John 6:66-68 KJV — From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. [67] Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? [68] Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
It happens once in a while, to feel offended by the teaching or the words of your pastor. The church that followed our Lord Jesus Christ at one point got offended by His teaching that suggested (on face value) that they had to eat His body and drink His blood. On face value? Yes on face value! Because far from this, the Lord was not talking about His natural body and blood. He was referring to the cup of blessing.
I don’t know what your pastor may have said to offend you; but you can be patient. I understand the fact that you feel disrespected and offended; but oftentimes, your pastor has been there for you at times and moments no one wanted to. The Lord had been there for the Jews in very difficult times but they left because His words offended them.
Very often, we get offended at what our pastors say because of 5 main reasons;
- We don’t even understand what was said. The people got offended because they didn’t understand what was being discussed. They took offense and left.
- We are too familiar with them. If you respect your pastor and you counted him as a steward of the manifold blessings of God and the mysteries of faith, you will not be offended at his sayings. If you esteemed your pastor so highly, you will know that he is a man filled with the Holy Ghost and speaks mysteries.
- We are dull at hearing and immature in our understanding. When you mature in understanding, you will know the difference in figurative speeches and literal interpretation.
- We forget what the pastor truly brings to the table. The people forgot that this same Jesus was the one who has the words of eternal life; it’s this same Jesus who healed their infirmities.
- Assuming that he was even wrong, they could have pardoned him; just as he always forgave them.
I pray that from today, you will not despise any word from God; rather you will hear, test and accept the teaching that aligns with God’s truth. Whenever your pastor speaks, do these three things LISTEN, STUDY the reference, and APPLY the truth.
Stay blessed
Simpe Bediako 