THE WORTHY WATCHMAN

 

God called Ezekiel the prophet to be as a watchman on the wall, (cf. Ezek. 3:16-27 and 33:1-11).  He had the spiritual duty as a sentry to be vigilant for the enemy’s approach and with the trumpet of truth to sound the alarm. Paul seems to draw from that same analogy in 1 Corinthians 16:13 when he writes, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”  I want to use this word picture to challenge the preacher to be a worthy watchman. Here is the anatomy of a faithful man of God.

We must have DISCERNING EYES—“Watch.”  The keener the vision, the more readily will the approach of an enemy be detected. The sooner the alarm is sounded, the better. False teachers are subtle in their approach, and vigilance is required of the worthy watchman. We dare not sleep at our post. Jesus rebuked the disciples in Gethsemane for their slumber: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation,” (Matt. 26:41). They would be unprepared for the crisis that was approaching. If Satan can bring down the shepherd, he can scatter the flock. As shepherds, we are not only watching for predators that would devour the flock, but are watchful against temptation that would ensnare us.

We must also have STABLE FEET and “stand fast.”  When the enemy is on the march, the worthy watchman does not run and hide in fear, but stands resolute with conviction. His responsibility is to be at his post, not looking for a way out.  It is always too soon to quit. When trouble comes in the front door of the church, it is tempting to run for the back door.  Some churches have established a pattern of attacking the watchman when they weary of him. They brand him an alarmist. Content to be in spiritual slumber, they do not want to be disturbed. If there is any hope for that congregation, some pastor has to take a stand.

Further, we must have BRAVE HEARTS—“be brave,” the Apostle commands. Here is the promise, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him,” (Is. 59:19b). That standard is placed in the hand of the preacher. We are at the front of the fight. I think of the movie, “Braveheart,” as William Wallace rallies the troops to face the foe: 

“Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!”

We want the people of God to be free from the tyranny of sin, and that starts with our example and exhortation.  Now, raise the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and rally the troops!

Finally, Paul calls for SPIRITUAL MUSCLES with “be strong.”  It is time to hit the gym—now, I don’t mean literally, but spiritually. While it might not hurt some of us to get in better physical condition, that is not Paul’s meaning here. He calls for the building of spiritual muscle. Our “gym” is the study where we meet with God and feed on His Word, and then wrestle against the enemy in the time of prayer. Some may think that being a preacher is a life of leisure.  Such do not know the reality of the task and immensity of the responsibility. 

May the Holy Spirit open our eyes, ground our feet, embolden our preaching, and strengthen our leadership!

THE CALLING OF A MAN OF GOD

 

There are many Scriptural qualifications for one who is to be a pastor. The foundational text is 1 Timothy 3:1-7. At the heart of this service is a Divine calling. Moses, the man of God received such a call. Let us consider this as we study Exodus 3:1-14. 

First, we focus on THE PREPARATIONS FOR OUR CALLING, (v. 1-3). 

Moses was prepared through shepherding, (v. 1a). He was prepared by his life experiences to shepherd God’s flock. That is what the word, “pastor,” means—to lead, feed, and be willing to bleed for the flock. What we have done is God’s training ground for future duty. Moses led his father-in-law’s sheep through the same desert where he would later lead the nation of Israel. If we are faithful to lesser responsibilities, then God will assign us to greater ones. The Lord never calls a lazy man. Gideon was threshing wheat when the Lord called him to lead Israel’s armies; David was tending sheep when the Lord called him to govern the nation; Elisha was plowing the field when called to be a prophet of God; Peter was fishing when the Lord called him to fish for men.

He was prepared through solitude, (v. 1b). The leader will often stand alone, so he must get used to it!  In quietness, Moses could be available to hear the voice of God. We need a daily quiet time for spiritual growth. It has been the persistent pattern of my Christian life that enables me to hear from God that I might then speak for Him. If I do not get still before the Lord, then I will not be fit to stand before the congregation.

Moses was prepared through signs, (v. 2). Moses would always remember the burning bush. God will confirm His call.  While our call may not be as dramatic, it is to be just as definite! 

My grandfather was a preacher. As I was in his room, as he died, a lady looked at me and said, “Maybe you will take his place.”  So, I began to seek the will of God in this. 

As, I moved to full surrender of my life—whatever God wanted me to do—I had a wife who was willing to do likewise. We heard a message from Stephen Olford as he summoned us to say, “Lord Jesus, anything, anywhere, anytime—I am ready.”  

A few days later, I heard a terrible excuse for a sermon, and the Lord said to my heart, “I have enough of this. I need someone to preach my Word.”  God’s voice was not audible to my hearing, but was indelible in my heart!  

