In an increasingly more complex world, ministers carry immense burdens. They are to be great preachers, engaging teachers, empathetic counselors, visionary administrators, wise board chairs, and so on—the proverbial spiritual Superman or Superwoman.
As our time is limited to the same 24 hours the nonministerial population enjoys, we often struggle to keep first things first. The urgent displaces the important. The necessary outpaces the central. The pressing usurps the essential.
Revival and reformation is not only another good initiative, but God’s way of reminding us daily in whose business we are and describes our role in the greater scheme of things.
Numbers 18 outlines an important chapter regarding the role of priests and Levites in the Old Testament. Sure, we all understand that twenty-first century ministers are not priests or Levites. But somehow, when we consider the big picture, verse 20 should be the verse that guides and informs everything we do in ministry, including revival and reformation. As God speaks to Aaron and his sons, listen carefully, “ ‘I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel’ ” (ESV). Priests did not own land in Israel as God was their inheritance. Every morning, as they faced another busy day in the temple or teaching God’s people, they were reminded of that foundational truth: “I am His—and don’t want to be distracted!” It is a statement of ownership that rings down through the ages—right into our hearts.
—Gerald A. Klingbeil, DLitt., Serves as an Associate Editor of Adventist Review and Adventist World Magazines, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
