ENDURING TO THE END

We are not saved because we endure, but we endure because we are saved. The grace of God that saves us, secures us, and sustains us. Even though Revelation 14 speaks specifically of those who will come to faith in a future time of tribulation, it also applies generally to saints of all the ages, and their “patience,” that is, their perseverance, (v. 12-13).  Those who are blood-washed and born again belong to Christ and endure to the end.

We note their RIGHTEOUSNESS,  “here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” (v. 12b).  Because we are kept by the grace of God, we are governed by God and keep His commands. As has been said, “Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.”  Faith in Christ is the root of our salvation, but obedience is the fruit of it.

Further, we find their REST,  “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: ‘ “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” ’  ‘ “Yes,” ‘ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors,’ “ (v. 13a). The righteous who are faithful unto death need not fear death when it comes. If we are “in the Lord,” having a genuine relationship with Him, then we die in the Lord’s arms, as He rocks us to sleep, and carries us home.

Then comes their REWARD, “ ‘and their works follow them,’ ” (v. 13b).  The all-knowing God is documenting every deed done in His name and for His glory. Others may not take notice. We may never get recognition here, but we are assured of reward hereafter!  This reality is echoed in Hebrews 6:10,  “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

So, servant of God—press on!  Do not think about quitting!  So long as God keeps you here, keep true to Him, and He will keep you by His grace to endure to the end!

THE WAY TO PROMOTION

Man’s way is to promote himself. We seek to climb the ladder-whether it be in a secular job, a social state, even a spiritual ministry. If we have to climb over others to reach a higher state, then so be it. We maximize our successes and minimize our shortcomings. The reality is—it often works!  Yet, no matter how high we climb, someone else will always be above us. No matter how much we possess, someone else will have more. 

Yet, there is nothing wrong with seeking promotion—if we do it God’s way and for His glory. James tells us how. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up,” (James‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬‬). 

He speaks of ABASEMENT, “Humble yourselves.”  We abase ourselves, when we intentionally surrender to the Sovereign God and submit to His will. Now, God can humble us. He can bend us, bow us, even break us. Far better, however, is to choose to humble ourselves. 

James also points to AWARENESS, “in the sight of the Lord.”  Our aim is not to draw the eyes of men to gaze upon us and have their acclaim. It matters not how our fellow humans may judge us. Ultimately, all that matters is what God sees and knows. One day, He will reward us accordingly.  Do not seek celebrity status here, but serve to be crowned hereafter!

Trust in God’s way of ADVANCEMENT, “and He will lift you up.”  A dear mentor of mine, Dale Fisher, told me in the early days of my ministry, “God knows where you are and can get you where He wants you to be.”  The denominational executives may not know your name. Some megachurch may not have you on the radar—and would not even consider your resume. How many of God’s faithful servants labor in obscurity!  

Press on dear one—God will lift you up, in His time and in His manner. Jesus set the pattern and we are to have His mindset. 

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬‬)

This is God’s way of promotion—the way of the cross!

THE SOLUTION TO SLUGGISHNESS

 

Sluggishness is sinfulness. We are commanded, “do not become sluggish,” (Heb. 6:12), which implies three things. First, there is a temptation that we will settle into sluggishness. None of us are immune. Second, we need not surrender to sluggishness. It is a choice and God gives us the power to overcome. Third, there is a solution to sluggishness and it is given in Hebrews 6:10-12. 

The solution to sluggishness is a consideration of OUR FUTURE, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister,” (v. 10). Satan will whisper, “Your work is in vain. All that effort and what do you have to show for it? Nobody even notices. You need to step back and sit down.”  He is a liar! God is watching and He will reward you for all the weary work and loving labor that you do in ministry to the people of God. Just because you do not receive the recognition you merit or the reward you deserve on earth, does not mean you will not. That is for eternity, so press on!

