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).
No comments:
Post a Comment