“[T]hey watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.” — Acts 9:24-25
What were the names of those disciples who saved the apostle Paul by lowering him over the wall one dangerous night in Damascus. Only God knows, but were it not for them much of the Bible would be missing!
What if that was their sole purpose in life, would it have been enough? What if you were holding that rope, would it be enough?
Jim Martin, Church-Of-Christ pastor with a broader vision of ministry, has a blog post1 that brought back my own memories. Quoting Lance Witt’s new book2 Jim writes
“One of the spiritual health questions every ministry leader must answer is, ‘Am I willing to serve in obscurity?’” (p. 88)
And again,
“The disciples find him and say, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’ Music to the ears of codependent ministry leaders. The feeling of being in demand can be intoxicating.” (p. 133)
I think back to 1976 in Ferguson, Kentucky, pastoring a small Methodist church while going to Asbury seminary and seeking to fulfill what I believed with all my heart was God’s grand call on my life. God whispered, “What if I want you to just teach the Bible in some out-of-the-way place your whole ministry?”
When I relunctantly said, “yes”, my whole life changed. Gone was my effort to fulfill “My” calling. In its place was a fresh sense of purpose and dedication to Christ whether or not anyone but God knew my name.
Sound Bite: When you are with Jesus it doesn’t matter where.
Prayer:Jesus, as long as you are with me it doesn’t matter to me where I am. As long as I know am doing your will it doesn’t matter to me what I do. Amen.
fritz@langgang.com
— Also see “The Most Important Man” – March 20, 2011
— Also see “Grow Where Planted” – September 21, 2010
Reference:
1 – Read Jim Martin’s Post here.
2 – Replenish by Lance Witt.
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