The Priority Of A Pastor
I remember when I became a pastor, I heard these words. "Pastor's only work on Sunday," and "Church camp is a Pastor's vacation!" Well, it is a lot more than this!.
"After the death of King Solomon in 931 B.C., Israel was divided into two kingdoms, the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. While both kingdoms failed in their faithfulness to the Lord, Israel chased after other gods even more than Judah. So, in 722 B.C., the Lord judged Israel through the destructive power of Assyria. The Israelites were scattered, with thousands taken captive. This was the end of the northern kingdom."(Sheherds After God's Own Heart", Daily Reflection / Produced by The High Calling.Theologyofwork.org)
It is not so different today in the church, as it was during this divisive time with the people of Israel. As Pastors, or shepherds, we are to be among the people, feeding the people knowledge and understanding of God's Word. This is a Pastor's responsibility. Is Jesus the great Shepherd just standing up in front of people lecturing them concerning these things? No, the Lord Jesus Christ is among us. His presence is felt in our hearts, and seen in our lives. And as the disciples on the Emmaus road said in Luke 24:32, "They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Is this not the priority of a Pastor? To be with his people, and to share the Word of God? To encourage the people in his care, to walk the Christian walk?
That is not to say that the people will listen, and take heed to the instruction and encouragement given. Just as it was in Jeremiah's time, the people did not listen, did not obey God, and suffered the consequences of their actions. As pastors we are not to embrace any kind of guilt, or discouragement concerning the unfaithfulness of the people. Pastors including myself, have done this many times. We are chosen instruments of God, to be the shepherds the people need in order to walk the path God has directed for His people. God does not intend for His leaders to carry the weight of the failure of the people. Pastors need to remember that. We are not called to be successful, as much as we are called to be faithful.
It is an awesome task, the work of a Pastor. And we cannot do it alone. We need the guidance and strength of our Lord Jesus, as well as the cooperation and support of the people. Please pray for your pastor, and encourage them every opportunity that comes your way. They definitely need it. GP
Photo: AstralEmber - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com