Supernatural

Last night I started reading a short devotional e-book for pastors called Brothers, We Are Still Not Professionals by John Piper.  This is a sequel to Piper's earlier and longer work, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals.  Intended to encourage pastors as they serve God by serving His people, both of these books combat the dangerous trend of approaching ministry from the aspect of professionalism.  Or  defining, pursuing, and celebrating ministry "success" in worldly, professionalistic terms.

This most recent edition dovetails with the theme of the 2013 Desiring God Conference for Pastors: "Reclaiming the Centrality of the Supernatural in Ministry."  I can't express how much this resonates with me. I want neither a life, nor a family, nor a Christian ministry which can be explained in terms of human effort,  human wisdom, and human abilities.  I very much want to be in the middle of God's achieving His perfect purpose by His own mighty working by the means of His infinite strength and according to His limitless wisdom.  If such would be the case, then there would be very little chance that anyone would mistake the one to whom the true credit would be due.  God alone would be glorified by such a life and ministry.

But, oh, the task is great and I am unequal to meet it!  Piper writes on page 11 of the e-book,

"Pastors say, 'Who is sufficient for these things!' And then they look to God. Professionals say, 'Education and training and savvy are sufficient.' And then they look to experts."  

My Great God, prevent me from looking elsewhere for strength, guidance, opinions, affirmation, or standards!

This is the sentiment behind the discussion of pursuing God and seeking Him to work in beyond our human efforts and to accomplish results far greater than man can in his strength.  In other words, to seek God and depend on Him to work SUPERNATURALLY.

It takes a great deal of faith to operate this way.  But I believe that there is tremendous freedom and reward in living such a life and investing in such a ministry.  It does not excuse us from hard work, long hours, burdened hearts, or painful situations.  But it places the responsibility for results where they belong, with the Lord ("I will build my church."  Matthew 16:18).  We are called to faithfully and obediently follow Jesus (no simple or easy task in itself) and he will do His work.

In a podcast sermon two weeks ago, I heard a pastor put it this way (I regret that I do not recall who I was listening to):

"In Christ-following, measure faithful obedience rather than results."

In reflection upon these things I pray,

"Lord, I desire You to be greatly glorified and pleased by my life, my family, and my ministry.  Therefore, create in me a faithful heart and grant me diligent and joyful obedience as I follow You and I will depend on You for the mighty works You desire to accomplish.  Whether they are revealed in this life or the next, You will receive all the credit, praise, honor, and worship!"



If you would like to read the free e-book for yourself, you can download it by following this link:
Free E-Book: Brothers, We Are Still Not Professionals

Also, if you want to listen to the messages from the 2013 Conference for Pastors, follow this link:
2013 Conference for Pastors Messages

Following Jesus,
JasonPS