Office and Office Holder, Two Distinct Things

In his commentary on Isaiah, Isaiah 40-55, R. Reed Lessing (Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO, 2011 (p. 286)), commenting on the Suffering Servant, the Messiah, Reed Lessing makes the following observation in a footnote about the office of the servant, in particular speaking of the office of the Holy Ministry.

Luther notes that though the occupant of the office of servant is blind, the office is still to be respected as a divine institution:

“Thus here God does not condemn the office but the blind persons. Similarly we do not rebuke the office, of bishop but the blind bishops and leaders of the blind. In this way we must admonish the evil incumbents of government and correct the office, while preserving the government and the office. This requires real skill.” (AE 17:79)

Interestingly enough, this same note can be make concerning our public servants, or those holding public office, because, after all, do we not refer to those holding public office as “public servants.” And so the same applies, we do not speak critically of the office, but of the incumbents in the office, speaking critically of their policies without demeaning the office they hold. And yes, this continues to require real skill in our world today.