“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
—Hebrews 13:17
EVERY PASTOR and elder has had frequent occasions both for joy and groaning over the people of God. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 3:9, “For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account?” The Apostle John wrote in 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
BUT PAUL also groaned over the church. We read in 2 Corinthians 2:4, “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.” We also read in 2 Corinthians 12:15, “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.” Paul was not concerned about his own welfare or reputation, but about God’s glory and the welfare of the church. When your pastor and elders groan it’s because they know that your disobedience to the Word of God will harm both you and the name of Christ.
INSTEAD OF causing grief or murmuring against your spiritual leaders, pray for them. Hebrews 13:18 says, “Pray for us…” The Apostle Paul frequently asked for prayer from the saints. In Ephesians 6:19 he asks for prayer so that he might open his mouth and boldly proclaim the Gospel. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:25 he simply says, “Brethren, pray for us!”
CHRISTIAN, PRAY for your pastor and elders that they will stand firm and maintain a good conscience before God. Pray they will be delivered from circumstances or difficulties beyond their control. Pray that God would give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding and keep them faithful to watch over your souls by the ministry of the Word for in doing these things they will serve with joy, which will be for your edification and benefit. Take time today to pray for your pastor, elders and deacons.
Friday Devotional: October 25, 2024
In Christ,
Pastor S. Henry