Thursday was the last day of Dr. Michael Rodewald before leaving for a Christmas furlough in the United States and home for him. His family was there already and only his son Caleb was still with him here in Pretoria. A good time for father and son according to their comments on Thursday evening when they came over to Rubida Street 196 for a last dinner farewell.
As usual we had good fun together and good even get talking on a number of common issues: Seminary and Church business mainly, but Africa and the USA featured too. I am glad for this close partnership with Mike and his office of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod's World Mission Africa - and not only because he can hopefully carry a number of the Seminary books back here, when he returns with his family early in January. The Hoffmeiers will be very glad that some more of those many books stored at their home in South Illinois will leave with him.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Salome van Niekerk on Holiday
After the first five months at Seminary, Salome van Niekerk, has gone on a well earned vacation. She has made a considerable difference to the work at the Lutheran Theological Seminary by getting things addressed, opened, filed and dealt with. She's a good contact for students, staff and visitors, knowing where things are and when things happen. Now we are hopeful to see her again at the beginning of January.
Bishop and Director of Missions coming to visit
Last week Bishop Hans-Joerg Voigt [Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church - SELK - from Hannover, Germany] and the CEO of Missions of Lutheran Churches Markus Nietzke [Lutherische Kirchenmission from Bleckmar, Germany] visited South Africa and also the Seminary.
They arrived safe and sound on Monday at O.T. Tambo, where I picked them up to start their busy tour through Southern Africa. Today they are leaving again for Germany after their whirlwind tour up and down the eastern parts of SA.
On Monday we visited the Theological faculty at the University of Pretoria. The SELK has decided to free Prof. Dr. habil. Werner Klaen and make him available for the Lutheran Chair of theology at UP. That is a sign of confidence in this work. We need to raise the required funds still, but the gesture is there. Hopefully this can work out rather sooner than later. It is obvious that financial constraints everywhere are influencing a lot of decisions and ways forward. We will have to see, how best to continue to raise money not only to do the work of the Seminary, but also of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa.
We had a very intensive discussion throughout the day and long into the night. I wanted to hear why Markus Nietzke has taken a call into the dual-parish in Hermannsburg [Kl.Kreuz/Bleckmar] and no longer standing as CEO of the Mission. This will impact on our work too, because he was always very supportive of the Seminary work. However the Bishop assured me that the new candidate for this post, would not dramatically shift this focus. Perhaps it can be worked out that various mission and church partners can concentrate their efforts to maximize their impact. Let's see, what can be done!
I was impressed by options at Ramathea in Botswana and also in Wartburg in KwaZulu/Natal. Both options were raised by brother Christoph Weber and I think they will make the work of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa even more effective, relevant and successful.
On Tuesday it was examination of the Sebeelo brothers from Botswana. Bishop David Tswaedi DD, Markus Nietzke and myself were on the examination panel. The brothers did a good job and I learnt a lot too from their sermon, catechesis and mission task. This took most of the morning because afterwards the Bishop, the students and I went to have lunch together to catch up on the developments in Botswana and in their respective congregations. It was a very enjoyable time together!
Later in the afternoon the shareholders of the Lutheran Theological Seminary [LCSA, MLC and FELSiSA] finally signed the shareholders agreement. That was a brief ceremony - short and sweet - after which our German guests left for KwaZulu/Natal. The trip to the airport was another chance to discuss cooperation and continued partnership between SELK and LCSA. Always the time is very short and there is always such a lot left unsaid. Our thoughts, words and deeds remain unfinished drafts. We are beggars that's the truth! Luther is spot-on.
Friday Markus Nietzke and brother Christoph slept over on their way from KwaZulu to Botswana. This also was very fruitful, because Christoph as representative of Mission of Lutheran Church in South Africa has a lot of ideas himself. It was good to catch up on those too. Especially the idea of sending pastors children to Wartburg High School on a bursary basis and promoting Ramathea Ranch in Botswana were new idea to me. However I think they are very practical and hopefully we can go through with them - soon.
After a hearty breakfast on Saturday these two mission friends left for Ventersdorp on their way to Gaborone in Botswana, where the Sebeelo brothers were to be ordained on the 3. Sunday in Advent.
They arrived safe and sound on Monday at O.T. Tambo, where I picked them up to start their busy tour through Southern Africa. Today they are leaving again for Germany after their whirlwind tour up and down the eastern parts of SA.
On Monday we visited the Theological faculty at the University of Pretoria. The SELK has decided to free Prof. Dr. habil. Werner Klaen and make him available for the Lutheran Chair of theology at UP. That is a sign of confidence in this work. We need to raise the required funds still, but the gesture is there. Hopefully this can work out rather sooner than later. It is obvious that financial constraints everywhere are influencing a lot of decisions and ways forward. We will have to see, how best to continue to raise money not only to do the work of the Seminary, but also of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa.
We had a very intensive discussion throughout the day and long into the night. I wanted to hear why Markus Nietzke has taken a call into the dual-parish in Hermannsburg [Kl.Kreuz/Bleckmar] and no longer standing as CEO of the Mission. This will impact on our work too, because he was always very supportive of the Seminary work. However the Bishop assured me that the new candidate for this post, would not dramatically shift this focus. Perhaps it can be worked out that various mission and church partners can concentrate their efforts to maximize their impact. Let's see, what can be done!
I was impressed by options at Ramathea in Botswana and also in Wartburg in KwaZulu/Natal. Both options were raised by brother Christoph Weber and I think they will make the work of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa even more effective, relevant and successful.
On Tuesday it was examination of the Sebeelo brothers from Botswana. Bishop David Tswaedi DD, Markus Nietzke and myself were on the examination panel. The brothers did a good job and I learnt a lot too from their sermon, catechesis and mission task. This took most of the morning because afterwards the Bishop, the students and I went to have lunch together to catch up on the developments in Botswana and in their respective congregations. It was a very enjoyable time together!
Later in the afternoon the shareholders of the Lutheran Theological Seminary [LCSA, MLC and FELSiSA] finally signed the shareholders agreement. That was a brief ceremony - short and sweet - after which our German guests left for KwaZulu/Natal. The trip to the airport was another chance to discuss cooperation and continued partnership between SELK and LCSA. Always the time is very short and there is always such a lot left unsaid. Our thoughts, words and deeds remain unfinished drafts. We are beggars that's the truth! Luther is spot-on.
