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Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’; as he says also in another place,‘You are a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchizedek.' In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:1-10)
Good day to you dear Friend! The cold and rain continue at this writing, but thank God we are warm and secure in His favor; may the same be true for you and yours. Prayers for those who are homeless and exposed to the elements of the rain and cold. Prayers one for the other; prayers for ourselves.
A priest is one who serves as a bridge between God and humanity. The word priest comes from the Latin word ponti, which is close to the Spanish "puente." The role of a priest, and certainly a high priest from biblical times, was as this passage says, "put in charge of things pertaining to God" on behalf of all mortals, especially those who are under his charge (attends his/her church). The big question in preaching class when I took it was "By whose authority do you preach?" The answer was two-fold; those called by God to preach have God's authority, and that, especially in most denominations comes also through the processing and licensing agencies of each church. But the authority for one to preach comes from those who sit in the pews/chairs on that Sunday when we preach. The purpose of the preacher is to share something "pertaining to God on their behalf," and the role of they in the pews/chairs, is to receive it, understand it, implement it and share it. Those churches were the lay people come only to recharge and renew, and then go and do the work of the Lord are those churches which are growing. Those churches where because of custom and habit, gather to hear a joke or two, some good teaching and head-nodding; then a return home like nothing happened; well, those churches are not growing and are not being faithful to God.
The passage for today reminds me that October has been set aside by someone as Pastor Appreciation Month. Most churches, beside praying for their pastors, show love and kindness by gifts, large and small to those "chosen among mortals" who have been "put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf" in their church or setting. The passage reminds us that pastors are fully human, with feelings, dreams and desires, sometimes having "to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward," all the while reminded that we too, are much the same way at times. Yet, the main focus for most pastors is Jesus, the true and eternal high priest Whom we love and serve. We preach Him and His truth, and we minister to those in need, seeking to revitalize, revive, or renew the work of God in our midst.
Let our focus today be on our pastors. Take a moment to pray for him/her. Thank God for their calling and lift up any concerns or worries you have about that which s/he is trying to do in your church. I remind us that whomever you have as pastor, whether you like that person or not, they are there in the office of Jesus, serving Jesus. Pray that they not lose their way; pray that their calling be renewed daily to serve more faithfully and fruitfully. And, if you have not yet shown any appreciation for him or her, buy them at least a card where you can express a word or two about gratitude for that which they do. Tell them you are praying for them and their families; asking that God bless and protect them and guide them to new heights of service. Then, examine what it is you have been called to do; dedicate that to your prayer life, and then listen to the Lord seeking to respond in ways that bless God.
PRAYER: Loving Father, we thank You for our pastors. We ask that today be a day of renewal in their spiritual lives. Remind our pastors of that which first caught their attention to Your desire for them to serve You. May today be when their calling is renewed and recharged! Father, bless those moments of doubt and frustration; lift our pastors up from there and back on the path that leads them to lead us to faithfulness and fruitfulness. We ask blessings upon their families; and Father I ask blessings on this dear reader, and their call to serve You too. Remind and renew that calling too. May they seek to do more; shower them with blessings too. And this I pray in Christ Jesus, our true high priest, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Shine so brightly your pastor will wonder what you're up to!
Eradio Valverde
