bublitz is Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s East Regional Pastor.

Cover Image: “Last Supper of the Protestants and the Pope’s Descent into Hell,” edited, by Lucas Cranach the Younger, c.1550.

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