Thursday, January 28, 2010

Thur.'s Devo - Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers

Read Eph. 4:11
Evangelists, pastors, and teachers: we understand these people. Evangelist in the Greek means "one who announces the good news especially the gospel; to declare, bring the glad tidings." That is exactly what the angel said when they came and told the shepherds about the king being born in Bethlehem. "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." So the angels were evangelists. They told the shepherds who went to see the baby then told everyone who would listen which made them evangelists also. The heart of the evangelist burns for lost souls. Hopefully, we are all evangelists. Jesus was the Good News and the Evangelist.
The pastor according to the Hebrew is one who tends the flock. He grazes, rules, and associate with as a friend. In the Greek "pastor" means a shepherd. In Jer. 3:15 God says that he will give the pastors his heart to have knowledge and understanding so they can feed the sheep. He is the one that promotes unity among the sheep. He feeds them the Word of God so that they will be healthy. He guides them with his voice and with his rod of discipline. He watches over their soul and takes responsibility for his flock. He is loved by the sheep. Jesus is the Great Shepherd.
The last one is the teacher. In the Hebrew the word "teacher" means "to goad; to teach with the incentive of a rod; diligent instructor; skillful". In the Greek it means "instructor, doctor, master". A teacher meditates on the Word and is able to bring it forth so that others can learn. They called Jesus "Rabbi" which was a title of great honor meaning he was a master and prince of what he taught. They recognized that he was a teacher sent by God.
Lord, we honor you as the culmination of all your gifts. Manifest your gifts through your body.

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