MUSINGS of a PASTOR

I was reading from Matthew 13 this morning and verse 33 caught my attention: “He (Jesus) spoke another parable to them, The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a women took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.” 

My first thought centered on the current condition I find myself in as a pastor. Of course, I’m not alone in this; every pastor in America is in the same place. We are charged with leading our flock as under shepherds to the Great Shepherd, but almost every door we have walked through in fulfilling our responsibilities in the past have slammed shut. In a matter of days we have gone from, “See next week” to “We have no idea when we will get together again.” 

The doors of America’s churches are closed-most likely through Easter Sunday. This means that one aspect of our growth as a believer has been cut off. I’m referring to the need for cooperate worship. The Bible specifically warns against cutting ourselves off from public worship: “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25). 

Hebrews 10:25 is an encouragement concerning what can happen when we gather, and a warning of what might happen if we neglect cooperate worship.  The first aspect of this verse Deals with the glory God receives when we encourage one another as we gather for cooperate worship; the second aspect is the atrophy-drying up-of our faith when we neglect cooperate worship. 

So, the challenge is bringing glory to God as we encourage one another and finding fellowship with one another during this current time we can’t meet together at the church. Matthew 13:33 is a great reminder that the leaven is still at work in us through the power of His Spirit. 

Take these two challenges with me:

  1. What insight has the spirit revealed to you in a verse you read today? In other words, how have you experienced the leaven at work in your life
    today?    
  2.   Who can you encourage by sharing this insight/revelation with them? 

Reflect on your own life; the leaven that is working in your life, and remember, it’s not what people consider to be “great insights” that are great; it’s the simplicity that is so often what becomes the profound. So, look for the simple insights God uses to encourage your life as you read the Bible, and share that leaven/blessing God has given to you to bless someone today. 

Remember it was God’s insight that He shared with you. Now it is your turn to share it with someone else. That’s the way Christianity works; we receive from God and we share with others!