Friday Markus Nietzke and brother Christoph slept over on their way from KwaZulu to Botswana. This also was very fruitful, because Christoph as representative of Mission of Lutheran Church in South Africa has a lot of ideas himself. It was good to catch up on those too. Especially the idea of sending pastors children to Wartburg High School on a bursary basis and promoting Ramathea Ranch in Botswana were new idea to me. However I think they are very practical and hopefully we can go through with them - soon.
After a hearty breakfast on Saturday these two mission friends left for Ventersdorp on their way to Gaborone in Botswana, where the Sebeelo brothers were to be ordained on the 3. Sunday in Advent.
Obed Gyabaa pops in at St. Pauls
Elders at St. Paul's had requested my service for today. That's why I conducted the divine liturgy there. Angelika and Friederike are part of the choir and so we went there before eight already. It's not so bad, seeing our sun is up by 5h00 and the Diedericks cuckoo is already calling by that time. Even the Sunday Independent is delivered by then.
Professor Stephans Grove accompanied the hymns on the organ and so the music was a delight for the ears. The Advent hymns are such pleasure to sing. Perhaps because of their familiarity? Or is it because of good memories? Or is it just plain good music? Grove off course sees to it that we also sing Martin Luther's transcript of the Nicene Creed on the 2nd Sunday in the month. As it's still the 3rd Sunday in Advent there was no "Soli Deo gloria", but the Halleluja verse for Advent. Still some people say the liturgy is always the same. I think thats mainly due to overlooking these propers changing from Sunday to Sunday and also from Church season to Church season.
From the pulpit it's easy to pick up whose there and whose missing. Guests from Wittenberg like the Reinstorfs or from Temba like Reinhild and her entourage are worth mentioning. After church we caught up on developments on their side. However I was most pleased to see Obed Gyabaa from Ghana there. He studied at the LTS in 2008 after finding out about the Seminary via the Internet. Parallel to his engineering studies through UNISA he successfully completed the first introductory year at LTS studying Greek, Hebrew, New Testament Introduction and Augsburg Confession paying his own way. Well, in 2009 he concentrated entirely on his engineering studies, no longer living at the LTS, but rather with his brother in Johannesburg. This concentration paid off and he has passed his 2nd year too. He is willing to join the LTS again in 2010. Let's see if that works out. Anyway - he looks great, happy and healthy. So I really was overjoyed that he came after Church to greet.
Children, teenagers and members of the youth were all gone for their respective retreats in Hermannsburg, Wartburg and Luneburg. So we did have a number of empty seats at Church and didn't get around to sing all those hymns selected for the celebration of the Lord's Supper because time just flew by too quickly.
Serving at St. Pauls was again a great pleasure and thankfully they ask my now and again to conduct the divine service. It is true: "Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells."
Professor Stephans Grove accompanied the hymns on the organ and so the music was a delight for the ears. The Advent hymns are such pleasure to sing. Perhaps because of their familiarity? Or is it because of good memories? Or is it just plain good music? Grove off course sees to it that we also sing Martin Luther's transcript of the Nicene Creed on the 2nd Sunday in the month. As it's still the 3rd Sunday in Advent there was no "Soli Deo gloria", but the Halleluja verse for Advent. Still some people say the liturgy is always the same. I think thats mainly due to overlooking these propers changing from Sunday to Sunday and also from Church season to Church season.
From the pulpit it's easy to pick up whose there and whose missing. Guests from Wittenberg like the Reinstorfs or from Temba like Reinhild and her entourage are worth mentioning. After church we caught up on developments on their side. However I was most pleased to see Obed Gyabaa from Ghana there. He studied at the LTS in 2008 after finding out about the Seminary via the Internet. Parallel to his engineering studies through UNISA he successfully completed the first introductory year at LTS studying Greek, Hebrew, New Testament Introduction and Augsburg Confession paying his own way. Well, in 2009 he concentrated entirely on his engineering studies, no longer living at the LTS, but rather with his brother in Johannesburg. This concentration paid off and he has passed his 2nd year too. He is willing to join the LTS again in 2010. Let's see if that works out. Anyway - he looks great, happy and healthy. So I really was overjoyed that he came after Church to greet.
Children, teenagers and members of the youth were all gone for their respective retreats in Hermannsburg, Wartburg and Luneburg. So we did have a number of empty seats at Church and didn't get around to sing all those hymns selected for the celebration of the Lord's Supper because time just flew by too quickly.
Serving at St. Pauls was again a great pleasure and thankfully they ask my now and again to conduct the divine service. It is true: "Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells."
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A new rector at LTS? Bishop Tswaedi the ideal candidate!
Nobody at Seminary or on its Board of directors had anticipated that I would be elected to become the 3rd Bishop of the LCSA. That is why we did not have contingency plans in place for this. However due to the difficult financial situation at Seminary I had looked at a number of options, which could possibly relieve the LTS of this burden. That is why there have been some alternatives for the LTS Board of Directors to consider all along.
Presently we are most encouraged by Bishop Tswaedi's willingness to give up on his original plans to start a PhD in Concordia Seminary St. Louis [USA] and rather jump in to address this higher priority concern of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa. This has been communicated to the Board and we will have to see how this will work out. Therefore it seems quite likely that he will be the next rector at the LTS starting in 2010 as his duties as Bishop are handed over to his successor.
Added to this option we feel that the Seminary should have an administrator and obviously an ideal candidate would be President Peter Ahlers, who excels at admin and who is retiring from being president this month anyway. That would give the FELSiSA a first-hand look into Seminary matters and would also give Bishop Tswaedi welcome assistance in this work at Seminary. If this does not work out, there might be another candidate from LCMS WM, whose name Dr. Mike Rodewald has brought up. Let's see how this will proceed.
Thirdly we have thought that just as Bishop Tswaedi was always closely connected to the Seminary in teaching New Testament subjects, I could possibly continue with teaching Lutheran Symbolics and Systematics for the time being. Let's see how the the Seminary Board will view these prospects.
The decisions are to be felled by tomorrow afternoon, because the three shareholders of the Seminary: Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa and the Mission of Lutheran Churches are to hear and sanctify these options too.
Presently we are most encouraged by Bishop Tswaedi's willingness to give up on his original plans to start a PhD in Concordia Seminary St. Louis [USA] and rather jump in to address this higher priority concern of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa. This has been communicated to the Board and we will have to see how this will work out. Therefore it seems quite likely that he will be the next rector at the LTS starting in 2010 as his duties as Bishop are handed over to his successor.
