Monday, February 1, 2016

Mysteries!

[From January 11, 2016]

"Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and Stewards of God's mysteries."
(1 Corinthians 4:1)

"So besides preach, what else do you do as a pastor?"  It's a question I'm asked from time to time.  (Nothing like having a job that only requires you to work a couple of hours on Sunday morning, right?!?!)  Well, there's prepping for the sermon; worship planning; pastoral care & administration; committee and special project work; prayer; leadership development; stewardship & discipleship planning; staff oversight... just to name a few of the things I do besides preach.

But Paul lists another item in the job description of pastoral leaders: "servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries."  The servants of Christ title isn't new.  Jesus talked frequently about a life of servanthood.  But the second part surprised me: stewards of God's mysteries.  Indeed, God works in mysterious ways!  And God's ways are not our ways.  Whether it's the mystery of Holy Communion, the power of baptism, the incomprehensible gift of grace (or many other aspects of God's love and nature), as a pastor I'm to "steward" this.  To care for it.  Share it.  Protect it.  Highlight it.  I'm to make sure others in my care are fully aware of and experiencing God's mysteries.  

It all starts with scripture.  God continues to speak through words penned by humans (inspired by God, of course) written thousands of years ago.  Wow.  May I continue to be a good steward of that.

No comments: