II Corinthians 13:2 ~ I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
Can you hear the fatherly conversation “If I’ve told you once I’ve told you a hundred times, and if I have to tell you again, you’re gonna be sorry.” Paul’s getting ready to crack the whip on the Corinthian church, he’s had it up to his eyeballs with their naysaying and questioning of his leadership. Why I landed in II Corinthians 13 this morning I don’t know, but Paul’s attitude really caught my attention in these verses. You can feel his frustration! I loved it in verse 10 when he said “Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.” I don’t know that loving that verse is appropriate. Paul writes this letter to them because if he they could actually hear how he feels it wouldn’t be good!
I feel this Pastor’s frustration. Not that I’m a Pastor or have any desire to be, but I speak in general of his frustration with the church. Just as Paul did, I still have the utmost faith in the church because it is the instrument for which God is using to usher in the return of Christ. And at this present time my own home church is full of fire and it’s spring time in the village. It’s full of great people and awesome opportunities but I don’t want to be caught off guard if there’s a cold front coming in. It’s winter in the hearts of many in the world who have no desire to allow the Holy Spirit to lead a church; because if the Holy Spirit is in charge things heat up and there’s an expectation of right living and servitude.
Jesus came into the world to seek that which was lost and before He left for Heaven He left orders that we were to do the same, under the direction of a Pastor. I guess maybe this scripture was pointed out to me by the Holy Spirit this morning because we are Pastorless, not leaderless, but without a Pastor. And God knows the burden on my heart to see the pulpit filled and my concern for God’s direction. I love being lead, else I’m a sheep wandering around in the field looking for a gate. No I’m not looking to leave, I’m looking for something to do.
My heart breaks for church leaders who struggle to motivate their congregation. I want to come to their church and sit on the front row and be a cheerleader for Jesus. That’s kind of what I do at our church. I want to encourage God’s people! It’s not easy to try and live right (believe me when I say, I fail daily), but it’s a harsh reality when you see the cold nature of people toward “right living.” It’s almost as if a Preacher is meddling because there is an expectation that his people should follow Christ’s example.
My message to you today is “Take care of your Pastor this Christmas.” It’s sometimes as cold in the church as it is in the world, and they can use your warmth. Spread God’s cheer this Christmas season beginning with the leadership of your church, it will be returned with rejoicing!