1 Thessalonians 2:20

REFLECTIONS

LET as many ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ as read this precious chapter, beg for grace, to be enabled to follow the Apostle's example in their ministry, and humbly pray for the same success. Oh! what an arduous undertaking, what a solemn trust, what distinguished honor, and what vast responsibility. Who that considered it as he ought, but would rather shrink from the high calling, than run unsent! But let every faithful servant of Jesus not despond. Jesus is the all-sufficiency both of his ministers and people. And be that looks wholly to Jesus, and draws all his resources from Jesus, whether minister or people, will never fail of finding an all-sufficiency for his own soul, and for his labor among others. Where God the Spirit ordains, he will give the suited supply. And those words of the Lord are sufficient to carry the servant through the whole of his labor. Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world!

And no less, ye people of God! do you hold up the hands of the Lord's servant, who goeth in and out before you by the Lord's appointment, by prayer and supplication, for a blessing on his labors. It is a sweet encouragement to the faithful laborer in the Lord's vineyard, when he knows that his people go before with their prayers to the Lord for his blessing, and follow him for supplications for pardon to all his imperfections. And where the Lord hath blessed a Church with a faithful servant, who taketh the oversight of the Church of Christ, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind: what may not be hoped for from the divine blessing on such a congregation, both of minister and people! Lord, the Spirit! send Pastors after Mine own heart, which shall feed thy people with knowledge and understanding!