Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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     PASTORAL MINISTRY- REJOICING IN LIBERATION

  Bible portion:  Genesis 14 :14-20

Key Verse: Vs20   “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, creator of heaven and earth. And Blessed be God most high who delivered your enemies into your hands “

Devotion:
A priest is one who acknowledges the crucified Christ and risen Lord as the personal savior and lift His name always. Priesthood is a gift of the mystery of God’s love. We have only one priesthood and that is the high priesthood of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ instituted the priesthood when HE gathered His disciples and shared the pastoral meal saying “ Do this in remembrance of me “. A priest is always the visible sacrament of the person of our Lord Jesus Christ and He guides us like a true shepherd to holiness and eternal life.
                                              In today’s devotion we see Abram mobilizing his trained Men and rescues Lot, his nephew and recovering all the possessions he lost. This is a true and clear example of pastoral ministry and liberation exhibited by Abram with courage, vigilance, quick action and compassion. This demonstrates a notable quality of a pastor, that is a learned and shrewd shepherd.  After the victory Abram was met by Melchizedek who blesses and acknowledges God’s hand in the liberation act.
        Let us evaluate and examine the qualities we look in a pastor. He shall be one who has a deep concern for his sheep, who is willing to go after the lost one leaving the ninety-nine and who is one who is daring enough to sacrifice even his life with a quick and stern action. He must be one who relies on God and never boasts in his merits and ability to fight the evil powers of the world. He shall always give thanks to God and recognize His power and strength and always ready to give glory to God. He shall be one who will earnestly try to liberate his sheep from the bondages of devil and lead one to safe and tranquility. Psalms 23 we read “ yea  thou I walk through the valley of Shadow of death  I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” We can happily add he liberates me from the clutches of sin and makes me a God’s child.
 
Prayer:
Lord strengthens and anoint our pastors and leaders in Church to lead your sheep with vigor and power. Let them rely on you might and surrender totally to your will and give Glory and honor to you always. Strengthen them to fight the devil and protect your people. In Jesus name we pray. Amen 
                                         
                                               Thought for the day 

                                             Who is a good shepherd ?

                                             Dr. Thomas K . Jose
                              The Mar Thoma Church Staten island 

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