There might yet be some significance in celebrating this induction during lent, without fanfare and hallelujahs, not in the beautiful church of Salem, but rather in a rented tent on open veld. During the Lenten season the triune God calls us to follow Jesus into his patient obedience and suffering unto death on the cross. We know discipleship always is the call to take up his cross and follow Jesus wherever he may lead us. Friends of Jesus are never quite at home here, but rather always on the way to the place he himself has prepared for us. Migrants, foreigners and genuine expats wherever we are until we reach home with the father. Well, we are not there yet, but still on the way.
Even so the triune God is right here present with us today in this tent. Our Lord Jesus Christ says, wherever 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there I am with them and If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples [Joh 8:31]. And his Church teaches: “when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by his divine command [choosing, confirming, calling, examining, ordaining, installing, placing and blessing pastors, deans, bishops] … then this is just as valid and certain even in heaven as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us himself.” So when they preach the gospel, forgive sins, judge doctrine, reject doctrine that is contrary to the gospel and exclude from the Christian community the ungodly whose ungodly life is manifest … not with human power, but with God’s word alone … then they do this by divine right. They must do it – and woe unto them, if they don’t preach the gospel [1.Cor.9,16b]. Therefore it is truly meet, right and salutary to sing in unison with the entire Church on earth, but also with the triumphant one in heaven with never-ending worship for God’s goodness revealed to us in his holy office of the ministry: UNkulunkulu oyedwa makadunyiswe njalo!
The Church does well to keep its eyes fixed on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. His commands and promises deserve our undivided attention. His mandates and institutions, his legacy and testament dictate the way to salvation as the Father addresses him: “This is my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased” and us he advises: “Listen to him!” And the Son again says: As the father sent me, I send you to preach the good news, forgive sins and proclaim peace and goodwill from towards all people!
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