Added to this option we feel that the Seminary should have an administrator and obviously an ideal candidate would be President Peter Ahlers, who excels at admin and who is retiring from being president this month anyway. That would give the FELSiSA a first-hand look into Seminary matters and would also give Bishop Tswaedi welcome assistance in this work at Seminary. If this does not work out, there might be another candidate from LCMS WM, whose name Dr. Mike Rodewald has brought up. Let's see how this will proceed.
Thirdly we have thought that just as Bishop Tswaedi was always closely connected to the Seminary in teaching New Testament subjects, I could possibly continue with teaching Lutheran Symbolics and Systematics for the time being. Let's see how the the Seminary Board will view these prospects.
The decisions are to be felled by tomorrow afternoon, because the three shareholders of the Seminary: Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa and the Mission of Lutheran Churches are to hear and sanctify these options too.
President Mueller SID on the LCSA election
Dear Brothers in Christ Jesus!
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in Jesus, our coming King!
Thank you for your recent letters keeping us informed of the results of the 15th Synod of the LCSA. Both of you have been quite open and helpful to us in your responses. We also saw, before our meeting last evening, the pictures Dr. Weber put up on his face-book page. In our hearts, we wished that we could have been present with you!
In our meeting December 3rd, members of our Southern Illinois District Task Force for our Mission Partnership with the LCSA and LCMS World Mission spent significant time in prayer. We had already planned for this meeting to be focused on Scripture and prayer, but news from the 15th General Synod of the LCSA doubly focused our hearts on laying before the Lord of the Church the needs of both the SID and the LCSA. After a study of Colossians 3:1-17 and discussion of our mutual needs, we spent significant time lifting up our thoughts and concerns to the Lord of all.
For you in the LCSA we prayed specifically:
- To thank God for a spirit of wisdom and unity to enable the LCSA to recognize the Lord’s hand in the results of the election for Bishop. As Bishop Tswaedi indicated in his letter, you were all taken by surprise that a strong majority of a voting delegation of 71 Black persons would elect a non-Black candidate, but that your surprise was quickly removed by the realization that in Christ there is no Tswana, Zulu or German, but we are all baptized and forgiven children of God, and that this is a concrete living out of the vision of South Africa as a “Rainbow Nation.”
- We prayed for wisdom, humility, patience, vision, energy and a clear focus on Christ alone for Bishop Elect Weber.
- We prayed for exactly the same for Bishop Tswaedi for the time remaining in his term as Bishop and for guidance for him for the future.
- For the LCSA we prayed for unity and for faithfulness to the Scriptures and the confessions, for the living out of the fact proclaimed in Colossians 3, that “Christ is all, and in all.”
- We prayed for the many rural people moving to the cities that they would be gathered into congregations.
- We prayed for the seminary (LTS) and for Mofolo North parish during these times of transition. We prayed that God would raise up faithful leaders in all the churches, and give faithful pastors and theologians to His people.
- We prayed for all these things in
- For our task force we prayed for wisdom in our partnership, for protection for Lee and Pat Hoffmeier as they prepare for their next trip to
- I do plan to make every effort to be present for the installation of the new Bishop March 21, 2010, but our plans must always be qualified with a Deo volente – God willing!
- And much more…
Today, I am praying for the meetings between the two of you, and the meeting of Bishop Elect Weber with the LCSA Church Council, as well as the shareholders of LTS-Tshwane and its Board of Directors. There are many, many issues, I am sure, to work out for this transition and for your working together for the future, but rest assured, God will provide. “With man this is impossible, but not with God. With God all things are possible!” (Mark 10:27).
In the spirit of our partnership, we stand ready to help in whatever way we can, as God gives opportunity, strength, wisdom and resources. I am sure we will have further conversations regarding all necessary concerns in the future. May God bless both of you, directing you, guiding you and keeping you in His hands and on His path for His future, all so that Christ may be exalted and His saving Gospel proclaimed.
Peace be with you!
+ Herb Mueller
Rev. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr
District President
Southern Illinois District
Office - 618 234 4767
Cell - 618 567 5223
"One Sure Hope"
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! (1 Peter 1:3)
Yours truly as Bishop elect
Well, reading last weeks posting after the synod, I am humbled that it has turned out the way it has. Finally the synod of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa elected me to become their 3rd Bishop. This is both intimidating, but also exhilarating. Obviously both emotions will calm down and make way to mature, sober and conscientious leadership.
For me it is comforting that the procedure was blameless. Foreign and local observers like Dr. Mike Rodewald [LCMS World Mission], Ruben Dumehlezi Dlamini [LCSA], Rev. Paul Mosenogi [MLC, Botswana] and Rev. Rainhald Meyer [MLC, KwaZulu/Natal] attested this. In no way did I anticipate my nomination. The procedure is anonymous and the 70 plus pastors/delegates hand in their envelopes with nominees without any prior consultation or discussion at the synod. The three top nominees are then asked whether they will stand for election and then the voting proceeds. Well, the triune God answers prayers in his own way. In three consecutive rounds I was reminded of our Lord Jesus Christ's question to Peter: Do you love me? and his response to Peter's acknowledgement: "Tend my sheep!" I want to do that too.
The worldwide community of confessional Lutherans has accompanied this election in the LCSA and this also comforts me tremendously. The letter of President Herb Mueller from the LCMS district in South Illinois is an example for this.
For me it is comforting that the procedure was blameless. Foreign and local observers like Dr. Mike Rodewald [LCMS World Mission], Ruben Dumehlezi Dlamini [LCSA], Rev. Paul Mosenogi [MLC, Botswana] and Rev. Rainhald Meyer [MLC, KwaZulu/Natal] attested this. In no way did I anticipate my nomination. The procedure is anonymous and the 70 plus pastors/delegates hand in their envelopes with nominees without any prior consultation or discussion at the synod. The three top nominees are then asked whether they will stand for election and then the voting proceeds. Well, the triune God answers prayers in his own way. In three consecutive rounds I was reminded of our Lord Jesus Christ's question to Peter: Do you love me? and his response to Peter's acknowledgement: "Tend my sheep!" I want to do that too.
The worldwide community of confessional Lutherans has accompanied this election in the LCSA and this also comforts me tremendously. The letter of President Herb Mueller from the LCMS district in South Illinois is an example for this.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
On the way to the LCSA Synod ...
I am planning on taking my colleague Pastor Musawenkosi Mntambo along as we also need to present a report of the Seminary at the synod. We desperately need more support from the LCSA in future - both financially, but also in the form of students. We'll probably stay over there in Klerksdorp from Monday to Wednesday - and then we will hopefully be very encouraged to take on the future under good and able leadership.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Hymn for the Last Sunday of the Church Year.
