Hebrews13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they eare accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. NLT
HE IS A WATCHMAN- ALLOW HIM
In ancient towns and cities with walls, there were men who served as sentries or watchmen. They stay on a high tower to watch over the city. Often, they position themselves to look around for probable invasion.
Their duty is to alert the military formations about oncoming enemy and to get everyone ready for battle in order to protect the city's territory. So arduous a task.
In the opening text, the scripture described spiritual leaders as watchmen/ sentries who watch over souls of men. A genuine pastor does this in many ways but how will believers benefit If they are not under any pastoral covering?
Years back, a sister wanted to marry. She brought her fiance to her pastor for counselling. In the process of counselling both of them, the pastor began to ask probing questions from the man.
The Pastor discovered the man has had a child before without informing this sister. That was how God saved that sister from a deceitful man. I have also seen a brother rescued from a deceitful sister before marriage through the help of his pastor.
Some of the challenges believers are facing today especially in marriage is because they bye-passed pastoral counsel and scrutiny at the entry border of marriage.
Some took offense and left church because their pastor confronted them with the truth about their lives, relationship, job and marriage. Is that you?
Your Pastor's assignment in your life can be likened to that of a security man who ensures that nothing is stolen- allow him perform his God-ordained duty.
The opening text says that your pastor must give account to God as a watchman. When he meets God, what will he tell God about you? That you're stubborn and disloyal?
You see, true pastors know these things and they work hard to ensure they fulfill their core assignment. I am wary of a generation that fail to recognize the place of spiritual leaders but prefer to seek counsel from google and social media platforms.
As I said in the first teaching, If you have a pastor that possess true pastoral qualities, allow him to Pastor you and get some counsel from him on crucial matters. Humble yourself to learn from him and stop acting like you know it all.
If you're looking for a church to attend, stop seeking to belong to a popular church. Seek where you can get proper pastoring. A place where you can proudly call the Shepherd "My Pastor".
Don't be an Island. The idea of taking your marital or life issues to the social media asking for advice is out of place. Take advantage of pastoral wisdom.
Father, we pray for genuine Pastors all over the world, father keep them and increase their wisdom. Help believers to remain loyal to their spiritual leaders In Jesus name. Amen