BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was early in my ministry from a mentor, Dale Fisher.  He told me, “God knows where you are and how to get you where He wants you to be.”  Now, looking back over a half-century of preaching, I can see the reality of that.  If you are going to systematically preach through books of the Bible, it will require you to put down roots—to bloom where you are planted.  It enables you to love those people in your congregation—to get to know them and their needs—and to speak to them directly from the Word.  You feed those sheep rather than looking for a larger flock in greener pastures.  I never went to a church that I viewed as a stepping stone to get somewhere else.  I only left when compelled by God and with a tearful farewell.  Here are some thoughts on this from, “The Whole Counsel of God”:

Closely related to pride is jealousy, and this can be born out of a dissatisfaction with the place where God has called us. Instead of faithfully and thankfully laboring away at preaching through the Bible for a smallish congregation in a smallish town, we can instead look to the capital cities, with their megachurches and high-profile pastors, and think about how we could preach ourselves into contention for a role alongside them. In doing this, we are forgetting that God has us exactly where he wants us and that he is as pleased with us doing our work of feeding our particular flock the fullness of his word as he is with the megachurch pastor proclaiming the gospel to thousands each week. In fact, if we were not preaching the word of God to the members of our flock, they might miss out on it, and so what we are doing is essential in God’s economy. God has marked out some to be famous stadium preachers, so we can peacefully entrust that task to them. He has entrusted others of us with the various flocks and missions we have, so that is where we must concentrate our efforts. (Kindle edition, location 3038).

I realize there are some situations that make it impossible to have a long tenure. We may be fired!  It happens. God may direct us to another place. Yet, we should seek to bloom where we are planted. 

 

 

THE RELEVANCE OF “THE REFORMED PASTOR”

Many years ago I got hold of “The Reformed Pastor,” by Richard Baxter. It was a little paperback that had a powerful impact on me. Pastor, do not read it, unless you want to be brought under conviction—it did that to me!  Here was an old Puritan pastor whose ministry was so impactful to the flock he shepherded. His writing is merely theoretical, but for him these truths were transformational. I was reminded of them as I read an article by Jonathan Threlfall called “Richard Baxter’s Advice to Pastors.”  He summarizes some of the counsel Baxter presented in his book and fleshed out in his ministry. I am providing the link in hope you will read it and take it to heart. My prayer is that you will get hold of the book and that the book will then get hold of you!  Read the article here: https://www.9marks.org/article/richard-baxters-advice-to-pastors

THE PRIORITY OF PRIVATE PRAYER AS A PREACHER

The preacher must give priority to private prayer.  The anointing of God cannot be worked up but must be prayed down  It is not a matter of performance as an actor on a stage, but preaching is an outward expression of the Word of God springing from the inward unction of the work of God.  Spurgeon underscores the essentiality of speaking with God first before we seek to speak to men.  

“If you as ministers are not very prayerful, you are much to be pitied. If, in the future, you shall be called to sustain pastorates, large or small, if you become lax in secret devotion, not only will you need to be pitied, but your people also; and, in addition to that, you shall be blamed, and the day cometh in which you shall be ashamed and confounded.

It may scarcely be needful to commend to you the sweet uses of private devotion, and yet I cannot forbear. To you, as the ambassadors of God, the mercy-seat has a virtue beyond all estimate; the more familiar you are with the court of heaven the better shall you discharge your heavenly trust.

Among all the formative influences which go to make up a man honored of God in the ministry, I know of none more mighty than his own familiarity with the mercy-seat. All that a college course can do, for a student is coarse and external compared with the spiritual and delicate refinement obtained by communion with God. While the unformed minister is revolving upon the wheel of preparation, prayer is the tool of the great potter by which he molds the vessel. All our libraries and studies are mere emptiness compared with our closets. We grow, we wax mighty, we prevail in private-prayer.” (Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, pp. 42-43, Kindle edition)  

 

 

DEMONSTRATION OF OUR DECLARATION

“Practice what you preach.” How many times have you heard that? Saying the way we should live through our communication is a lot easier than showing how we should live by our conduct. Yet, we are disqualified as hypocrites if our walk does not exemplify our talk. People need to see a sermon as well as hear one. The Apostle Paul writes to a young pastor, Timothy, and underscores this truth, “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Tim.‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). You might panic at the thought of standing in front of a crowd and preaching a sermon, but I will tell you that after fifty years of ministry, it is more challenging to flesh out the message in daily living.  Yet, this is demanded, no matter how difficult.

