Protect The Sheep Or Shake The Dust Off Your Feet?

"But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible."  Acts 17:13-15

It appears that no matter where Paul went the agitators, against him and more importantly against the Word, showed up. He spent a bit of time in prison because of them. At other times, he simply left the area.

In the U.S., we can't be thrown into prison or beaten or flogged for sharing the truth about the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. Yet, we see many pastors who flee communities that they have been called to serve because of the agitators. Sometimes, it may be necessary because the agitators (antagonists) have managed to switch the focus from Jesus to things of much less importance; in fact, to things that cause division and not unity.

Sometimes, pastors simply find it almost impossible to preach the Gospel due to this conflict and leave to go to a community that is willing to hear and willing to serve the living God rather then their own egos. It was actually one of Jesus' directives to leave if the people are unwilling to hear the word of God; the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus.  In Matthew we read: "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet." (Matt 10:14)

So, please consider this: if your congregation is one that is having to look for a new pastor every two or three years; maybe, it is time to find out if there is someone(s) running these pastors out of the area and if the congregation somehow is supporting this person or persons by ignoring the agitation that they are causing; allowing them to switch the focus away from the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. It may not always be the best choice to flee an area; but, on the other hand as we are called to proclaim the Gospel; sometimes, we need to go where the people will hear it.

Unfortunately, whether they realize it or not the question and the dilemma for many pastors today is as it was in Paul's day:

     Shall I stay and protect the sheep? or, Shall I shake the dust off my feet?

God's Peace - Pr. J.

P.S. Today's blog is edited from one that I previously wrote for "In The Wilderness"