Isaiah14: 12-15 NKJV
A story was passed along to me today of a pastor who was dismissed from his position due to a history of iniquities. Of course, this is just the latest in a long line of those who we've placed on a pedestal to lead our congregations. We all too often make the mistake of placing our church leadership above everyone else until even God is eclipsed by their shadow. Then we are shocked and dismayed when these men ultimately fall into sin. Well, let me tell you, we should have seen this coming. I am no longer surprised when I hear of a pastor or church elder falling from the graces of his congregation, I expect it now. Even now, I await news of the next unfortunate individual. Why is this? How can I be so certain that we will yet see another disgraced pastor? Well, the track record of those appointed by men to positions of authority is not too good after all. Even though the scriptures give us guidelines for the choosing of church elders, it makes no room for the authorities by which many modern day church leaders lead their flocks. For a elder is called to guide those in his charge, not to rule over them. And they wonder just why christianity is not viewed well by many in this country.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
2 Timothy 4: 3-4 NKJV
If you think I'm wrong in my assesment, then listen to the words of the apostle Paul as he confided in young Timothy. Here, in 2 Timothy 4:3 Paul warns the young church leader to beware of those who would distort the truth of Christ. Not only that, but that the church itself would DESIRE to be led by such men. This may seem odd to many a christian, but ultimately do we not desire to hear a message that we agree with? If so, then these are the men we choose to listen to. Of course, I cannot put all of the blame on the human part of this equation without recognizing the spiritual aspect as well. In Isaiah 14:12 we once again meet he who has been our adversary for some time. "O Lucifer, son of the morning!" Of course, this is none other than satan. For we cannot look upon the troubles of the modern church without seeing the works of satan in this arena. He is often described as "The deceiver," and with good reason. It was satan who deceived Adam nd Eve into the sin of disobedience in the garden of eden. It was satan who also attempted to deceive Christ in the desert. What role does satan ultimately play today? The very same one which he has since his fall from heaven. For he is deluded into thinking that he is above God. Not only that, but that he himself is truly independent and greater than He who created him.
"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the begining, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he sppeaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
John 8:44 NKJV
I think that christians today have a mistaken feeling that this christian life we live is difficult to acheive. However, nothing could be further from the truth. For we do not struggle seperate from God, but rejoice in a daily walk in His presence. Our Lord is not distant, but as close as our very next breath. The twofold reason for the crucifiction and resurection of Jesus was definately to bring us closer to our Lord. No longer do we need to go through another to be in His presence. No longer do we need to agonize over His forgiveness for our transgressions. For when Jesus proclaimed "It is finished," He accomplished this once and for all...for us. We need no longer fear sin nor death, for Jesus has conquered both! We can rest assured that when we find ourselves coming before our Lord to confess our iniquies, the only words we will ever hear are our loving Father proclaiming, "What sin, my child?"
~Scott~
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