“Behold, I Myself have taken your fellow Levites from among the sons of Israel; they are a gift to you, given (dedicated) to the Lord, to do the service for the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle).”
Numbers 18:6 AMP
Those who look to G-d for salvation are called to a life of service – it’s not for only those in the pulpit.
But – there are those who are called by G-d, set aside specifically to serve the “Tent of Meeting”, and those men and women are called “gifts.”
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the Pastors that have influenced us. Having served one closely for 12 years as an assistant- along with serving the network of Pastors he led, I’ve seen the ugly side of church. The side where members disrespect a Pastor to his face. The side where a Pastor is told you no longer belong here. The side where complaint abounds because someone didn’t like the music or the passage from Sunday.
I’ve also seen the side where a “pastor” used his position to berate and belittle others. Church life – on the “inside” – is not pretty. More than one person tried to talk me out of it but thankfully I was too stubborn because it was the greatest season of my life.
It’s easy to forget that our Pastors are humans with hearts, and, moreover, they have been specifically set aside by G-d to do HIS work. And, He describes them as His gift to us.
I’m not in a position now to give my life full time to the ministry like I did in 2001. But, I am in a position to serve and love my Pastor. I am in a position to pray for him and his wife. I am in a position to encourage him. I am in a position to guard my heart and mind against judgmental thoughts that try to come. I am in a position to participate in the work of the “Tent of Meeting” when I come to its entrance.
In a season full of strife and division in the world around us, it is crucial to guard the unity of the Body of Christ which starts with how we honor the spiritual authority G-d placed over us. As a member of a church, I’m under my Pastor’s spiritual authority. The Bible says others will know us by our love yet so often the church is filled with offense and strife.
I’m convicted today to stand up a little straighter to the tactics of the enemy and love my Pastors a little harder. My Pastors are a gift from G-D and should be treated as such.
Father – thank You for the Pastors that have loved and guided our family. I am so grateful! Bless them today. Give them wisdom to lead according to Your Word and Your will. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Numbers 18-20