Sharing the load!
Scripture reading for February 7th: Exodus 16-18, Ephesians 4
Ephesians 4:11-14 “And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and to the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
Jesus is the Head of the Church, His body. He places each person in the body as He desires to help it function properly. His Body is designed so that each part, when doing what they are called to do faithfully, causes growth to maturity of each part. The Body is protected from false teaching and faulty doctrines and brought into the unity of the Spirit and bond of peace as God works into each one the fullness of His Son. God places certain gifts and gift-people in the Body to facilitate this growth. There are no “big I’s” or “little you’s” but all are equal in the benefits of salvation. As Moses of old was advised to pick out leaders of trustworthiness and integrity, so those leading Christ’s Church must meet God’s standards. His people lead by serving and setting a good example and faithfulness.
Ephesians 4:15-16 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him Who is the Head, into Christ from Whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for designing the Church and building it up in love. Thank You for the gift-people and the gifts You give to build up the Body. Help me to faithfully work in my calling as a pastor/teacher to equip the body for ministry and see it built up into maturity. Help each member of Your body to faithfully bear the burdens of helping others find salvation and grow to the fullness of Christ.
Exodus 18:21-22 “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide for themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.”
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