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
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