The solution to sluggishness further calls for a consecration to OUR FAITHFULNESS, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,” (v. 11). Instead of being indolent, we need to be diligent. Our body belongs to God. Paul spoke of that consecration in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Christ purchased us with His precious blood. He gave His all for us and so now demands we give our all to Him. That is service that is “reasonable.”

Then, the solution to sluggishness requires a concentration with OUR FOCUS, “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises,” (v. 12‬‬). When we are weary and worn, it is easy to become distracted. We lose sight of the eternal treasure and slip into playing with earthly trinkets. There are many who do, yet there are a few who have relentlessly focused on finishing the race well. We are to focus on the faithful and follow in their footsteps. Hebrews 11 will set forth such models for us to imitate in faith and patience. Church history is replete with such stories of those who did not succumb to sluggishness, but strove to success.

Nearly half a century ago, I copied the following poem in my Bible to spur me on lest I become sluggish. 

Don’t Quit
by
Edgar Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
And the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than 
It seems to a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up 
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit.
It's when things seem worst that
You musn't quit.

SELECTED TO SERVE

Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him. He set the model for them in His service to His Father, and mandated that they walk in His steps. We are selected to serve. It matters not what we do, we have this call as Christians. In this case, Paul was speaking to those who were bondslaves. If they saw that ultimately they were not serving men, but God, there would be a dignity bestowed upon their labor which would be transformative.

We are to serve the Lord COMPREHENSIVELY, “whatever you do.”  If you are a plumber or a pastor, a soldier or a sailor, a builder or a baker—there is no such thing as secular work. It is all spiritual service to Christ, if we are saved. We have been selected to serve.  This is comprehensive in its scope. 

We are to serve the Lord HEARTILY, “do it heartily.”  It would be a difference-maker for the preacher on Sunday morning if he would face his opportunity enthusiastically. That might impact the congregation as well!  It can be a contagious thing. It is an attitude adjustment for the employee on Monday morning that would direct him to say, “Good morning, Lord!” instead of, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” It will affect the mother who is rising in the night at a baby’s cry, if she hears this as a summons to serve Christ. Hear the Psalmist’s exhortation, “Serve the Lord with gladness,” (Ps. 100:2a). 

We are to serve the Lord EXPECTANTLY,  “as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”  We do not work for a paycheck on earth, but a payday in eternity!  We may think ourselves underpaid for the labor we perform. We may work hard all our life and in our old age have little to show for it—we think. But, if we have been faithfully and joyfully serving Christ through that vocation, then He is watching, accounting, and will in Heaven be rewarding us for that work!

I write this on Saturday, and Sunday is coming, so let me say a special word to those who work in church. There will be some pastors who read this who will stand in a pulpit with more empty pews than expectant people tomorrow morning. They may pour their heart out and be met with a yawn from the handful of sleepy saints who are there. Someone will have prepared to direct the music and the singing will not have the energy or harmony befitting praise to God. A Sunday School teacher will have readied a lesson and maybe one or none show up to hear. Elsewhere, a small number give sacrificially to keep the lights on and the doors open. You may be the bi-vocational pastor who perspires under a hot sun Monday through Friday to inspire the people with a sermon on the Lord’s Day or you are privileged to be in a larger work, perhaps with multiple services—yet both of you collapse exhausted on Sunday evening. No matter what we do in the house of God, the Devil will have some critics there to make us feel that we are failures.

Do not forget there is One who attends our gathering who is soaking it all in, and writing it all down. Jesus is sitting in that congregation, choir loft, or classroom!  One day you can hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matt. 25:21). 

The old Gospel song is a wonderful reminder:

Sometimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear.
We’re tempted to complain,
to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
to catch his bride away!
All tears forever over
in God's eternal day!

It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life's trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ. (Esther Kerr Rusthoi)

In a few minutes I plan to mow my lawn and later review my sermon to the glory of God!

COMMITMENT TO THE END

The Apostle’s commitment will be to the end, sealed in his own blood.  Here is his swan song—Paul’s last will and testament.