Forget all your hurt and pain!
It's the summons of Christ's own voice
Calling you from death's dark vale.
From sorrow and all misery
You're to be saved eternally
Nothing has been heard like it
And it is to last without end.
2. Day and night I have been calling
To my Lord, the living God.
Just too much was all my suffering,
But he'll save me in the end.
As a weary traveller yearns
To reach the goal of his tough ways
So I too have long been yearning
To see the end of my sojourning.
3. For just as the roses blooming
Right amongst those thorns and spikes
So Christians are always dwelling
Midst danger, fear plus all the likes.
As ocean waves are always there,
Storming gales don't stop causing fear
So our earthly lives are also
Filled with threats and trouble more so.
4. World and devil, sin and hell's fire,
Our own human flesh and blood
Plague our souls with evil desire
Leave no thoughts of truly good.
We are full of fear and sore,
Hard lots press since we are born
Making life a sorry story –
That's the whole truth for far too many.
5. Therefore Jesus Christ have mercy,
You are the only hope!
Draw still closer and then help us
For you only truly can.
Lift our hearts in faith to you,
That we trust what you're to do
Our salvation and your glory
Are the happy end of life's story!
6. O my soul hear this and rejoice!
Forget all your hurt and pain!
It's the summons of Christ's own voice
Calling you from death's dark vale.
You're to see his glorious pride
Never ending on his side
Triumph, triumph, jubilation –
It`s your final summation!
2009 Translation of "Freu Dich sehr, o meine Seele und vergiß all Not und Qual ..." 1620 in Saxony. LKG 359 by Wilhelm Weber.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
New teacher at Seminary: Rev. Glenn Fluegge
Presently the Fluegges are staying in a guesthouse, Cindy Rodewaldt organized. Next month they are to move into their rental home in Lynnwood and in proximity to the Rodewaldts. Although their first week was quite rainy, wet and even chilly, we are hopeful that they will soon be very much at home in South Africa.
Besides connecting the Seminary with francophone Africa and also with his home Church the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Glen is to help us with the accreditation process and making our program even more conducive to training Lutheran pastors for Africa!
God willing his induction will be early in February 2010.
We wish him and his family all the best for their stay here.
Exams, graduation and farewell
That was the final week at LTS in 2010 ... and thank God that Seminary matters went as positive as they did!
Eight students graduated this year:
Six of these achieved very good or even excellent averages in their final year. That means that they qualify to continue with post-graduate work in 2010. However as most are entering the vicarage, they will have to do this part-time. Robert Wakiso from Uganda was the highest achiever with an excellent average all year round and nobody failed. We are very proud of these students. What makes me especially happy is that the present 3rd years also did very well overall. That gives me hope that God willing they will not only return, but do even better next year.
The Ugandan students have not seen their families for 10 months. So they were very happy yesterday, when I drove them to the airport in pouring rain. Thankfully Dr. Ralf Meyer again allowed the Seminary to rent his 14-seater Toyota Taxi with trailer. It was jam-packed, but nobody cared as they were on their way home!
Bishop David P. Tswaedi DD preached the sermon during Matins and brother Musawenkosi Mntambo conducted the liturgy. Mr. Madara Eboro from Nigeria was the master of ceremonies and did a great job of welcoming guests and visitors like Dean Sipho Danisa from Kathlehong/Soweto and Rev. Glenn Fluegge together with his wife Susan and five children. Glen is a missionary serving LCMS World Mission, who is now stationed at the LTS for the next few years. He previously was with the Seminary in Togo and will hopefully connect the LTS with francophone Africa.
After the graduation ceremony we still ate pizza together before getting down to the business of packing and stowing everything away for the coming summer break. God willing Seminary will reopen again in February 2010. In the meantime let us not forget the Lord's command: "Ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest for the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few!"
Eight students graduated this year:
- Benson Barahuka [Uganda]
- Nicholas Bwire [Uganda]
- Phenyo Mokgaimena [LCSA - Botswana]
- Silas Mogale [LCSA - North-West Province of SA]
- Bheki Ngobese [LCSA - Mpumalanga in SA]
- Daniel Nkoyoyoo [Uganda]
- Johnson Obura [Uganda]
- Robert Wakiso [Uganda]
Six of these achieved very good or even excellent averages in their final year. That means that they qualify to continue with post-graduate work in 2010. However as most are entering the vicarage, they will have to do this part-time. Robert Wakiso from Uganda was the highest achiever with an excellent average all year round and nobody failed. We are very proud of these students. What makes me especially happy is that the present 3rd years also did very well overall. That gives me hope that God willing they will not only return, but do even better next year.
The Ugandan students have not seen their families for 10 months. So they were very happy yesterday, when I drove them to the airport in pouring rain. Thankfully Dr. Ralf Meyer again allowed the Seminary to rent his 14-seater Toyota Taxi with trailer. It was jam-packed, but nobody cared as they were on their way home!
Bishop David P. Tswaedi DD preached the sermon during Matins and brother Musawenkosi Mntambo conducted the liturgy. Mr. Madara Eboro from Nigeria was the master of ceremonies and did a great job of welcoming guests and visitors like Dean Sipho Danisa from Kathlehong/Soweto and Rev. Glenn Fluegge together with his wife Susan and five children. Glen is a missionary serving LCMS World Mission, who is now stationed at the LTS for the next few years. He previously was with the Seminary in Togo and will hopefully connect the LTS with francophone Africa.
After the graduation ceremony we still ate pizza together before getting down to the business of packing and stowing everything away for the coming summer break. God willing Seminary will reopen again in February 2010. In the meantime let us not forget the Lord's command: "Ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest for the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few!"
