He only attended our worship services 8 or 9 times before he got too sick to join us anymore, but Wes was an important part of the church family to me and our congregation. His passing into glory on Thursday was a relief (we know he is no longer in pain) and brings sadness (we will miss him). Pray for his family – not all are Christians – and for those of us with opportunities to minister. I'll be doing the funeral on Thursday (May 26).
Having told us to pray for everyone, Paul now clearly states his mission:
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1Ti 2:7
He is doubtless referring to the fact that the Lord Jesus appeared to Paul personally in the desert and instructed Paul in truth as He had the first apostles.
Many people attest to a clear calling on their lives. No one except Paul ever claimed with veracity to have received it directly form a physical appearance of Jesus. Paul's claim is in Scripture (For I received from the Lord… 1Cor 11:23) so I believe it. There are several human opinions about when it happened and where, but there is no doubt that it did occur.
Paul's mission was to the Gentiles – Greeks, heathens, barbarians, or babblers as the Jews thought of them. And he fulfilled that calling. Reading Acts we see he made a habit of first sharing in the synagogue upon entering a city but once "asked" to leave he'd speak with all whom came. Repeatedly most Jews refused the message – still Messiah searching – while others believed.
He had a clear calling from God. I identify with an incident in my life as a calling to ministry as well. I remember it like it just occurred. However, it was not an appearance of God and took 37 years to be realized God's way, but it was nonetheless a calling.
Do you see God's calling on your life? I know a "pastor" or two for whom their pastorate is just a job. (Read this comment to a recent post.) What a shame for them and the people they serve. The flock deserves better.
Take a moment, as Paul did, and write a statement about your mission.
Pressing on, Ed ><}}}>
No comments:
Post a Comment