There are reflections on the past (v.7). 3 times, he reflects, “I have.”  Paul speaks as the soldier when he says, “I have fought the good fight.”  The old Gospel general has taken many a wound in his war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.  He has faithfully worn the whole armor of God and wielded the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Now, he will lay his armor aside and head for home.  The battle is over and victory has been won!  Paul speaks as a sportsman when he claims, “I have finished the race.”  It has been a marathon—a grueling race of endurance with many hurdles to clear, but now the finish line is in sight and he is sprinting to the tape.  The race is over and victory has been won!  Paul speaks as a steward when he asserts, “I have kept the faith.”  In his time, a steward was a household slave entrusted with his master’s possessions.  He was to manage them and invest them wisely, caring for the household. Paul had been entrusted with the faith—the body of Christian truth (ref. 2 Tim.1:11-14). The work is over and the reward has been won!  God help us to have this testimony in the end.  

Also, we hear a readiness in the present (v.6). Paul’s mind runs to his Jewish roots for an illustration—the pouring out of a drink offering on the altar as an act of worship.  His entire ministry had been a pouring out of his life for Jesus, the church, and lost humanity. The time for his departure from this world is close and he is not dreading it, but delighted in it!  Departure is a nautical term for boarding the ship, raising the anchor, and setting sail. Paul was boarding the Old Ship of Zion for a voyage to golden shores!

Thus, there was rejoicing in the prospects (v.😎. If we bear the cross, we will gain the crown!  Notice the reward is reserved for “that day”—the appearing of Jesus the second time. You don’t get the reward when you die, or you will get short-changed. Our influence lives on!  Only when time is no more will the final results be in and full reward be given. Not just for Paul, not just for preachers,  but “to all those who have loved his appearing.”  Do you love His appearing?  Are you looking up? Looking for Jesus? Living with expectancy and urgency?  Those who are most heavenly minded do the most earthly good.  Look up!  Live for eternity!

CAN I TRUST THE BIBLE? The Experiential Testimony: The Miraculous Power of Scripture Promised, Part 2

The Word of God is alive.  It is not just inspiring—it is inspired.  The term means, “God breathed”—that is, just as He breathed life into Adam in creation, He has breathed into the Bible eternal life.  It has the latent power of God within its pages, waiting to be tapped.  David, in Psalm 19:7-11, extols the miraculous nature of Scripture.  In our previous study, we noted five dimensions of this dynamic force.  Today, we will observe five more promises.

The Word ENGRAVES THE TRUTH.  It is truth and when engraved on our hearts into conviction will produce righteousness in us.  The Holy Bible generates holiness as we digest its content and incarnate its commands.

Scripture ENRICHES THE LIFE.  When you are on your deathbed, will you call, “Bring me my checkbook” or “Read me my stock portfolio”?  No, you will say, “Bring me the Word of God.  Read me the Bible!”  It’s better than money.  It’s also sweeter than honey.

The Bible SWEETENS THE JOURNEY.  What’s your favorite dessert? Pecan pie, banana pudding, strawberry ice cream?  In David’s day, it would be honey.  I still like to saturate a waffle with it, making sure each square is full of nature’s sweetness.  Yet, David declares that there’s nothing sweeter than the Word of God!

This Book WARNS THE PILGRIM.  Paul reminds us that this is one of the great purposes for the documenting of the Old Testament stories.  

“Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.’ Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”  (I Corinthians‬ ‭10:6-11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Our pilgrimage in this wicked world is full of peril, yet God has erected warnings in His Word to remind us to exercise caution.  We are smart when we learn from our mistakes, but smarter to learn from the mistakes of others!

Then, the Bible REWARDS THE OBEDIENT. 

The promise of blessing from those who meditate on its message is oft repeated. 

