Monday, 7/14/14
Pastors get more calls requesting prayer, a hospital visit, or to conduct a wedding or someone’s funeral, from people who are not members of their church or else seldom attend. Because they are human, ministers are sometimes tempted to scold, lecture, or just plain refuse these callers. Nevertheless, most of them, especially those who take their calling seriously, will do nothing of the sort and make a generous effort to comply. I also know that pastors often get criticized by their own members when they become aware that he visited outside individuals or conducted a wedding or a funeral for them. They fail to realize the nature and seriousness of a minister’s calling, that the Lord called them to serve all who call them. When Jesus left Peter in charge of the Disciples, (John Chapter 21) He told him “Feed my sheep” not “Feed some of them or those you like.”
In the Old Testament times of Samuel, God’s outstanding leader who was also a prophet and priest, the people he had governed and served, came asking for a change. They now wanted to have a king like all the other pagan nations that surrounded them. They reminded Samuel that he was now too old and that his sons did not qualify to lead them. Samuel was deeply hurt by his own people’s rejection of him but when he consulted the Lord about it, God told him to go ahead and comply with their wishes, but also reminded him, “They have not rejected you; they have rejected me.” The people got their wish and once Saul was installed as King, Samuel gave the people his farewell address. In it, he reminded them of the many times the Lord had miraculously delivered them during the time of his leadership. he also reminded them that he had never failed them or taken anything from them. Feeling shame now for what they had done, they pleaded with him not to stop praying for them. Samuel replied: Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you. (1 Samuel 12:23) God’s faithful ministers today have the same mindset. They know if they refuse to serve those who call upon them, they are not being true to their calling and are, in fact, sinning against God.
God has no favorites, neither do His true servants and followers. Sometimes, even faithful members, for whatever reason, hesitate in calling on their pastor. They should never think that they are not worthy. The truth is that we all need prayer from time to time and none of us is either too good or too bad not to receive it when we request it..
Memory verse for the week: (Romans 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved .
