Calvin (10/18/03)
- 3:12
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Here's a rather sad thing. Paul has just finished pointing out the need to avoid foolish controversies, to insist on certainties where God has not chosen to reveal them, and here it seems that just about every commentator has felt it necessary to make unproven and unimportant assertions about this verse. To which Nicopolis does Paul refer? Clearly, given that both answers are given us, it cannot be known with certainty, and if it could, what would be the spiritual benefit of it? Paul was either already there (wherever there was) or not. Does it really change the message of this letter in the least to think one way or the other?
However, we also know that all Scripture is God-breathed. There is a point and a reason for this closing message from Paul to Titus. I've already looked at the thought of Christ calling His own, of 'when I have sent help, come to Me.' There is one other thing that I noticed in reviewing this section, which is perhaps worth consideration, and that is the sending. There was something in the definition of that word 'send' which struck me this morning. That was the idea that the sending is temporary. It is as though Paul was inserting one of his 'special forces' into the situation just long enough to deal with the problem at hand, and then come back for further assignments.
We need, I think, to understand all of our ministry assignments in this light. We are indeed priests forever, but the specific tasks we are set to are not intended to become kingdoms, little fiefdoms from which we can draw our support for the rest of our days. That is never the point. The point is to supply the need. The point is to establish the church, not to establish houses for our own name. Was Titus an evangelist or a bishop? Views differ, but the distinction is in some ways meaningless. Yes, the particular duties of the two offices are distinct. The bishop is certainly called to a more intimate involvement with the local body. But neither of these are necessarily offices appointed for life. Either way, they have been sent temporarily, sent for a mission.
As faithful servants, sent for a mission, it ought to be our duty and our concern to see that mission completed. We ought to be seeking the best means of accomplishing what we have been sent to accomplish, seeing to it that the task is done right, but that it is also done with all possible speed. The sooner we have completed the work assigned us, the sooner we can be available to Him for other missions.
I suppose missionaries, by the nature of their particular office, must understand this as inherent in their work. However, in other offices of the church, it may not be so clearly seen. The pastor could, I should think, become convinced of a lifetime installation at his post. This may indeed be God's plan for him, but it may not. God may have one in this office for a season. He may have in mind to send in another to continue that ministry, and move the current pastor on to other tasks. And I must say, it is not only the pastor who can erroneously fall into this mindset. The members of the church are possibly more prone to arrive at such an understanding of their pastor. They may feel hurt when it comes time for the pastor to move to another labor.
What of the 'lesser' ministries, the lay ministries? Not that these are lesser in God's view, but they are not the direct tasks of preaching and teaching. These, too, are not permanent assignments. We may be called to a particular task in the body for a time, but will we recognize it when that time has come to an end? Will we willingly step out of that role when God is prepared to bring in another? This is a hard thing! This is where human nature will rise up in us if we are not careful. Can we step aside, knowing that God has better things in mind for us, or will we seek to insist on our place? Will it be God's will or our own pride that determines our course? Indeed, 'when I call, come to Me.' But also, 'when I send another to take on your present duties, step aside.' Seek out, in those times, what it is you are being freed to do.
What is the labor You would have of me, my God? Am I in the position You have in mind for me here and now, or am I stubbornly holding a position no longer mine? Would that I were clear on this! From week to week my emotions tell me first one thing and then another. There are times when I feel put upon, and times when I feel useful, though the task remains the same. There are times when I feel as though I am tolerated in the place I stand only because nobody wants to do the other things You have me doing. There are other times when I feel certain that You have me right where You want me, that You have prepared me for such a time and such a task. But all these are just feelings, Lord. You have warned me not to trust in such things. Feelings are not Your guidance, they are just feelings, and they vacillate with every passing moment.
Father God, if I have been insisting on staying when You have been saying 'go,' forgive me. Make clear the direction You are pointing, and find me willing to travel in that way. Forgive me, also, Holy Father, for those times when my emotions have marred the work You set me to. I know that there are entirely too many times that I have done the work You asked, but not with the spirit of love, rather with the spirit of a slave. No! I am Your child! You have told me so, shown me the legal documents declaring me so. Let my service to You, in whatever fashion You choose to have me serve, be a service given for love of my Father, let the task You set me to be a joy to me, whatever it may be, for the simple fact that the task has been set me by my Beloved.
Remind me also, Holy Spirit, to seek out those You are bringing alongside, be it to help or to take over. And, when You have brought such a one alongside, may I be diligent to pursue the task of preparing them for the work ahead.
