Today I find myself back in the fifth chapter of the Book of Hebrews, looking to the fourth verse for the day's short thoughts. Again, regarding the role of high priest, the writer is inspired to say "And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was".
For a moment I will try to stay focused on the matter of high priest. From the passage we see that it was an honor to be high priest. It was an honor to serve in matters pertaining to God and to act on behalf of men regarding the matters of sacrifice and sin. But we note that it was an honor bestowed upon the individual by God Himself. It was not an honor sought out by the individual to take upon himself, but one reserved for the person chosen, or called by God.
But I feel that perhaps the Church has lost sight of the truth spoken of in this verse. Of course I am not speaking in reference to the role of high priest. I am speaking about those who are put in positions of authority in His Church. I fear that we live in a day when people too often do the choosing of those who will serve on behalf of God's people in things pertaining to Him. As a result, we see men and women in the pulpits of our churches that are there according to the will of men and not the will of God. We see men and women in leadership positions, not because they meet the qualifications outlined in scripture, and are called by the Holy Spirit, but because they have influence or are well spoken. For pastors, elders, deacons, teachers, youth group leaders, etc., I pray that we might look to the One who calls and equips to serve in the body of Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment