WHY IT HURTS

WHY IT HURTS!

Eph 4:11-12

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Gal 4:15-16

I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

           Paul didn’t spend a lot of time complaining about his calling or his relationship to the various churches he had established, but he did have some trouble along the way. His was a high and holy calling that blossomed from an encounter with Jesus. Along the way, both physically and emotionally, ministry hurts.

           It hurts when the Pastor is obligated to tell the truth to those who simply do not want to hear it and have no plans to adopt the changes required to make a difference. Even a long term relationship between the Shepherd and his sheep is no guarantee of cordiality when it comes to telling and doing the truth.

           Regarding pastoral ministry, McClintock and Strong say this: “Preaching is the initial work. It awakens attention, arouses conscience, proclaims the terrors of the law, offers the mercy of salvation, and persuades men to be reconciled to God. Pastoral care feeds the flock of Christ, nourishes and cherishes the lambs of his fold, gives milk to babes, and strong meat to them that are of full age.”

           It hurts to witness individuals and families who are suffering because they will not listen to the truth. These are the very things we warned against and knew would be the result.

           It hurts when you shake my hand and look past my face. We didn’t really connect. It hurts when you wait until I am engaged in conversation with another so that you can sneak by without even a handshake. I see it and I know something is going on but I must wait until you are ready to discuss the problem.

           If you think this is a private rant, please remember that even Jesus had feelings like this. I refer you to Luke 13:34 when Jesus said “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” It hurt because Jesus loved them so and knew the trouble they had bought for themselves.

Dear Master Shepherd, keep watch over Thy flock today and over me. AMEN