Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:3-4)

During my ministry I have read and heard of many descriptions of what a pastor is to be. One person described it this way. A pastor is someone who is alone in the presence of Lord Jesus Christ and His Words. He exits the sanctuary of the study and enters the pulpit to deliver the message from Heaven. Then he descends from that pulpit back into the sanctuary of the study to be alone with the Lord.

Now we all realize the simplicity of the description and its lack. A pastor is to be a shepherd among the flock. He is to nurture lambs and admonish the sheep. The ministry of the Word extends beyond the pulpit into writing, verbal exhortation, and outreach to the lost. However there is a beauty in this descriptive simplicity that challenges every believer. In 1837, Andrew Bonar captured its essence.

Saturday, 23rd – More and more convinced, by the very want of it, that the way to be successful is to be within the sanctuary with God, and then come out to the people. (Andrew Bonar, Life & Diary, 57)

Christian, is this not to be our desire? Have you been in the sanctuary of our great God and Christ this day? Or have you just had “devotions” rather than fellowship. Our lives should be consumed as a living sacrifice and when that sacrifice is consumed – all that is to be left is, … Christ. Our neighbors should know that we have been with the Saviour. Our speech, dress, mannerism, and attitude are to reflect the fragrance of our Saviour. We are to be distinctive from the world in spirit, soul, and body. May the world see Him. May the One who died for us call people unto His Kingdom and glory this day. The world is languishing for the radiance of the glory of God to be seen in His church and people once again.