Among
You 03-17-17
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (ESV) 4 For we know,
brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5
because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power
and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we
proved to be among you for your sake.
No, I don't have any green on and Chloe
has already pinched me. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Pay close attention to the last sentence
in that passage.Particularly to the words "..
we proved to be among you..." I am
reminded by this verse of the oft used explanation of the difference between a
pastor and an evangelist. If you have not heard,here it is. A pastor is the poor
soul that has to clean up the mess in the church that the evangelist made after
he left. (smile) Being that I am neither a pastor nor an evangelist, the
explanation is second hand at best.(smile again)However,there is a kernel
of truth to that statement isn't there? Here's how that works. A fiery
evangelist is invited to the church. He comes in with a powerful,anointed word
for the church.Doesn't matter what kind of word. It could be a word of
encouragement,a word of knowledge or revelation, a word of warning or
correction,you hearin' me here? Usually though,at least in my experience it is a
great word of encouragement. The preacher stirs the congregation up and by the
time he leaves,the flock is ten feet tall and bulletproof. And that is great.
Lord knows that we ALL need encouragement these days. Amen? But, BUT after a few
days or a couple of weeks,reality sets in.We,you and me,the flock are confronted
with a sobering truth. All those victories and the truly great accomplishments
that the evangelist told us were ours for the taking,.... COME WITH A
PRICE.Yes,there certainly are victories and accomplishments to be won and
done.BUT,THEY COME WITH A COST. Some more costly than others. But,to
our(the sheep) chagrin,the evangelist is no where to be found. He has moved on
to the next breeding ground for the work of the Lord. Enter the Pastor. This
poor soul now has the job of caring for the folk,whose dreams and high flying
aspirations have taken a hit when faced with the spiritual opposition that is
certain to come, when they try and do something for the Lord Jesus. This is
the Man of God tasked with the long term care of the sheep.(you and me) This is
the man that must prove himself FOR OUR SAKE. And herein lieth the
lesson.
That was some background for what is on
my heart today. This is directed at those of us who sit in the pews. I am of the
firm belief that true ministry is one on one. The most effective ministry takes
place in our living rooms,at the water cooler or break room. It is
personal;and,it is one on one in our daily environment.Just as a pastor must
"prove himself" amongst us,so we must also prove ourselves amongst those whom
God chooses to place in our lives.The ones that look to us for encouragement and
help in time of need.Shepherds protect sheep,they do not produce sheep.SHEEP
produce SHEEP.
I heard this once. There is an old
African proverb that says you help someone "all the way out." You see to be
truly effectual,we must prove ourselves over time to those that need us. All too
often we become evangelists don't we? We speak great words of encouragement but
we sometimes fade away when the task requires a little more than encouraging
words. Yes, that personal touch,that one on one ministry can be frustrating and
taxing at times. Praying for someone time after time with no apparent results,
bailing someone out(sometimes literally!) of a predicament that they continue to
put themselves into, loving and nurturing someone when no thanks or appreciation
is given,these are the things that true ministry is made of don't you think?
No,it won't attract great crowds.Probably won't finance a larger wing on the
sanctuary. It may even draw some criticism, you know something like"why do you
keep on doing it,they don't care,they are just using and making a fool out of
you." But,when that ne'er do well finally comes around. When the Lord Jesus
finally get's a hold on 'em and changes their life and they FINALLY SEE THE
LIGHT.......what is it the commercial
says....................PRICELESS!!
Folks,one of these days it's all going to
be set right.The Lord Jesus is going to bring everything to light. All those
prayers spoken in the loneliness and dark of night,all those dollars given to
promote God's Kingdom,all the help and ministry,both material and spiritual
given to those in need,most times NEVER seen,most times NEVER appreciated,it's
all going to be brought out into the light of day. Look at this verse and get it
on the inside of you.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) 7 I have fought
the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that
Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
It's not a cruise ship we are on,it's a
battleship. it's not light sparring session,IT'S A FIGHT. As my buddy says,it's
not a hundred yard dash,but a marathon race.
Keep on keeping on saint of God. He's
coming back for His own and He knows who you are.
2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV) 19 But God’s firm
foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and,
“Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
Prove yourself for their sake.
Psalm 119:37 (ESV) 37 Turn my eyes
from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your
ways.
God Bless
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