Dear Brother,
He was a good brother and we had talked together about his ministry. This fellow’s heart was set toward God. I loved him and his family. I had some concerns about some decisions (or perhaps indecisions) he was making. Yet, I did not presume to have authority to question him, or bring correction to his life. I knew that my words would, most likely, influence him, but I did not consider him to be submitted to me. If he were to read Hebrews 13:17, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Surely he did not think of me as one who had rule over him.
To my great surprise, a few years later, (after he had gone through some terrible trials), I discovered that he considered me as his pastor/oversight. If I had known, I would have accepted much more responsibility to watch for his soul. At least, I am confident, I would have spoken into his life, prayed more fervently, and probed for understanding with him.
The first element of covenant is to declare an oath. Your proclaimed word is your bond. A covenant is initiated, brother, as you speak a vow or make a promise. You also need to ratify your covenant by sacrifice, and then remember and give heed in your covenant relationship.
I am writing this letter to encourage you to solidify your relationship with your apostolic oversight through a spoken covenant. Certainly we know that we all need a pastor; one who will give us oversight and counsel. However, we need to settle in our hearts as to what are our expectations. How much are we accountable to him? What weight of responsibility should he carry? If we do not prayerfully answer these questions we will walk with either presumption or neglect. Some may walk in fellowship, but do not work to build genuine relationship.
This week I urge you to meditate about your relationship with your apostle/pastor. Have you and he solidified your relationship, clearly speaking a covenant? Jonathan and David made a covenant, “because he loved him as his own soul.” (I Samuel 18:3) Make this a matter of prayer and then take action as the Lord gives you grace. May God give you words to speak and a heart to live courageously.
Bruce