“Nearly every pastor we know can give examples of once godly friends who went through theological training with them or worked in churches nearby, but who are no longer in ministry (or, in some cases, not even in the faith) because of sins of a moral or relational kind. Guarding our lives and our teaching is therefore a constant need, one that is captured in the apostle’s advice to Timothy: 

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Tim. 4:15–16) 

The four imperatives are important: (1) practice these things, (2) immerse yourself in them, (3) keep a close watch, and (4) persist. Basically, Paul is exhorting Timothy to focus on the teachings and duties that Paul has laid out in the previous verses, to take care of his conduct and his teaching. Such exhortations make clear that guarding our lives and our teaching is a constant need that requires vigilance and focus. This can be helped by meeting with others to urge one another on and to keep one another accountable. It might even mean setting rigid boundaries for ourselves that help us avoid drifting in these areas. God’s leaders are to be people who are growing in submission to Scripture. Their daily lives are to reflect and exemplify the Scriptures that they teach. We are to be those with whom there is no hint or appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:21–22).” (Patrick, The Whole Counsel of God, location 2700-2720, Kindle edition)

May God help me and every messenger of God, to be a man of God!

FEEDING YOUR SOUL TO FEED THE SHEEP

Every man of God is a student of the Word of God. A daily feeding of our soul is needed that we might be equipped to feed and lead the flock. It is not enough to study to preach a sermon, but to open God’s Book with an open heart to hear from the Lord. Only as we grow can we elevate others. As I master the contents of Divine Truth, the Spirit uses it to master the communicator by Divine Truth.

The most important thing that I have ever since coming to follow Christ is to regularly ingest and digest “the whole counsel of God.”  Morning by morning has found me going through all the Bible in view of prayerfully applying the Scripture in my daily life. Though I certainly have intentionally focused on a portion of the Word as I prepared to preach and teach, I have found that having an overview of all the Bible has helped me proclaim the truth out of the overflow of the Spirit’s instruction to me. 

“The need is for a rigorous and widespread personal Bible-reading program that is separate from your preparation for the sermon. Such reading enriches your knowledge and understanding of Scripture, and helps you integrate that knowledge with your ministry of the word. It also enriches your biblical, systematic, and gospel theology, and enables you to adequately and intelligently critique the commentators that you read.” (Tim Patrick, The Whole Counsel of God, location 2680, Kindle edition). 

Context is crucial in correctly communicating Biblical content. Of course, there is the immediate context of the paragraph and chapter, but also of the particular book as a whole. But, to get it right goes beyond to the context of the testament and indeed the context of all the Bible. I will not convey the message correctly, unless I have studied the Word comprehensively.

THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE

Because God’s Word is God-breathed, it is sufficient to address every matter that may arise in church life. Paul puts it, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim.‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬‬). So, I have practiced, and have advocated to other pastors, preaching through books of the Bible. The Holy Spirit knows in advance the needs that will arise in the life of the church over the course of the year. When we prayerfully prepare such a sermon series, we will find it amazing how the text for that Lord’s Day had the needful application for that particular season in the life of the church.

However, though it does not surprise God, there will be occasional times in the life of the church that shock us—and the church faces a crisis that demands to be addressed. We should not be so rigid—should I say stubborn—to say that we ought never depart from the plan for one morning worship service. Tim Patrick, in his book, “The Whole Counsel of God,” speaks to this.  

“As much as we would love it if our churches always ran like clockwork, they never do. Sometimes, a congregation is rocked by a significant event that demands a response, and sometimes that response means that we need to change our best-laid plans. These types of events might be internal to the church: perhaps one of our young people is involved in a serious car accident, one of our leaders is caught in an extramarital affair, or one of our Bible study groups openly challenges the pastor’s authority. We do not much like to think about these sorts of things, as they are the worst parts of church life, but, sadly, in a fallen world, they do happen from time to time. Only naive church leaders would think that they could altogether avoid such situations as they tend the people of God. 

Some big events might be external to the congregation. These could include a natural disaster, such as a wildfire or flood in the local area; a controversial piece of legislation passing into law; or even something as monumental as the coordinated terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States.” (Location 2566, Kindle edition)

Indeed, when September 11 happened, I recall our church building full of people looking to me to share a Word from God about this event—which I did. I would return to the preaching calendar and make adjustments by the next week. This will not happen often, but it will sometimes be needed. Yet, even then, a solid exposition of a text will be vital. Scripture is sufficient.

