2 Corinthians 3:7 (ESV): Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?
This past week I have read and heard so many deeply touching testimonies and thanksgivings for my time as pastor of Journey Church. It's been quite overwhelming! I am deeply thankful for such a celebration and such a real community of Christ-followers - each and every precious person. Each of these kind words reminds me of two things: that the people of Journey Church love God, His church, His people, and those who do not yet know this Christian Way, and that also if there has been any glory, any fragrance of God, any presence of The Holy Spirit, it has had nothing much at all to do with me, and everything to do with Jesus.
Will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more Glory?
1 comment:
I only just now saw that you're writing often. Nice!
Not sure if this is helpful or not (never a good way to start saying something)....but it was helpful for me. It may not resonate with your situation at all, but reading your post reminded me about it.
When I left Victory Hills CotN as associate in Kansas City, I was somewhat guilty. I knew there were projects I had started that I wouldn't finish. There were people with whom I wanted deeper relationships. And I felt like I was leaving a variety of situations undone. I confess that I even felt like some things would fail if I wasn't there.
In a moving and prayerful conversation with my senior pastor, he said something that hasn't left me. It hurt my ego, but it enhanced my faith in a powerful God. He looked at me with care, compassion, but a bit of sternness and said:
"Jeremy...the presence of God at Victory Hills is not dependent on yours."
He was totally right, of course. But hearing him say it (and other things that he said to "release" me) was hugely important to me.
God is big!
You were such a huge and instrumental part of what has happened and is happening at Journey. And it is true that Journey Church would not be who she is today without you and Linda having been God's willing vessels there.
But we hope and pray for God's continued incredible work work through his servants in Derry.
Love you, brother,
Grace & Peace,
Jeremy
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