When I announced my call that day, many came to me, and affirmed that they had seen God working in my life. That afternoon, a former youth pastor and mentor to me, showed up in the parking lot, and said, “We are having a youth service at Victory Baptist Church (where he was serving) and I want you to preach.”  Trusting God—for I had no idea how to prepare and deliver a sermon—I told him I would. God enabled me and as I gave a Gospel invitation, a twelve year old girl came to trust in Christ. I have been at it ever since—nearly 50 years. 

What is your burning bush?

Moses was prepared through separation, (v. 3). Moses chose to turn aside. We are called to turn aside from the world, and devote ourselves entirely to God. A man of God is God’s man—wholly His. There needs to be that definite dedication—no turning back. Burning bushes demand burning bridges!

Second, we see THE PLACE OF OUR CALLING, (v. 4-6). 

It was a place of commission, (v. 4). God issued a commission, and Moses committed to it. The Lord’s call to young Samuel led him to say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears,” (1 Sam. 3:10). Isaiah was in the Temple when He saw Holy God and heard Him ask, “‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then [Isaiah] said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” (Is. 6:8). Matthew was collecting taxes when Jesus passed by and said, “Follow Me,” (Matt. 9:9). He got up and followed. Paul was on the Damascus Road when Jesus shone on him with blinding light and spoke to him with booming voice—and that experience would not only bring Paul salvation, but a call to service. 

It was a place of cleansing, (v. 5-6). He was to take off those dirty sandals for Moses was standing on holy ground!  An encounter with God brings a call to cleansing—that we might be a fit vessel for Holy God to use. The scoundrel Jacob had to be broken by God in order to be blessed by God. Isaiah had a burning coal put to his mouth to purify his lips to speak God’s message. God can use a crude instrument to do His work, but it must be a clean instrument.

Third, we turn to THE PURPOSE IN OUR CALLING, (v. 7-10). Our purpose may be summed up as to get people out of Egypt’s bondage and into Canaan’s bounty. 

Our task is to liberate the slaves. Moses was to lead people out of bondage. This is evangelism. The preacher is called to go to those enslaved to sin, that by the blood of the Lamb they might be liberated to new life. 

Our job is also to lead the saints. Moses was to lead the people in to blessing. This is discipleship. The preacher is to help the saints to go forward and grow in faith. There is not only life—but we can know it more abundantly!  

Fourth, we find THE POWER FOR OUR CALLING, (v. 11-14). 

There was the request for God’s power, (v. 11-12). Moses recognized his inadequacy and appealed to God. God assured him of His presence and power. The preacher can do nothing unless God be with Him. Our ministry will be unfruitful without abiding in Christ. We must seek God’s anointing!

Then, consider the result of God’s power, (v. 13-14). People would know that God had met with Moses. I think of the Apostles, “they realized they had been with Jesus,” (Acts 4:13b). If God’s work is evident in our lives, people will know that a prophet has been among them. They may not like what we say, they may not follow what we say, but they will know that we speak for God. Our only authority is that we are sent by the Lord and speak His word. We are not hirelings employed by the church, but shepherds called by Christ. 

This call is a great privilege. God only had one Son and He made Him a preacher. You would have to stoop to become the President. 

This call brings a great pressure. Moses had an immense responsibility. Eternal souls hang in the balance. Ours is the strictest scrutiny and severest accountability. If we fail, we drag down many with us. 

Yet, there is a great promise. The Lord’s resources are available and the Lord’s reward is attainable. Faithful shepherds will gain a special crown, when Christ calls us home, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away,” (1 Pet. 5:4).

ALL OF GRACE

 

From start to finish, the Christian life is all of grace. Before we entered this world, God had set His sight on saving us—and not because we deserved it, but all because of grace. When we exit this world and enter glory, it will be all of grace. In between—every step of the way—it is grace that sustains us. 

We sing of that progression in John Newton’s beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace,” from the first verse stressing grace “that saved a wretch like me,” to then sing of its preciousness even more than “the hour I first believed,” which continues “through many dangers, toils, and snares…and grace will lead us home,” when in heaven we will “sing God’s praise,” for it is all of grace. 

In 1 Corinthians 15:9-11, Paul stresses that amazing grace in particular relationship to Gospel ministry. What is true for the man in the pew is especially descriptive of the man in the pulpit. 

There is THE GRACE THAT SAVES, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God,” (v. 9). The Apostle had no room for boasting. He stresses the sinful state from which Christ rescued him. He never got over that transforming experience with the Risen Christ. The preacher must ever be in awe of the grace that saved us, that he may have a sense of wonder at God’s amazing grace toward him and possess a passion for the lost.

