The Holy Desk

When we submit to Almighty God and choose to repent of our sins, receiving Jesus as our Savior and Lord - we are given a call. This is a command to each of us that we are to be a disciple of Jesus. 

John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This year we are studying each one of Jesus’s Disciples as part of the HUMAN of the Bible Reflection every month.  Throughout the year, as you read the Weekly Theme and Blog - you will discover what it is to be a disciple.  

For this Encouraging Post I will share that a disciple of Jesus loves others as He loves, shares His Word, His Truth - His Gospel - as He did.  There are those who have been called to a higher mandate - one found on the church platform. 

Nehemiah 8:4-5

4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

This greater decree requires a position behind what I’ve always known as “The Holy Desk.”

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful on the mountains

   are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace,

    who bring good tidings,

    who proclaim salvation,

who say to Zion,

    “Your God reigns!”

This revered opportunity is so important that “Reverend” precedes the name of many who stand behind this sacred desk.  The role of these in such a place of holy service is to proclaim peace, good tidings, and salvation.  Ultimately, these in esteemed appointment are to say - I believe, declare, “OUR GOD REIGNS!”

The honor to stand at the pulpit of our God is given with instruction.  These that accept their assignment from Almighty God must know what He and He alone has directed and is asking of them.  The Word of God is the map for each one of us, no matter our call.  It is clear from His Word that the orders for these with titles as Preachers, Pastors, Reverends and Bishops are to encourage, uplift and strengthen congregations with good news.  

The holiness of our church, the pulpit, even the message has been compromised for so long.  The good news to be brought has been contaminated with personal viewpoints.  The stage that provides stability for the beautiful feet to stand has been turned into a spot light for self.  Quietness of participants seated in the pews offers opportunities for the voice of the speaker to be used as a tool to spew one’s own thoughts and opinions, rather than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

How we must repent to our Holy God.  Oh, we have to return to the church of our faith-filled forefathers.  Yes, we need to restore the foundation of The Truth.  Friend, what once was brought from the pulpits throughout history should once again be welcomed into our churches of today.  For The Old Rugged Cross still does make the difference. 

The message of The Cross is not about us!  The story to be shared from the upright desk positioned in the church building is that of our precious Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.  It is incumbent upon us - here and now - whatever our call, to rise and remember the commands of our God -

Mark 16:15 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

This is the mandate, assignment, instruction, direction for the leaders of our churches to live out before us - first and foremost.  Set aside the flesh and take up your cross, or consider yourself not a disciple of Jesus and move on to something else. Jesus stated this Himself -

Matthew 10:38 NIV

Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

My prayer for church clergy and staff is that you will be the shepherd of your congregation as specified in the blueprint given to us - which is The Word of God. 

Acts 20:28 NIV

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own blood.

Dear God, forgive us for getting in the way of your plan.  Forgive us for not taking up our own cross and following you.  Forgive us for extending our perspective rather than your Gospel to congregants.   We ask you to restore holiness in our churches, pulpits, and messages once again, precious God.  For we are here to serve you in the individual calling you have asked of us.  Jesus, we want to share your love, your story, your good news so all will know you and receive you as their Savior and Lord.  Oh, dear God - let us shepherd our church as your Holy Spirit leads us to do so. Holy God - I pray that all we do and say from the Holy Desk to the every day of our lives brings glory, honor and praise to you and you alone.  

Thank you, Jesus, that we can share and know how much you love us so!

Encouragement 

I encourage you - read your Bible. Also, listen to some old hymns.  I pray that the presence of God will be so real to you as you do.