NOV 23

2 Corinthians 4:1-5
Memorise 2 Corinthians 4:5
“…ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.”

Have you ever imagined what it is like to be a pastor? It is not just a routine job, as some might imagine it to be. Beyond the regular preparation of messages and preaching, there is so much more that a pastor does. Just as a good shepherd lovingly cares for and protects his flock, likewise a good pastor has to have the same love and affection for the congregation that God has placed in his care. And just as a good shepherd would defend his flock from wolves and attacks from whatever sources, a good pastor would similarly defend his congregation from the attacks of Satan.

This is exactly what we see in Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church. In Chapter 11, we read that certain false apostles had crept into the church and preached “another Jesus…another spirit…another gospel” (vs 4). Through their deceptive words, they also tried to undermine Paul’s ministry and authority, by making many false accusations against him. Paul thus had to write this epistle to defend his apostleship and Godgiven ministry, as well as to warn against the Satanic attacks from these false prophets. Despite the trials and personal attacks which he faced in the ministry, Paul’s great love and care for the Corinthian church remained, and is displayed so clearly throughout the epistle. Why was he so willing to give of himself to labour so tirelessly and selflessly? Today’s reading gives us the answer – simply because he was preaching not of himself for his own sake, but “for Jesus’ sake”. That is why he was willing to become even as a servant for them. Elsewhere in the book we read that he was constrained by “the love of Christ” (5:14); because of that, he was able say that “all things are for your sakes” (4:15), and that he did all things “for your edifying” (12:19).

Dear teen, do you have a pastor who similarly fights valiantly for the sake of his flock, speaking out boldly and fearlessly against false prophets and false teachings? If so, thank God for him, and do not take it for granted but instead pray that God would continue to preserve and keep him, that he may be used mightily of God for His service.

Thought: A good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
Prayer: Lord, continue to keep my pastor faithful to You.