Jesus Comforts His People and Builds Up His Church by the Ministry of His Gospel
When Isaiah “saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up” he was overcome with an awareness of his sin and “unclean lip” (Isaiah 6:1, 5). But the Lord atoned for his sin, took away his guilt and sanctified his lips with “a burning coal; from the altar (Isaiah 6:6-7). Not only was he rescued from death, but he was called and sent as a prophet of the Lord’s Word (Isaiah 6:8-9). Similarly, when Simon Peter and his companions “enclosed a large number of fish’ a the Word of Jesus, he humbled himself and said, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:10-11). But Jesus comforted Simon, called him to discipleship and declared that he would be “catching men” (Luke 5:10-11). So in the Office of the Ministry, the Church remains the little boat from which Jesus teaches His people (Luke 5:3). Thus are we instr5ucted in the faith, so that we say “Amen” and return thanks with heart, mind, tongue, and life. For preaching of Christ Jesus is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, by which He builds up His Church on earth (I Corinthians 14:12-19).
Isaiah 6:1-13
I Corinthians 14:12-20
Luke 5:1-11
English Standard Version (ESV)
