The Christian's Highest Work
When they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
LUKE 2:17
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The Christian's Highest Work
The shepherds freely confess and publicly preach the word that was spoken to them about the child, which is the highest work in the Christian life. In this we are to risk our body and life, our wealth and honor. For the evil spirit does not attack so harshly those who believe correctly but live secretly and by themselves. He will not put up with it when we go forth and spread, confess, preach, and praise this for the good of others. Therefore, Luke says here that the shepherds did not only come and see, but they also preached what they heard in the field about this child, not only before Mary and Joseph but also before everybody. Do you not think there were many who thought [the shepherds] were fools and insane in that they attempted, as coarse and unschooled laymen, to speak of the angels' song and sermon? . . . But the shepherds, full of faith and joy, cheerfully were fools before men for God's sake. A Christian also does the same. For God's Word must be considered as foolishness and falsehood in this world.
From the Church Postil, sermon for the Second pay of Christmas on Luke 2:15-20 (Luther's Works 75:252)
LUKE 2:17
+
The Christian's Highest Work
The shepherds freely confess and publicly preach the word that was spoken to them about the child, which is the highest work in the Christian life. In this we are to risk our body and life, our wealth and honor. For the evil spirit does not attack so harshly those who believe correctly but live secretly and by themselves. He will not put up with it when we go forth and spread, confess, preach, and praise this for the good of others. Therefore, Luke says here that the shepherds did not only come and see, but they also preached what they heard in the field about this child, not only before Mary and Joseph but also before everybody. Do you not think there were many who thought [the shepherds] were fools and insane in that they attempted, as coarse and unschooled laymen, to speak of the angels' song and sermon? . . . But the shepherds, full of faith and joy, cheerfully were fools before men for God's sake. A Christian also does the same. For God's Word must be considered as foolishness and falsehood in this world.
From the Church Postil, sermon for the Second pay of Christmas on Luke 2:15-20 (Luther's Works 75:252)
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