Those Who Rule Over You

Last night I told the kids to be ready to leave quickly after our Wednesday night church activities. We were expecting Pastor Tim and Uncle David to come over to pray with Kristen and Tim since they were leaving in the morning. Not surprisingly, it was I who was the tardy one, staying too long to chat with a friend. Arriving home, we were surprised to see not just one or two cars, but a long line. Our living room was packed with our pastors, Uncle David, and almost all of the elders. They’d come to pray, but also were going to take the opportunity to discuss some matters of importance.

I’d just come from teaching the 3rd-6th grade girls a lesson on submission. We’d talked about how God gives us authorities in our lives for our protection, to watch out for our souls. We’d used the illustration of an umbrella to help us think about this idea. We’d discussed who our authorities are, and about how the girls could prepare to be submissive wives by cultivating a submissive heart right now.

Hebrews 13: 17 was the key verse in our lesson:

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (NKJV)

Looking around my living room I was so powerfully struck with God’s goodness in giving this group of godly, courageous men to lead, teach, discipline, and love our church. Eldering and pastoring is similar to being a father. Sometimes it is joyful, such as seeing the Lord effect true change in someone’s life, or listening to testimonies before membership or baptism. Other times are gut-wrenching. I’ve watched my husband anguish over situations in the ten years or so he has been an elder. Shepherding a flock requires a combination of deep love for the sheep and even deeper love and reverence for the Lord. These men have that combination. May I make their work as they watch out for my soul, a joy, and not a grief.