Thursday, January 8, 2015

Walther, 1906. Chapter 34, “The Pastoral Care of the Troubled”

Chapter 34, “The Pastoral Care of the Troubled” (pp. 214-217)

There are occasions of trouble other than illness in our lives. The pastor should visit those in various distresses. Some receive special note.

Walther discusses demonic possession in particular, considering that this may happen even to devout Christians (p. 214). His suggestion is that this takes place by God’s permission to drive erring saints to trust.

Luther’s counsel was to depend on God’s mercy and grace when praying for people under such attacks. We do not depend on particular ceremonies or actions. Those who are oppressed, in their lucid times, should be encouraged in God’s grace and welcomed to receive forgiveness.

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