Ezekiel 2:3-4

God certainly didn’t do anything to make Ezekiel’s ministry look attractive! Like Isaiah, he is informed that he will have a really tough time serving God and will meet with constant resistance. Serving God in a world which largely ignores or rejects him is always hard work.

Earlier today, I was reading a biography of John Newton, the slave trading captain turned Christian. Newton was convinced that God had called him to be a minister and had his eyes wide open to the challenges of doing so. In his journal, he noted that he expected to face “opposition on all sides... censure and ridicule...a larger measure of trials than others.”

I’m not going to disagree with any of that. It is hard work being involved in God’s work and, after 40 years of being a minister, I know from personal experience that this is true.

But serving God has also been the greatest joy and honour that could be imagined – and I am sure both John Newton and Ezekiel would agree with me. Having the privilege of speaking God’s word, seeing people receive it and be transformed by it, is a breath- taking privilege. Seeing people find hope in God and a confidence for the future is amazing. Amid all of the challenges that we inevitably face, in a world that is fundamentally opposed to God, serving God is life at its best - whatever he calls us to do and wherever we are called to do it.

If you are a Christian leader, be encouraged, however tough the going may be at the moment. And if you are not, remember those who serve in
 this way in your prayers. Remember that many are facing life and death challenges on a regular basis, and will constantly be stretched by the demands of their work. They need your love, understanding and sensitivity more than you realise.

QUESTION
In what specific ways can you support your church leaders? And, if you are a church leader, how could you support your colleagues more effectively?

PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for those who are called to serve you as leaders. Give them your strength and peace as they serve you. Amen

Released on 16 Jul 2023