Devotionals

BOULEVARD OF BROKEN BIBLES

by Jason Barnett 
04/06/17
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And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith….  EPHESIANS 4:11-13a (NKJV)

The hour has arrived; the enemy has encircled the stronghold. Tens, hundreds, and even thousands of soldiers stand outside the gates, their fiery arrows fall from the sky in a downpour of death. Fear consumes hearts, so the besieged city calls on its champion to salvage victory from defeat. This mighty servant of God has battled brilliantly; his hope fixated on eternal glory and fueled by a passion for the citizens he defends. War has taken its toll on him, his proud stance now lowered by the weight of the shield. His double-edged sword once held at the ready now narrowly hangs above the dirt. Victory is unattainable for this man of valor, or for the hopeful citizens.

This is not a fairy tale, but an occurrence happening in churches everywhere. Pastors are dropping out of ministry, even leaving the faith, because spiritual warfare has battered them. Meanwhile churchgoers remain seated in their pews demanding the spoils of war, refusing to participate in the victory. They open their mouths wanting to taste choice meat to further fill their fat guts. If the seasoning is not to their desire or the portion large enough they say to preacher, “Brother, I didn’t get anything out the message today.” Little do the gremlins know the struggle hidden in front of their eyes.

As this messenger sat down to study, a vulture called to pluck the intestines from their neighbor. Hanging up the phone, the minister cracks open his Bible only to remember the lonely old widow needed help with her lawn. Sitting down later, the zombie whisperer quietly sought God’s instruction only to be interrupted by a broken heart seeking comfort. When the night had closed in and rest was much needed for the judgment day ahead, the phone rang with news of a soul slipping from the world; sleep would be impossible, no one else would get up to take them news of God’s peace. All these matters the pastor handled so the vampires could avoid the sunlight.

It is nothing new. The apostles were busy spreading the good news when a complaint was brought to them. Some of the widows were being neglected as the rations were passed out. These hand picked ambassadors of Christ said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.” Rather than riot against the apostles, the church accepted the importance of their charge. Upon the advice from the disciples, they took it upon themselves to make sure this important matter was no longer neglected.

Pastors cannot change the world by themselves. They have a responsibility to oversee the ministries of the church, but this does not mean they are to be involved in them all. The cross they bear is to equip the saints for the battlefield, lifting the rally banner high. Christ calls each of his followers to be apart of His kingdom come. Propelled with the reckless love of Calvary, God’s grace can change our worlds when the church is fully functioning as one body. Wars are not won by a hero, but with armies.

Put on your battle rattle, strap on your helmets, and take up arms beside your champions. Do not force them to take up your cross because you are too lazy to carry it. Ignorance is no longer an excuse; the truth now rests in your lap. A truth your pastor should have the time to prepare and properly equip you to share.