CHASTISED? - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Neh 4 - 6
CHASTISED? Thursday, September 2, 2010
MEMORIZE: “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons” (Heb. 12:8) READ: Hebrews 12:5-8 The work of a shepherd is quite enormous. In fact, there are certain unpleasant assignments that are associated with the work of the ministry. Every minister would like to dedicate babies, houses, cars and preach from the altar, but not many would want to endanger their lives for the flock. Psalm 23:4 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”. One time the sheep needs the company of the shepherd more than anything is in time of trouble. Some pastors are usually absent or keep giving excuses that they are too busy when they hear that their members are facing trouble or danger; yet, these same pastors find time to come to their members’ houses during moments of celebration. Such are traits of a hireling, not a true shepherd. In times of crisis, you must be there for them. Comfort them. Read an appropriate Bible passage to them and encourage them on what to do. Take time to pray with them and for them. Ministering to crisis-ridden members could be quite challenging but that is real ministry. To what extent do you identify with members who are imprisoned, hospitalized, divorced, or bereaved? You must not leave them when they need you. Ministry is not when you preach from the altar but when you comfort the broken hearted, nurse members’ wounds and identify with them in times of danger. Another duty of a shepherd is the efficient use of the rod. If you truly love your sheep, when they err, you will correct them. You do not need to flog them physically but use the Word of God to do so. When you whip with God’s Word, the effect can be so dramatic and far-reaching than a physical whip on the back.If you can study God’s Word carefully, you will find that there is always a passage that is suitable for every situation in life. When correcting, the underlying factor must be love. If this ingredient is missing, the correction may fail to achieve its purpose. But when correction is bringing about destruction, know that something is amiss somewhere. The staff is meant for defense. As a shepherd, God has given you something with which to defend your sheep. To what extent is this effectively utilized? If your spiritual cover over your congregation is missing, they are in trouble. Do not expose your members to Satan’s attacks. Live a life of holiness daily. ACTION POINT: Pray for erring members and ministers undergoing discipline that through it, they will be restored to full fellowship with Jesus Christ.