THE WORK OF A WATCHMAN

There are a number of metaphors used to describe the role of the preacher. He is a shepherd who leads and feeds the flock of God. He is an overseer who is responsible to guide and guard the servants of God in their labor. He is an elder who is mature in faith and has wisdom to share and a life to emulate, as he fathers the family of God. He is a farmer who casts the seed, cultivates the soil, and conserves the harvest. The preacher is a builder who makes sure the church is built on a solid foundation of faith in Christ and is cemented together in love, built in such a way as to display the glory of God who indwells them.

There is a common thread that runs through each of these—the man of God has oversight of God’s people. He watches over the flock, the work, the family, the field, and the house of God.

He is a watchman on the wall.

That is the way God describes the work assigned to the prophet Ezekiel, and as such is instructive for those who preach the Word of God to the people of God today. Twice, God stresses His servant’s grave accountability to warn the people as he watches over their souls—here in chapter three and again in chapter thirty three of the book that bears the prophet’s name. While all of us have a work to do for the Lord, we are given different assignments. How can one know if he is designated for the ministry of the Word, gifted and set apart for this duty? Not all are, but some are—I am and you might be.

Let’s examine Ezekiel’s selection to this special service. While the specifics of his experience are not likely to be identical with ours, there are general principles that do apply to each preacher.

He is CALLED, (1:1-2:4).

“In the thirtieth year, in the fourth [month], on the fifth [day] of the month, while I was among the exiles by the Chebar Canal, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. On the fifth [day] of the month-it was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's exile—the word of the Lord came directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar Canal. And the Lord's hand was on him there.” (1:1-3)

The preacher has a divine calling. He knows what he must do and has no doubt that is his assignment. It is not of his choice, but God’s. Ezekiel did not decide on being a prophet as one of several vocational options. It was God’s call.

Ezekiel’s call was dramatic—a vision of God’s glory, an experience of celestial beings, an audible voice speaking to him. Those were things unique to Ezekiel’s call. But the main point and one that is consistent throughout the Scripture is that it is an unmistakable call, confirmed by God.

Moses had the experience of the burning bush. David had the duty of caring for sheep as a boy and Samuel anointed him to shepherd God’s flock. Isaiah saw the Lord and heard His commission while worshipping in the Temple. Jesus came to Peter, James and John and summoned them to follow Him. Paul was knocked to his feet by Christ, the Light of the World, and raised up to preach the light of the Word.

God still calls. It is not for me to say how God will speak to you, but He will! Sometimes it is a sudden summons, as one flips a light switch, and for others a gradual dawning of understanding as a sunrise. My call was more like the latter. Irrespective of the unique manifestations, there is the universal mandate—the call of God is clear—like the sounding of a trumpet.

His hand rested on Ezekiel and His hand will rest on you, if He has reached out for you to be a watchman. You have this awareness of an unseen hand that is placed on you—the call of God to preach the Word. It isn’t the supernatural signs that indicate the call, but the spiritual sense that is undeniable.

The call is CONFIRMED (2:5-6).

“Whether they listen or refuse [to listen]—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. Don't be afraid of their words or be discouraged by [the look on] their faces, for they are a rebellious house.” (2:5-6)

Not only would Ezekiel know that he had been set apart as a watchman, but the people would know. His message and his manner would communicate his call and they would confirm it. They might not want to hear what he had to say, and refuse to accept it, but in their heart of hearts they would know he had been sent by God. When they looked on the wall, they saw a watchman. They recognized it was Ezekiel.

We note this confirmation by God’s people throughout the Sacred Volume. The nation of Israel welcomes Moses as their deliverer. The people of God submit to David as their King. The sons of the prophets affirmed that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha, as the man of God. James and the other Apostles affirmed the Lord’s call to Paul. The church laid hands on men like Barnabas and Timothy, expressing their conviction of God’s selection for this ministry. This was the attestation of the people of God to the designation of the preacher by God.

I was not called by the church. But, when I announced my call, it was affirmed by them. Several came to me and said how they had seen God at work in me. They commended me to the ministry. They licensed me to preach and later I was ordained as a pastor, then installed by the vote of the congregation after being thoroughly examined as to my call. This confirmation has continued again and again as I have served the Lord through the years.

I have heard those who say they are called to preach, and after listening to them it was obvious they missed something somewhere! I have watched some who said they had this call, but their lifestyle denied it, and eventually moral failure or doctrinal error—sometimes both—manifested the sham.

The one called and confirmed has a work that is CONSUMING (2:7-3:3).

