It Takes Two to Tango
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:6 and 2 Samuel 11:1–27
Series: Comments on Galatians
The preacher, respected in the community and much loved by his flock, had helped the congregation build a new building and was faithful to his pastorate. One day a member became so ill that she was hospitalized at a research hospital several cities from the church. He went faithfully to visit her each day. Soon he was spending entire days on those visits with her. When she came home, the lengthy visitations continued in her home. Fast forward a bit; the beloved preacher and his wife divorced and he resigned from his pastorate.
The story is ancient. It predates David and will continue until the Parousia. Fast forward three more decades and a later pastor found some of the flock idolizing the aforementioned preacher to the point that his ex-wife had become a substantial part of the problem. After all, “It takes two to tango.” Or in some cases, three.
Where is the Word of God in this scenario? Absent. Not considered. Where is man in this scenario? Absolved by opinion. Elevated to demigod — a mythological amalgam of fond memories and the desire for them to not be sullied.
People may be forgiven by the Lord but never deified by man — at least that’s what the Word of God says.
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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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