|
I may not be the only one, still it troubles me to realize that I did not notice the weight on Eric's shoulders. In the little K-LOVE devotional I have I found something very applicable, good for all of us villagers (and otherwise) to read. I called them and received permission to put their stuff on our web-site. Here goes:
"I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding." -Jeremiah 3:15 NIV
Keepers of the flame
Picture this: Joshua's soldiers are down in the valley fighting the Amalekites. Above him, on a hilltop, sits Moses with his hands raised toward heaven. As long as he does, the battle goes their way. But if you've ever tried to hold your hands up for long, you quickly grow weary and lower them. The moment Moses did that, the battle went against Israel. So Aaron and Hur moved to his side, held up his arms, and the tide turned again in their favor. Notice, it wasn't Joshua's ability to fight, it was Moses' ability to hold up his arms that won the day. Two men kept one man from fainting, so that an entire nation could be saved.
If your pastor's arms drop from exhaustion, God will judge you, not him, because you weren't there to strengthen him. Take a moment and let that sink in!
If God's given you a pastor who leads you and feeds you - support him! In the Old Testament tabernacle, the candlesticks had to be kept burning day and night because their light represented God's presence amongst His people. If a candle so much as flickered, designated servants moved in immediately to refuel it and restore it to its original glow.
It's your responsibility to make sure that the light doesn't flicker in your church, or the fire go out in your pulpit. So, pray for your pastor every day and be sure to encourage him every chance you get! Over one half of those who enter the ministry leave it within 10 years - because of discouragement! What a challenge to the keepers of the flame!
-- Copyright BGM 2003 --
Strong words, but we really have good reason to be grateful. God promised us a shepherd after His own heart to lead us with knowledge and understanding, and He gave us two! I can't imagine the loss if either one, Rod or Eric, burned out? Perhaps, as "keepers of the flame" we ought to be more observant, less shy to find out the status of strength vs. exhaustion.
Eric: I appreciate your candor. (even if it includes a PG-rated word...) Please keep sharing. |
