Reflections on Hebrews and Ministry #1

“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.”

We can all resonate with that sentiment. There are so many examples of leaders whose lives go counter to their messages. So, practice what you preach. Don’t just preach about turning the other cheek—show us what that looks like.

However, there is something very important as well about every sermon you deliver, every message you prepare and deliver for your youth group or children’s class! Your life, matters, for sure. But so do your words!

The book of Hebrews was apparently what we might consider a sermon. Near the end (13:22), the writer asks people “to bear with my word of exhortation”—the same phrase used to describe Paul’s message in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:15).

Thank you, friends, for the hard work and consistent prayer you pour into your sermons and class lessons. It’s often a thankless job. But through these words you get to (like Hebrews):

- Point people, in the midst of discouragement, back to Jesus (3:1; 12:2);

- Remind others that a faithful high priest is constantly interceding for them (2:17f; 7:25);

- Encourage them to persevere in the faith (10:32-12:3);

- Show them why a life of gratitude makes sense in light of all God has done (12:28);

- Convince them of the importance of community (3:12; 4:11; 10:24f);

- Comfort them with the secure hope of the gospel (6:19)

Your life and words as a minister matter. May this prayer express well our desire to teach and live out the gospel faithfully:

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak

In living echoes of thy tone;

As thou has sought, so let me seek

Thy erring children, lost and lone.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach

The precious things Thou dost impart;

And wing my words, that they may reach

The hidden depths of many a heart.

O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord,

Until my very heart o’erflow

In kindling thought and glowing word,

Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

Blessings, friends.

Mike