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cooperation with Tukkies - Drafts from UP
Modelle vir samewerking tussen UP en LTS (Arcadia) [Draft 1]
Model A – Kerklike vennoot = verenigingsmodel
Binne hierdie model sou die bepaalde Lutherse kerkverband [LCSA/FELSiSA/MLC] as mede-kerklike vennoot naas die bestaande amptelike drie deelnemende kerkverbande volledig as ‘n vierde gelykwaardige vennoot deel word van die Fakulteit Teologie aan UP. Dit sou die volgende impliseer:
a) “Vereniging”: ‘n Totale integrering van LCSA/FELSiSA/MLC binne die Fakulteit Teologie op alle vlakke en in alle verbande as deel van ‘n verenigde Fakulteit wat bestaan uit verskillende deelnemende kerkverbande. ‘n Voorbeeld hiervan is die status quo aan die Fakulteit waarbinne die NGK, NHK en UPCSA in ‘n verenigde model hulle kandidate vir kerklike bediening oplei.
b) Programstruktuur en -inhoud: Die volledige kerklike opleiding van LCSA/FELSiSA/MLC vind uitsluitlik plaas by UP binne die bestaande graadstrukture. Alle modules word aangebied deur die Fakulteit Teologie aan UP wat die kerk se amptelike opleidingsinstansie sou wees.
c) Personeel: Binne die bestaande ooreenkomste van die huidige deelnemende kerke word daar beding vir die gesamentlike aanstelling deur UP en LTS van dosente op ‘n pro rata basis na gelang van die getal studente van LCSA/FELSiSA/MLC ingeskryf by UP.
Model B – Seminarie vennoot = federale model
Binne hierdie model sou die bepaalde Lutherse Seminarium as Federale opleidingsvennoot naas die Fakulteit Teologie aan UP mede-verantwoordelikheid neem vir die aanbieding van bepaalde modules. Dit sou die volgende impliseer:
a) “Federasie”: Slegs sekere modules wat deur die Fakulteit Teologie aan UP aangebied word, word gebruik deur FELSISA, terwyl ander modules binne die raamwerk van ‘n samewerkingsooreenkoms aangebied word deur die LTS. Suksesvolle voorbeelde hiervan word gevind, enersyds in die huidige samewerking tussen UP en die “Africa Institute for Missiology” (AIM), en andersyds in die “Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Institutions”.
b) Programstruktuur en -inhoud: Sekere modules (veral in Kerkgeskiedenis, Sistematiese Teologie en Praktiese Teologie) word binne die raamwerk van ‘n samewerkingsooreenkoms aangebied deur die LTS met toesig oor en akkreditasie van kursusinhoude en dosente deur UP. Hierdie modules word geakkrediteer binne dieselfde bestaande graadstrukture aan UP. Sowel LTS as UP neem as deelvennote deel aan die opleiding van FELSISA se kandidate vir die bediening. Dit laat groter ruimte vir LCSA/FELSiSA/MLC om binne die LTS se seminarium steeds toegespits “ministerial and spiritual formation” vanaf kerklike kant by te bring.
c) Personeel: LCSA/FELSiSA/MLC dosente is binne hierdie model feitlik uitsluitlik by die LTS werksaam, terwyl UP dosente feitlik uitsluitlik by UP werksaam is. Binne ad hoc ooreenkomste en met goedkeuring deur die Universiteit by UP kan daar uitruiling van dosente geskied vir die aanbieding van bepaalde modules. LCSA/FELSiSA/MLC stel wel ‘n dosent beskikbaar vir die akademiese koordinering en – waar toepaslik – ook vir hulp met die begeleiding van nagraadse studente.
The Cornerstone in the Seminary-Setup!
Finally Pieter Wagener has asked the Seminary to purchase his house! All along it was the one, which as the corner-building on Arcadia and Farenden had caught the fancy of Bishop Tswaedi DD. Now after the other three houses in Farenden Street 345 - 349 [Dube, Schulz and Segoe Houses] were purchased in the past two years with the extraordinary help of American friends in the Lutheran Church Missiouri Synod it seems as if the Seminary is about to buy the cornerstone - I mean building. Then Seminary would have a block and everything from classrooms to offices and parking plus housing/accomodation would fall into place - and we would not even have to build anything! A Seminary cluster or cloister ... take your pick. Now we are praying that the seller does not overplay his hand and that we can get a deal, which will allow the Seminary Board to come to terms with the available funds and the required costs!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Loehe on Service
"What do I want? I want to serve.
Whom do I want to serve? The Lord - in the person of his poor suffering children.
And what is my reward? I serve neither for reward nor thanks, but out of gratitude and love; my reward is that I am permitted to serve.
And if I perish in doing so? If I perish, I perish, said Esther, who, after all, did not know him who for love of me perished and who will not let me perish.
And if I grow old in this serive? Then my heart shall flourish like the palm tree, and the Lord will satisfy my with grace and mercy. I walk in peace and am careful for nothing."
Whom do I want to serve? The Lord - in the person of his poor suffering children.
And what is my reward? I serve neither for reward nor thanks, but out of gratitude and love; my reward is that I am permitted to serve.
And if I perish in doing so? If I perish, I perish, said Esther, who, after all, did not know him who for love of me perished and who will not let me perish.
And if I grow old in this serive? Then my heart shall flourish like the palm tree, and the Lord will satisfy my with grace and mercy. I walk in peace and am careful for nothing."
Paul Tillich on "Certainty of calling..."
There are many amongst us who believe within themselves that they can never become good theologians, that they could do better in almost any other realm. Yet they cannot imagine that their existence could be anything other than theological existence.Even if they had to give up theology as their vocational work, they would never cease to ask the theological question. It would pursue them into every realm. They would be bound to it, actually, if not vocationally. They could not be sure that they could fulfil its demands, but they would be sure that they were in its bondage.
They who believe those things in their hearts belong to the assembly of God. They are grasped by the Divine Spirit. They have received the gift of knowledge. They are theologians.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Graduation, price-giving and other celebrations
Although we are still going through the examinations, past experience teaches us that graduation, price-giving and other celebrations are imminent. It's just a matter of time before the joy these parties grant make us forget the hardships of learning and testing before.
The proceedings normally start of with a Matins service, where we expect Bishop David Tswaedi DD to preach and Rev. Musawenkosi Mntambo to lead the liturgy. Students sing their favorite songs and get an opportunity to speak their mind and voice their gratitude for another year at the LTS in Tshwane.
This time round we expect the following students to finish their fourth year of regular studies at the LTS and thus to graduate from the basic theology course at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane with a certificate:
Hopefully all of them will be qualified for participation in the Advanced Course next year. Due to the numbers entitled to join this course from Uganda there are now serious deliberations to actually offer the Advanced course in Entebee or Kampala or Jinja as would suit the prospective candidates best. Its not only these five graduates of this year, but also Jerome Wamaala, Aaron Bamuwamye, Samuel Ogwang and Moses Wako, who have already qualified this year. So together there would be at least 9 prospective students from Uganda in 2010, making a visit there worthwhile.
After the official graduation/price-giving Seminarians traditionally celebrate with staff and members of the Board of directors. Then its packing the bags and leaving for the airport and off towards home, family and sorely missed love.
