Thursday 17th September 2020 Devotion
Scripture:- Ephesians 4:1-14
Topic:- Five Ministerial Calling [4]
Text:- 1 Corinthians 12:28
- Pastors Guard:
The Pastor is the heart of the Church. He is a Shepherd who deeply cares for his sheep, ready to lay down everything for them. He wants them to be fed, to grow, to be equipped, to develop their giftings and step into the calling of God for them.
In the local Church they are the bridge between the different offices and functions, listening to all sides and restoring calm and order where necessary.
Jesus, the supreme Shepherd, taught a lot about shepherding the sheep, giving us a great example of what a Pastor should look like.
The Pastor’s greatest concern is always the well-being of his sheep and His body, not only bringing training, but correction and protection where necessary.
The office of the Pastor is the one most recognized today of all five. Because of a lack of understanding of the other four, those called by God to these other offices have often had to become Pastors, therefore filling shoes that were not theirs, and creating tension in their Churches because they could not meet their sheep’s need.
It is time for the Church to allow Evangelists, Teachers, Apostles and Prophets to be what they are called to be and take their rightful place in the Church. - Teachers Ground:
Teachers teach and edify the Church, imparting divine life and anointing to their listeners who become more hungry for the Word of God, as the Teacher illumines Scripture and brings forth truth never seen by their listeners before.
While Prophets reveal the heart of God, Teachers reveal His mind. Prophets and Teachers balance each other in the Church, which can also create a tension.
Prophets have revelation of hidden things in the future, while Teachers of the hidden things in the Word. Teachers reveal the specifics of the revealed truth, while Prophets reveal the spectrum.
While Prophets possess foresight, Teachers have insight. While Prophets are risk takers, Teachers move by understanding and are planners.
And the list could go on. Teachers are very essential in the body of Christ, to give the sheep a good foundation of the word of God. Sometimes, Churches that place a high emphasis on being “Spirit-led” neglect the solid grounding of the Word.
A simple saying to remember: Teaching of the Word without the Spirit, and we will dry up. Chasing the Spirit without teaching of the Word, and we will blow up.
Conclusion:
The Lord has called some to be Apostles, some as Prophets, some Evangelists, some Teachers and some Pastors. Today, He is restoring a biblical understanding of what these roles and callings mean, so that His bride can come into the fullness of what He has for her, getting ready for her Bridegroom’s glorious return.
The Church has come a long way over the past few decades, even though there is still a lot of wrong conceptions and rejection due to abuse prevalent in His body.
If Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor and Teachers start taking their rightful places, having been proven and tested as humble Servants, we will see the body brought into maturity.
Having all five offices in place in a Church and training up the body accordingly will allow our Church to enter into a place of growth and equipping that nobody had ever dreamed possible.
Only when the Church on this earth becomes what her Head meant her to be, with all offices in place, will we truly come into full maturity and have the ability to fulfill the commission our Master gave us, to make Disciples of all Nations, doing the same works He did, and even greater.
Prayer Point:- Oh Lord God, help me to function well in the area You have called me to serve You henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Glorious Thursday!
