Rise Up O Man of God

Dear Man of God,

As I sit writing this letter, I wonder what anxieties have crossed your mind during this day. The world seems to be moving at such an alarming pace that I now have to be careful how much news I listen to in a 24 hour period so that I do not become overwhelmed. Wars, earthquakes, rising gas prices, the housing crisis: these headlines are rehearsed daily and I confess at times I wonder how we the “prosperous church” are doing with the charge in Romans 8 to keep our minds set on spiritual matters and our final destination.

My heart has been burdened for you Man of God, and the numerous challenges you face as you strive to provide for your family, maintain your integrity and follow Jesus. But every time my head hits the pillow, a song starts to play in my mind,
Rise up, O men of God!
His kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up, and make her great!

Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where his feet have trod.
Disciples of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O church of God!
(Rise Up O Church of God by William P. Merrill vs 3 omitted.)

These powerful lyrics well up in my heart and I wish with all my soul that you knew how much Jesus wants you to succeed. You are on His team, and you are so much more important than you know.

Daniel 11:32 tells us that the people who know their God shall be strong and do exploits. Does this describe you Man of God? What exploits have you been on lately? What tales of success could you tell us? Where has your God called you to go and what did you do when he lead you there? Now, lest you think you are being called to attack pagan hordes with your bible and convert them en masse let me remind you where your battlefield lies. The battle is under your feet. Wherever you go in a week, there you do battle.

When praying for the men of the church I feel over and over again that many of you have yet to shown up for the battle. Of course you are attending church, but there is an assignment waiting for you, a service that is yours to perform, but you are continually talking yourself out of doing it. The question I have for you Man of God is “where are you?’

Perhaps you are waiting to become better acquainted with the Bible. You are aware that you do not know the good book like you should and you have not done the study the Lord has asked of you. But tell me, is this procrastination actually drawing you closer to the Lord or increasing your faith? To you Man of God I say jump in! Come and perform the good works to which you are called before the Lord calls another man to do your work for you. Pull your weight, and do your share, we are waiting for you, and our time on this earth is short.

Perhaps Man of God you do not know where to serve. How long have you wondered? How many months have you waited? Are you praying that your children will love and serve the Lord but forgetting the truth that children learn by observation? Are you setting yourself up to be a hypocrite in their eyes, to love God with your words but serve yourself with your actions? Man of God we need your skill, your perseverance, your talent. We are told that though we have ten thousand instructors in Christ we have few fathers (1 Cor 4:14). Are you further reducing this small number by refusing to take your place? Shake off complacency Man of God, take any small step towards service and see if the Lord doesn’t rush to meet you.

Perhaps you are paralyzed because of a past sin. Man of God, if the sin is in the past it doesn’t have the power to disqualify you from service. If the sin is current and preventing your ministry I have good news for you: Jesus died to set you free. You worship in a body that has every help available to you. Is your pride stopping you from getting help? Man of God it is time for you to get over yourself, truly and completely. Our church is full of sinners. Come and learn the sweet song of the redeemed as we each take our place and serve God.

You hold such talent Man of God. The years that you wandered, the years that have seemed so dry, the events that broke you and made you stronger; all these things that have transpired in your life are of use to your Master. I wonder if you would accept a challenge. Could you ask the Lord for an assignment that you could complete before the year ends? Just ask Him is there is anything that you could do for Him, for His bride: the church. Man of God you can not succeed if you will not try.

We are waiting and cheering for you.

Blessings,
KB