“Blessed is the man 
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, 
Nor stands in the path of sinners, 
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 
And in His law he meditates day and night. 
He shall be like a tree 
Planted by the rivers of water, 
That brings forth its fruit in its season, 
Whose leaf also shall not wither; 
And whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalms‬ ‭1:1-3)‬

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”  (Joshua‬ ‭1:7-8‬)

This is the key to being successful in all that we do.  Now, this is not a get rich quick scheme.  There is no promise you will always be healthy and wealthy.  But, it is assurance of having all you need to do all God wants—and that is true success.  

This is the miraculous power of Scripture promised!

INVESTING IN ETERNITY

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  (Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV)

Right now the stock market is in record territory, rising like a rocket.  The thing about rockets, however, is they can come down just as fast—with a crash at the end.  Let me tell you where you need to invest—in eternity!  The things of God will endure when all that is of this world passes away.  While it is true that we can’t take it with us, we can send it on ahead to a place where it is safe.  On earth, designer clothes can be moth-eaten, fancy cars will rust, and extravagant homes may be plundered by thieves.  No worries about that in heaven!  You are guaranteed an abundant return on your investment!

The month of November will feature a series of Biblical messages to challenge us in this area.  By far, the most significant investment we can make is on FRIEND DAY, November 5.  Invite some friends to join you at Pole Creek where they will hear a special Gospel message on “Life’s Most Important Question.”

On November 12, we will consider “The Stewardship Challenge.”  God challenges us to “prove” Him.  Did you know this is the only area where God invites us to put Him to the test?

November 19 presents “The Stewardship Choice.”  We have a choice about how we invest in what God gives to us.  What we have is not ours, but His and we will be accountable for how we choose to invest it.

The series concludes on November 26 with “The Stewardship Commitment.”  The commitment we make needs to be plentiful, purposeful, and productive.  We will ask God to guide us in our giving commitment for the next year.

Thank you for being such a generous church!  The Lord has blessed us with a big-hearted congregation.  It is a privilege to serve you!

Blessings,

Pastor Dennis  

LOOKING UP WHEN FEELING DOWN

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”  (Rev.4:1)

If your head is bowed and your heart is broken, it is time for a change of perspective.  We can choose to lift our head and incline our heart heavenward.  While it may not change the circumstances, it will alter our attitude.  We cannot always control what happens outside us, but we can choose what happens inside us.  

My mother-in-law, Louise Crayton—now in heaven—was one of the most radiant Christians I have ever known.  For the last years of her life she was debilitated by multiple sclerosis that left her immobile.  She couldn’t feed herself, clothe herself—she was like a baby who had to be diapered and cared for.  Despite this, you seldom heard her complain.  Here is what she did say: “It is good that I have been sick because it gives me more time to pray.  When you’re flat on your back, you have nowhere to look, but up!”  Louise had a choice—to wallow in a sickbed of self-pity or to soar by faith into heavenly places.  

The Apostle John, in the fourth chapter of Revelation, gains a new perspective.  He looks up when feeling down.  Remember, he was exiled on the prison island of Patmos.  His only crime was faithfulness to Jesus.  Then, Jesus shows up.  He is without human companionship, but in chapter one he encounters the glorified Christ.  Next, Jesus speaks up.  Chapters two and three record the messages Christ had for His churches.  They were having their struggles.  These seven prophetically point to the course of the age—from the apostles to the apostates—a downward direction.  Yet, even in the midst of decline, there was a faithful remnant—a bride preparing for the bridegroom to come.

Jesus showed up, spoke up, and now in chapter four, John is caught up.  This speaks figuratively of the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH (v.1-3).  At the end of Rev.3, the word “church,” is nor used again until 22:16.  During those chapters of tribulation—as judgments are poured out on a Christ-rejecting world—the church is missing on earth because she has been taken to glory.  John has seen a door opened in heaven and the invitation to enter has been given.  He has heard a trumpet voice that called him.  Maybe today, the trumpet will sound calling the dead in Christ from their graves and the living saints to be translated with them into the clouds (1 Thess.4:16-18). 

