The Power in Hearing
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:5 and Romans 10:14–17
Series: Comments on Galatians
The family sat tensely in the hospital waiting room. The operation was going longer than they had expected, and every minute was a filled with mounting anxiety. When the doctor finally came in to speak to them, their hearts were in their throats. With checked emotion they waited a moment more until the doctor announced, “He’s doing fine.”
Families rejoice at good news like this; they could kiss the doctor — not only for performing the surgery but for bringing them the good news. The herald could have been a nurse or an administrator; they just needed to hear from someone.
So it is with the gospel: people need to hear it from someone. Jesus sends us into the world as heralds of the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20). People may not know that they are waiting for good news. Yet when they hear with faith the announcement that all is well, that God has delivered healing for the soul, they rejoice.
We do not rejoice because we have done good deeds or been religious. Rejoicing comes when we hear, if for the thousandth time, that old, old story of Jesus and his love.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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