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22 June 2007
Part of a special themed week of Reflections based on The True Apprentice" (Matthew 10:38-42) written by Terry Eckersley
1 Peter 5 v 1-7
I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for -
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
What would you do if the Queen or the Prime Minister sent you a letter, asking you to collect an award? Well, I'm about to find out because I've been invited to a garden party at Buckingham palace. I'm excited, I'm going to wear my sharpest suit, polish my shoes, and I'm telling all my friends! Wouldn't you do the same?
Well, we've all had a personal invite from the King of Kings. The Lord of Lords, the Most High God has called us, employed us for a great job. God has called you to be a True Apprentice, and has promised to provide all the tools you need for the trade. In Philippians 4 v 19 it says: "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." God will meet all your needs out of his glorious riches in Jesus Christ.
But remember, in Matthew 6 v 33, Jesus says: "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." As you seek to be a True Apprentice, new jobs will be offered to you, new doors will open and you will form new relationships.
Lord, you can be the centre of the big work that you have called me to do. I want to accept your invitation to be a True Apprentice. Help me to look for new opportunities to serve you. Amen.
Written by Terry Eckersley The True Apprentice
Part of a special themed week of Reflections based on The True Apprentice" (Matthew 10:38-42) written by Terry Eckersley
1 Peter 5 v 1-7
I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for -
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
What would you do if the Queen or the Prime Minister sent you a letter, asking you to collect an award? Well, I'm about to find out because I've been invited to a garden party at Buckingham palace. I'm excited, I'm going to wear my sharpest suit, polish my shoes, and I'm telling all my friends! Wouldn't you do the same?
Well, we've all had a personal invite from the King of Kings. The Lord of Lords, the Most High God has called us, employed us for a great job. God has called you to be a True Apprentice, and has promised to provide all the tools you need for the trade. In Philippians 4 v 19 it says: "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." God will meet all your needs out of his glorious riches in Jesus Christ.
But remember, in Matthew 6 v 33, Jesus says: "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." As you seek to be a True Apprentice, new jobs will be offered to you, new doors will open and you will form new relationships.
Lord, you can be the centre of the big work that you have called me to do. I want to accept your invitation to be a True Apprentice. Help me to look for new opportunities to serve you. Amen.
Written by Terry Eckersley The True Apprentice
