“The pulpit,” wrote Bernard Manning, “is no more the minister’s than the communion table is his.” . . . Now the herald of the Cross has a twofold task. He must present his theme in a double setting. On the one hand, he must preach the Cross in the context of the world’s suffering. Your own congregation will be a microcosm of humanity; and for many of those to whom you minister, the dark mystery which has haunted the sons of men from the dawn of time will be no abstract, impersonal problem to be academically explained, but a grim reality to be faced and fought. Be very clear about this, that what men and women need, face to face with the mystery of pain and trouble and tragedy, is not a solution that will satisfy the intellect, not that primarily at any rate, but a force that will stabilize the soul; not a convincing and coercive argument as to the origins of evil or the reasons why such suffering is permitted on the earth, but a power that will enable them to “stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”: in short, not an explanation, but a victory.

Heralds of God - James Stewart