The View from 35,000 Feet
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— Hebrews 11:32 ESV
What more – Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, oh, and you might as well throw in all the rest mentioned here including the prophets. Yes, don’t forget them. They have a very special place in this little examination. Now, what connects all these people? Ah, you’re going to say, “Faith.” Yes, yes, that’s what this famous chapter is all about—the heroes and heroines of the faith. But that’s not the only thing that connects them. Perhaps it’s the other things that should make us realize what faith demands.
“What more?” asks the author. The Greek is eti lego. Pretty straightforward. “In addition I say.” But it’s not the other names that should matter to us here. It’s what they went through to get on the list. Let’s recall just a few things. Ah, yes, suffering. Discouragement. Rejection. Being asked to do things that embarrassed, humiliated and dismantled reputation and self-esteem. How about confusion, anxiety, isolation, abuse (physical and otherwise), ridicule? Do you grasp the fact that many of these faithful actually wished they were never born? Stepping with faith in the presence of YHVH isn’t a trip to Disney. Recently Soo-Inn Tan outlined some of the real trials facing ministers. Frankly, I would suggest that these same trials face anyone who is determined to walk before the Lord. Here’s what he has to say.[1]
The predisposing factors of spiritual and physical collapse are:
- Pastors focus on public ministry rather than private spirituality.
- Pastors are plagued with fatigue.
- Pastors and church leaders are frightfully lonely.
- Church leaders suffer from lack of accountability.
- Pastors experience significant lack of encouragement.
- Successful leaders are particularly vulnerable to temptation.[2]
Are you somewhere in that mix? It seems to me that Soo-Inn could have added the reality of just being faithful, the emotionally draining journey of being at odds and across the grain of most of the world. Do you know what’s it’s like to live under the constant pressure of trying to explain yourself? The view from 35,000 feet looks pleasant. Nice stretches of fertile land. Beautiful mountains. Shimmering water. But come down to the ground and try to walk among the thorns and the thistles. Try to climb those mountains, swim that sea, plow that field. Life at low level is a lot different than that view from heaven. So before you decide that your neighbor doesn’t see the big picture like you do, maybe you need to walk a few miles in his shoes. Then you will know why spiritual blisters hurt.
Topical Index: what more, eti logo, heroes, faith, Hebrew 11:32
[1] http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a499b59ed117888f4f2a08957&id=2973229b82&e=b45f1d10a9
[2] These characteristics are generally true of CEO’s as well. The one at the top is the most vulnerable.
Shabbot Shalom. For the most part of my 39 years as a ‘pastor’ I lived with these very issues. Today if you are not a gifted CEO you are a failure. Because I rejected the church growth movement few people or churches wanted anything to do with me. I wept a lot. Few wanted to pray or learn to live as scripture taught. This morning as I writing there is a traffic jam at the church where I serve for 15 years. There is a 20,000 egg easter egg hunt. Looks like a carnival. At most 3 or 4 people will come to church from this outreach activity. “When you quit fiddling the people go away.” This is such an extreme change from last evenings Pesach celebration. I am grateful for what Torah teaches in the Pesach. The learning curve is often quite steep but the results are settling. Praise be to YHVH for His Torah and His life.
Bob
Bless you Bob. I pray that Adoni fill your hear with true joy….His Joy!!!!
It is happening. Thank you.
Bob
I was wondering what a Pesach celebration is & how it sounds like it seemed to comfort & encourage you?
One of the first purposes of the Pesach is to remember the deliverance of Israel from the bondage and slavery of Egypt. As a ‘Follower of the Way,” I too identify with this deliverance. The promise is to enter the land of promise. The responsibilities and blessings are mine as well. There is the promise of the 1000 year reign of Messiah that is yet to come. Part of the future promise. The hope of this promise based on promise of the Messiah is sure and Joy is the result of His faithfulness. Yeshua always keeps his promises. The privilege of remembering YHVH’s actions is to renew His faithfulness. I/We all can trust Him.
Bob
Thumbs up! Well said!
Judging anyone..Pastor or mass murderer is always jump-started with a sprinkling of pride..and God hates that. I honestly scare myself if I find myself entertaining judging a person…which doesn’t mean I never jump right in of course. It’s so critically important that we pray for our leaders-in every area of life..the enemy is very quick with targeting all of those. He gave us the instructions for doing that when Joshua and Aaron held Moses’ arms up…you guys CAN’T DO IT ALONE-and we are responsible for interceding. Blessings of grace, mercy, peace and wisdom cover each of you who are in that position. My prayer is that Father will pour out a washing of regeneration soon, like you have never known before.
And P.S. – nothing, nothing, nothing is ever wasted when you give it back to Him – He will make it glorious.
Do you think we struggle because we look at our own ability rather than fulfilling His purposes depending on his strength?
Hi Marleen – I think that is one issue we all deal with – we need Him – and our prayers will hopefully help our Pastors, Teachers…etc. hear Him more completely and walk in His faithfulness. He must be our focus..as Father was Jesus’ focus – doing only what He saw His Father do and then following through with that direction…He was our Role Model. Help me Lord to focus!!
“Frankly, I would suggest that these same trials face anyone who is determined to walk before the Lord” Definitely.
This would mean to those who truly have a calling from YHWH and carries a burden for lost souls and those in need.
1. Agreed absolutely. There is NO concern for individual spiritual well being/growth/maturity.
2. Well, as most ‘leaders’ are after numbers, they would be wearied with programs to keep the numbers with activities.
3. Don’t think they have time to feel lonely; perhaps emptiness in a spiritual sense, and insufficient transparency/relationship/interaction to/with the flock.
4. They certainly do suffer a lack of accountability, that will be their downfall, having no one to account to seemingly in their walk. Not open to being challenged, and for some it is more of a career.
5. IF the flock is well fed and cared for, there should be lots of encouragement and love for the leaders, naturally. Principle of what you give returns to you.
6. Why so? Isn’t there a true fear and awe of YHWH in their lives? They can’t walk the talk? OR, perhaps their foundation is not built on solid ground, due to “once saved always saved”, OR, they no longer seek, nor have a need for YHWH due to pride?
Seems harsh, but in reality, facts these leaders need to confront. There will be heartaches in a true calling to lead, but heaps of rewards too. So it isn’t that bad from the ground.
Shalom!