Getting Nourishment

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
2 Timothy 2 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth… Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:15, 19, NASB)


REFLECTIONS:
Paul continues his instruction to Timothy about how to be a pastor to his flock. I find it interesting that this chapter was assigned to me the same week our Wednesday night study on spiritual gifts included the gift of pastor. One of the Greek roots of the word pastor is Bôskō meaning to properly graze the flock, to nourish by feeding the Word of God. 

This definition spoke to me above all the others as I imagined Timothy gathering his band of believers along with those just wondering what this Jesus guy was all about. Paul indicates that Timothy is younger and possibly not someone that people automatically look to as a teacher. Just as Paul receives guidance from the Holy Spirit, Paul gives clear guidance to Timothy to help make Timothy’s pastoring trustworthy and true in every aspect of his life. 

In verse 15 Paul tells Timothy “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” In verse 19 Paul teaches about the seal of God, “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ And ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness.’”

Paul also writes about being sealed and being in truth in Ephesians1:13-14: “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.”

What Paul writes to Timothy is really for all of us, not just the named pastors.  We learned in our Wednesday night study that scripture indicates a person with the gift of pastor does not have to be a named pastor of a church. Others can be given this spiritual gift; although, not everyone has the gift of pastor. I believe our band of believers at PRF has many pastors tending the flock and providing nourishment to others. We have an incredible opportunity to graze on the good stuff that the Holy Spirit provides.


POINT OF ACTION:

• To present myself unashamed as a workman for God and to seek truth in every corner of my life.
• Be thankful that the Lord shepherds us and sets a firm foundation that we can claim and be sealed to the Lord.

The being sealed by the Lord parts of this scripture reminds me of the first time I got a letter in the mail with a stamped wax seal on the flap. I knew before I opened it that what was inside was special, only for me. I want to be the contents of the envelope for God, sealed only for Him.


PRAYER:
Lord, guide me to your nourishing pasture. Please set my eyes on the Word and my taste buds on the truth. My heart’s desire is the flavor that only Christ can provide. Thank you Lord for knowing us. 


WHO AM I?
I am Gayle Norris. Getting a little mushy here, but humanity is an amazing, crazy, passionate creation and I really enjoy being a part all the goofiness. Even in the midst of 50,000 of our closest friends at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, I am amazed at the kindness of many people. From sharing sunscreen with a stranger, helping someone to a shorter port-a-john line, lending a hand to a pregnant woman as she works to get up off the ground, throwing in an extra buck for someone short on cash in the cash only food line to being so moved by the sheer sound of music you find yourself and your unknown neighbor tearing up and loving the moment.  Thank you God for everything you provide for us.