“ ‘And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.’ So I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and there was a written scroll in it.” (2:8-9)

“He said to me: ‘Son of man, eat what you find [here]. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll.

‘Son of man,’ he said to me, ‘eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.’ So I ate [it], and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.” (3:1-2)

You cannot speak for God unless God has spoken to you. The watchman had a warning to share, and that word had been given to him by God. His authority would be divine, for the source of his message would originate in heaven. He is not like the boy who cried, “Wolf!” when there was none.

The preacher is a man who hungers for truth and feeds his own soul on the sweetness of Scripture. He consumes it as the sustenance of his spiritual vitality and is then consumed with sharing it as his Scriptural ministry. Unless you are constrained to get alone with God and meet Him in His Book, then you are not suited to go before men on His behalf. People don’t need your opinions—they need God’s Word.

Moses alone in the desert hears from God. David alone in the fields with his father’s sheep communes with God, preparing his life work and message. Isaiah is alone in the Temple when God appears to Him. John the Baptist is alone in the wilderness before his public ministry begins. Paul went away into the isolation of Arabia at the outset of his missionary work. We must hear from God in order to speak for God.

There are many demands on the pastor. There are several responsibilities assigned him. But, preeminent over all is prayer and the ministry of the Word. Not even good things must detract from the main thing (see Acts 6:1ff). If he is not responsible in His speaking, then he will never be succeeding. He cannot speak publicly, if he does not spend time with God privately.

Called, confirmed, consuming and the preacher is COMMIITTED (3:4-11).

“But the house of Israel will not want to listen to you because they do not want to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hardheaded and hardhearted. Look, I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.

I have made your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Don't be afraid of them or discouraged by [the look on] their faces, even though they are a rebellious house.’ Next He said to me: ‘Son of man, listen carefully to all My words that I speak to you and take [them] to heart.

Go to your people, the exiles, and speak to them. Tell them, “This is what the Lord God says,” whether they listen or refuse [to listen].’” (3:7-11)

The preacher must be courageous. His convictions must be solid and though he will be tempted to quit, he resists the urge to run and keeps sounding the alarm. He longs for the people to heed his voice. But, even if they do not, he knows that he will answer to God for staying at his post.

It was a hard-headed congregation that Ezekiel would serve. But, God assured him he would make his head harder than theirs! Every preacher must have a hard head of conviction and a soft heart of compassion. If he gets those reversed, he will be a washout rather than a watchman.

A soft-headed preacher who is squishy in his convictions, will soon compromise the truth. A hard-hearted preacher will drive the sheep and not lead them. He will hurt them and not heal them. His disposition will undermine His declaration. The preacher needs to remember that God is watching the watchman. He wants hard-headed, soft-hearted men.

Called, confirmed, consuming, committed and COMPELLED—that is the preacher of the Word (3:12-4:17)

“Now at the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the house of Israel. When you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.’” (3:16-17)

Ezekiel was compelled to speak. He was literally borne away by the Spirit (3:12-15) and bound up in his service (4:1-17). The man of God was carried, captivated—and thus, compelled.

Why would a man preach the Word? Because he cannot do anything else!

Now, don’t read that as a lack of capacity for other vocations. In fact, most are engaged in other lines of secular work—and rather successful in it—when they are called to spiritual service. Tending sheep and mending nets—God’s call doesn’t come to the lazy but comes to the laboring.

But, despite the ability to do other things, the man of God has been set on the wall, given an assignment by God—and is compelled under heaven’s authority to do his job. His call is clear. His call has been confirmed. He is consumed with it and committed to it. Roll all this together and it equals—compulsion.

Jeremiah and Ezekiel were contemporaries. Jeremiah’s congregation was the Jews in Jerusalem and Ezekiel’s was those in Babylon. Both men had difficult duty and were tempted to give up, but they did not, because they could not. There was a fire in their soul that could not be extinguished—a compelling force that had to be released. A preacher must preach! If you can’t do anything else, then do it! God has called you. This is the work of the watchman.

Without Christ, there is no salvation. Run to Him and be saved. Repent of your sins and receive Him as your Lord. Trust Him to make you a new person. Flee the wrath to come.

Oh, Christian! Are you living outside the will of God? Your Father will correct you. His discipline is done in love, but may be painful—for you and for others. Confess your sin. Call out for mercy. Commit your way to His direction.

The blood is off my hands. I pray it will be on your heart, and not on your head. I have sounded the warning, will you heed it?

“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of everyone's blood…” (Acts 20:26)