We go to church on Good Friday and Easter Sunday—a solemn service followed by a joyful jubilee. We focus our attention on Jesus’ death and resurrection. Rarely do we celebrate Jesus’ descent into hell. Seldom is it mentioned in a sermon or Bible class. . . .

In Revelation, the apostle John certainly crystallizes the context for any discussion on Lutheran leadership. “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short” (Revelation 12:12). . . .

Times were tough for King David. His son Absalom had started a civil war, trying to wrest the kingdom from his father. The rebel forces had even forced David to retreat from the capital city of Jerusalem. “Give me relief from my distress,” David prayed fervently . . .