Since many seminarians are going to their first calls as pastors, last Friday I preached “A Devotion for “What Should I Do” times in ministry, and for that matter, in life.
In Acts chapter 10, part of which was read in many churches yesterday, Peter faced a “what should I do now” situation. God had intended His people Israel to be a light to the nations; now it’s time. God gets word to the Gentile Cornelius to seek out Peter. God also gives a vision to Peter, a vision of clean and unclean animals, understand Jews and Gentiles. “Eat,” says God. “Whoa, I don’t do unclean!” “What God has made clean, do not call common” (Acts 10:15). At this moment, the word and mission of God is theoretical for Peter. What’s theoretical becomes actual when Peter has a face-to-face conversation with Cornelius. Think of it this way, seminarians. You’ve learned many things in the classroom about the word and mission of God. It will become real when you engage in face-to-face conversation with people in their contexts. Meet them in their settings; don’t just sit in your office. Peter did just that and it made the theoretical actual. “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35).
When I became Seminary president, people gave me leadership books. Oh, did that fill me with self-doubt! People must have known I didn’t have a clue about leadership. Here’s the thing. When you have to make a leadership decision, you don’t go to a book. You lead out of your being, out of your head and heart, as you talk with people. Love God and love people (Matthew 22:34-39). Peter’s example shows us, meet the people where they are, but don’t leave them there. Always be ready to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). And here’s the promise: When you tell people about Jesus, the Holy Spirit will be there for them… and the Holy Spirit will be there with you.
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