Sample Page: Day 46

He led him into a private room and told his servant to open a door. When he had done so, Christian could see hanging on the wall a picture of a very intense-looking man whose eyes were looking toward Heaven. He had the best of books in his hand, the law of truth written on his lips, and the world behind his back. He stood there as if pleading with men, and a golden crown rested upon his head.
“What does this mean?” asked Christian.
Interpreter explained, “The man in this picture is one in a thousand. He can bring children into being, suffer birth pains with them, and nurse them himself after they are born. And since you see him with his eyes looking toward Heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth written on his lips, you may be assured that his work is to know and reveal hidden things to sinners. That is why you see him standing there as if pleading with men.”

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Interpreter begins his tour with a picture of a faithful minister. In learning to discern counterfeits, it is best to study the authentic. Numerous carnal hirelings, blind guides, and false teachers dress in ministerial garb and speak from lofty church pulpits but are far from the Gospel. How can they be trusted to safely lead anyone? It is of utmost importance, therefore, for unseasoned pilgrims to learn as soon as possible to distinguish between true and false pastors.

Oh, but stare awhile at this picture! All who look for a guide, and all who aspire to be one, study it well. Observe a serious-minded man, not frivolous about his duty of leading souls to God. He could easily stumble, thereby damaging many souls, so he looks upward, utterly dependent upon God. His resource material consists of the Bible. It is at his fingertips, on his lips, in his heart. He lives for God’s kingdom. This man expresses no duplicity in either word or deed. He has left the world’s values and pursuits behind him and will never look back.

Observe an unashamed preacher of the Gospel. His heart pounds with God’s compassion. Yet he is much more than a preacher; he is a dedicated shepherd. Presenting people with the truth, he doesn’t leave them alone there. He births, teaches, prays for, leads, loves, and does anything else he can to nurture them. So focused is he in ministry that he is likely unaware of the crown he wears. Many would call this man a fanatic; God calls him “one in a thousand.” By your prayers, help your own pastor to become a more dedicated shepherd – like this one.


Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 2:17;
1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your faithful ministers. I pray that you will raise up more who are like the man in the picture. Please strengthen my own pastor where he is weak and in the places where he struggles with temptation. Amen.

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