The proceedings normally start of with a Matins service, where we expect Bishop David Tswaedi DD to preach and Rev. Musawenkosi Mntambo to lead the liturgy. Students sing their favorite songs and get an opportunity to speak their mind and voice their gratitude for another year at the LTS in Tshwane.
This time round we expect the following students to finish their fourth year of regular studies at the LTS and thus to graduate from the basic theology course at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane with a certificate:
- Benson Barahuka [LCMU - Uganda]
- Bheki Ngobese [LCSA - Mpumalanga Province]
- Daniel Nkoyoyoo [LCMU - Uganda]
- Nicholas Bwire [LCMU - Uganda]
- Obura Johnson [LCMU - Uganda]
- Phenyo Mokgaimena [LCSA - Botswana]
- Robert Wakiso [LCMU - Uganda]
- Silas Mogale [LCSA - North-West Province
- Good fellowship
- Best progress
- Best achievement
Hopefully all of them will be qualified for participation in the Advanced Course next year. Due to the numbers entitled to join this course from Uganda there are now serious deliberations to actually offer the Advanced course in Entebee or Kampala or Jinja as would suit the prospective candidates best. Its not only these five graduates of this year, but also Jerome Wamaala, Aaron Bamuwamye, Samuel Ogwang and Moses Wako, who have already qualified this year. So together there would be at least 9 prospective students from Uganda in 2010, making a visit there worthwhile.
After the official graduation/price-giving Seminarians traditionally celebrate with staff and members of the Board of directors. Then its packing the bags and leaving for the airport and off towards home, family and sorely missed love.
Jacarandas no longer comfort the Enlightend
Students are immersed in examination preparations. One down, several to go! Teachers are under scrutiny too as the achievements of our students reflect our endevours to train, educate and teach them. So it remains a stressful time for all Seminarians involved.
The old myth of the falling Jacaranda petals having decisive character in the examination outcomes is no longer comforting since its fallacy has been proven beyond doubt by the ongoing demythologization practiced at Seminary. Enlightenment has caught up with us here too.
Both Juniors and Seniors are being tested in the biblical languages. The first group is doing Grammar, the second are already into translation of the biblical text. The beginners are coming to grips with the introductions to the Old Testament. In this quarter the large prophets were introduced to them: Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The participants of the main course are doing Exegesis of Genesis with P. Don Cario and also Pastoral Theology. In Symbolics it's Luthers Catechism for the Beginners under the tutelage of P. Mntambo. They also did Homiletics with Dr. Glen Thomas, Exegesis of Jeremiah with Prof. Dr. Andrew Bartelt and Missions in Africa with Dr. Reijo Arkilla. All together a busy Quarter and high time for a holiday and relaxation with the family and loved ones back home.
The old myth of the falling Jacaranda petals having decisive character in the examination outcomes is no longer comforting since its fallacy has been proven beyond doubt by the ongoing demythologization practiced at Seminary. Enlightenment has caught up with us here too.
Both Juniors and Seniors are being tested in the biblical languages. The first group is doing Grammar, the second are already into translation of the biblical text. The beginners are coming to grips with the introductions to the Old Testament. In this quarter the large prophets were introduced to them: Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The participants of the main course are doing Exegesis of Genesis with P. Don Cario and also Pastoral Theology. In Symbolics it's Luthers Catechism for the Beginners under the tutelage of P. Mntambo. They also did Homiletics with Dr. Glen Thomas, Exegesis of Jeremiah with Prof. Dr. Andrew Bartelt and Missions in Africa with Dr. Reijo Arkilla. All together a busy Quarter and high time for a holiday and relaxation with the family and loved ones back home.
Uncertainty rules prospective shareholder while hope lingers on
President Peter Ahlers of the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa [FELSiSA] has called into question the decision of the Synodical Council of FELSiSA that the signing of the LTS shareholders agreement was a mere formality.
At the previous LTS Board meeting the FELSiSA delegate Dr. Dieter Reinstorf proclaimed that the signing of the shareholders agreement was a "mere formality", but had merely been postponed to accomodated Bishop Hans-Joerg Voigt from the Independant Evangelical Lutheran Church [SELK - Germany], who's imminent visit to South Africa as guest of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa [LCSA] at their coming convention/synod. This visit was described as a welcome opportunity to officially sign and celebrate the joint cooperation of the three shareholders of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane: Lutheran Church in Southern Africa [LCSA]; Mission of Lutheran Churches [MLC - a subsidary of Lutheran Church Missions LKM/Bleckmar in Germany] and the FELSiSA.
With this committment in mind it was concluded to address the outstanding issues, which the LTS Board of directors had put off for so long pending the envisioned agreement. Therefore this official statement by the FELSiSA delegate at the Board meeting was most welcome. At last the indecision on part of the "future shareholders" which had for so long severely handicapped the Board in its urgent strategic planning had been put off. Thankfully now it was clear, that FELSiSA intended to be a shareholder and active partner in the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane. The ongoing postponement had finally been overcome - so it seemed.
Sadly this euphoria has now been severely dampend by the latest retraction from the president of FELSiSA. Once again the positive cooperation has been put on hold indefinitely. No wonder the newly elected chairman of the LTS Board of directors Dr. Gunter Rencken is eager to have this unsatisfactory situation resolved as soon as possible although there are serious questions, whether this latest obstacle by FELSiSA's decision makers is not indicative of their fundamental unwillingness to cooperate.
The coming conference is yet another step in the long march of over more than thirty years trying to achieve constructive engagement, cooperation and partnership from the confessional Lutheran Churches in Southern Africa in matters of theological training, research and education on this continent - nevermind structural organization and ecclessial fellowship.
From the bottom of our heart we continue to pray: Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison!
At the previous LTS Board meeting the FELSiSA delegate Dr. Dieter Reinstorf proclaimed that the signing of the shareholders agreement was a "mere formality", but had merely been postponed to accomodated Bishop Hans-Joerg Voigt from the Independant Evangelical Lutheran Church [SELK - Germany], who's imminent visit to South Africa as guest of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa [LCSA] at their coming convention/synod. This visit was described as a welcome opportunity to officially sign and celebrate the joint cooperation of the three shareholders of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane: Lutheran Church in Southern Africa [LCSA]; Mission of Lutheran Churches [MLC - a subsidary of Lutheran Church Missions LKM/Bleckmar in Germany] and the FELSiSA.
