Day 293

Jeremiah 35:1–36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 25:25-27

AS WE CONTINUE through the Pastoral Letters, we must remember that these are personal letters. They were never intended to be read aloud to the whole congregation or copied and sent to other churches to be read aloud. When these letters were first received, they were read individually and taken as personal instruction. This is why you are very unlikely to attend church this Sunday and hear a sermon on 1 Timothy 5:23: “Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.”

It might make for a fascinating sermon, but we’d have a difficult time fashioning a doctrine out of this, because it is a bit of personal advice to a specific person, at a specific time, for a specific reason.

Besides the personal aside about the wine, Paul gave Timothy several pieces of specific pastoral advice in today’s reading about leading the church in Ephesus. Although the advice is directed to Timothy, it offers Paul’s posture toward things and therefore informs many situations that any pastor might face.

First, Paul told Timothy to treat everyone like family. Specifically, he was to speak to older men and women respectfully, as to a father or mother, and speak to younger men and women as brothers and sisters.

Although Paul’s counsel was to a specific pastor at a specific church, we can easily see how this posture should be one of anyone called to ministry —and why the pastoral letters are valuable to leaders.

Next, Paul dealt with the treatment of widows at length. It was a complex issue that affected the community on many levels, and Timothy would need considerable leadership skills to navigate it.

Paul then instructed how the elders (especially those who taught or preached) were to be respected, compensated, and defended. However, if the elders proved unworthy, these directives would serve as a warning if necessary.

As Paul concluded his thoughts, he said, “I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone” (1 Timothy 5:21).

That’s a pretty big call to attention. In fact, it’s one of Paul’s most forceful statements in any letter. Impartiality was crucial for Timothy. It is no less relevant for today’s pastors and priests.

Lastly, Paul counseled Timothy to not rush anyone through the ordination process, to avoid the sins of others, and to keep himself pure.

What do we make of all these instructions given to an ancient pastor two millennia ago? If you’re seeking ordination, then you’re looking at a small slice of the postures necessary to care for God’s people. If you are part of a congregation, this is what your pastor lives into and wrestles with every day. Pastoral ministry is not an easy calling. It carries with it great weight and responsibility —and requires wisdom, humility, grace, and precision that is impossible without the prayers of God’s people and the power of the Holy Spirit.

WORSHIP:

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.