Do This So That Their Work Will Be a Joy, Not a Burden

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”~Hebrews 13:17

This is part of the closing comments of the book of Hebrews, ending to some degree, a check-off list, a summary of what was taught in the first 12 chapters. The author touches on relationships to strangers, prisoners, spouses and money, leading into a reinforcement of Christ and His work on the cross to liberate us from sin and the old law. The passage is bookended with an urging to maintain a good relationship with the pastor/teacher of the reader’s respective church.

Verse 17 not only mentions the accountability of the pastor for each one of his flock, but for the sheep themselves. In other words, no one gets off the hook! I’m not sure the intent was comedic, but I find that the warning tickles my funny bone. “Don’t be a pain in the neck, because you’ll reap what you sow.”

Imagine your pastor being constantly on the defensive against moans and groans of their congregation - how would that affect their message? We go to church to be fed spiritually by a fellow human given a gift of pastorship by God Himself. If that gift is interrupted, then we only get the human input. It might be good, but not what God intends, which is the best for us.

Another ‘ouch’ verse to be sure. Let’s pray that we are a joy to our pastors, a source of encouragement and not a burden.

Father, guard our mouths against harmful words and replace them with supportive speech. Thank you, for your gifted pastor/teachers; strengthen them, bless them and shower grace upon them. Stir up their spirits to hear from Your Holy Spirit, to communicate clearly what you have for us. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Bonnie
Blessed Be Boutique

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