"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." 1 Peter 5:4
Apostle Peter wrote to the elders of the church admonishing them to "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;" 1 Peter 5:2. This is what is required of those who are called to minister to God's people. There may be some present rewards in the process of doing this, but that is not the objective of doing ministry. When however, this becomes the reason for ministry, it is obvious that such a minister has missed the mark, and has become engaged in what can best be called a food and belly ministry.
But those who are in ministry purely for the sake of feeding the flock of God are content knowing that they have a sure reward of a crown of glory that doesn't fade awaiting them when the Chief Shepherd shall appear. This is the greatest reward that can be received for any work done in the frame of time, and it is a promise that cannot fail. Are you called to feed the flock of God? Then do it knowing that He that called you to minister to His people is faithful and will make good His promise at the appropriate time.
Apostle Peter wrote to the elders of the church admonishing them to "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;" 1 Peter 5:2. This is what is required of those who are called to minister to God's people. There may be some present rewards in the process of doing this, but that is not the objective of doing ministry. When however, this becomes the reason for ministry, it is obvious that such a minister has missed the mark, and has become engaged in what can best be called a food and belly ministry.
But those who are in ministry purely for the sake of feeding the flock of God are content knowing that they have a sure reward of a crown of glory that doesn't fade awaiting them when the Chief Shepherd shall appear. This is the greatest reward that can be received for any work done in the frame of time, and it is a promise that cannot fail. Are you called to feed the flock of God? Then do it knowing that He that called you to minister to His people is faithful and will make good His promise at the appropriate time.
The apostle Paul,
towards the end of his life wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for
me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
will give to me on that day, and not to me only, but also to all who
have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8. When the Chief Shepherd
shall appear, every reward will be received, therefore, after you have
done all that is given you to do, wait, because He that called you is
faithful, He will do it.
Toni
Toni
