READING: Ezekiel 10-13, Hebrews 13
Earlier this week on my blog, I rejoiced that the church I have served as interim pastor has now called our next pastor. My post was particularly about ways I will be praying for him and then encouraging others to pray for their own pastors. Prayer matters to pastors not only because we need God’s help, but also because our responsibilities are far beyond us.
In fact, I can never read Hebrews 13:7 without renewing my commitment to love, pray for, and support my pastor: “Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.” Pastors have the incredible, humbling responsibility to lead God’s church and proclaim the Word of God to us, helping us to understand and live out that Word. Moreover, they are to live in such a way that we will want to imitate their faith. They lead us to Jesus as they show us the way, even if the “outcome” of their lives is martyrdom; in fact, some scholars hear “remember your leaders” as an indication that these leaders had already died in faith—thus joining the lineup of faith in Hebrews 11.
With this high calling for our pastors, it is only right that we honor those who lead us.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for those who lead us.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Pray throughout the day for your pastor.
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 14-16, James 1:1-2:13
