Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.  For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain, and, The laborer is worthy of his wage.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18 NKJV) )

 

 

A very special Pastor and scholar of the Word passed away recently, and we’re rejoicing and mourning at once.  Obviously, as Christians, we know where he is, and that he is at peace this very moment. But, fellow Christians who learned so much from his teachings will miss him greatly. He followed the Word and delivered the message with fervor and great love and respect…and during his sermons, you felt the anointing as the Word came into clarity, and we learned so much in the process…He will be sorely missed, but we will meet again one day where we shall celebrate for all eternity…

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The role of Pastors/Elders involved authority particularly, in the Word and Doctrine. The scripture in 1 Timothy 5:17 states giving “double honor” which means to plainly give “extra respect” to those who work hard in leading the church through preaching and teaching. While 1 Timothy 5:18 is a quote from Deut. 25:4…an owner was commanded to allow his ox to eat of the grain it was threshing.  The basic idea behind this is that a person who works hard at something should be able to benefit from it.  The labourer is then worthy of his reward, a direct quote from Luke 10:7, in which Paul was referring to recorded statements of Jesus as authoritative scripture.

God sends forth many of His children to serve Him in various capacities.  All are instruments for the Lord.  Some individuals are used by the Lord through acts of kindness,  some are encouragers, some have the role of counselor. And many are great teachers of the Word, scholars if you will.  Each of these roles–and various others–have deep significance, and each of these individuals are on the same level with God, as God is not a respector of persons.  God sees the heart and sees from the inside out…He doesn’t view us as man does.

The messages we bring with us, depending on the role the Lord has given us, are all important in their own way. The love we emote through our behavior are inherent rights of following Christ and His Gospel. His Spirit is within those who have accepted Him as their Savior—In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son inthe world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9 KJV)

To each of us as we go forth on this earth, we should embrace the Gospel as it  was meant for us to do. Envision Jesus in all that we do, and act accordingly.  Feed His lambs and His sheep, care for His lambs and His sheep, and love His lambs and His sheep…Always.

The world lost an incredbile Pastor last week, but he left behind a legacy of righteous acts that followed him into the Kingdom of our Lord where he earned his long robe and crown. We will miss him with all of our hearts and remember him fondly.  He made quite a difference in this world,and we thank the Lord for lending Him to us for the amount of time He did.

 We have no doubt as Pastor returned home, the Lord embraced him warmly and said, “Well done my faithful and loving servant, well done…”

 

And, the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever… 1 John 2:17 KJV

 

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Magnificent landscape by GOD: captured in a photograph by Scott Birge~