With this committment in mind it was concluded to address the outstanding issues, which the LTS Board of directors had put off for so long pending the envisioned agreement. Therefore this official statement by the FELSiSA delegate at the Board meeting was most welcome. At last the indecision on part of the "future shareholders" which had for so long severely handicapped the Board in its urgent strategic planning had been put off. Thankfully now it was clear, that FELSiSA intended to be a shareholder and active partner in the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane. The ongoing postponement had finally been overcome - so it seemed.
Sadly this euphoria has now been severely dampend by the latest retraction from the president of FELSiSA. Once again the positive cooperation has been put on hold indefinitely. No wonder the newly elected chairman of the LTS Board of directors Dr. Gunter Rencken is eager to have this unsatisfactory situation resolved as soon as possible although there are serious questions, whether this latest obstacle by FELSiSA's decision makers is not indicative of their fundamental unwillingness to cooperate.
The coming conference is yet another step in the long march of over more than thirty years trying to achieve constructive engagement, cooperation and partnership from the confessional Lutheran Churches in Southern Africa in matters of theological training, research and education on this continent - nevermind structural organization and ecclessial fellowship.
From the bottom of our heart we continue to pray: Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison!
Open doors in the LCSA for Mr. Eboro Madara from Nigeria
Another Quarter is nearly over at LTS. Two more weeks of final examinations and the students are off to see their families back home in Liberia, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and Botswana. Eboro Madara from Nigeria is staying on and will hopefully participate at the coming synod/convention of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa [LCSA]. On that occassion the LCSA is to elect a new bishop as regrettably, but understandably Bishop David P. Tswaedi DD is no longer standing for this office after serving as Bishop since 1992. No doubt this calling absorbs you totally and leaves not much else behind. I believe it's what the Lord of the Church talks about, when he addresses the issue of gaining and losing life. The office of the ministry is an all-encompassing calling - service of His people, because we love him - and it's a blessed and most wholesome opportunity. Well, and then Madara might also witness the ordination of the Sebeelo brothers in Gabarone, Botswana early in December. That is after the 2nd examination they are to go through under the supervision of their supervisors from MLC/LCSA. After Christmas our candidate from Nigeria is welcome for the first month in the new year 2010 to observe the workings in Shongweni with Dean Mandla Twala from the LCSA. I hope that these insights behind the scenes will not only benefit Mr. Eboro personally, but also strengthen the ties between the Lutheran Churches in Nigeria and South Africa. All these things are under the clause of St. James: If the Lord is willing and we are alive then this and that will happen ...
Monday, November 2, 2009
Just a minute: Morning Matins
1.Cor 9,24-27 prescribed for Monday after All Saints ...
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.Theme of the week: Spiritual Armor Hymn of the day: LSB 664; Introit: Ps.97; Reading from the Lectionary in LSB: Jer.1,1-19
Watchword from 2.Ti 2,5: "... if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules"
The Soccer World cup is coming. Excitement is spreading. The German soccer-team is to come with Bulletproof vests. That's quite funny and so the joke is on them. Just read Hayibo.com.
Well, the idea of athletes competing is as old as civilization. Even if we don't want to go back as far as Cain & Abel, St. Paul knows all about it. Writing to the Greeks in Corinth about Athletics and Olympics and Training and Crowns and Prizes is like trying to explain Rugby to the Blue Bulls. They knew all about it. However St. Paul is not interested so much about Rugby, Soccer or Athletics for that matter. He uses it as a picture for the christian way of life.
- Running for a goal
- Price - crown - certificate - medal
- crown that lasts forever: Eternal salvation!
- Being with Christ forever
- Losing track and missing the plot
- Classical figure of Don Quichote fighting windmills
- Santana - Peirera [Allies in Iraq/Afghanistan/Pakistan fighting Al Qaida]
- Idea of doping: Lance Armstrong - Jan Ulrich
- Disqualification: Semenya Caster
- Students at Seminary - Pastors in the ministry - Christians in congregations
- Training gets you on track
- Doing what it takes... Calculating the cost, running the extra mile, planning ...
- Dedication - focus - Diet/fasting - prayer - reading/listening/learning - hard work
- Proper equipment/tools/kit
- Fasting/say "No" - Less is more
- There are special rules in this race
- Look up to Jesus as the "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Heb 12,2
- cf. Phil.3,7-11
- More winners than losers for Christ's sake
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday morning matins: John 6, 24-35
The theme for our devotions this week is the Lord's Supper - here and then. Celebrating confirmation in that frame of reference seems fitting. Not only do the confirmands go to the Lord's table for the first time to receive the Lord's flesh and blood under the bread and wine, but we are also encouraged to look beyond this time and age to the world to come and to anticipate the Lord's banquet with all the patriarchs, saints and martyrs in whose company we will have every reason to be welcome, grateful and full of praises - because the host will address his people graciously: He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. (Rev 3:5 NIV) There we will behold him face to face, who is the source of all life and joy and blessing. Reconnected with him, we will enjoy fullness of life, grace upon grace and never-ending bliss. Being with Jesus Christ: that's the goal - that's fulfillment and the purpose of our life. That's when our song: "Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing ..." will have changed from desire to fulfillment. At last the triumphs of his grace will be adequately lauded.
The crowd searches for Jesus. Real seekers? Well, they are looking for God. Seems like a good idea. Wish more people would follow suit or what do you think? The problem is that people generally look for God in the wrong places. It is as Luther explains the sinful human predicament in his explanation to the 3rd Article of the Apostolic Creed: "I cannot by my own reason of strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him...". How is that? It seems as if these people here are spot-on, doesn't it? Are they not looking for Jesus in whom we find all the fullness of God incarnate. [cf. Col.1,19] Jesus sees more than meets the eye. He doesn't bluff himself about why these people are really looking for him. It's not because they adore him or even trust in him as the one, who was sent by the Father as the Lamb, who carries the sins of the world. No, they ate the bread loaves and had their fill. That's why they are running after him. They are looking for more bread, but mere bread. They would go as far as making him their "bread king". Perhaps he would eventually also provide fun and games - and then that would be a life, wouldn't it? Jesus as a means to an end. He - the provider of those things, we want. Its not so much about Jesus, but about the things he gives and makes possible. But Jesus does not give in to this temptation. The devil tried him with that too, but he did not falter that time either. Jesus wants us to recognize him as the "priceless treasure, fount of purest pleasure; truest friend of me ..." [LSB 743,1] - he as a person, a goal in himself and not just our stepping stone to higher things, which we desire.
