Director’s Letter
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. … It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Cor. 4:1–4).
It’s as if St. Paul were saying to those congregation members in Corinth: “It is quite a trivial thing that my ministry would be subject to the opinions of fellow sinners. The only thing that matters is faithful stewardship of the Gospel.”
How’s that for apostolic confessional nerve? Paul begs that anyone would listen to him only because he preaches the only person worth preaching: Jesus Christ.
Would that the church in mission follow closely on such a pattern — that we would patiently live, love and work within the promise already ours in Baptism. The verdict that counts is the Lord’s alone; all will be completed in the day of His glorious return. Every other “judgment,” small or large, is corrupted by deficient human reason.
Drop the mask and don’t be burdened with anxiety over the assessments and objections of a broken world. Abide in the perfect righteousness placed upon you by the Word. Clothe yourself in Him, the truth. Tell others about Him and watch the truth work. Do not be captivated by the conceits of those who overinflate their own worth. Allow divisive walls to be torn down in a sure-handed proclamation of the Gospel that makes the many into one, forgiven in Jesus’ shed blood. He has called us into action as His worthy servants, intensely vigilant and intent on handing over the mysteries that have been entrusted to the church and her ministry — the transformative, healing Word from His cross and the certain hope of the resurrection of all flesh — mysteries now hidden from faithless unbelievers, but soon to be revealed.
In Christ,
Rev. Kevin D. Robson
Chief Mission Officer, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
