In the timeline of this world, Lydia’s is not a great name. No kingdoms under her, no palace intrigues, no jilted lovers starting wars. But her name is consequential to the Church.
This is repentance as gift. The sheep did not find or choose his shepherd. His shepherd found and saved him. It is the work of the Shepherd from beginning to end.
This is repentance as gift. The sheep did not find or choose his shepherd. His shepherd found and saved him. It is the work of the Shepherd from beginning to end.
For although our eyes may just see a pastor who may preach the Word, absolve and baptize sinners, and distribute the Lord’s Supper, it is really the hand of Jesus who is working through the Spirit. Baptizing is Jesus' work, not ours. Absolving is Jesus' work, and it is truly Jesus' true Body and Blood being fed to His sheep through the means of a pastor or shepherd. Our Lord always gives through means. He always has, but it is always Jesus who is the One doing the giving.