03/24/2019
Are your pastors arrogant men? Do they lift themselves up in their godliness, or tout their righteousness? Those who are filled with such characteristics might be earthly kings, great scholars, or mighty men, but they are not high priests because there are two traits that none have except a pastor. To be called by God to His service, and to reflect Christ.
“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.”
Hebrews 5:1-2 ESV
This is a partial description of Jesus, and portrays Him as beset with weakness. Is this what you see in your pulpit? Do you see a man beset with weakness who serves as an intermediary between yourself and God? Do you see a man humbly offering up the gifts, and recalling the sacrifices of his flock to God?
“Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.”
Hebrews 5:3-4 ESV
Our pastors must be aware of their own sins, and hear the call of God in their efforts; they are not unlike those that they serve. The pastoral calling is not simply a birthright, or as the result of exceptional achievement in bible study, but a calling away from the world, and into righteous servitude, it is a unique, overpowering, and humbling call.
“"'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Jeremiah 3:15 ESV
God gives pastors to be our shepherds. This is not the establishment of a profession, but an act of love stemming from God’s selection of them, and in them we should see the image of His Son Jesus. There are pastors, teachers, church managers, and others... but don’t confuse them and seat any as pastor who is not called by God to that service. We can aspire to the position of teacher, and church manager, but the calling to the pastorate is different indeed because just as they have been selected by God, they are equally held accountable...
“"And now, O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it.”
Malachi 2:1-3 ESV
So as members of the flock, especially elevated members of the flock, we should be diligent in the acceptance of priests, and look for not only those characteristics that are Christ-like, but for the certain signs that our pastors possess a true calling from God. Desire is not enough, skilled oration is not enough, no characteristic will suffice to raise up a pastor except the presence of God’s selection and call upon them.
If we are seating pastors we must be fervent in prayer as we seek the presence of God’s Anointing on those who present themselves, and if we feel we are called to be a pastor, we should have an unmistakable calling, because much hangs in the balance. As for the sheep in the flock, the lay people...
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
Pray:
Father, we thank you for the pastors you have called, and placed in authority over us. We also thank you for the administrators you have put in place, and for gathering us to be your flock. Help us Lord to ease the pain of our pastors, strengthen their weakness, and provide sustenance to them. Open our eyes Holy Father that we might readily see your presence in those who come before us claiming to have been called by you. Give us discernment, and wisdom, regarding your appointments, and lead us in understanding your will for our flock as we seek out our place within it. Teach us each day to love you more, serve you better, and to follow your will for our lives. Hear our voices Merciful Father as we humbly repent, ask forgiveness, and seek your counsel as we pray for our needs in the name of Jesus. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who gathers His sheep, and places shepherds over them to guard and tend them. Worthy is your Son Jesus who serves as our example of the good shepherd, and leads us on towards bountiful pastures, and cool waters. Praised be your name for this our High Priest you have placed above us, who oversees our salvation, and brings glory to your name! All goodness and mercy are at your hand Father... now and forevermore.
Rich Forbes