Now Jesus does not just expose the misdirection of these people. He directs them to the true goal of all human life: Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. Although we can't find Jesus - he can and he does show himself to people so that they see him and believe in his father and accept him as who he is and what he does for us and for our salvation. That was his mission. That's what he did and keeps doing. Therefore if you are looking for Jesus, don't worry. He will find you!
The people don't catch on immediately. It takes time. Jesus Christ continues to draw them ever closer to himself - step by step. The people do want to do God's works - even though they don't realize that's something they can't do without Jesus Christ. It's only in him [IX] that we humans can please God. There is no other way or means. God himself has put his seal of approval on him alone: This is my beloved Son - hear him!
The people want to do something. They want to take this into their own hands. Let's get this done: What must we do to do the works God requires? That too is typical. We human beings think we can do the works God requires, climb the mountains we have to climb, dig the tunnels we need to dig and dance the dance we have to dance ... face it and then let's just do it! Well, God requires something else. It's as Luther teaches us to sing in his hymn on the 10 commandments: "And put aside the work you do, so that God may work in you!" Now that's tough for the old Adam. I am not good at this. But even Jesus tells us and we heard it yesterday in the gospel: "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Those that don't do works, but receive life from their parents, from their teachers, from society ... they live life to the fullest and Christ puts them in our midst so that we may catch on from them.
God's work is that he gives life in abundance and that he wants us to live this presented life - this miraculous gift, which we can't attain, but only receive - free, mahala - even if it's endlessly precious and no gold or silver can ever weigh it up. He wants us to live it trusting his goodness, believing in his faithfulness and receiving this whole new way of life every day anew. So - Jesus: Please, give us always such wonderful bread, such miraculous life! And he says:
Such divine life is only possible in, with and through him Jesus Christ. It's not just about understanding his words or seeing his miracles. It's about him coming into our lives and we being incorporated into his. That's more than just a sociable meeting at table - its about realistic unity, incorporation and bodily harmony. Jesus describes this picturesque: I am the vine, you are the branches! Here it is about bread and eating and thus taking in the sustenance of life: Jesus Christ himself. Even if we talk and think that life is sustained by eating, it is the bread that does this miracle of giving us energy, power and the go to move ahead and keep going. Jesus Christ is this bread, that gives us life everlasting. Being in him and he in us, there is no way that death will harm us. No, in, through and with Christ we have eternal life. We eat his body at his table so that one day we will sit with him at his table and rejoice in his glorious, gracious and blessed presence - world, joy and life without end - where we will never by hungry or thirsty again because he is our love and our life - now and forever. Amen.
Looking for Jesus? He will find you!
The crowd searches for Jesus. Real seekers? Well, they are looking for God. Seems like a good idea. Wish more people would follow suit or what do you think? The problem is that people generally look for God in the wrong places. It is as Luther explains the sinful human predicament in his explanation to the 3rd Article of the Apostolic Creed: "I cannot by my own reason of strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him...". How is that? It seems as if these people here are spot-on, doesn't it? Are they not looking for Jesus in whom we find all the fullness of God incarnate. [cf. Col.1,19] Jesus sees more than meets the eye. He doesn't bluff himself about why these people are really looking for him. It's not because they adore him or even trust in him as the one, who was sent by the Father as the Lamb, who carries the sins of the world. No, they ate the bread loaves and had their fill. That's why they are running after him. They are looking for more bread, but mere bread. They would go as far as making him their "bread king". Perhaps he would eventually also provide fun and games - and then that would be a life, wouldn't it? Jesus as a means to an end. He - the provider of those things, we want. Its not so much about Jesus, but about the things he gives and makes possible. But Jesus does not give in to this temptation. The devil tried him with that too, but he did not falter that time either. Jesus wants us to recognize him as the "priceless treasure, fount of purest pleasure; truest friend of me ..." [LSB 743,1] - he as a person, a goal in himself and not just our stepping stone to higher things, which we desire.
Now Jesus does not just expose the misdirection of these people. He directs them to the true goal of all human life: Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. Although we can't find Jesus - he can and he does show himself to people so that they see him and believe in his father and accept him as who he is and what he does for us and for our salvation. That was his mission. That's what he did and keeps doing. Therefore if you are looking for Jesus, don't worry. He will find you!
The work God requires? Believe in the one he has sent!
The people don't catch on immediately. It takes time. Jesus Christ continues to draw them ever closer to himself - step by step. The people do want to do God's works - even though they don't realize that's something they can't do without Jesus Christ. It's only in him [IX] that we humans can please God. There is no other way or means. God himself has put his seal of approval on him alone: This is my beloved Son - hear him!
The people want to do something. They want to take this into their own hands. Let's get this done: What must we do to do the works God requires? That too is typical. We human beings think we can do the works God requires, climb the mountains we have to climb, dig the tunnels we need to dig and dance the dance we have to dance ... face it and then let's just do it! Well, God requires something else. It's as Luther teaches us to sing in his hymn on the 10 commandments: "And put aside the work you do, so that God may work in you!" Now that's tough for the old Adam. I am not good at this. But even Jesus tells us and we heard it yesterday in the gospel: "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Those that don't do works, but receive life from their parents, from their teachers, from society ... they live life to the fullest and Christ puts them in our midst so that we may catch on from them.
God's work is that he gives life in abundance and that he wants us to live this presented life - this miraculous gift, which we can't attain, but only receive - free, mahala - even if it's endlessly precious and no gold or silver can ever weigh it up. He wants us to live it trusting his goodness, believing in his faithfulness and receiving this whole new way of life every day anew. So - Jesus: Please, give us always such wonderful bread, such miraculous life! And he says:
Give us such bread. "I am the bread of life!"
Such divine life is only possible in, with and through him Jesus Christ. It's not just about understanding his words or seeing his miracles. It's about him coming into our lives and we being incorporated into his. That's more than just a sociable meeting at table - its about realistic unity, incorporation and bodily harmony. Jesus describes this picturesque: I am the vine, you are the branches! Here it is about bread and eating and thus taking in the sustenance of life: Jesus Christ himself. Even if we talk and think that life is sustained by eating, it is the bread that does this miracle of giving us energy, power and the go to move ahead and keep going. Jesus Christ is this bread, that gives us life everlasting. Being in him and he in us, there is no way that death will harm us. No, in, through and with Christ we have eternal life. We eat his body at his table so that one day we will sit with him at his table and rejoice in his glorious, gracious and blessed presence - world, joy and life without end - where we will never by hungry or thirsty again because he is our love and our life - now and forever. Amen.
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