Only Working on Sunday Mornings? – Family Devotion – April 30, 2021

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.
1 Peter 5:2

Only Working on Sunday Mornings?

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastors only work on Sundays, right? Often, that’s when we see him—when he’s up in the front of church preaching and leading worship. We may not see him much during the rest of the week. What else could he possibly be doing with his time? It doesn’t take that long to write a sermon, does it?

Whether you see it or not, your pastor is doing so much more than “just” preaching on Sunday mornings. He’s talking with and taking communion to people who are stuck at home and can’t come to church. He’s sitting next to people in hospital beds and comforting them and their family members. He’s praying for the members of his church and praying that God would give him the strength and the wisdom to serve them in the best way he possibly can. He’s there for his members when they need him, sometimes at night or on the weekend when his workday should be over and done.

Okay, so pastors work more than “just” on Sunday mornings. What’s the point? It isn’t to make you feel sorry for your pastor or emphasize how hard he works. After all, your parents work hard too. It’s to remind you that your pastor faithfully serves as shepherd of your congregation—in fact, the word “pastor” literally means “shepherd.” God called him to be your shepherd. It also is reminder that you have a calling too: a calling to be a faithful sheep.

How can you be a faithful sheep to your pastor? There are lots of ways: come to church regularly, listen to and learn from what he teaches and preaches, talk to him and tell him what you particularly liked from his sermon or what part of it really hit home to you. Encourage your pastor as he seeks to serve his flock and strives to live up to the responsibility God has given him.

Most importantly, pray for your pastor. Pray that God would give him wisdom to proclaim the Scriptures in their truth and purity. Pray that God would give him strength to resist the devil and stand firm in the faith. Pray that God would give him the comfort to know that his labor in the Lord is not in vain. Pray for him—and then share with him that you’re praying for him. He’ll appreciate it more than you’ll ever know!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you have blessed me with a faithful pastor(s). Help me to be a faithful sheep and encourage my pastor as he guides and feeds me with the truths of your Word. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What does the word “pastor” mean?
• What else does your pastor do besides preach on Sunday mornings?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is something you could tell your pastor to encourage him?
• What is a prayer you could say for your pastor?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it important for you to encourage your pastor? Isn’t coming to church encouragement enough?
• Since your pastor is a shepherd and you are part of his flock, he cares for and watches over you. What are some specific ways he does this?

Hymn: CW 375:1,5-6 – The King of Love My Shepherd Is

The King of love my shepherd is,
Whose goodness fails me never;
I nothing lack if I am his,
And he is mine forever.

You spread a table in my sight,
A banquet here bestowing;
Your oil of welcome, my delight;
My cup is overflowing!

And so through all the length of days
Your goodness fails me never.
Good Shepherd, may I sing your praise
Within your house forever!