2/1/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
In Acts 20:28-35 the apostle Paul speaks with a number of elders, encouraging them. They are due to face many challenges - "fierce wolves," "men speaking twisted things." We don't actually know if Titus, whose day we recognize on January 26, was among those elders. But we do know that Paul was speaking to men like Titus. These elders serve as pastors of congregations. They are the resident theologians, encouragers, prayer warriors, and leaders, making disciples to be like Jesus.
What is the work of a pastor like? It involves facing opposition, often the kind of opposition which will twist words, assume bad motives for good actions, and attempt to destroy the work of God. Paul reminds these elders that he has worked tirelessly to care for God's people. He has spoken to them from God's word. He has worked with his hands when needed to make ends meet, since the Christians have not always been able to support their leaders financially. His desire has been to provide Christians, any who will receive the Gospel, the words of forgiveness and eternal life, given freely by God's grace through Jesus.
In verse 35 he reminds us that the Lord says it is more blessed to give than to receive. When we give away the Gospel, the grace of God, we certainly don't lose anything. Rather, we are provided with God's encouragement.
It's a good thing to be a pastor. I would encourage any young man who has a desire to work with God's Word to consider whether the Lord would be calling him to be a pastor. It's a gift of God to be able to give to God's people. As Paul passed the torch on to younger pastors such as Timothy and Titus, we in this generation are seeking those who would be the pastors to the next generation. It's a wonderful calling.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
In Acts 20:28-35 the apostle Paul speaks with a number of elders, encouraging them. They are due to face many challenges - "fierce wolves," "men speaking twisted things." We don't actually know if Titus, whose day we recognize on January 26, was among those elders. But we do know that Paul was speaking to men like Titus. These elders serve as pastors of congregations. They are the resident theologians, encouragers, prayer warriors, and leaders, making disciples to be like Jesus.
What is the work of a pastor like? It involves facing opposition, often the kind of opposition which will twist words, assume bad motives for good actions, and attempt to destroy the work of God. Paul reminds these elders that he has worked tirelessly to care for God's people. He has spoken to them from God's word. He has worked with his hands when needed to make ends meet, since the Christians have not always been able to support their leaders financially. His desire has been to provide Christians, any who will receive the Gospel, the words of forgiveness and eternal life, given freely by God's grace through Jesus.
In verse 35 he reminds us that the Lord says it is more blessed to give than to receive. When we give away the Gospel, the grace of God, we certainly don't lose anything. Rather, we are provided with God's encouragement.
It's a good thing to be a pastor. I would encourage any young man who has a desire to work with God's Word to consider whether the Lord would be calling him to be a pastor. It's a gift of God to be able to give to God's people. As Paul passed the torch on to younger pastors such as Timothy and Titus, we in this generation are seeking those who would be the pastors to the next generation. It's a wonderful calling.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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