facebook

Often people assume that preachers are preaching at other people without realizing the messages are often directed right back at the preacher. Sure, some messages hit home more than others; but preachers need preached to just like everyone else. The Word of God is living and often the message is needed for the messenger. That was especially true last week. Studying the life of Moses is an encouragement to any minister. He probably had one of the most difficult ministries every assigned to any one individual. I am thankful I didn’t have to walk even a mile in the sandals of Moses. The people he shepherded constantly complained, they were prone to sin, and Egypt (the world) still engulfed them. Moses worked in a time before breaks, forty hour work weeks, or vacations; but he kept moving forward with incredible patience. I know that he blew it in frustration and never had the privilege of entering the land of rest... but who could blame him? The passage of focus is Exodus chapter thirty-two through thirty-four. One of the most difficult moments of Moses’ ministry must have been that moment descending the mountain top and entering the valley to find the people totally consumed with sin. I can’t even begin to imagine the roller-coaster of emotions that Moses’ must have endured that day. As ministers we all experience the highs and the lows of ministry. When people are consumed by sin the affect is also devastating on the man with a pastor’s heart. You don’t want to see your sheep hurting. When they hurt you bear the burden as well. So, how did Moses’ keep on keeping on without failing or faltering in his difficult ministry? Chapter thirty-three holds the key. Exodus 33:11 says: And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. Exodus 33:14 says: And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Rest isn’t found in a place; rest is found in the person and presence of our Savior. Need rest? Need a friend? Come to Jesus face to face.