Then, there is THE GRACE THAT SELECTS, “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (v. 10a).  The Lord who saves us, selects us for gifts that He might use us in service to Him.  Again, these spiritual gifts are not merited, but are all of grace. Paul was an Apostle not because he chose that as a vocation, but because God chose him by the impartation of grace gifts. All God’s children are called and equipped to serve Him, but in varying ways. Not all are called to preach, but some are selected for that task. That we stand above the congregation and lead them is not because we are better than they, just different by God’s design, directive, and dynamic. A good preacher does not seek his own glory, but the glory of God. Apart from grace, we would not be in such a position.

Further, we find THE GRACE THAT SECURES, “and His grace toward me was not in vain,” (v. 10b). As we do cannot save ourselves, nor do we select ourselves, we can neither secure ourselves apart from the grace of God. How often we hear of preachers who stumble and fall into scandal.  Never think that it cannot happen to you. We must ever say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I!”  Yet, if we will look to God and lean on grace, the Lord’s call to us need not be in vain. Again, I remind you we may testify, 

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
We have already come
‘Twas grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home.

Also, we have THE GRACE THAT STRENGTHENS, “but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me,” (v. 10c). The labor of Christian ministry is too great for a mere man. It is a supernatural work demanding supernatural resources. Yet, that is what grace is all about. We labor indeed—as Paul and every other man of God who fulfills his calling does—yet, are reminded once more that it is all of grace. God’s grace not only saves, selects, and secures—it strengthens. The Lord comes alongside us and enables us.  One such incident Paul experienced is documented in Acts 27. He was a prisoner on a ship, bound to be tried in Rome, when a terrible storm made the sinking of the ship inevitable. Yet, hear the man of God, 

“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts‬ 27‬:‭22‬-‭25‬‬).

Storms will come in Christian ministry.  Perhaps you are in one today. God’s grace is enough to see you through!

Finally, there is THE GRACE THAT SPEAKS,  “Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed,” (v. 11).  I look back over nearly a half-century of ministry, read sermons that I have written, consider how time and again I have stood behind the sacred desk and preached, and my heart is overflowing with wonder. God has never failed to speak through this old clay pot!  It is not because of my talent, but because of the treasure God has placed in me. The Apostle said it, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us,” (2 Cor.‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬‬). Out of our mouths, God pours His message, and it powerfully changes lives, by His grace!

Let us give thanks to God for His amazing grace!

THE GREATEST GOAL IN MINISTRY

We all have goals in life. Preachers have them too. Sadly, our goals often set the bar much lower than what God would have for us. To be a man of God who fruitfully serves the Lord, we are to pursue love for God and our fellowman. That is what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 as the pinnacle of our passion and pursuit in Gospel ministry. 

A preacher is about effective communication—and rightly so. Yet, the Apostle warns that soaring oratory that wows the congregation is ineffective unless motivated by love for the One we speak of and the ones we speak to. Without love, we are just a lot of noise insofar as the Eternal Judge is concerned.  If we are not careful, we may be more obsessed with impressing our hearers instead of leading them to be captivated with Christ.

A preacher should pursue theology—getting deep into his knowledge of the Word. It is commendable to grasp the prophetic Scriptures and be able to share eschatological insights with excellence. Yet, if we want to awe the people with our knowledge instead of leading them to be in awe of the Lord who is returning we have utterly failed. Our goal is to love the Lord who is coming again and to create a longing in the hearts of the hearers to desire Him. When there is love for the Lord and the congregation then that will be our goal. Should people walk away amazed at our knowledge we have failed.  Our objective is for them to leave the message enamored with the hope of seeing the Lover of their souls coming in the clouds.

A preacher ought to engage in service. Sacrifice and Gospel ministry walk hand in hand. Yet, even the giving of our time, talent, and treasure may be motivated for others to brag on us and give us a pat on the back.  

Recall how Jesus spoke of the religious leaders of His day who fasted—not to seek God, but to seek men’s applause. He told of the same ones who gave—not out of concern for the good of others, but for the commendation of others. Then, Jesus warned of how these self-centered men prayed magnificent prayers—all for show, as those prayers rose no higher than the ceiling. Such service is all, “hay, wood, and straw,” burned up at the Judgment Seat of Christ without eternal reward, (cf. 1 Cor. 3:12-15).

Paul exhorts us to love. He tells us what love does not do and what love will do. We may fail to speak as we would want, to know all we ought, and to attain all we might wish in ministry. Yet, if we relentlessly pursue love, then we are successful as God evaluates it. 

I will reach the end of ministry with still a lot more to learn. But, if I have sought to be a man of faith, hope, and love—and to lead those I have served to be the same, then I have been aiming at the right target. Even of those three great Christian virtues, love is preeminent. It is the greatest goal in ministry. Don’t take my word for it—Paul wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.