There follows the REWARD OF THE CHURCH (v.4-5).  The church will wear a righteous robe.  The soil of sin will be washed away, and we will be dressed fully in the righteousness of Christ.  The twenty-four elders represent the redeemed of all the ages—12 patriarchs of the Old Testament and 12 apostles of the New Testament.  They wear not only a righteous robe, but a royal crown.  We will wear a crown of victory some day!

This brings the REJOICING OF THE CHURCH (v.6-11).  The natural creation adores the Creator.  That is what the four living creatures represent.  The new creation acclaims Him, casting their crowns at His feet!

As the old hymn says, “Some golden daybreak, Jesus will come!”  As the darkness grows about us, look up dear brothers and sisters—a new day will dawn with the coming of the Son!

THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

 

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.  (Revelation 2:10c)

For over two centuries, the church in America has enjoyed exceptional freedom.  The laws of the land have assured the right to worship.  For much of that time there has been great respect and influence by Christianity in American life.  I say it is exceptional because for much of church history it has not been the case, and in places today believers will be imprisoned, tortured, and martyred.  There is every indication this is coming to America.  The verbal assault of strident secularism, as well as the government moving from benevolent, to benign, and now toward belligerence concerning religion is evident.

In the first century, persecution from the pagan world was commonplace and would intensify.  As Jesus speaks to seven representative churches in chapters two and three of Revelation, His message to the church in Smyrna was one of consolation to a persecuted people.

Jesus begins by addressing the angel of the church (2:8).  The word means, “messenger.”  In most places, this refers to heavenly messengers, but in these seven letters, I believe it speaks of human messengers.  God’s letter to the church is delivered to the pastor who will proclaim it to the people.  We know from church history that the pastor of Smyrna was Polycarp—burned at the stake for his faithfulness to Christ. 

The letter is directed to the assembly of the members (2:8), the church at Smyrna.  The town’s name came from their trade in exporting myrrh.  Myrrh is an aromatic resin made from a small, thorny tree.  The word myrrh means bitter.  It was used for embalming.  How appropriate for a church that would know bitterness and death.  Jesus commended them without complaint.  He consoled them without chastening them.  All of the other churches in these letters—even the really good ones—have problems that Jesus addresses, but not this assembly.  The fire of refining had purified them.

Jesus is the Author of this letter (2:8) and the way He describes Himself is most instructive.  He is “the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life….”  Men may come and go, tribulations begin and end—Christ is eternal, unchangeable, invincible, even conquering death.  That was the hope and encouragement to these suffering saints, and to the persecuted today also.

The accomplishments of this church are presented next (2:9).  They were faithful despite the hostile environment.  Their church wasn’t respected—it was hated.  We are told today that the successful church is one that adapts its message to the culture.  It is the church that is welcoming to seekers.  The model churches of American evangelicalism scrupulously avoid the political and making moral pronouncements.  Yet, Jesus commended a church that was hated.  Furthermore, many popular voices today tell you that faith leads to financial prosperity.  This church contradicts that false gospel.  They weren’t celebrated, but lied about and persecuted.

These afflictions would bring wonderful attainments, however (2:10).  Satan would strike them, yet a Sovereign God would sift them with suffering.  There were limits set on the span of their persecution and the church would emerge stronger from being tempered by fire.  Jesus promised to reward them with the crown of life.

He closes with an appeal (2:11).  It is a personal one—for a church is only as strong as its individual members.  The overcomers may not evade the fire here, but are promised exemption from the fire hereafter.  We are not saved because we overcome, but we overcome because we are saved.

SEIZING OPPORTUNITY

And Solomon went to Hamath Zobah and seized it.  (2 Chronicles 8:3)

One of finest roles played by the late Robin Williams was in the movie, “Dead Poets Society.”  He was cast as an English teacher, John Keating.  Perhaps the most memorable part of the movie came when Williams was challenging the young men who were his students to seize the opportunity for their lives to be extraordinary.  He discusses with the class the Latin term, “carpe diem,” (meaning “seize the day”) by pointing to pictures of students who preceded them—now dead—their voices whispering from beyond the grave, “carpe diem…carpe diem…seize the day.”  It strikes a chord with our heart because we realize our days are numbered and we have something inside us that calls us to want to make a difference during the time we have.

