For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
God wants you to have a pastor. In our society, we’re brainwashed with the idea that we’re independent. That we don’t need anybody for anything. People apply that to Christianity. “I can believe in Jesus on my own. I don’t need to go to church. I don’t need a pastor…”
Yes, you do! God wants you to have a pastor. Why? Paul described being a pastor to the Christians in Thessalonica like this: “Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God.” Paul the pastor did three good things for those Christians: Encouraging, comforting, and urging.
God wants you to have a pastor, because you need an encourager. Daily life is discouraging. Every day finds a way to suck the wind out of your sails. You need someone to encourage you regularly with God’s Word. To encourage you that every day is a gift from God. To encourage you that there is meaning in your life. To encourage you that you are not alone because Jesus is with you. To encourage you that every one of your sins has been forgiven. You need that, don’t you? You need an encourager.
And a comforter. God wants you to have a pastor, because you need a comforter. Tragedies and disasters are daily occurrences. Car accidents shock and cancer strikes. Death is just around the corner for you and me and everyone we love. You need someone to comfort you regularly with God’s Word. To comfort you with the message that in this world we will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world. To comfort you with the truth that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and there is eternal life waiting in heaven for all who believe in him. You need that, don’t you? You need a comforter.
And an urger. God wants you to have a pastor, because you need an urger. You need someone to urge you regularly to repent of your sins and turn away from them. You need someone to urge you to take your faith seriously and live a life worthy of God. You need that, don’t you? You need an urger.
All of us do. Do you have a pastor?
Dear Lord Jesus, we’re not meant to believe in you all on our own. Provide us with faithful pastors who encourage us, comfort us, and urge us closer to you. Amen.
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