A Pastor is the Deputy of Christ for the reducing of Man to the Obedience of God. This definition is evident, and containes the direct steps of Pastorall Duty and Auctority. For first, Man fell from God by disobedience. Secondly, Christ is the glorious instrument of God for the revoking of Man. Thirdly, Christ being not to continue on earth, but after hee had fulfilled the work of Reconciliation, to be received up into heaven, he constituted Deputies in his place, and these are Priests. And therefore St. Paul in the beginning of his Epistles, professeth this: and in the first [v.24] to the Colossians plainly avoucheth, that he fils up that which is behinde of the afflictions of Christ in his flesh, for his Bodie’s sake, which is the Church. Wherein is contained the complete definition of a Minister. Out of this Chartre of the Priest-hood may be plainly gathered both the Dignity thereof, and the Duty: The Dignity, in that a Priest may do that which Christ did, and by his auctority, and as his Vicegerent. The Duty, in that a Priest is to do that which Christ did, and after his manner, both for Doctrine and Life.
Herbert begins by giving us a definition of a pastor as a deputy of Christ. It’s easy for us to define our position with another job description: helping profession, CEO or a religious organization or a type of motivational speaker. But Herbert reminds us that we, as unworthy as we might be, are representing Jesus to His Church and to the World. We preach His gospel and speak his very words as we break bread in his name. The purpose Herbert says is for the ‘reducing’ (that is getting rid or the excess and holding firm) to the obedience of God.
Note that the authority of a minister is derived from this. We preach not because we have a degree, or because we are witty or charismatic and certainly not because we are more ‘spiritual’ than the average Christian. All the authority is derived from One external to us, and in whose name we minister. Any gifts or talents are but gifts to equip us to serve His flock.
Finally, we are not only to do what Christ did, but to do it ‘after his manner’. That is we can’t just look to the end or the goal, but must realize that the means we use to obtain those goals must follow Christ as well. We can’t just say we have the goal of evangelism and use any means necessary, we must do the work of evangelism in the same way Christ did. Jesus’ way of speaking and acting is as much the model as what he said and did.
I Tivo’d the movie “Francis of Assisi” and have just this morning sat down to finally watch it. Somehow, through the horrendous technology of 1961, God still is able to make his point. Strangely enough, it sounds somewhat similar to what I have read here this morning.
Particularly as it pertains to “Dignity and Duty.”
That a priest may do what Christ did–the ultimate reduction of our faith.
While I am not all that certain of the historical accuracy of the movie concerning St. Francis, his great delight and honor, as presented, was found only in carrying out the ministry of Jesus as seen in his compassion recorded in the Gospels. That he might give a cup of cold water, that he might bandage a wound, that he might love those who have been unloved or set a prisoner free, etc…
What could be more noble than this? What could be more dignified than this? What duty should be more compelling than this? And yet these very things find less and less of a place in my ministry as the days roll by. Sadly, I am not alone in this. Perhaps as deputies, the first men and women we reduce to obedience is ourselves?
More to say but my battery says I’ve said enough.
jeff
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