Sorry, I Did Not See You

The Church is a living, growing "thing". It has life and in a sense, it gives life. It is a body, a bride, a living organism that lives through the blood of Jesus. (Acts 20:28)

One of the burdens Brother Paul talks about is "the daily pressure of my concern for all the churches". (II Cor. 11:28) Paul had just mentioned things that he had to endure because of his ministry; the three times he was beaten with rods, the five times he had received 39 lashes, sleepless nights, hunger and other hardships.  Then to demonstrate the importance he placed on the church he closes with "and the daily pressure of his concern for the church".

Before going on vacation I have often been given the advice to "forget everything" and just relax. I try but I know each day I'll think about my mom and wonder how she is doing.  I think about my sons and their families and I will think about the church.

God has given Preachers and Elders the responsibility to contemplate the needs of His church.  It is comforting to know that my brothers and shepherds share in my concern for the church.

It is also encouraging to know that so many of our members don't just "come to church" but view themselves as part of the church.  They realize that they are a part of this "living, loving, giving organism".  Yesterday, I sat down and read the names of our women and the various ministries they are involved in.  I was excited to see the wonderful sense of concern and love expressed by their willingness to serve.

One of my personal fears is that I will be so concerned about the "church" that I will fail to minister to the church.  By this I mean that I will fail to minister to a portion of the body because I have such a deep concern for the whole body.  It is sad and true that I sometimes fail to see the needs of individuals and because of that they have suffered alone.

Please pray for me and for our Elders that we will be more capable of seeing the individuals that make up the church.

Brother Dave