Parsonage Ponderings

Written by Connie Coppings

Paintsville, Ky.

We’re entering the final week of the Lenten season.  Jesus knew the road before Him in these last days of His life on earth.  Physically, the pain and anguish He would endure went beyond anything we might imagine.  All Jesus suffered showed His depth of love for us, but I believe there is also something else we can draw from this period of His ministry.  “How” He walked through crises gives insight we in ministry can pass on to those we serve as they struggle through difficult times.

One of our responsibilities in ministry is as comforters and encouragers to people facing life crises.  We don’t solve problems, but give insight so in time they can work through their own issues.  It’s my observation over the past 24 1/2 years as a pastor’s wife that most humans do the exact opposite of Jesus when faced with a crises.  They tend to pull away from contact with the church and try to go it alone.  Let’s look at what Jesus did during that final week and what we can learn about facing difficulties.

Just two days before His death, Jesus went to Bethany and spent time in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  These people supported His ministry for three years and developed a relationship with Him, so now He turned to them for comfort in His final days.  I can picture many hours of deep conversations, no doubt some weeping, and lots of lingering hugs as these friends sought to minister to one whom they loved so deeply.

I’ve watched many attempt to get through illnesses, financial and marital crises, grief, and a host of other personal issues without the loving support of the church.  Whether embarrassment, pride, concerns about privacy, or just a matter of not being comfortable with the church, they suffer alone.  It is important that the clergy and laity work together to develop an atmosphere within the church where people can find a “safe harbor” to pull into amidst their life storms.

People are not so much looking for advice as they are looking for someone to listen and not judge them.  Jesus sought people who would allow Him to express fear, sadness, and maybe even anger, yet not shun Him in His time of need.  So it is with the hurting people who come through our church doors, their eyes and hearts scanning the room for those who will love even after hearing their story.

Also, Jesus didn’t neglect prayer in that final week before His death.  Not only did He stay in contact with earthly friends, He kept an open line of communication with the Heavenly Father.  His Christian friends were important to Him, but Jesus knew His greatest source of help would come from God.  Praying in the midst of crises isn’t so much a matter of feeling as it is a matter of knowing God is the One who holds the answer.

It is essential those in ministry model for–and teach–others they can come before God with anything and know they can walk away forgiven and free.  Although Jesus possesd power beyond any human, He still relied on His friends, and a loving Father, to help carry Him through that final week.

Let’s remember as we worship a RISEN Lord this Sunday that it is His desire no one be alone in their suffering.   He came so He might fill our hearts with a love for all so that they too will come to understand the true meaning of the Easter story.

Risen Lord, teach us to be the kind of people who will offer love instead of judgement.  Give us strength and wisdom as we offer ourselves in service to You.