PORTRAIT OF A PREACHER

Many of us have an image that immediately pops into our head when we hear the word, “preacher.”  That image is shaped by our experience—and thus a positive or negative one, as the case may be.  For some, the image of preacher is not so much an accurate portrait as it is a caricature.

Frankly, those of us who are preachers sometimes struggle with our own self-image.  There is a tension between those portraits some in the congregation paint in their expectation of us to be—Superman who can always fly to their rescue—and whom we perceive ourselves to be—Clark Kent, his alter-ego who cannot seem to walk and chew gum at the same time.  The truth usually lies somewhere in between.

How do you see yourself, preacher?  If discouragement has set in and difficulties have overwhelmed, you may see a beaten man looking back at you in a mirror, and think, “Another Sunday—and off I go to church.  For what?  Will this sermon make any more difference than the last one?  I’m tired of it all.”  The reality is that God may see us far differently than we see ourselves.

I love John Bunyan’s portrait of a preacher in “Pilgrim’s Progress.”

CHRISTIAN saw the picture of a very grave person hung up against the wall; and this was the fashion of it: it had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth was written upon his lips, the world was behind his back; he stood as if he pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over his head….

And whereas thou seest him with his eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth writ on his lips; it is to show thee that his work is to know and unfold dark things to sinners; even as also thou seest him stand as if he pleaded with men: and whereas thou seest the world as cast behind him, and that a crown hangs over his head; that is to show thee, that, slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he hath to his Master's service, he is sure in the world that comes next to have glory for his reward. Now, said the INTERPRETER, I have showed thee this picture first, because the man whose picture this is, is the only man whom the Lord of the place whither thou art going hath authorized to be thy guide in all difficult places thou mayest meet with in the way: wherefore, take good heed to what I have showed thee; and bear well in thy mind what thou hast seen, lest in thy journey thou meet with some that pretend to lead thee aright, but their way goes down to death.

 

That encourages me.  I hope it does you!  Let us pray for the Spirit Who has gifted us to do His work through us.  God has used us; He will use us again.  Heaven may well reveal that some of our best fruit was born in the harshest environment—that more was accomplished for the glory of God by those who labored in obscurity even as others basked in Christian celebrity.  God is the final arbiter of results and rewards.