In the eighth chapter of 2 Chronicles, we find King Solomon seizing his opportunity with a firm grip and wringing out of it every drop of significance.  He was a man exceptionally blessed by God with resources—wisdom and wealth—yet, was extraordinarily energetic in using those gifts to the glory of God.  Solomon was an ancient Hebrew who did not know a word of Latin and who preceded “Dead Poets Society,” by almost three thousand years.  Still, he fully understood the concept of making his life extraordinary.  He was blessed to be a builder.  Eight times the words, “built” or “build” are used in these eighteen verses.  The fact is that each day we are building a legacy that will last or frittering away our time on the trivial that will erode and vanish with the passing of the years.  As some walk through life, their footprints are cast in concrete, so that long after they are dead a path is clearly established to challenge others to follow.  Then, far too many will leave footprints as those who walk along the beach, where the tides of time wash away the evidence of their existence.

Solomon built a beautiful temple for the worship of God, as well as a palace for himself (v.1), with the sacrifices and service of the altar which he organized (v.12-16).  He built cities, took territory, secured it, and established an administration to govern effectively (v.2-11).  Solomon built the economy so all the nation might share the prosperity (v.17-18).

At this point, it will be tempting to make excuses and say, “If I had the same opportunity as Solomon—if I had all that he had—I would make my mark in life also!”  Would you?  There are some Biblical principles that apply.  Jesus said, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”  (Luke 12:48) and “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”  (Luke 16:10).  You are not responsible for what you cannot do—only the opportunity God gives you with the tools in your hands—and God establishes the true measure of success.  It is as eternity decides and not some earthly poll that is taken.  It may be that we labor in relative obscurity, few resources at our disposal, and little of the opportunity others have.  The real question in the end of life is, “Did I seize my opportunity?  Did I make the most of what God entrusted to me?”

Carpe diem—seize the day!

SHEPHERD AND SHEEP

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you….  (1 Peter 5:2a)

Few passages of Scripture are dearer to the believer than the twenty-third Psalm.  God is identified as Shepherd.  It was a title Jesus Himself took.  This is the terminology likewise used to describe a pastor. What an awesome privilege and responsibility!  So, what does God have to say on the topic of spiritual leadership in 1 Peter 5?

First, hear A WORD TO THE SHEPHERDS: ACCOUNTABILITY (v.1-4).  As a spiritual leader in this church I will one day give an account to God for my stewardship of this sacred trust.  

Four requirements are listed here:

·        There must be the proper conviction (v.1).  That is—a conviction of the call we have received.  To be an elder in the church isn’t the result of personal ambition or popular appeal.  We lead because God has led us.  God is still calling men to shepherd His flock as elders of the church. 

·        There must be the proper direction (v.2a). “Shepherd the flock…serving as overseers….” God directs us in the work.  The shepherd is to lead, feed and be willing to bleed for the flock.

·        There must be a proper motivation (v.2b).  Worthy and unworthy motives are contrasted.  It isn’t a profession but a passion.  This is the difference between what Jesus called a shepherd and a hireling. 

·        There must be a proper demonstration (v.3).  We must model the truth we are teaching.  We aren't lords spouting edicts, but leaders showing examples. The title demands a testimony to match.

Along with the requirements comes the promise of the reward (v.4).  There is a price to pay for leadership—the hours are long, the burdens are large, and the disappointments are legion.  But, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus!  With the eternal in view we will not become consumed with the material and yield to the temptation to fleece the flock rather than feed them.  

Peter also has A WORD TO THE SHEEP: RESPONSIBILITY (v.5).  Pastors have an accountability to lead, but members have a responsibility to follow.  You can lead a sheep to pasture, but you can't make him eat.

