ICS Daily Devotions
Roger That!
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Amos 3:3 (NKJV) Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
God has equipped the church for the work ahead. He has put people together and provided the fivefold ministry (i.e. roles of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher). The Pastor is also particularly gifted with the heart to care, love, and lead the sheep in the sheepfold entrusted to him. Being under a local shepherd whom God has appointed over us cannot be stressed strongly enough.
One of the responsibilities of the Senior Pastor is to pray out the unique vision and mandate of the church he has been called to lead. He must have a clear picture of the goal for him to lead the way. At the same time, he must constantly look back to ensure the flock is following; at times this entails slowing down so that everyone is able to catch up.
The local church has a calling and a mandate to fulfil in the city and in the country. The local church must not be like a cruise ship where everyone is simply passing by, on a holiday mood without commitment. Instead, the local church must be like an aircraft carrier that is on a mission commissioned by God, with Jesus as its Captain. Every member is like an aircraft with a singular purpose within the carrier. No one should be without a role of responsibility in the ministry. What is interesting is that in God’s kingdom, the more we give of ourselves, we come out filled to the overflow. We simply cannot outgive God.
Here, it bears mentioning that we are indeed passersby; however, whilst here, we have a mission to usher in the kingdom for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. And so committed we must be. Through unity and oneness in the Body, the manifest presence of God in the church is ushered in.
In keeping with the aircraft carrier analogy, we must safeguard against strife and division lest we be like a ship trying to leave the port but sitting static due to little tugboats pulling her in all directions.
Come, let’s unload any unnecessary weight, look towards the destination, and sail away!
Sermon Series: We Can Do It!
