Job is amazing.  (Both book and man)  I was reading last night and this morning, and was struck yet again by the following:

“Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; and a messenger came to Job and said, ‘The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided and took them away – indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!’ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, ‘The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!’ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, ‘The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!’ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, ‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!’ Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.”

Wow. I’m thinking that would not have been the reaction of most of us. If I’m honest, I have to admit that I doubt it would be my reaction. To fall down and worship as the very first thing after the marks of mourning? This man has just been told that he has lost EVERYTHING (except his nagging wife), and his response is worship. Wow. Job had such a grasp of the greatness and “God-ness” of God. (That’s where the book of Job is so amazing – one cannot help but see the awesomeness of God as one reads it.)

If you haven’t lately, I challenge you to read (or re-read) Job.

Filed under: Spiritual Journal by Rachel
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There is currently a discussion question on an email list I’m on: Why are pastors’ kids so bad?  This is a serious issue.  While, as one of the ladies on the aforementioned list pointed out, some PK’s really aren’t that bad, they’re just held to the unreasonable standard of perfection, there are far too many PK’s who are downright rebellious.  Why?

I would suggest that the problem is the same one that leads to rebellious children in any home – parental neglect.  In a pastor’s family, this is often compounded by the fact that the pastor neglects his children “for the sake of the church.” These children may then rebel even against the church, because of their resentment.  People, there is a key problem here.  A man’s children are his most important responsibility, regardless of how he makes his living.  His family must come before the church, even if he is the pastor. 

In fact, this is a requirement for the ministry.  “A bishop then must be…one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?).” (1 Timothy 3:2,4-5)  Christians, if your pastor truly does not have his household in order, he is Biblically disqualified from ministry.  The best thing you could do for him is ask him to step down and take some time to concentrate on his family.  Your (married) pastor is first a husband and father, and then a pastor.  If you are guilty of expecting the pastor to put you first, to neglect his family for the sake of the programs and timetable of the church, repent – and ask forgiveness of the pastor for holding him to an unreasonable and unbiblical expectation. 

Pastors need to be aware that in their attempt to put the church first they are, in fact, failing to serve the church.  (Remember the verse?  A man who is unable to rule his own family is not equipped to care for the church.)  Their wives need to be aware of this, as well and, as their helpers, gently warn them when they are steering close to danger. 

It is easy to think that caring for our families is not as “significant” as teaching a whole church about the Lord, but we must remember (full-time ministry families or otherwise) that discipling our children is huge. 

Filed under: Babies & Parenting, Hard Topics by Rachel
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