There is to be submission in our labors.  “Likewise”—the laity have duties as well as the clergy.  All of us are ministers.  Sheep were valuable in that culture—and so are the members.  The church cannot be what it needs to be unless the saints are engaged in ministry.  It seems the few who are willing are worn down trying to carry the whole load.  Church work, done properly, is labor intensive.  Yet, it can be done with joy if each member does their share.

There is to be submission to our leaders (v.5a).  I understand that sheep can be unruly and that they are prone to wander.  That’s why they need a shepherd.  Submission isn’t a natural trait.  Have you ever considered why the shepherd carries a rod and staff?  One of the most important purposes pastors have is to prod and discipline the sheep.  In so doing, he loves them!

There is to be submission to other laity (v.5b).  Why is it so hard to submit?  Our arrogance!  We think we know it all.  It is a humbling thing to have to listen to anyone—but especially one of our peers.  Yet, this is the very thing Peter is talking about.  We have a choice to receive heaven’s resources or resistance.  Which do you prefer?  Humility paves the way for grace to operate in us.  How much we need it!

YOU CAN LOSE YOUR CROWN!

 

So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD….  (1 Chronicles 10:13a)

Our salvation for heaven depends on the finished work of Christ.  Redemption comes by faith. Our status in heaven depends on our finishing the work Christ has for us.  Reward comes by faithfulness. You can win a crown—and you can lose it!

On the one hand, we are exhorted to pursue our crown, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10b)  On the other hand we are encouraged to preserve our crown, "Hold fast what you have, that no one man take your crown." (Revelation 3:11b)

Saul lost his crown.

A chill runs up my spine and a tear wells up in my eye as I consider this horrible possibility, documented in Scripture. I can be just like Saul. I can lose my crown.

He had so much potential. God had blessed Saul with great ability and grand opportunity. His beginning was one of humility and success, as one chosen of God. His ending, however, was one of tragedy and failure, as one cast aside by God. 

You cannot win the crown, if you stumble before the finish line.

There were three temporal losses which Saul experienced on his way to losing his crown.  All the consequences of unfaithfulness may not await eternity.  Many are suffered now.

We observe A DIRECTION THAT WAS UNCLEAR.  Saul had spurned the Word of the Lord so much, that God said, "Have it your way!"  The Lord would not listen to the one who would not listen to him.  In a state of spiritual confusion and utter desperation, he sought a medium for direction.  If you insist on refusing to seek God, and then one day in difficulty, decide to place an emergency call to heaven, God might graciously respond—or He may not.  He is the Almighty God and not to be treated like an ambulance dispatcher!  You can lose your crown!

There was also A DEFEAT THAT WAS UNAVOIDABLE.  Saul had first surrendered to sin, before he suffered defeat on the battlefield.  Having forsaken the Lord, he had no strength to win. The outward loss was inevitable, due to the unseen conquest of his soul, by not heeding his Commander's orders.  We see the fall of some pastor, a fellow church member, someone we had confidence in—beaten down by the devil—and think it a sudden setback.  Seldom, if ever, is that the case.  Behind the scenes, a thousand little private defeats led to the public disgrace.  You can lose your crown!

Then, we note A DEATH THAT WAS UNNECESSARY.  Saul falls on his own sword and takes his life.  His sons, including the good and gracious Jonathan, fall in battle.  Many a soldier had their blood spilled on the ground that day.  Grieving widows and pitiful orphans were the heirs of this defeat.  The effects of our backsliding are never limited to us.  It is true that we will lose our crown, but how many others will we drag down with us?  You can lose your crown, and this can lead others to lose theirs.

Now, I am not talking about losing your salvation, but losing your standing—our relationship is unalterable, but our reward isn't (see 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).  I fully expect to see Saul in heaven one day—without his crown.

Let us pray more earnestly that we would live more faithfully.  Don't lose your crown!