I know many extremely skilled people. Those who are so good in their field that their peer group is very small. Which can cause a situation of loneliness. I know guys who can tune by ear, and build motors and find horsepower no one else can. I know those who can write songs just by a tune popping into their head, and those who can create a picture just by imagining what you are saying. Who can rhyme known and unknown and get away with it. It is a rush to be around them sometimes, as I may know what they are doing, but can't do what they do myself. Just watching can be entertainment, but there is nothing like participating, or having the skills to do something special-something creative. Something with the gifts that God has given you. Something worthwhile, and personal.
Pastors fall into this special category. Not all, for not all are saved, although their diplomas say they have an education. Knowledge, just no Jesus. But for those who minister in the spirit, they are special. For just as the Bible tells us "these things shall follow them that believe," these things do follow them. Healings, salvations, miracles, but most important-LOVE! They have the same needs as we do, but also have to endure people like us. And like when I visited Pastor Ray recently, we joked about how I was the only person in a while who didn't come in to complain abut something. I went to minister to him!
Much has been said about why Jesus went away to pray and spend time with His dad. One reason may have been loneliness-no one else could associate with what He was going through, or was about to go through. To many He was a caterer, a guide, a fishing leader, physician, and whatever else they needed at the time. But He was also a person, who could get lonely, and needed His dad. Just like we all do.
People sometimes forget this about their pastor. I hope I don't, and God has given me a special love for them. And for my current Pastor Ray. We need to not only pray for them, but with them. I operate on the fringe of being a pastor so I know-it is rough out there!
So last night after the service, we continued in worship and spending time with God-in the spirit. Ray had mentioned how he was leaving for two weeks at 630am the next morning. He was going to France to see his daughter and her family, then to Germany to speak with Joel Rosenberg, then to Poland and visit Auschwitz. And since flying makes me more tired than riding, I can only imagine how tired it will make him, plus being 10 time zones away. Can anyone at least loan him a Vespa? So as I sat and listened to the music, worshipping, God told me to pray for him-not just me, but the 100 or so still there after the service. Now he and I had talked about him needing prayer, and God gave me some personal insights-not to be shared here. So I told God-"Ok I will, but you have to make a way." Chicken that I am. I didn't have to wait long, as when the song ended, Ray asked if anyone had a word from God. Two people shared, then as I made my way to the stage area, I spoke. "God has a special blessing for us tonight-we need to pray for Ray!" Who heartily agreed, and as he sat on the edge of the stage, we gathered around him and prayed. It was so cool! A payback of love for one who is there for us!
The man positively glowed as we prayed and loved on him. A smile that reflected from his whole being. And I was thankful that I had the boldness-I mean love to speak up. It was awesome, and then we broke into applause-to Jesus! Ray seemed rejuvenated, blessed, and loved. And so were we!
Don't ever tell someone you will pray for them when you can right now. Show you care. And after the service, if the pastor is up front, go up for prayer. For him. Ask him how you can pray for him! You may find that a whole new ministry of love opens up, and that your pastor, and his family need love too. From their flock, which means YOU! Don't miss the chance to be a blessing or to be blessed. God so often asks for little things of great importance.
Pastors can also be a least of these that Jesus speaks of. They need encouragement and love and prayer too. God provides, but He also provides us. For sometimes there is nothing like the touch of a friend sent from God. Be that friend!
Praise and worship. In the spirit. When you encounter true love, you just have to share it with others. Don't forget your pastor! Jesus didn't forget you!
love with compassion,
Mike
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