Over the past several years, I have learned so much as a minister of the Gospel. Most of the lessons I have learned have been lessons taught and viewed through the eyes of my pastors, Pastor Daryl R. Napper, Sr. and my current pastor, Pastor Anthony G. Maclin. Some of the lessons my pastors taught me included being ready to visit the sick, being ready to perform baptism at the drop of a dime, allow the Holy Spirit to be the leader and guider of things, keep your focus on God even when man disappoints you, balance between being the pastor of a church and being the pastor of your home, and other things. Through these lessons, I have gained a greater appreciation for the pastors I have sat under and you, my brothers and sisters, ought to appreciate the coverings that God has placed over you in the forms of your pastors. Just as you have a pastor here on Earth, we also have a Pastor who resides in Heaven, but He did dwell among men, lived 33 years, died on Calvary's cross, and was resurrected with all power in His hands. This Pastor I am making reference to is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today's main scripture provides clarity on why we can say that Christ is our Heavenly Pastor.
Hebrews serves as our launch pad for today's message. Scholars stated that this book was written around 65 A.D. and was thought of to be written by a Hebrew to other Hebrews. The main message delivered in this particular book is an exhortation for those persecuted believers to continue in the grace of Jesus Christ. Within this particular chapter, Chapter 7, the writer providing discussion on two areas: 1) Melchidezek the priest and 2) Jesus being like Melchidezek. To provide a little background for you gain to a greater appreciation of Melchidezek, he was a priest of the most High God during the day of Abram (Genesis 14). This priest was revered so much that he made it through to Hebrews. As our main scripture falls in the second discussion, we're learn how Christ was like this great priest Melchidezek, and how we can call Him our Heavenly Pastor.
The writer begins to pen this text in this manner: "Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him". Most of our modern-day pastors preach an uncompromising Word that tugs at the spiritual side of them, which eventually leads them to become saved, repent of their sins, and want to be baptized. The blessing is through this text is that Jesus, Himself, can save you, and save me COMPLETELY IF you come to God! When you think about your past sins, you are saved from them COMPLETELY when you come to God! When you think about your present sins, you are saved from them COMPLETELY when you come to God! When you think about how you messed up your financial obligations, He saved you from them COMPLETELY when you come to God! Whatever things you have done, when you come to Him, He will save you COMPLETELY and wipe your slate clean! Aren't you glad that you have a Pastor in Christ that wipes your slate clean every day and in turn, gives you the ability to tell others He can do the same for them?
Not only does our Heavenly Pastor saves those completely who come to His Father, but He does this according to the Hebrew writer: "because He always lives to intercede for them". What a powerful statement there! One thing I often hear people say and again know for myself, is that pastors intercede and pray for their flock regularly. They look over your souls and pray to God for your success. In turn, many of you receive your blessings and your breakthroughs due to the intercession of your pastors. Another critical thing I have learned about pastors in the modern-day church is that, like humans altogether, they do get tired. Because of this, they often implore their flock to have a one-on-one relationship with God so they can pray for themselves when pastor/minister/deacon/trustee is nowhere around. Aren't you glad to know that you have a Savior that lives to intercede for you? Aren't you glad to know that when you mess up, Jesus is already talking to God on your behalf? Aren't you glad to know that you don't have to kill anymore animals for forgiveness of sin because of Christ's shedding of blood? Christ lives that He may be the intercessor, the mediator, between you and God! Aren't you thankful for the Intercessor, the Mediator, your Heavenly Pastor in Jesus Christ? If so, you ought to give Him a little praise wherever you are!
In closing, pastoring God's people is not an easy task. This is a lesson I have learned from two great pastors in their own right. Ultimately, I am glad and thankful for a Pastor who always live to intercede for me and one who can save me completely from sin when I come to my Father. I am thankful for Jesus and all He has done for me! Aren't you thankful? Aren't you appreciative of our Heavenly Pastor? If you are, then you live your life in a way where He would be pleased and compel others to be a part of His flock!
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