#DailyDevotion Pastors Are A Gift From Jesus
Eph. 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Pastors are a gift from God. They are sent from on high by Jesus. As they preach and teach the truth of Jesus. Paul says elsewhere, Rom 10:14-15 “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
These gifts of Christ are sent to equip God’s saints (that means you) for the work of ministry, that is service to your neighbor, works of mercy and kindness. For they preach and teach the mercy and kindness of God in Christ towards you who don’t deserve it. We who have received it are called to do likewise.
They are to build up the body of Christ. In what manner? Paul lists several things: unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, mature manhood i.e. the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, and steadfastness. While we certainly have a duty to make sure the pastor preaches and teaches the pure word of God, we also should submit to his teaching unless we have a reason to believe otherwise. Then we are to act in accordance with that preaching and teaching. We are to use that teaching to teach and correct others so they too may be united with us in the unity of faith.
As we are taught the truth of Christ the Holy Spirit uses that Word to help us grow in Christ. He intends for us to conform to his image and likeness in righteousness, holiness and knowledge. This word Christ preaches through his pastors makes us participants, communicants in the divine nature. We are going to bear the weight of eternal glory one day and the Word Christ gives us through them helps us to endure and grow until that time.
The word they preach helps to give us solid ground upon which to stand if that word is Jesus our Rock, Foundation and Cornerstone. As we meditate upon the truth they preach in Christ’s name and we put it into practice when false teaching comes our way we will be able to recognize it and dismiss it. The love of Christ we experience in his word helps us to share the truth of that love with love and gentleness with those who are erring. In that pure word we are built up and build one another up in Christ.
Heavenly Father, continually send us pastors from your Son, and grant them faithfulness that we may be built up into the unity of Christ to give glory unto him. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.