ESOCS Devotional 5 August
TEXT: GALATIANS 4:19–31
MEMORY VERSE: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” Galatians 4:19
In ESOCS church, there are those who are ordained to the rank of Pastor; these are our regular Pastors. There are also those who are in the office of Pastor. These are those who occupy pastoral positions and perform pastoral duties. These will include Heads of branches and all who occupy positions that put them in charge of souls (members) at all levels. St. Paul is talking to them in the text above. The message is contained in the three aspects that make up the sentence.
- My little Children: (Be their Father): From this phrase, he teaches the position of the Pastor to the flock of Christ and the relationship that exists between them. The Pastor is a Father to the congregation and they are his children. The pastoral call demands that you first be a father to the children of God, see them and take care of them as your children, before you be their leader or any other thing.
- Of whom I travail in birth again: ( Carry them in your life): The work of a Pastor is likened to pregnancy where the fetus is the flock of Christ. God uses him as a womb where the children of God are conceived, and provided with the needed environment where they will develop and become what God wants them to be. He is to nurse and provide nourishment for the developing fetus. Again, as the life of an unborn child is dependent on the life of the woman, so is the life and wellbeing of the flock dependent on the Pastor. He should therefore take care of himself to ensure he is in good spiritual health for the good of the flock.
- Until Christ be formed in you: (Reproduce Christ in them): This clearly states the target and the finished job the Pastor is to accomplish in the flock. His job is to work on the flock until they are like Jesus Christ. Think like Him, speak like Him and behave like Him. Filled with His Spirit and Power and doing the work he did. Until Christ is formed in those under you, your work is not done. Please get to work.
These three provide us a model for pastoral work. A deviation from this model will produce dysfunctional results.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
- Into what rank are you ordained or what office do you occupy? What is your reason for acceptance?
- How have your life and performance in your rank or office complied with this model?
PRAYER POINT:
- Father I ask that you forgive me all misuse of my position. Help me to use the office you have given me to accomplish your purpose for the church. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Nehemiah 2:1-20; Nahum 3:1-19; Mark 11:11-33; 12:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 5th August
